ENCRYPTION KEY MANAGEMENT IN MICROSOFT 365
“This article previously appeared on archtis.com and is reposted with permission from archTIS ENCRYPTION KEY MANAGEMENT IN MICROSOFT 365 Introduction: In an ever-evolving digital landscape, encryption stands as a formidable shield for safeguarding sensitive information. As cloud technologies and Microsoft 365 (M365) applications like Teams and SharePoint Online become ubiquitous in modern workplaces, the need for robust encryption strategies has become paramount. However, the challenges of managing encryption keys in the cloud during the transition to Microsoft 365 can be daunting. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of encryption key management within the Microsoft 365 suite and explore ways to enhance data security in this dynamic ecosystem. Encryption Trends: In an era marked by stringent global data protection standards and an alarming surge in data breaches, the adoption of encryption has seen exponential growth. Organizations recognize the significance of encryption in safeguarding sensitive data from prying eyes. However, despite robust data security policies, identifying and protecting sensitive data remain daunting challenges. The Ponemon Institute’s 2021 Global Encryption Trends Study sheds light on the persistent struggle faced by organizations to identify sensitive data accurately and execute a foolproof encryption strategy. Understanding Encryption: At its core, encryption is an ingenious process that renders data unreadable to unauthorized individuals. By scrambling data using cryptographic keys, encryption ensures that even if data falls into the wrong hands, it remains incomprehensible without proper decryption. This powerful technique can be applied during data transmission (data in transit) or when data is stored on devices, servers, or cloud storage (data at rest). Understanding the nuances of encryption is essential to building an impregnable fortress around sensitive information. Encryption Key Management and BYOK: The pivotal role of encryption keys cannot be understated, as they form the backbone of data protection in any encryption strategy. Securing encryption keys is critical for enterprises, especially when utilizing cloud service providers like Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services (AWS) for hosting keys. Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) emerges as a game-changer in key management, allowing organizations to retain control over their encryption keys even when hosted in the cloud. Additionally, organizations can opt for Hardware Security Modules (HSMs), physical devices that fortify encryption solutions and grant absolute control over encryption keys. Enhancing Encryption in M365 and SharePoint: Within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, dynamic encryption plays a pivotal role in ensuring compliance and protecting data. Collaboration tools like SharePoint and M365 handle a vast amount of sensitive data, making dynamic encryption an imperative to safeguard confidentiality and maintain data integrity. A leading solution in this arena is NC Protect, which offers robust capabilities to identify and safeguard sensitive data within Microsoft 365. NC Protect’s dynamic classification and access control features ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive documents, providing an additional layer of protection. How Encryption Works with NC Protect: NC Protect seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Purview Information Protection (MPIP) and Rights Management Services (RMS) controls to strengthen data security within M365. It effectively encrypts data at rest and empowers organizations to manage access and encryption policies across various M365 applications, including SharePoint Online and SharePoint Server. By incorporating NC Protect into your encryption strategy, you can reinforce data protection across the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. NC Protect: NC Encrypt’s Document and Column Encryption: For organizations seeking greater control over encryption keys, NC Protect’s NC Encrypt module is a game-changing solution. With NC Encrypt, organizations can exercise full control over encryption keys, even employing Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) to retain control when utilizing cloud service providers. This integration ensures that existing encryption investments are maximized, and third-party Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) can be seamlessly incorporated to add an extra layer of security. Conclusion: As the digital landscape evolves, encryption remains an essential pillar of data protection. Embracing robust encryption strategies, especially within the Microsoft 365 suite, is vital to safeguarding sensitive information in an increasingly interconnected world. By leveraging cutting-edge solutions like NC Protect and NC Encrypt, organizations can fortify their encryption key management practices, ensuring the utmost confidentiality and integrity of their data. “This article previously appeared on archtis.com and is reposted with permission from archTIS
Enhancing Global Collaboration and Intellectual Property Protection with Data-Centric Security
“This article previously appeared on archtis.com and is reposted with permission from archTIS Introduction: In an increasingly interconnected world, multinational coalition collaboration and supply chain management are essential for driving innovation, growth, and success across industries. However, these partnerships come with unique challenges, such as ensuring the security of sensitive data and safeguarding intellectual property (IP) throughout the supply chain. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of data-centric security in securing multinational coalition collaboration and protecting valuable intellectual property. Securing Multinational Coalition Collaboration with Data-Centric Security: The blog post titled “Securing Multinational Coalition Collaboration with Data-Centric Security” delves into the significance of data-centric security measures in fostering secure collaboration among diverse entities. Multinational coalitions often involve numerous stakeholders, each with their own security protocols and data management practices. To facilitate seamless collaboration, it becomes imperative to adopt a data-centric security approach. Data-centric security focuses on protecting the data itself rather than just securing the network perimeter. By implementing encryption, access controls, and data classification, sensitive information remains secure throughout its lifecycle, from creation to sharing and storage. This approach allows multinational coalition members to share data securely while ensuring that unauthorized individuals cannot access or manipulate critical information. The blog post emphasizes that data-centric security not only bolsters collaboration but also assists organizations in meeting compliance requirements, especially when data is shared across international borders. With robust data-centric security measures in place, multinational coalitions can build trust, enhance productivity, and pursue innovation confidently. Intellectual Property (IP) Protection in the Supply Chain: The second blog post, titled “Intellectual Property (IP) Protection in the Supply Chain,” focuses on safeguarding valuable intellectual property throughout complex supply chains. As companies engage with various suppliers, manufacturers, and partners, the risk of IP theft or unauthorized use of proprietary information increases. This blog post sheds light on how data-centric security can mitigate these risks and ensure IP protection at every stage of the supply chain. The blog post emphasizes the significance of classifying IP data based on its sensitivity and implementing access controls accordingly. This ensures that only authorized personnel can access the critical IP information, minimizing the chances of leaks or unauthorized use. Additionally, it discusses the role of digital rights management and watermarks in tracking and tracing the usage of IP data, providing an extra layer of protection against potential threats. IP protection should be embedded into the supply chain’s core, with companies collaborating only with trusted partners who prioritize data security. By establishing clear contractual obligations and security standards, organizations can foster a culture of data protection throughout their supply chain ecosystem. Conclusion: In conclusion, secure multinational coalition collaboration and intellectual property protection in the supply chain are crucial for organizations looking to thrive in the global marketplace. Adopting data-centric security measures enables seamless collaboration among diverse entities while safeguarding sensitive information from potential threats. By prioritizing data-centric security, businesses can create a robust framework for secure collaboration and ensure the protection of their valuable intellectual property throughout the supply chain. As the world becomes more interconnected, embracing data-centric security becomes a strategic imperative for staying competitive and safeguarding business interests. “This article previously appeared on archtis.com and is reposted with permission from archTIS
Softlanding announces a Partnership with Appgate an industry leader in secure access solutions
Softlanding announces a Partnership with Appgate an industry leader in secure access solutions . The partnership allows Softlanding , to resell and provide services for App Gate. Helmut Hubmann, CEO at Softlanding , said, “Our customers are looking for solutions to help them with data discovery, secure collaboration, Sharepoint and TEAMS security. Our partnership with AppGate allows us to expand our security solutions portfolio to include Software Defined Perimeter,Digital Threat Protection,Risk based Authentication and offensive Services. About AppGate An industry leader in secure access solutions changing cybersecurity for the better by making it simpler for users and operators and harder for adversaries. Secure Access to Your Network and for Your Consumers We work hard to master the offense, understanding how cybercriminals operate, so that we can build the best defense. Our solution
Cybersecurity Tips For 2021
2020 has proved to us all that a new year does not necessarily have to be better than the last. It could go worse, and for most of us, COVID-19 proved to be a lethal obstruction in our lives. While this a fact known to everyone, we would like to highlight some alarming piece(s) of news. Coronavirus, alone, is to be blamed for a 238% rise in cyberattacks on banks. Ransom attacks crossed 148% in the first quarter of 2020. In the first six months of 2020 alone, more than 81 international firms from 81 countries complained of data breaches. A whopping 600% increase in phishing attacks was witnessed before the arrival of March. You are highly mistaken if you feel cyberattacks like phishing attacks or data breaches are only limited to big companies and firms. You could personally fall prey to cyberattacks if you do not secure your personal information and gadgets. Take a look at the following cybersecurity tips that you must take note of and implement in the coming times. Secure passwords The era of using Password or 12345 as your password is long gone and not so hysterical anymore. Today, you have your personal and sensitive information stored in your system and your emails. Tomorrow it could be all wiped off or leaked. Firstly, make sure you do not let anyone use your computer while you are gone. Do not use predictable passwords like your name or your birthdate to make it easy for you to remember. It is also easy for hackers to crack it. Use two-factor authentication options 2FA codes are the best way to secure your online account (along with a strong password). It could be a four- or six-digit code sent on your registered phone number or email address. Whether it is your social media count or email id; make sure you enable 2FA. Antivirus software Cybersecurity breaches can happen unknowingly by clicking on “interesting” links or unknown website portals. Installing antivirus software and firewall on your system is definitely a safe and sane decision in this time and age. Make sure to purchase such software from reputed companies. Install updates Outdated software can pose a big security threat to your device. Software updates are meant to provide better security and ward off any kind of bugs that act as access to steal information. Enable automatic updates on your device to reduce cybersecurity risks. Along with staying updated on the tips mentioned above, make sure you keep your devices secure by only installing applications from trusted developers. Avoid public WiFi at all costs unless it’s an emergency and most importantly, always backup your data. These tips are simple and easy to follow. Also, they significantly reduce the risks of cybersecurity attacks.
Why vpns fail to protect industrial controls
Building management maintenance is important for data center operators. This can be done using VPN access but it has inherent limitations that make the use of VPNs risky for the safety and security of corporate networks. Covid-19 has forced businesses to rethink the working ways and has caused the propagation of a work-from-home or remote-working culture on a massive scale. Cloud-based SaaS videoconferencing and other supporting applications have made this transition a smooth one and allowed the corporate workforce to remain productive. The real problem is now being faced by the exceptionally skilled technical workers who require system access which is possible only on highly-secure corporate networks like industrial building management systems. Managers also have to ensure that only authorized personnel are granted access to these systems. Till 2019, access to the systems was only possible if the employee was present on-site. The travel restrictions and social distancing measures that were put in place in 2020 have strained these employees and created potential risks that are critical to operations. For building management system maintenance, earlier the data center operators allowed access through traditional VPN software. But this software has limitations such as vulnerability to common attack vectors and the complexity and difficulty in managing these VPNs. Also, in most cases, dynamic access is not allowed based on user context and conditions. Owing to these problems, many data center operators are now looking for suitable alternatives to the more traditional VPNs. One of the best answers for such data center operators who manage sensitive industrial systems is the Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP). One of the biggest advantages offered by SDP is the ability to enforce least privilege access to third party organizations. In contrast to a VPN, SDP based access allows employees to work on specific systems which are a part of the support contractor’s agreement, without giving them access to the entire network. For example, if a contractor is responsible for the maintenance of wireless humidity and temperature sensors of a data center, that contractor can be given limited access to the relevant servers without allowing access to the other building management systems. SDP also has a feature that allows the data center operators to determine whether or not a system is sufficiently updated and secured to access the network. These additional security and audit controls provide much better safety access control than traditional VPNs. All in all, The traditional VPNs are no longer suitable for dynamic and multi-dimensional access control for industrial building management systems.
Why Get Serious About Zero Trust Security
Zero Trust is one of the latest buzzwords in cybersecurity. However, it is one of the efficient tools to deal with today’s sophisticated threats. Zero trust is a security model that requires all users to be authorized, authenticated, and continuously validating security posture and configuration, before being given access to data or apps. Simply put, the users and devices, both inside and outside the network, are considered untrustworthy (even they have passwords to access). The trust is vulnerability in a zero trust model. That’s why this concept is known as zero trust. Even a trusted and familiar user needs to get verified to get access. Zero trust can be incorporated through multifactor authentication identity and access management, and endpoint security technology to validate the user’s identity. For example, an OTP is sent to the registered number of a user once he logs in using their password. However, Zero Trust can only be successful if organizations can continuously monitor and validate that a user and his device has the right attributes and privileges. Single validation simply won’t be sufficient, because threats and user attributes are likely to change. Therefore, organizations should ensure that all access requests are continuously screened before allowing connection to any of your organization or virtual accounts. The implement of Zero Trust policies mainly relies on real-time visibility into user attributes such as user identity, endpoint hardware system, path levels, OS versions, and user logins. Why Get Serious about Zero Trust Security Zero Trust is one of the essential measures to control access to applications, data, and networks. It integrates a wide range of preventative techniques such as endpoint security, least privilege controls, identity verification, and micro-segmentation to prevent potential attackers and restrict their access in the event of a data incident. This security layer is important as organizations often increase their number of endpoints within their network and increase their infrastructure to cover cloud-based applications and servers. Zero trust networks let access rights only when it is more than important, verifying all request to link to its systems before approving access. Minimizing security perimeters into tiny zones to create distinct access to various parts of the network minimizes lateral access across the network. Finally, by strengthening the network and limiting user access, Zero Trust security aids the organization prevents breaches and reduce potential damages. This is an important preventive measure as the attack might be launched by the users inside.
What is Pass-The-Hash Attack? How to Prevent It?
In a Pass-the-Hash or PtH attack, a threat actor steals a password and without decoding it, reuses it to manipulate an authentication system into creating a new authenticated session on the same network. To carry out a pass the hash attack, the threat actor first captures the hashes from the targeted networking using certain hash dumping tools. Then they use a pass the hash tool to lace the captured hashes on a Local Security. This often tricks a Window’s authentication system into considering that the malicious actor’s endpoint is that of the genuine user. This way, it will pass the required credentials when the attacker attempts to access the target network. And they don’t need the real password to do that. PTH attacks leverage the authentication protocol, as the passwords have remained static for all session until it is rotated. Threat actors commonly capture hashes by scraping the active memory of a system and other tools. While PTH attacks commonly occur in Windows-based systems, Linux, UNIX, and other platforms are not immune to this attack. In Windows, PTH leverages SSO or Single Sign-On through NT Lan Manager NTLM, Kerberos, and other authentication processes. Whenever a password is created on a Windows system, it is often hashed and stored in the SAM (Security Accounts Manager), LSASS (Local Security Authority Subsystem) process memory, the Credential Manager store, and an ntds. dit database in Active Directory, or elsewhere. Therefore, when you log into a Windows workstation or server, you leave behind your passwords. How to Deal with Pass the Hash Attack? To make a PtH attack successful, an attacker has to gain local administrative access on a system (PC) to capture the hash. Once the perpetrator gets into the system, they can meet their purpose easily, stealing more passwords. Incorporating the following security practices can help eliminate, or at least reduce the impact of a Pass the Hash attack: Having the least Privilege Security System: It can reduce the possibility, and minimize the effect of a PTH attack, by minimizing a threat actor’s capability to get privileged access and permissions. Removing needless admin rights will be a long term solution to minimize the risk of PTH and many other security threats. Implying Password Management Solutions: Make sure to rotate your passwords frequently. You can automate password rotation after each privileged session. It will help you block PTH attacks. Separating Privileged and Non-Privileged Accounts: In this practice, different types of non-privileged accounts and privileged accounts are separated. It can minimize the attacker’s reach to the administrator accounts and thereby, minimize the risk for compromise, as well as the risk for lateral activity.
What is a Global Catalog Server?
A feature of Active Directory (AD) domain controllers, the global catalog allows a domain controller to provide detailed information on all the objects in the forest, independent of whether the object in consideration is a member of the domain controller’s domain. If the global catalog feature is enabled with a domain controller, that domain controller can be termed a global catalog server. A global catalog server performs several functions that are required in a multi-domain forest environment. Two of the most important functions of a global catalog server are described below: Authentication – A domain controller processes the authentication request and provides information related to the authorization for all the groups for which the user account is a member. This authentication information is included in the user access token generated by the system. Object Search – The directory structure of a forest is made transparent by the global catalog for users who are performing a search operation. Active directory partitions Understanding how the Active Directory (AD) database is structured will help us in understanding how a global catalog works. The AD database is stored in a single file named NTDS.dit by the domain controllers. The database itself is separated into partitions which facilitate efficient replication and simplify the administration of the database. Each domain controller has at least three partitions: Domain Partition which stores information on the domain’s objects and their attributes Configuration Partition which stores information on the forest topology, domain controllers, and site links Schema Partition which stores definitions of every object class of the forest and the rules which determine the creation and use of those objects Additionally, Application Partitions may also be maintained in the domain controllers which store information pertaining to AD-integrated apps and any object type except for the security principles. Deployment of global catalog servers Upon successful creation of a new domain, the first domain controller becomes a global catalog server. Enabling the Global Catalog checkbox in the NTDS Settings of the server allows the configuration of additional domain controllers as global catalogs. There are two ways to do this: Access the Active Directory Sites and Services management console Set-ADObject PowerShell cmdlet by inserting the following code: Set-ADObject -Identity (Get-ADDomainController -Server ).NTDSSettingsObjectDN -Replace @{options=’1′} Every domain which is a part of the forest should contain at least one global catalog server. This will remove the need to have an authenticating domain controller that communicates along the length and breadth of the network in order to retrieve global catalog information. Where it is not possible or feasible to deploy a global catalog server for a domain, Universal Group Membership caching can be enabled to reduce network traffic related to authentication. It will also allow logon authentication when communication with a global catalog server is not possible from within the remote site.
How Email Can Pose a Cybersecurity Threat?
Due to ever increasing need for online communication, email has been a major security issue or vulnerability. In fact, antivirus software is not efficient in blocking the social engineering attacks or phishing attacks launched through emails. Today, more and more email security concerns are on the rise, including spear phishing, whale phishing and ransomware. Therefore, you should deal with such emerging email security concerns. And here comes this shocking truth—over 90% of cyber-attacks have been triggered by an email. It is safe to say that it is still the most vulnerable link in the security chain. Here we have rounded up some common email security risks: Sending Email to the Wrong Recipient: It happens. We must have sent the mail to the wrong person at some point of our life. For example, you must have select “Martin” instead of “Martina” and hit send. Did you know that such silly errors can lead to big cybersecurity threats? According to one report, such mistakes are the fourth most common action associated with a data incident. For instance, a misdirected email that includes a personally identifiable information or PII can be accessed by a malicious person and eventually lead to data breach. Getting Phishing Mails: Phishing is a dangerous tactic used by cyber criminals to trick users gets sensitive information such as bank accounts or social security numbers. For example, they pose as a genuine source such as your boss or bank so that you can trust them without question. These mails include a link that looks like real which takes you to a malicious website. Directory Harvest Attacks: A directory harvest attack or DHA is an email threat conducted by spammers who look to access the email database attached to an organization’s domain. Although they use a simple method like a dictionary attack, DHAs target all types of information, unleashing huge damage. Launching Ransomware: Generally, ransomware is a type of malware program which is commonly transferred through email. It is also known as “crypto-Trojan, crypto-worm, or crypto-virus”. This malware program keeps the victim’s dat as a hostage or locks it and demands money to release it. Injecting Key Loggers: A keylogger is a tool, a hardware device that records every key stroke that the user hits on their keyboard. It is one of the most used email threats to capture passwords, personal messages and credit card info as well as everything being typed by the user.
What is Insider Threat?
Through a joint venture between the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NSC) and the National Insider Threat Task Force (NITTF), September has been declared National Insider Threat Awareness Month (NITAM). The purpose of this initiative is to educate organizations and their workers on the danger, to help them understand how it can happen by both deliberate and accidental means, and to help staff identify and report suspicious activity. COVID-19 is taking a toll on the world. A higher chance of fraud, theft, and to put it simply, insider danger comes with this. This is supported by a report conducted by The Ponemon Institute that shows that since 2018, insider threats have risen by 47%. So what is an insider threat exactly? We will take a deep dive into what constitutes an insider danger in this blog post, including the various forms and a walk-through of examples and common indicators. In addition, I will include some information about different ways in which you can protect your organisation from insider threats. What is a Threat from an Insider? An Insider Threat is usually a person who uses the access they have been given to the resources of an organisation to cause harm to the company. Although associating danger with malicious intent can be enticing, the fact is that most insider risks come from negligent insiders vs. malicious insiders. Let’s describe these forms of insider threats better. Malevolent Insider vs. Negligent Insider A Malicious Insider is a person who deliberately steals information from an organisation or conducts an action with the purpose of causing harm to the organisation. Usually, this is someone with valid access to the network and who exploits that access for personal gain or satisfaction. For these “poor actors,” typical drivers and objectives include: Gain in Finance Vendetta Personal Theft of Intellectual Property On behalf of a different agency, espionage A Negligent Insider is anyone who, because of insecure conduct, inadvertently compromises information or positions the company at increased risk. This not only concerns an organization’s own workers, but also extends to contractors and third-party suppliers. Insecure actions examples include: Emailing personal information to the wrong person Losing a Notebook Falling prey to an assault by phishing Circumventing security policies or using poor decisions when obtaining resources from companies Understanding the Main Insider Danger Risks There are a variety of reasons why, even more risky than external attackers, insiders can be. Reason 1: They have legitimate access to essential resources, such that security vulnerabilities that would be far easier to detect need not be detected and exploited. Reason 2: They already know the lay of the land, so they do not need to go through the exercise of discovering where confidential information resides or recognizing the organization’s most important assets or resources. Reason 3: Beyond merely stealing or losing confidential data, they face risks. They can take down critical systems or hack them, spread malware, exploit assets for personal benefit, and more. Each of these variables results in an inherent challenge in being able to identify an insider threat quickly. Malicious insiders are able to cover their tracks much better than foreign threats with legitimate access to resources, knowledge of where sensitive data resides, and security measures in place, and can thus remain undetected for much longer. In certain cases, negligent insiders pose an even higher risk, especially if the nature of their job refers to the routine handling of sensitive systems or data properties. The Common Indicators It is necessary to beware of these common indicators in order to avoid a possible data breach or catastrophic problem due to an insider threat: Accessing systems or data outside usual job duties (or trying to access them) Request for data access without a legitimate “need-to-know” Unusual or unexplained patterns of access, such as attempts to download or copy vast quantities of sensitive information Accessing or using unauthorised apps, programmes, or computers for storage Trying to circumvent security protocols or breach corporate policies Showing odd, unpredictable, or disgruntled conduct During irregular time periods, such as after work hours or weekends, accessing systems or data Examples: With insider risks being so prevalent, let’s discuss some real-life situations where the root cause of a data breach was an insider with legitimate access to a scheme. Anthem Anthem was told of an employee who had been stealing and misusing Medicaid member data since July 2016 by LaunchPoint, Anthem’s Medicare insurance coordination services provider. The worker had sent to their personal email a file containing PHI like Medicare ID numbers, Social Security numbers, Health Plan ID numbers, member names, and enrollment dates. Boeing’s A Boeing employee named Greg Chung is one of the most notorious and serious examples of a malicious insider. While working at Rockwell and later Boeing, Greg worked as a Chinese spy for over 25 years, stealing classified information to help develop and advance the Chinese space programme. This took place all the way from 1979 until he was eventually caught in 2006. Owing to the existence of the knowledge that he was exfiltrating, Chung not only undermined the businesses he operated in but also national security. Capital One In an AWS hosted resource, the 2019 Capital One data breach was eventually due to a misconfigured web application. In this case, this vulnerability was taken advantage of by a software developer who worked for AWS and eventually stole over 100 million customer records that included account and credit card application information. The hacker debated her exploits with colleagues over Slack and even used her full name to publish the data on GitHub. Protect Your Organization From Insider Threat: In order to protect the data of a company and preserve the privacy of its personnel and consumers, effective insider threat prevention and identification are essential. The following key processes and related technologies provide an effective insider threat programme: Effective Threat Program for Insiders Includes: Tracking The ability to track user behaviour through the entire network is one of the most integral aspects