Stuart O'Brien, Author at Cyber Secure Forum | Forum Events Ltd - Page 5 of 61
Posts By :

Stuart O'Brien

Choosing Secure Web Hosting Environments: Seven top tips for IT Managers

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
By:
0
0

The security of a brand’s website is paramount. For IT managers, selecting a hosting environment is a crucial decision that significantly impacts security, performance, and reliability. So what are the essential factors? Here are seven to get you started…

1. Security Features

The foremost consideration is the security features offered by the hosting provider. This includes firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS), regular malware scanning, and DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) protection. It’s essential that the provider implements robust measures to safeguard against common threats such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other types of cyberattacks. Additionally, options for SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates are crucial for encrypting data transmitted between the server and the users.

2. Compliance and Data Protection

Compliance with legal and regulatory standards, particularly the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), is a critical factor. The hosting provider must ensure that their operations comply with these regulations, especially in handling and storing user data. This includes having clear data protection policies and potentially offering data hosting within specific geographical locations to meet regulatory requirements.

3. Server Location

The physical location of the servers can significantly impact website performance and latency. Server locations closer to the website’s primary user base can improve loading times, enhancing user experience. Furthermore, IT managers must consider the legal and political stability of the server location, as it can affect data security and accessibility.

4. Scalability and Performance

The ability of the hosting environment to scale according to the website’s traffic and resource demands is vital. IT managers should assess the hosting provider’s capacity to handle traffic spikes and scalability options to accommodate business growth. Performance metrics such as uptime guarantees are also critical, as downtime can severely impact the brand’s reputation and revenue.

5. Backup and Disaster Recovery

Effective backup and disaster recovery solutions are crucial in maintaining data integrity. IT managers must ensure that the hosting provider offers regular backups, easy data retrieval, and a comprehensive disaster recovery plan. This is essential for mitigating data loss risks due to hardware failures, cyberattacks, or other unforeseen events.

6. Technical Support and Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

Reliable technical support is a key aspect of a secure hosting environment. IT managers should seek providers who offer 24/7 support with a proven track record of responsiveness and technical expertise. Additionally, clear SLAs outlining service expectations, responsibilities, and response times can provide assurance of the hosting provider’s commitment to quality service.

7. Reviews and Reputation

Lastly, the reputation and reviews of the hosting provider should be considered. IT managers can gain valuable insights from other customers’ experiences, particularly regarding the provider’s reliability, customer service, and security incident handling.

When selecting a hosting environment for a brand’s website, IT managers must undertake a thorough assessment of security features, compliance, server location, scalability, performance, backup, support, and provider reputation. By carefully considering these factors, they can ensure a secure and reliable online presence for the brand, safeguarding both the company and its customers against the ever-present threats in the digital landscape.

Photo by Desola Lanre-Ologun on Unsplash

MALWARE MONTH: Devising effective anti-malware strategies

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
By:
0
0

In the complex cybersecurity landscape of the UK, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) face the daunting task of protecting their organisations against a multitude of evolving malware threats. An effective anti-malware strategy is essential for safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining business continuity. Here we delve into the key considerations that CISOs must weigh when formulating such a strategy…

1. Comprehensive Threat Analysis

The first step in crafting an anti-malware strategy is a thorough understanding of the current threat landscape. CISOs need to analyse the types of malware most likely to target their sector, including ransomware, spyware, Trojans, and worms. Understanding the techniques employed by cybercriminals, such as phishing, drive-by downloads, or zero-day exploits, is crucial. This analysis should guide the development of a strategy that addresses specific vulnerabilities and potential attack vectors.

2. Layered Defence Mechanisms

In the world of cybersecurity, relying on a single line of defence is insufficient. CISOs must adopt a multi-layered approach that encompasses not just anti-malware software but also firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and email filtering. Each layer serves to block different types of threats and provides redundancy should one layer fail.

3. Integration with Existing IT Infrastructure

Any anti-malware solution must seamlessly integrate with the existing IT infrastructure. CISOs should ensure compatibility with current systems to avoid any disruptions in operations. This also involves considering the scalability of the solution to accommodate future organisational growth and technological advancements.

4. Regular Software Updates and Patch Management

Keeping software up-to-date is a fundamental aspect of an anti-malware strategy. CISOs must implement robust policies for regular updates and patches, as outdated software is a common entry point for malware. This includes not only security software but also operating systems and other applications.

5. Employee Education and Awareness

Human error remains one of the largest vulnerabilities in cybersecurity. CISOs must prioritise educating employees about safe online practices, recognising phishing attempts, and the importance of reporting suspicious activities. Regular training sessions, simulations, and awareness campaigns can significantly reduce the risk of malware infections.

6. Incident Response Planning

Despite the best preventive measures, malware breaches can still occur. Therefore, a well-defined incident response plan is vital. This plan should outline the steps to be taken in the event of an infection, including containment procedures, eradication of the threat, recovery actions, and communication protocols.

7. Compliance and Legal Considerations

CISOs must also consider legal and regulatory requirements, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which mandates stringent data protection measures. Failure to comply can result in substantial fines and reputational damage.

8. Continuous Monitoring and Analysis

Finally, continuous monitoring and analysis of network traffic and system activities are essential for early detection of malware. Implementing advanced analytics and AI-driven tools can help in identifying anomalies that might indicate a malware infection.

For CISOs in the UK, devising an anti-malware strategy requires a balanced approach that combines technological solutions with employee training and robust policies. As malware threats continue to evolve, so must the strategies to combat them. A proactive, dynamic, and comprehensive approach is key to safeguarding an organisation’s digital assets against the ever-present threat of malware.

Are you searching for Anti-Malware solutions for your company or organisation? The Security IT Summit can help!

Photo by Michael Geiger on Unsplash

Do you specialise in Network Security Management? We want to hear from you!

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
By:
0
0

Each month on IT Security Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the cyber security market – and in December we’re focussing on Network Security Management solutions.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help IT security buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you’re a Network Security Management solutions specialist and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Jenny Lane on j.lane@forumevents.co.uk.

Here’s our full features list:

Dec – Network Security Management
Jan 2024 – Anti Virus
Feb 2024 – Access Control
Mar 2024 – Intrusion Detection & Prevention
Apr 2024 – Phishing Detection
May 2024 – Advanced Threat Dashboard
Jun 2024 – Browser/Web Security
July 2024 – Authentication
Aug 2024 – Penetration Testing
Sep 2024 – Vulnerability Management
Oct 2024 – Employee Security Awareness
Nov 2024 – Malware

Nearly half of EMEA CIOs are shifting to co-owning digital leadership with their CxO peers

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
By:
0
0
Forty-six per cent of CIOs in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) are partnering with their CxO peers to bring IT and business area staff together to co-own digital delivery on an enterprise-wide scale.

That’s according to Gartner’s annual global survey of CIOs and technology executives, which has found that CIO’s relationship with their CxO peers is ‘reaching a different level’.

Daniel Sanchez-Reina, VP Analyst at Gartner, said: “CIOs who co-own efforts with their CxO peers to place the design, management and delivery of digital capabilities with teams closest to the point where value is created, are most effective at maximising digital investments.”

In this CIO-CxO co-ownership, also called democratization of digital delivery, the CIO acts as a franchiser of technology within their organization.

Gartner analysts presented the survey findings during Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo, taking place here through Thursday. The 2024 Gartner CIO and Technology Executive Survey gathered data from 2,457 CIO respondents in 84 countries and all major industries, representing approximately $12.5 trillion in revenue/public-sector budgets and $163 billion in IT spending. In EMEA, 917 CIOs participated in the survey, representing nearly $3.9 trillion in revenue and $66 billion in IT spending.

“Consciously or unconsciously, CIOs have already been laying the foundation for democratized digital delivery with technologies such as low-code platforms,” said Sanchez-Reina. In EMEA, 66% of CIOs said they have deployed or plan to deploy low-code platforms in the next 24 months. Artificial intelligence (AI), which 72% of EMEA CIOs say will be a game-changing technology in the next three years (29% for generative AI), will also rapidly advance the democratization of digital delivery beyond the IT function.

The survey revealed that CIOs’ top areas for investment in 2024 include cybersecurity, data analytics and AI (see Figure 1).

Figure 1. EMEA CIOs’ Expected Change in Technology Investments in 2024

Source: Gartner (November 2023)

CIOs who franchise IT ‘by design’, which is through co-leading, co-delivering and co-governing digital initiatives with their CxO peers, perform significantly better at general IT management activities, such as executive leadership development and digital business strategy.

“Franchiser CIOs are breaking down the barriers of IT, allowing other business units to produce IT beyond using it,” said Sanchez-Reina. “Those business units participate in the IT delivery responsibility and are accountable for the success of their own IT applications and systems they produce. Such participation in technology production goes from managing to implementing and building technology initiatives.

“This shows that the distinction between what is “IT” and what is “business” is becoming virtually impossible.”

There is no one pattern for franchised digital delivery. Several factors such as the enterprise culture and CEO sponsorship will influence the design and inner workings of the franchise model and the ways in which CIOs and their CxO peers engage. Above all, the CIO must coach their business partners on the journey, offering advice and frameworks, and brokering the internal and external connections they need to successfully co-own digital delivery.

“The payoff of modeling CxO-CIO partnerships for digital delivery on a franchise model is substantial,” said Sanchez-Reina. “CxOs who embrace this franchise model are twice as likely to meet or exceed expectations from digital investments, compared with those who don’t embrace it.”

Photo by ThisisEngineering RAEng on Unsplash

MALWARE MONTH: Emerging malware trends and how the UK’s CISOs are having to adapt

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
By:
0
0

The cybersecurity landscape is being shaped by sophisticated and evolving malware threats on a weekly and even daily basis. Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are on the front lines, adapting to these emerging challenges with innovative approaches to protect corporate assets.

One of the most concerning trends is the rise of ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS), allowing even low-skilled cybercriminals to launch devastating attacks. For instance, the 2021 attack on the NHS systems highlighted vulnerabilities in public sector security and showcased the crippling effect of ransomware. CISOs must now consider the possibility of insider threats or inadvertent aid from employees to such external attackers.

The emergence of polymorphic and metamorphic malware, which can alter its code to evade detection, has demanded more dynamic and proactive detection mechanisms. Traditional signature-based defenses are no longer sufficient. CISOs are pivoting towards deploying advanced heuristics, behavior analytics, and machine learning algorithms that can anticipate and neutralize threats before they crystallize into attacks.

Additionally, the proliferation of IoT devices has expanded the attack surface dramatically. The 2020 breach of a UK-based energy provider through an IoT device served as a wake-up call. It has prompted CISOs to enforce stringent security protocols and integrate IoT device management into their overall security framework.

The trend of remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has also introduced novel vulnerabilities. Cybersecurity hygiene for remote employees has become a top concern, with CISOs having to extend corporate security measures to home networks and personal devices through virtual private networks (VPNs), endpoint protection, and zero-trust models.

State-sponsored malware, targeting critical national infrastructure, has added a geopolitical dimension to the CISO’s role. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has flagged several such threats, necessitating public-private partnerships for shared intelligence and coordinated responses to these sophisticated threats.

In response to these challenges, CISOs are focusing on creating a robust cybersecurity culture within their organisations. This involves regular training and drills, phishing simulations, and promoting awareness about the latest malware trends among all employees. Emphasising the human factor is crucial, as a single lapse can lead to significant breaches.

CISOs are also adopting integrated security platforms that offer a unified view of the organisation’s security posture. By leveraging Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems, they can correlate data from various sources to identify potential threats quickly. Furthermore, advanced threat hunting teams are being employed to proactively scour networks for signs of compromise.

As malware continues to evolve, so must the strategies of CISOs. The modern CISO must not only be a technical expert but also a savvy business leader who can articulate the risks and required investments to stakeholders. They must ensure that cybersecurity is not seen as just an IT issue but as a pivotal part of the organisation’s overall risk management strategy. Through collaboration, innovation, and a relentless focus on education and culture, UK CISOs are reshaping their organisations to withstand the threats of tomorrow.

Are you searching for Anti-Malware solutions for your company or organisation? The Security IT Summit can help!

Photo by Ed Hardie on Unsplash

SAVE THE DATE: Security IT Summit – June 2024

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
By:
0
0
Couldn’t join us at this week’s Security IT Summit? The next event will take place in London next June – both live and virtual attendance options will be available!

25th June 2023 – Hilton London Canary Wharf – Booking form (flexible attendance options)

Benefits of attending include: 
  • Receive a bespoke itinerary of relaxed, 1-2-1 meetings with innovative and budget savings suppliers who you would like to meet and those who match your requirements.
  • Access to a series of live seminar sessions led by industry thought-leaders
  • Lunch & refreshments throughout
  • Unparalleled networking with like-minded peers, who share your challenges
Register today!

210 million industrial endpoints will be secured by 2028

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
By:
0
0

A new study by Juniper Research has found that there will be growth of 107% over the next five years in the number of industrial endpoints featuring cybersecurity protection.

The research identified the rise of interconnected processes within the Industry 4.0 revolution as increasingly exposing critical industrial infrastructure to external threats; requiring wholesale changes in how industrial stakeholders secure their operations.

The research found that industrial endpoint cybersecurity spend will reach $7.8 billion by 2028; rising from $3.8 billion in 2023. This rapid growth of 105% demonstrates how quickly the market is evolving, and how industrial endpoint cybersecurity is rapidly becoming a priority for cybersecurity vendors.

Research co-author Nick Maynard commented: “As more processes become connectivity enabled, the threat environment within industrial settings is exponentially increasing. Cybersecurity vendors must partner with key industrial IoT vendors to better secure this problematic area.”

With the research forecasting 21% of industrial endpoints to be protected by endpoint cybersecurity services by 2028, this is ultimately a very low proportion of total industrial endpoints. As such, industrial stakeholders must move much faster to secure their critical operations, or they will face spiralling threats from nefarious actors.

Boosting visibility in the industrial supply chain and optimising cloud security for critical operations will be vital to ensuring greater protection levels.

Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash

The Evolution of Employee Cybersecurity Awareness: A tale of of adaptation and education

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
By:
0
0

In the past decade, the digital landscape has grown exponentially, bringing with it a complex web of cybersecurity threats. Amidst this ever-changing terrain, businesses have had to rapidly adapt, realising that technical safeguards alone aren’t sufficient. An informed and vigilant workforce has emerged as the first line of defence against cyber threats. Here we explore how approaches to employee cybersecurity awareness have evolved over the last ten years, reflecting the pressing need for proactive education and behavioural change, informed by input from delegates and suppliers at the Security IT Summit…

  1. From IT Responsibility to Collective Accountability: Earlier, cybersecurity was largely seen as the domain of IT departments. Fast forward to today, and it’s understood as a collective responsibility. Recognising that human error is a leading cause of breaches, companies have transitioned from sporadic IT-led training to comprehensive, organisation-wide awareness programs.
  2. Interactive Training Platforms: The didactic, one-way training modules of the past have given way to interactive platforms. Gamified learning experiences, real-time hacking simulations, and scenario-based challenges are now commonplace. These hands-on training methods ensure that employees don’t just understand threats intellectually but can also recognise and respond to them in real-time.
  3. Focus on Social Engineering: While earlier training might have concentrated on passwords and malware, today’s training recognises the sophistication of social engineering attacks. Employees are now taught about phishing, pretexting, tailgating, and baiting, ensuring they’re prepared for the diverse tactics employed by modern cybercriminals.
  4. Continuous Learning and Micro-Training: Given the rapid evolution of threats, one-off training sessions are no longer deemed adequate. Periodic refreshers, bite-sized learning modules delivered through apps, and regular email updates keep cybersecurity top-of-mind for employees year-round.
  5. Cultural Shift Towards Open Reporting: Historically, employees might have hesitated to report their mistakes for fear of repercussions. Modern cybersecurity awareness strategies emphasise a no-blame culture. Employees are encouraged to come forward with potential threats or errors, ensuring timely mitigation without penalisation.
  6. Integration of AI and Data Analytics: Advanced analytics now help tailor training to an individual’s needs. By monitoring employee behaviour, AI-driven platforms can identify weak spots and deliver customised training content, ensuring that learning is relevant and targeted.
  7. Metrics and Accountability: As cybersecurity awareness has become central to business strategy, measuring its effectiveness has grown in importance. Regular assessments, feedback loops, and key performance indicators ensure that training remains effective and evolves with the threat landscape.
  8. Emphasis on Personal Cyber Hygiene: With the blurring lines between professional and personal digital spaces, especially with remote work, there’s an increased emphasis on personal cyber hygiene. Employees are educated not just about safeguarding company data but also about protecting their personal information, understanding that a breach in one area can impact the other.

The last decade has seen a fundamental shift in how businesses approach employee cybersecurity awareness. Moving from reactive measures to a proactive, inclusive, and continuous learning approach, companies now recognise that in the digital age, an informed employee is the best defence against the ever-present cyber threats.

Are you looking to boost IT security awareness in your business? The Security IT Summit can help!

Photo by Israel Andrade on Unsplash

Do you specialise in Malware prevention solutions? We want to hear from you!

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
By:
0
0

Each month on IT Security Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the cyber security market – and in November we’re focussing on anti-Malware solutions.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help IT security buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you’re a Malware solutions specialist and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Jenny Lane on j.lane@forumevents.co.uk.

Here’s our full features list:

Nov – Malware
Dec – Network Security Management
Jan 2024 – Anti Virus
Feb 2024 – Access Control
Mar 2024 – Intrusion Detection & Prevention
Apr 2024 – Phishing Detection
May 2024 – Advanced Threat Dashboard
Jun 2024 – Browser/Web Security
July 2024 – Authentication
Aug 2024 – Penetration Testing
Sep 2024 – Vulnerability Management
Oct 2024 – Employee Security Awareness

How to boost employee cybersecurity awareness

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
By:
0
0

In today’s digital-first landscape, the human element remains one of the most significant vulnerabilities in any organisation’s cybersecurity posture. For IT and cybersecurity professionals in the UK, fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness among employees is crucial. However, finding the right partners and solutions to facilitate this is equally paramount. Here are the key considerations, based on input from Security IT Summit delegates and suppliers, for ensuring effective employee cybersecurity training and awareness…

  1. Comprehensive Content:
    • Relevance: Training content should be relevant to the organisation’s specific threats and industry sector.
    • Up-to-date Material: The cyber landscape evolves rapidly; training materials should reflect the most recent threat intelligence.
  2. Engaging Delivery Methods:
    • Interactive Modules: Interactive e-learning platforms can boost engagement and retention.
    • Real-life Scenarios: Simulated phishing campaigns or breach scenarios allow employees to practice their response in a controlled environment.
  3. Continuous Learning:
    • Regular Updates: Cyber threats change continuously; regular training refreshers are vital.
    • Newsletters and Bulletins: Monthly or weekly cyber updates can keep security top-of-mind for employees.
  4. Assessment and Feedback:
    • Knowledge Checks: Quizzes or tests can gauge employee understanding and highlight areas that need further training.
    • Feedback Mechanisms: Ensure employees have a platform to provide feedback or ask questions about the training.
  5. Scalability and Customisation:
    • Adaptable Solutions: The chosen training solution should be scalable to accommodate organisation growth.
    • Tailored Training: Content should be customisable to address the unique risks and policies of the organisation.
  6. Certifications and Compliance:
    • Industry Standards: Training programs should align with recognised industry standards and best practices.
    • Record Keeping: For compliance purposes, ensure the solution provides detailed records of employee training and completion.
  7. Engagement and Culture:
    • Gamification: Incorporating game elements can make training more engaging and competitive.
    • Leadership Buy-in: Executive endorsement can drive a culture where cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility.
  8. Partner Reputation and Expertise:
    • Track Record: Consider partners with a proven track record in delivering effective cybersecurity awareness training.
    • Continuous Development: Partners should invest in updating and improving their training solutions regularly.
  9. Integration Capabilities:
    • Learning Management System (LMS) Integration: Ensure the training platform can integrate with existing LMS or HR systems for streamlined management.
    • Multi-device Accessibility: Training should be accessible across various devices, including mobiles and tablets, catering to a modern workforce.
  10. Budget and Return on Investment (ROI):
  • Cost Analysis: While budget is a factor, it’s vital to weigh the costs against the potential losses from a cyber breach.
  • Measurable Outcomes: Choose solutions that offer measurable outcomes to gauge ROI effectively.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, so too must our defence strategies. Ensuring employees are knowledgeable and vigilant against cyber risks is a foundational step. By selecting the right partners and solutions, organisations can significantly bolster their cybersecurity resilience, turning their human element from a potential vulnerability into a formidable line of defence.

Are you looking to boost IT security awareness in your business? The Security IT Summit can help!

Image by kirill_makes_pics from Pixabay