If you want to ensure your business stays in business, your reputation remains intact and your data stays safe, cyber security ignorance isn’t an option. Nor is simply hoping it won’t happen to you. In our experience providing managed cyber security service, there are five top cyber security risks you can’t ignore.
One cyber security threat that stands tall above all others for a host of reasons is ransomware; that’s why it’s first on this list.
- Ransomware
This is a for-profit attack that is the greatest risk to your business. Recently the hacking group named Scattered Spider brought down the $14 billion gaming giant MGB Resorts International. Before that, Caesars Entertainment Inc. paid tens of millions of dollars to hackers who broke into the company’s systems. This type of attack is on purpose, and it can be the most lethal to a company’s survival. - Brute Force Attacks
These types of attacks happen due to the lack of security requirements on a company’s network. These types of attacks are common because of poor password choices, and by employees likely to mix personal business with work accounts with weak passwords within your network environment. Bear in mind, the most common passwords — millions of them — are available on the dark web for the cost of breakfast. Your managed cyber security service provider should help you scan the dark web for your company’s information. - Mobile Malware
Imagine if one of your employees uploaded a compromised app on their phone, contracting malware in the process. You might not care. Unless they came to work with that phone and hopped on your network, exposing your network to that same malware. And here’s another all-to-common situation: Your employee travels to the airport and tries to get some work done before the flight. Using the airport’s Wi-Fi, your employee’s computer or cell phone picks up malware from hackers. If mobile devices connect to your network at any time, they represent a threat to our network you can’t ignore. - Compromised Web Filters
Your network will typically have web filters installed to block inappropriate content while employees use the internet. However, viruses can be found on all kinds of websites, not just the dodgy ones. Whether the entry point is a hijacked website or a link in a malicious email, your employees are unlikely to know they have been hacked until it’s too late. To gain entry, hackers will exploit vulnerabilities in browsers, websites, third-party software or operating systems that are out of date. - Employees Are a Problem
Employees are the greatest threats to a network, and most aren’t even aware of it. Whether it is clicking on an attachment of an email or not keeping their cell phone’s operating system up to date, people are always susceptible to making security mistakes.
Managing Cyber Threats
What if even though you are aware of the threats to your business, you simply don’t have the time to combat them? Unfortunately, you still can’t ignore them; that’s where managed cyber security service can help. To respond to the threats listed here, we recommend:
- A properly configured state-of-the-art firewall.
- Updaters/patch management tools for all devices and software.
- Real-time filtering tools to scan for suspect urls and web-based malware.
- Paid (not free) anti-malware software installed on all devices.
- Mandated cyber security awareness training for all employees.
Choosing a Managed Cyber Security Service Provider
A managed security service provider (MSSP) protects an organization’s applications, devices and systems against cyberthreats. Common services include managed firewall, virtual private network (VPN), intrusion detection, vulnerability scanning and anti-viral services. Managed cyber security service providers offer security operation centers (either their own or from other data center providers) to provide 24/7 services designed to reduce the security personnel a company needs to hire, train and retain to maintain an operational security posture.
What Is Managed Security?
Managed security refers to cyber protection that you control on your own or with the help of a third-party vendor. For example, you can purchase security software and hardware and have a team in place to manage it. Or, you can hire an MSP that delivers security services that it manages remotely.
Along with these options, you can partner with several cyber security companies to manage different aspects of your security operations. If you choose a piecemeal option, managing your security can become needlessly complicated and expensive to maintain. This approach can also lead to security breaches.
What Are Managed Security Services?
Managed security services, sometimes referred to as managed cyber security services, allow you to outsource your cyber protection. They come from a third-party vendor known as a managed security service provider.
What Does a Managed Security Service Provider Do?
An MSSP lets you outsource parts or all of your cybersecurity functions. It offers around-the-clock information security monitoring and management services and follows a proactive delivery model to help organizations detect and triage cyberattacks.
Examples of Managed Cyber Security Service
Your service provider may include the following in their offerings:
Log Monitoring and Management
With log monitoring, a service provider collects, analyzes and responds to log data from an organization’s applications and IT infrastructure. In addition to monitoring logs, the provider can continuously collect, parse, store and analyze data. From here, the service provider can give an organization insights it can use to optimize its cyber protection.
Vulnerability Scanning
This task looks for security vulnerabilities across an organization’s systems. Additionally, the service provider can help an organization develop and execute a vulnerability management program to protect against data loss and breaches.
Managed Detection and Response (MDR)
A managed detection and response service is backed by security experts who monitor an organization’s cloud environments, endpoints and networks. These experts look for and respond to cyberthreats 24/7.
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
Also called endpoint threat detection and response, EDR lets you monitor and collect endpoint data in real time. Managed cyber security service providers often offer EDR services built with rules-based automated response and analysis capabilities. These services automatically detect and respond to suspicious activities.
Extended Detection and Response (XDR)
XDR represents the next evolution of EDR. It provides visibility into an organization’s data. At the same time, XDR applies analytics and automation to these data. That way, XDR quickly detects and addresses current and emerging cyberthreats.
Firewall
If you use a managed firewall service, your organization’s network traffic is continuously monitored. Your security provider observes and tracks patterns in your network traffic. It uses these patterns to find ways to bolster your security posture. Also, a managed firewall service lets you stay up to date on any security issues that come up. For instance, if a security event happens that falls outside of your organization’s security parameters, the service alerts you. Next, your MSP addresses the issue and takes steps to prevent similar problems from happening again.
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
ZTNA secures remote access based on the concept of “trust nothing, verify everything.” MSPs offer ZTNA services that define which users are authorized to access an organization’s apps, data and systems. These services eliminate the risks that come with using a virtual private network (VPN) in which users are granted full access to everything stored and managed on an organization’s network.
Benefits of a Managed Cyber Security Service
Among the benefits to using managed cyber security service are:
Access to Cyber Security Talent
Your organization — like many others around the world — continues to deal with the cyber security skills gap. If you want quality cyber security professionals to join your team, you likely have to commit significant time, energy and resources to recruit and retain them. By outsourcing, you can supplement or replace your internal security team.
Access to Security Expertise
To protect against security incidents, you need cyber security professionals on your side. You can partner with an MSP that offers security tips, recommendations, and insights so you can get the most value out of your cyber protection. Your MSP can also work with your employees and customers to protect them against cyberthreats.
24/7 Protection
Cybercriminals are vigilant — and they attack organizations 24/7. Hiring an MSP gives you round-the-clock cyber protection. Your MSP identifies and addresses cyberattacks, even if they occur outside of your organization’s standard operating hours.
Cyber Security Maturity
Many small and medium-sized businesses want the best cyber protection but cannot afford to hire top cyber security talent or invest in high-end security software, solutions and tools.
Managed cyber security service providers help organizations of all sizes and across all sectors improve their cyber security maturity. To do so, a service provider learns about an organization’s security posture and looks for gaps. Then, it provides the managed security services and support this organization needs to level up its cyber protection. And, the service provider tracks the results of its work, ensuring an organization can maximize its cyber security stance both now and in the future.
Customization
If you DIY your cyber security services, you are forced to deal with managing and maintaining them on your own. This can prove to be difficult — and even a single mistake during the implementation of your security services can lead to a cyberattack and data breach.
When you have an MSP at your side, you receive security services tailored to your organization. Your service provider understands your security requirements and plans accordingly. It can provide you with the right security services and scale them as your organization grows.
Considering Managed Cyber Security Service?
BrightFlow Technologies offers cyber security as a service to a range of organizations. We can manage parts or all of your cyber protection, so you can achieve the best possible security outcomes. To learn more, please get in touch with us today.
