The Dog Days of Cybersecurity

Every year, the humidity index increases, temperatures soar, and we find ourselves in the dog days of summer. No matter the method for seeking the shade, we’re prepared for those hours of sweltering discomfort.

So how can organizations prepare for the blistering days that arise while working in cybersecurity? Companies that wait to act until they’re faced with the heat of an attack can expect to find little comfort and relief. Maintaining security practices requires constant vigilance and focus. Protecting sensitive data and intellectual property depends on this commitment, and companies like HBO often regret lax enforcement of security best practices when a breach occurs.

Escape the security heat with these best practices:

Stay up-to-date with software patches and update end users’ devices:

Although simple tasks, they may be pushed out when other work piles up. Don’t increase the risk of a breach by letting these security best practices slide. Be diligent about addressing these requirements in a timely manner, as many hackers exploit vulnerabilities in older versions of software that have not been updated with current security patches.

Monitor the “Keys to the Kingdom”:

Privileged credentials are the holy grail for hackers, and data breaches stemming from compromised privileged accounts are widespread. Organizations must be vigilant to protect against this threat. Ensure you are regularly monitoring, controlling an auditing the access for your privileged users, so that you can delete outdated accounts or adjust permissions as needed.

Reevaluate dependence on legacy remote access tools:

Many legacy remote access tools are a popular pathway for hackers, and when using these solutions, reps have all-or-nothing access to remote computers. As such, these outdated technologies pose serious vulnerabilities should the organization fall victim to a breach. Replacing these older tools with modern solutions is critical to addressing this security gap and protecting network access.

Educate your organization:

Encourage managers and employees across departments to be on the lookout for email and social media phishing scams. Given the changing landscape of cyber threats, these attacks are continuously evolving and keeping organizations on their toes. Conduct regular training sessions to create a culture of continued learning in order to maintain safety.

Although the dog days of summer are almost behind us, a particularly intense day in security can pop up any time of the year. Will you survive the heat?