Remote Management System Deployment: Beware of the Security Risks

Remote management systems have evolved into a valuable tool for IT professionals, enabling remote access, monitoring, and management of their organization’s IT infrastructure. However, as with any technology, they come with inherent risks. Deploying remote management systems without considering the potential security issues can lead to disaster, ultimately undermining the benefits of remote access. In this blog post, we will explore security considerations that every CIO, CISO, and IT Director must keep in mind when deploying remote management systems.

Comprehensive Security Policy

Before starting the deployment process of remote management systems, it is important to have a comprehensive security policy in place. A comprehensive security policy should include the security measures that will be implemented to safeguard your organization’s assets. The policy should also define the roles and responsibilities of each member of the IT team, and specify the security controls in addition to the access controls that will be in place. By having a detailed security policy, you will make sure that the remote management system is deployed in a secure manner.

According to the Verizon 2020 Data Breach Investigations Report, over 70% of breaches were perpetrated by outsiders, and a significant 45% of those breaches featured hacking. Among those incidents, 37% exploited vulnerabilities in virtual private network (VPN) services, which are a common component of remote management systems. Moreover, a study by Ponemon Institute found that the average cost of a data breach in 2020 was a heart-stopping $3.86 million. So, when we’re discussing comprehensive security policies, we’re not just setting the rules for a game – we’re talking about a potential multi-million-dollar rescue operation.

Secure Communication Channels

Remote management systems operate using a network connection. Therefore, it is essential to use a secure communication channel to prevent unauthorized access. Encryption is the standard method for encoding messages so that only authorized parties can read them. Encryption can also protect against man-in-the-middle attacks by securing communication channels with secure protocols like SSL, TLS, and SSH. So, let’s make no bones about it, failing to encrypt your communications is like leaving your front door wide open with a giant neon sign that reads “Free Stuff Here – No Need to Knock”.

Encryption isn’t enough though. According to data from the 2021 Cybersecurity Report by Check Point Software, encrypted attacks, where threat actors hide their exploits in encrypted traffic, have seen a stark rise of almost 50% in the second half of 2020. The report also reveals that SSL/TLS encrypted attacks accounted for 23% of all attacks in 2020. Furthermore, the 2020 Trustwave Global Security Report indicates that a massive 20% of cyber attacks targeted Secure Shell (SSH) protocols. IT organizations need to be smart about how they handle encrypted traffic, especially in remote locations with less sophisticated network firewalls.

Access Control and Authorization

Access control is a fundamental aspect of any security policy. The access control policy for remote management systems should be based on the principle of granting the least privileges. According to the Microsoft Security Intelligence Report, in 2020, over 70% of breaches involved privilege misuse. Furthermore, a survey by Centrify revealed that 74% of respondents whose organizations had been breached acknowledged it involved access to a privileged account—these are the keys that unlock access to systems and sensitive data. Granting the least privileges means that users are given only the permissions they need to perform their duties, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. Authorization-based access control mechanisms can be used to further ensure that users have access to the resources that they need.

Implementing least privilege access can reduce the attack surface, improve audit and compliance visibility, and reduce the risk of insider threats. Clearly, unfettered access is about as advisable as leaving your car keys in the ignition of your unlocked car at a kleptomaniacs’ convention.

Authentication Mechanisms

Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user attempting to access a particular resource. Authentication mechanisms should be implemented to identify and verify users before granting access. The authentication mechanism should not only verify a user’s identity but also confirm that the user has permission to perform the required tasks. Multifactor authentication should also be used, requiring a password and another form of authentication, such as fingerprint recognition or a smart card.

The 2020 State of Password and Authentication Security Behaviors Report by Ponemon Institute found that 51% of respondents reuse passwords across business and personal accounts, making multi-factor authentication even more critical. In the same vein, Google reported that accounts protected by multi-factor authentication block 99.9% of automated attacks. Further supporting these findings, Symantec’s Internet Security Threat Report stated that 80% of breaches could have been prevented by two-factor authentication. So, if you’re choosing to ignore multi-factor authentication, you are opening the door to unauthorized access to your systems and data.

Continuous Monitoring and Auditing

Continuous monitoring and auditing help to identify and mitigate risks. It is essential to have tools in place that can detect suspicious activities and take remedial actions when necessary. Remote management systems should have auditing built into them, allowing security personnel to carefully track the activities that occur on the network and monitor the logs to identify any unusual activity.

According to the 2020 Cost of a Data Breach Report by IBM, companies that identified a breach in less than 200 days spent $1 million less on the total cost of the breach – a pretty penny saved by acting swiftly. Additionally, the SANS Institute revealed that continuous monitoring reduces the average time to identify a threat to 14.5 hours, a drastic improvement from the industry average of 206 days. Further strengthening this stance, a report by the Ponemon Institute indicates that organizations without security automation experienced breaches that were 95% more costly than breaches at organizations with extensive security automation. So, if you think continuous monitoring and auditing are like watching paint dry, remember – it’s considerably more exciting than watching your company’s finances drain away post-data breach.

Deploying remote management systems can be a powerful tool for IT professionals, enabling remote access, monitoring, and management of their organization’s IT infrastructure. However, security considerations must be taken into account during deployment and regular operations. We have highlighted the most crucial security considerations such as comprehensive security policy, secure communication channels, access control and authorization, authentication mechanisms, and continuous monitoring and auditing. Therefore, IT professionals must ensure they have a robust and comprehensive security policy in place before deploying remote management systems to protect their organization’s assets from unauthorized access and cyber threats.

Sources

Trustwave Global Security Report. Trustwave Holdings, Inc. 2020. Link to report

Microsoft Security Intelligence Report. Microsoft Corporation. 2020. Link to report

Centrify Privileged Access Management in the Modern Threatscape. Centrify Corporation. 2020. Link to survey

The 2020 State of Password and Authentication Security Behaviors Report. Ponemon Institute. 2020. Link to report

Symantec Internet Security Threat Report. Symantec Corporation. 2020. Link to report

Cost of a Data Breach Report. IBM Corporation. 2020. Link to report

SANS Institute Report: Reducing Attack Surface with Security Control Automation. SANS Institute. 2020. Link to report

Ponemon Institute: The Cost of Inaction for Cybersecurity. Ponemon Institute. 2020. Link to report

How Hybrid Work is Affecting Remote IT Management: A Crash Course

As the world continues to adapt to the changing landscape of work, the concept of hybrid work has emerged as a popular model for many organizations. Hybrid work combines elements of remote work and in-person collaboration, allowing employees to have flexibility while also maintaining some level of face-to-face interaction. While this shift has brought numerous benefits, it has also presented unique challenges for IT management. In this post, we will explore the various ways hybrid work has impacted remote IT management and discuss strategies to navigate this new working model.

In a remote-only work environment, IT management was more focused on ensuring remote team members had the infrastructure, technology, and tools needed to do their jobs effectively. However, as we continue to transition into a hybrid work environment where some team members are working on-site while others are working remotely, IT management must ensure that the hybridity doesn’t cause communication or collaboration issues.

There are a few areas of IT Management concern that need to be addressed in good hybrid IT Management:

1.   Loss of Control of Digital Assets

One of the significant impacts of hybrid work on IT management is the loss of control over digital assets. With teams working remotely and often using their own devices, IT managers are faced with the challenge of ensuring the security and integrity of company data. According to a recent study by Gartner, 70% of IT leaders reported a decrease in control over digital assets since the implementation of hybrid work. This loss of control requires IT managers to implement robust security measures, such as multi-factor authentication and encryption, to safeguard sensitive information.

The solution to this is to implement strict and comprehensive access protocols that ensure only authorized users can get to the sensitive data. Multi-factor authentication, least privilege access, and data loss prevention tactics are some of the ways to achieve this.

2.   Increase in Security Concerns

Alongside the loss of control over digital assets, hybrid work has led to an increase in security concerns. Remote employees may not be as cautious about cybersecurity best practices when working from home compared to when they are in the office. This opens up opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities and launch attacks. A survey conducted by Cisco revealed that 68% of IT professionals observed an increase in security breaches since the transition to hybrid work. To address this challenge, IT managers must prioritize security awareness training, regularly update software and systems, and implement strong application access security protocols.

3.   Need for Efficient Communication

Effective communication has always been crucial in IT management, but the need for seamless communication has become even more critical in the era of hybrid work. Leaders must make sure they’re up-to-date with how team members are experiencing remote and on-site work and if they’re comfortable using technology tools. According to a survey conducted by Slack, 82% of IT professionals identified communication gaps as one of the top challenges in managing remote IT operations. To bridge these gaps, IT managers are leveraging collaboration tools, such as project management platforms, instant messaging apps, and video conferencing software, to facilitate efficient communication and ensure smooth workflow.

4.   Enhanced Infrastructure and Scalability Demands

Hybrid work has resulted in increased demands for infrastructure and scalability in remote IT management. As more employees work remotely, IT managers must ensure that the company’s infrastructure can handle the additional load and provide seamless access to necessary resources. A report by Forrester predicts that by 2025, organizations will spend $19 billion on technologies that enable remote work. This includes investments in cloud-based solutions, virtual private networks (VPNs), and scalable IT systems. IT managers need to proactively assess and upgrade their infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of hybrid work.

5.   Effective Remote Support

In a hybrid work environment, remote IT management also needs to ensure that there is a standardized support system in place to guarantee that remote and on-site employees receive quick IT assistance and support. This calls for a mechanism in place that can field and handle IT-related requests regardless of whether the employee who is facing the issue is working remotely or on-site. A helpdesk system can be an excellent solution. Robust helpdesk software that’s equipped with chat and email functionality should suffice.

There’s no denying that hybrid work is transforming the way businesses operate. In addition to its many benefits, it brings significant challenges that businesses must solve to thrive in a hybrid work environment. IT managers must navigate the loss of control over digital assets, address heightened security concerns, prioritize efficient communication, and meet enhanced infrastructure demands. By implementing proactive strategies and leveraging appropriate technologies, organizations can effectively manage their IT operations in the new era of hybrid work. Embracing these changes will not only ensure productivity and security but also foster a collaborative and flexible work environment for employees.

Here are the references for the information mentioned in the post:

Gartner Study

Gartner. (2022). Hybrid Work and the Future of Work. [Online]. Available: https://www.gartner.com/en/human-resources/insights/hybrid-work-and-the-future-of-work

Cisco Survey

Cisco. (2021). Future of Secure Remote Work. [Online]. Available: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/security/future-secure-remote-work-survey.html

Slack Survey

Slack. (2021). Remote Work in the New Normal. [Online]. Available: https://slack.com/resources/remote-work-trends-download

Forrester Report

Forrester. (2021). The Future of Work Infrastructure. [Online]. Available: https://www.forrester.com/report/The+Future+Of+Work+Infrastructure/-/E-RES166973

 

Leveraging Technology to Enhance IT Onboarding

Employee onboarding is a crucial process for any organization, and it’s especially important for the information technology (IT) department. If done correctly, onboarding can help new employees feel comfortable and confident in their roles and increase retention rates. However, onboarding is often a lengthy and complex process, and without the proper tools and resources, it can be difficult to get new hires up to speed quickly. Fortunately, technology can help streamline the onboarding process and make it more efficient, effective, and enjoyable for everyone involved.

In this post, we’ll explore how organizations can leverage technology to improve their IT onboarding process. Whether you’re a CIO, COO, CHRO, or IT Director, you’ll learn about the latest tools and strategies that can help you onboard new hires more effectively and quickly.  

Applying better technology to the IT onboarding can improve the process in four distinct ways:

1.     Reduced Time To Productivity

A study by Aberdeen Group found that an effective onboarding program can improve new hire time-to-productivity by 60% and reduce turnover by 50%. By using technology such as automation software and remote support, companies can speed up the onboarding process and get new employees up to speed faster.

2.     Increased Employee Engagement

A study conducted by Glassdoor found that effective onboarding processes led to higher employee engagement levels, which in turn led to higher productivity and lower turnover rates. By directly connecting HR onboarding software to IT onboarding software, companies can create a faster and more effective onboarding experience for new employees.

3.     Improved Talent Retention

According to the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), effective onboarding can improve new hire retention by up to 25%. By using technology to streamline the onboarding process, companies can reduce the risk of new employees feeling overwhelmed or frustrated, which can lead to a higher rate of retention.

4.     Cost Savings

A survey by CareerBuilder found that the average cost of a bad hire is $14,900. By removing manual work through checklist and spreadsheets, companies can reduce the cost associated with the onboarding process. While no companies want to make a bad hire, reducing the costs associated with good hires or bad hires improves the company’s talent retention program overall

A tool that can help improve the IT onboarding process is automation software. Automation software can take over repetitive onboarding tasks such as provisioning new accounts, procuring new devices, configuring access to multiple SaaS applications, and assigning permissions to all those apps. By automating these tasks, companies can reduce errors and speed up the onboarding process, allowing new employees to become effective faster.

Montra is the innovator of “IT Management as a Service”, and Montra’s platform provides automation to help improve the IT onboarding process. With Montra, organizations can develop standard onboarding profiles that automate account and group creation while providing a centralized view of the location and assignment of all a company’s devices. Montra has helped companies streamline their IT onboarding process from weeks to hours, reducing the time and effort required to get a new employee fully effective.

In conclusion, technology can help make the IT onboarding process more efficient and effective, reducing the time and effort required to set up new employees while improving their understanding and engagement with the company. By using tools such as Montra or other automation software, companies can streamline IT onboarding, reducing errors, and improving productivity while improving the satisfaction of new employees. Ultimately, improving the IT onboarding process can have significant benefits for the company, its employees, and the bottom line.

References:

Aberdeen Group. (2013). Onboarding 2013: A New Look at New Hires. Retrieved from https://www.aberdeen.com/research/8777/rr-onboarding-new-hires/content.aspx

Glassdoor. (2015). The True Cost of a Bad Hire. Retrieved from https://www.glassdoor.com/employers/blog/the-true-cost-of-a-bad-hire/

Society for Human Resource Management. (2017). Onboarding New Employees: Maximizing Success. Retrieved from https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/tools-and-samples/toolkits/pages/onboardingnewemployees.aspx

CareerBuilder. (2017). The Real Cost of a Bad Hire. Retrieved from https://www.careerbuilder.com/advice/the-real-cost-of-a-bad-hire

Mastering IT Logistics Management: 5 Things Retailers’ IT Asset Tracking System Should Deliver

IT asset management for the retail industry allows for tighter security and gives retailers a comprehensive understanding of their assets to make informed decisions. Scott Ryan presents several requirements that must be met when considering a tracking solution for your business. Read this article published on Retail Info Systems’ News site – Mastering IT Logistics Management: 5 Things Retailers’ IT Asset Tracking System Should Deliver. 

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Cyber-readiness Strategy 12: Multi-Layer Security Strategy

Security is asymmetrical. Where businesses must plan, prepare and defend against every threat or scenario, cybercriminals only need to find a single weakness or hole in your defenses to carry out their malicious plans.

Protect your data and your business by deploying multiple security strategies together as one. By using a multi-layer security approach, you can make it much more difficult for cybercriminals to penetrate your organization and cause serious damage.

When it comes to cybersecurity, businesses cannot afford to take chances. Deploying a multi-layer security strategy is the best way to protect your data and your business from the ever-growing threat of cybercrime.

A multi-layer security approach uses multiple security measures to create a defense in depth. By using multiple layers of security, you can make it much more difficult for cybercriminals to penetrate your organization and cause serious damage.

Here are 5 tips for building an effective multi-layer security strategy:

1.     Implement Strong Authentication Measures

One of the most important components of a multi-layer security strategy is strong authentication. Authentication is the process of verifying that someone is who they claim to be. There are many different authentication methods, but the most common are something you know (like a password), something you have (like a security token), or something you are (biometrics).

Using multiple authentication factors – known as two-factor (2FA) or multifactor authentication (MFA) – is the best way to ensure that only authorized users can access your data. Requiring MFA makes it much more difficult for cybercriminals to gain access to your systems, as they would need to have possession of all the required factors.

2.     Encrypt All Sensitive Data

Another important element of a multi-layer security strategy is encryption. Encryption is the process of transforming readable data into an unreadable format. Encrypting sensitive data helps to protect it from being accessed by unauthorized individuals, even if they can penetrate your defenses.

Encryption should be implemented for data “at rest” and “in flight”. Most web services today will use secure socket layer (SSL) encryption to encrypt communication sessions “in flight” between users and the service. Data sitting on a storage device – hard drive or SSD – is “at rest” and can most often be encrypted using features the device operating system (OS). It usually needs to be activated during setup and a policy control needs to be set so it cannot be turned off.

3.     Implement Perimeter Security

Your workforce and company resources in your offices need to be protected by sophistication perimeter security techniques. A firewall controls the flow of traffic between your private network and the public Internet. It can be used to allow or block traffic based on a set of rules. This helps to protect your network from unauthorized access and malicious activity.

Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) are another important layer of security. These systems are designed to detect and prevent unauthorized access to computer networks. IDPS can be deployed as hardware, software, or a combination of both. They work by monitoring network traffic and looking for suspicious activity that may indicate an attempted intrusion. When IDPS detect suspicious activity, they can take action to block the attempt and alert the system administrator. This helps to prevent attacks before they can do any damage.

4.     Utilize Perimeterless Defense Systems

When your workforce is working outside the office, they are also outside the firewall. When this is the case, other “zero-trust” or “perimeterless” tactics need to be added. If the user’s device OS supports a firewall, it should be activated and managed by policies that can be pushed from a central authority. DNS Security – both DNS filtering and DNS encryption should be implemented to prevent users being redirected to fraudulent sites without their knowledge.

Finally, endpoint detect & respond (EDR) software should be installed on any user device to help prevent malware, ransomware or other malicious code from infecting the device.

5.     Educate Your Employees

One of the most important components of a company security strategy is education. It is essential that all employees are aware of the risks associated with cybersecurity and the best practices for avoiding them. Employees should be trained on how to identify phishing emails, spot social engineering attacks, and understand the importance of keeping their passwords safe.

In addition, employees should know what to do if they suspect that their account has been compromised. They should know how to report suspicious activity and whom to contact for help. By educating your employees about cybersecurity risks and best practices, you can help to protect your business from attacks.

A multi-layer security strategy is the best way to protect your business from cybercrime. By implementing multiple security measures, you can make it much harder for cybercriminals to succeed in their attacks.

By following these tips, you can make it much harder for cybercriminals to succeed in their attacks. Implementing a multi-layer security strategy is an essential part of protecting your business from the ever-growing threat of cybercrime. By doing so, you can help to ensure that your business is as safe as possible from the ever-growing threat of cybercrime.

So what are you waiting for? Implement a multi-layer security strategy today to help keep your business safe from cybercrime. If you would like more information or have questions about how strong your cyber-readiness is, please contact Montra at sales@montra.io.

Cyber-readiness Strategy 11: Reduce Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

Nearly two-thirds of firms (65%) have experienced cyber-related issues in their supply chain in the past year. As a part of your cyber readiness plan, you must deploy protocols to evaluate and monitor the security of your supplier networks and third-party vendors.

The supply chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and with the increasing complexity of global supply chains, that weak link is becoming increasingly difficult to find and fix. Cybersecurity threats can come from anywhere in the world, and they can have a devastating impact on businesses of all sizes. That’s why it’s so important to include reducing supply chain vulnerabilities into your cyber-readiness plan. By taking steps to secure your supply chain, you can help protect your business from the devastating effects of a cyberattack.

Here are 7 ways to reduce your supply chain cybersecurity vulnerabilities:

1.     Understand Your Supply Chain

To reduce supply chain cybersecurity vulnerabilities, it is important to first understand your supply chain fully. By understanding the different components of your supply chain, you can better identify potential cyber risks and take steps to mitigate them. Make sure to conduct a thorough analysis of your supply chain including all your upstream and downstream partners, so that you can identify any potential weak points throughout the chain.

2.     Train Your Employees

This first place to start reducing your supply chain cybersecurity vulnerabilities is to train your employees. Employees should be trained on how to identify potential risks and how to mitigate them. They should also be aware of the different security controls that you have in place. By educating your employees, you can help reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions and keep your business running smoothly. If you are not comfortable doing this in-house, look for a third-party that has expertise in cyber-security training especially with supply chain in mind.

3.     Educate Your Suppliers

Another important step in reducing supply chain cybersecurity vulnerabilities is to educate your suppliers. Suppliers should be made aware of the different security controls that you have in place. They should also be trained on how to identify potential risks and how to mitigate them. You should look at cyber-security standards like NIST 800-161 and ISO 28000:2022, so that you have a common language and set of standards to use in your discussions with your suppliers.

By educating your suppliers, you can help reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions and keep your business running smoothly.

4.     Conduct Risk Assessments

Another important step in reducing supply chain cybersecurity vulnerabilities is to conduct risk assessments. By identifying potential risks, you can take steps to mitigate them. Risk assessments should be conducted on a regular basis – usually annually or semi-annually – so that you can keep up-to-date on the latest threats even as your supply chain changes. Risk assessments can be conducted with in-house personnel, but third-parties are often used to make certain that ‘new eyes’ a looking at the supply chain systems periodically.

5.     Implement Security Controls

Once you have identified potential risks, you can then take steps to mitigate them by implementing security controls. There are a variety of different security controls that you can implement, depending on the specific needs of your organization’s supply chain.

For instance, if you are moving computers or other smart devices through your supply chain, you need to take into consideration the patching and updating of those systems if they have been sitting in inventory for a long time. You should also consider the proper handling of those systems if they are returned for repairs. The systems should be air-locked until it is determined that they are not a risk to your organization.

6.     Have an Incident Response Plan

In the event of a supply chain disruption, it is important to have an incident response plan in place. This plan should include steps that you will take to mitigate the impact of the disruption. It should also include a list of contacts that you will need to contact in the event of a disruption. A complete Incident Response Plan will cover all aspects of your operation, not just your supply chain, but the supply chain has historically been left out of security planning. As modern supply chains become heavily digitized and as the items in the supply chain increasingly have software components to them, the Incident Response Plan needs to take the supply chain into account.

7.     Use a Cyber-aware Third Party Logistics Provider

If you are not sure how to reduce supply chain cybersecurity vulnerabilities, you may want to consider getting help from a third party logistics provider. A third party logistics provider can help you with a variety of different aspects of your supply chain. They can help you conduct risk assessments, implement security controls, and train your employees. By getting help from a third party logistics provider, you can effectively reduce supply chain cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

Now that you know more about how to reduce supply chain cybersecurity vulnerabilities, you can take steps to protect your business. By taking these steps, you can help reduce the impact of a supply chain disruption and keep your business running smoothly. Cybersecurity is an important issue in the supply chain that should be given the attention it needs. By taking a proactive approach, you can help reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions and keep your business running smoothly.

If you are not sure how to start assessing or remediating your supply chain cybersecurity vulnerabilities, you may want to consider getting help from a security-aware third party logistics provider. By working with a third-party logistics provider that has strong cyber-security skills, you can have confidence that you can effectively reduce your supply chain cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

If you have any questions or would like more information about reducing supply chain cybersecurity vulnerabilities, please contact us. We would be happy to help you protect your business from the many threats that exist in today’s digitized supply chain. If you would like more information or have questions about how strong your cyber-readiness is, please contact Montra at sales@montra.io.