Mike Fitzpatrick’s Post

How To Bridge the Access Management Gap in Your Business’ Security Strategy

Here are some use cases you can read in Infosecurity Magazine on how to bridge the "Access Management Gaps in your Business Security Strategy"

Office 365 Configuration with CIS Controls: Top 5 Must-Have Settings for Security and Compliance With increasing cyber threats, configuring Office 365 to align with industry-standard frameworks like the CIS Controls is essential. Doing so strengthens security, ensures compliance, and protects sensitive data. At Ethical IT, we specialise in aligning IT environments with frameworks like CIS to provide robust managed services. Here's a quick dive into five key Office 365 configurations every organisation must prioritise: 1. Multifactor Authentication (MFA) for All Accounts The CIS Controls v8 emphasises strong access management and MFA for all Office 365 accounts as your first line of defence. Why it matters: Passwords alone aren’t enough to protect against phishing or credential-stuffing attacks. Best practice: Use app-based authenticators over SMS for added security. 2. Monitor and Audit Admin Activity Privileged accounts are prime targets for attackers. Regularly monitor and audit administrator activity to detect anomalies early. Why it matters: Compromised admin accounts can lead to catastrophic breaches. Best practice: Enable Unified Audit Logs in Office 365 Security & Compliance Centre and integrate with SIEM tools for real-time insights. 3. Secure Email Gateways Against Phishing and Malware Email remains the top entry point for cyber threats. Configuring robust anti-phishing and anti-malware protections in Office 365 is a must. Why it matters: Preventing malicious emails from reaching users significantly reduces risks. Best practice: Leverage Microsoft Defender for Office 365 to block harmful URLs and attachments. 4. Conditional Access Policies for Zero Trust A zero-trust approach ensures that users and devices are verified before accessing resources. Why it matters: Conditional Access reduces risks from compromised devices and risky sign-ins. Best practice: Implement policies requiring compliant devices and block access from risky locations. 5. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Policies With the increase in remote work, securing sensitive data has never been more critical. DLP policies help prevent accidental or malicious data leaks. Why it matters: Protects intellectual property and ensures compliance with GDPR and other regulations. Best practice: Use DLP to monitor and restrict the sharing of sensitive files and emails. Why Align with CIS Controls? The CIS Controls are globally recognised as a gold standard for cybersecurity best practices. By aligning Office 365 with these controls, your organisation enhances its resilience against attacks while maintaining compliance with industry regulations. At Ethical IT, we don’t just configure Office 365; we provide ongoing management and support to ensure your business stays secure, compliant, and efficient. Ready to Fortify Your Office 365 Environment? 🔒 Visit ethicalit.net to learn how we can help you align your systems with CIS Controls and build a secure, future-proof IT environment.

Do you have an access control system but feel productivity is limited by ad hoc requests and manual tasks? Find out how a physical access management solution can give power back to your stakeholders to enhance both company efficiency and security. #securitysystems https://lnkd.in/egXVzjmF

Ever found a ticking time bomb in your codebase? 💣 I recently spoke with a leading identity and access management provider at a security conference about their de-provisioning capabilities. While they offered robust solutions for internal password resets, I was surprised to learn they lacked streamlined processes for third-party credential management. This got me thinking... how many organizations are leaving themselves vulnerable by neglecting this critical aspect of employee offboarding? The Scary Truth: I once discovered a repository leaking sensitive code and "ACTIVE" third-party secrets belonging to an employee who had left the company five years prior! The credentials would've allowed unauthorised users to send SMS/Mail as the Corp whom the credentials belong to 🤯 This is a HUGE security risk. The Problem: While large corporations may have de-provisioning policies in place, the responsibility often falls on individual teams, leading to inconsistencies and oversights. The Solution: Organizations need to prioritize comprehensive employee de-provisioning processes that include revoking access to all systems and rotating all credentials, including those for third-party services. This is crucial for maintaining a strong security posture. Let's discuss! How does your organization handle employee de-provisioning? Share your best practices and lessons learned in the comments below. 👇 #deprovisioning #employeeleftoffboarding #riskmanagement

Harnessing Access Control Data for Strategic Decision-Making Enterprises use big data from access control platforms to empower their teams to safeguard valuable information and mitigate security risks. Modern data access control solutions are popular among enterprise businesses because they offer a centralized approach to managing data across organizations. They also provide essential features such as identity management, access management platforms, and automated task provisioning. By harnessing access control tools and solutions, these organizations efficiently manage data usage and access, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected from unauthorized access, breaches, and other security threats. These tools allow enterprises to maintain comprehensive oversight of data access management, streamline access control policies, audit and enforcement oversight, and comply with regulations. #security #securitysolutions #securityindustry #leadership #Honeywell

SECURITY OPERATING PROCEDURE: Access Control to Physical Locations Procedure, Including Offices and Data Centers The Access Control to Physical Locations Procedure establishes guidelines for managing access to physical locations within [Your Organisation's]. This procedure is crucial for protecting sensitive information and assets from unauthorized access, theft, or damage. Key Components 1. Purpose - To provide a structured approach for controlling access to secure areas, ensuring the safety and integrity of organizational assets. 2. Scope - Applies to all physical locations, including offices, data centers, and other secure areas within [Your Organisation's]. 3. Roles and Responsibilities - Facilities Manager: Manages physical security and access control systems. - Security Personnel: Monitors and enforces access control measures. - IT Administrator: Assists in integrating access control systems with IT infrastructure. - Information Security Manager: Oversees compliance with access control policies. 4. Procedure Steps - Access Control System Setup: Select and implement appropriate access control systems, including installation and configuration of security measures. - Access Authorization: Establish a formal process for access requests, requiring approval from department heads and the Facilities Manager. - Issuance of Access Credentials: Issue access cards and badges to authorized personnel and maintain an inventory of credentials. - Access Monitoring and Control: Continuously monitor access points and maintain detailed access logs for accountability. - Responding to Security Incidents: Monitor for incidents, report them promptly, and document responses. - Revoking Access: Immediately revoke access for departing personnel and manage credential retrieval. 5. Security Controls - Implement strict access controls to ensure only authorized personnel can access secure locations and utilize encryption to protect access control data. 6. Continuous Improvement - Conduct post-incident reviews, regular audits, and ongoing training to enhance access control measures and incident response capabilities. 7. Monitoring and Auditing - Regularly monitor access control systems for compliance and effectiveness, conducting periodic audits for improvement. 8. Review and Update - The procedure is reviewed annually, with any updates requiring approval from the Information Security Manager. The Access Control to Physical Locations Procedure is essential for safeguarding [Your Organisation's] from unauthorized access and ensuring the protection of sensitive information and assets. By adhering to these guidelines, organizations can effectively manage physical security and maintain a secure operational environment.

Lessons from AnyDesk’s IP Exposure Vulnerability: Remote access software has become a cornerstone of modern work environments, enabling seamless productivity and collaboration. However, as reliance on these tools grows, so do the associated security risks. A critical vulnerability discovered in AnyD…

The Potential Consequences of Inadequate Security When remote access tools lack robust security measures, users face multiple risks, including: Unauthorized Access: Attackers may infiltrate systems, gaining control over sensitive data or critical applications. Privacy Breaches: IP exposure and other vulnerabilities can lead to location tracking or surveillance without user knowledge. Cyberattacks: Exposed systems are more susceptible to attacks such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) or ransomware. Data Theft: A compromised connection could allow malicious actors to intercept and steal sensitive information. The recent AnyDesk vulnerability is a stark reminder of how critical it is to secure every layer of remote access infrastructure. Attackers exploiting such flaws can bypass security protocols and create pathways for intrusion.

Securing Remote Access: Best Practices for Third-Party Risk Management The physical location of users has become less and less important in conducting business, with the drawback that it creates new, persistent threats to organizations. You know that. You may not know that remote access to IT and business-critical systems is not a new concept. It’s been around since the late 1980s. Since its inception, IT professionals, remote engineers and third parties have widely used remote access to computers and servers through protocols like Telnet, remote desk protocol (RDP) and Secure Shell (SSH) to maintain infrastructure worldwide. However, this flexibility brings significant risks for organizations without security programs beyond a traditional perimeter- based model. Read More - https://lnkd.in/ddZFuSGT