June 09, 2022
Four ways to upgrade your IT security
Chief information officers (CIOs) and cyber security teams should prioritise improving endpoint security. Hackers have the highest chance of infiltrating business networks through endpoints. Among these are the ever-increasing number of employee computers, internet-enabled devices and servers.
The majority of attacks on business networks occur at compromised endpoints. Corporate networks have become highly vulnerable as a result of hybrid workspaces and telecommuting, with an increasing number of unmanaged devices being added all the time. Bring-your-own-device (BYOD) and work-from-anywhere trends are likely to stay, requiring cyber security professionals to rethink endpoint security.
In Kenya, SEACOM Business provides IT security solutions for large enterprises and medium-sized businesses. Here is a list of tips for enterprises looking to strengthen their endpoint security.
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) software
Data is collected and compiled by EDR tools from all corporate endpoints. Thousands of devices can connect to a large enterprise's network and since each active endpoint generates data on a continual basis, having an EDR tool that can analyse large amounts of data is crucial.
Using real-time analytics, cloud-based EDR software gives the most accurate insights. The latest EDR technologies provide an integrated approach to endpoint security, taking into consideration both cloud and on-premise endpoints.
The discovery of threats and vulnerabilities is sped up by automation. Algorithms can evaluate massive amounts of data and respond to threats automatically, such as removing or containing security breaches. Security teams are notified of threats, allowing them to respond quickly.
EDR tools protect company networks proactively by identifying threat patterns, detecting suspicious activity and blocking malicious activity. IT teams can use this software to help restore affected systems and improve endpoint protection.
Identity Detection and Response (IDR) software
To avoid and minimise a ransomware attack, businesses must have a cyber security strategy in place. A single weak password can result in a large-scale security breach. Credential theft and misuse are dealt with using IDR tools. It also keeps track of user activity and detects suspicious changes to credentials or mass account changes, as well as suspicious reactivation of disabled accounts.
Since internal security breaches can occur, enterprises should use a zero-trust approach to limit access to business networks and data. Usernames and passwords are linked to specific devices via policy-based credential controls. Concealment technology can be used to mask true credentials, making infiltration of endpoints extremely difficult. Security teams occasionally use deception decoys to detect attempts at lateral movement from one endpoint to the rest of the corporate network.
Prevent security breaches with Entitlement Management
Entitlement Management software grants and revokes authorisations, privileges, access rights and permissions. Administrators can manage entitlements for different devices, applications, platforms, networks and users via a cloud-based console.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a fundamental cyber security tool that has proven to be effective in supporting remote working. It does, however, have drawbacks and many businesses need to alter their approach to Entitlement Management.
A large number of entitlements are enabled when companies migrate to the cloud to speed up the migration process. The disadvantage is that it increases exposure and risk due to the increased attack surfaces. It is believed that around 95% of entitlements are never used.
Automation is used by a cloud-based Entitlement Management solution to evaluate entitlements, identifying vulnerabilities and deviations from security policies. Automated software will detect entitlement policy breaches if an employee has turned off MFA or reused a password, for example.
Boost endpoint security by securing your Active Directory
The Active Directory is a database that connects all users and resources on a network. It is an interface that effectively defines who is allowed to do what and holds vital information about corporate networks. Administrators have the ability to change permissions for users, groups, devices and apps, making the Active Directory an easy target for hackers.
To protect their Active Directory, businesses must use automation. While manual vulnerability assessments might take weeks, automated vulnerability assessments can be completed in minutes. Detailed health checks provide insight into Indicators of Exposure (IoEs), identifying Active Directory weaknesses and making suggestions.
SEACOM Business security solutions
Endpoint security is becoming increasingly important as the number of connected devices grows exponentially. Endpoint attack prevention and mitigation require new technologies related to EDR and IDR.
Advanced automation that can manage the massive volumes of data produced by endpoints linked to corporate networks is required for data analytics to monitor behaviours and detect suspicious activity. For more information or to get a quote for our IT security solutions, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.
SEACOM owns Africa’s largest network of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, including fibre optic networks and subsea cables. We offer a wide range of industry-leading scalable ICT solutions for large companies that operate throughout the region.
SEACOM is privately owned - making it adaptable to the needs of the client. We are the preferred ICT and internet connectivity supplier for African enterprises. We can guarantee fast, reliable and secure internet and networking services at affordable prices.
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