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Information security is the protection of both physical and digital information assets. Its security works to control and ensure the confidentiality and integrity of information regardless of its form. Cyber security deals with protecting digital information and systems from cyber threats. Cyber security primarily deals with threats originating from cyberspace, such as malware, phishing attacks, hacking and ransomware. Both information security and cyber security protect sensitive information and systems from unauthorized access, use, and exploitation. Some emerging threats and trends in this field are ransomware attacks and supply chain attacks. Some ways to combat these are regular data backups, employee training on phishing awareness and implement strict security controls and risk assessments of their supply chain partners. In order to balance the need for information security with the need for employee access and productivity, organizations should implement access controls, provide security awareness training and enforce strong password policies.

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Welcome to our 'Threat Intelligence 101': Your authoritative source on the theoretical frameworks and definitions underpinning cyber threat intelligence. This guide unravels the complexities of cybersecurity, offering insights into the strategic methodologies and mitigation tactics employed to navigate and neutralize digital adversaries.

Designed for forward-thinking professionals, it bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and actionable intelligence, equipping you with the tools to preemptively disrupt threat actors. Embark on a journey to elevate your cybersecurity posture and safeguard your digital frontier.

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Cyber Threat Intelligence 101: Your Guide to Cyber Safety

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Dive into our Cyber Threat Intelligence 101 guide: a comprehensive cyber threat intel guide to understanding, predicting, and protecting against cyber threats.

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General Information Regarding Cyber Security

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General Information Regarding Cyber Security

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Information security vs cybersecurity: What is the difference?

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Everyone knows that security is essential in the Digital Age. Regular news reports about high-profile cyberattacks and data breaches leave no doubt that strong security is a must. But what's the difference between information security, cybersecurity and network security?

There is definitely some confusion around these terms, in part because there's a significant amount of overlap between them.

In one sense, information security dates back to when humans began keeping secrets; in the early days, physical files and documents were kept under literal lock and key. Once the business world began using computers, network security became essential to protect the electronic network infrastructure of these vital systems. The advent of the internet changed everything, adding once-unimagined technological capabilities but also creating new vulnerabilities; and giving rise to a critical new industry - cybersecurity.

So, which is the most important? While the first two are certainly critical to the practice of keeping systems, information and assets secure, it is cybersecurity that generates the lion's share of the discussion these days.

Nevertheless, some analyses regard information security as the umbrella term because it refers to the processes and techniques designed to protect any kind of sensitive data and information from unauthorized access, whether in print or electronic form.

Under this view, cybersecurity is a subset of information security that deals with protecting an organization's internet-connected systems from potential cyberattacks; and network security is a subset of cybersecurity that is focused on protecting an organization's IT infrastructure from online threats. Though the terms are often used in conjunction with one another, cybersecurity is considered to be the broader discipline, with network security defined as one aspect of information and/or cybersecurity.

Information Security | Cybersecurity | Network Security [Definitions]

How do some of the industry's leading players define these essential and closely related security terms?

Information security, according to security training specialist the SANS Institute, refers to "the processes and methodologies which are designed and implemented to protect print, electronic, or any other form of confidential, private and sensitive information or data from unauthorized access, use, misuse, disclosure, destruction, modification, or disruption." The reference to "print" and information or data is significant, since cybersecurity pertains solely to digital or electronic information or data.

Cybersecurity is "the practice of protecting systems, networks and programs from digital attacks," according to high-tech giant Cisco. "These attacks are usually aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information; extorting money from users; or interrupting normal business processes." PCmag simplifies the definition to: "the protection of data and systems in networks that are connected to the internet."

Network security, the SANS Institute explains, is "the process of taking physical and software preventative measures to protect the underlying networking infrastructure from unauthorized access, misuse, malfunction, modification, destruction, or improper disclosure, thereby creating a secure platform for computers, users and programs to perform their permitted critical functions within a secure environment."

What Is the CIA Triad in Security?

Whenever the conversation turns to information security, network security and cybersecurity, it is helpful to understand the CIA triad. Though the term CIA might at first bring to mind a shadowy world of spies and secrets when used in connection with the clandestine security industry, in this context it actually refers to a series of guidelines and objectives that security experts are focused on when developing policies and procedures for an effective information security program. The three elements of the CIA triad are considered the three most crucial components of information security.
CIA - Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability
Confidentiality: Ensuring that the information is inaccessible to unauthorized people, commonly enforced through encryption, IDs and passwords, two-factor authentication and additional defensive strategies.

Integrity: Safeguarding information and systems from being modified by unauthorized people, thereby ensuring that the protected data is accurate and trustworthy.

Availability: Ensuring that authorized people have access to the information when needed; this includes rigorously maintaining all systems, keeping them current with upgrades, using backups to safeguard against disruptions or data loss, etc.

Widely observed throughout the security industry, the CIA triad, according to Techopedia, "was created to provide a baseline standard for evaluating and implementing information security regardless of the underlying system and/or organization."
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Jobs in Information, Network and Cybersecurity

Here is a closer look at notable jobs from each of these security disciplines, as well as a sampling of job related titles from listings at the employment website LinkedIn.
INFORMATION SECURITY Chief Information Security Officer
A CISO is the executive-level manager who directs strategy, operations and the budget for the protection of the enterprise information assets and manages that program. The scope of responsibility will encompass communications, applications and infrastructure, including the policies and procedures which apply. Top duties include:

Direct and approve the design of security systems

Ensure that disaster recovery and business continuity plans are in place and tested

Review and approve security policies, controls and cyber incident response planning

Review investigations after breaches or incidents, including impact analysis and recommendations for avoiding similar vulnerabilities

Make sure that cybersecurity policies and procedures are communicated to all personnel and that compliance is enforced

Manage all teams, employees, contractors and vendors involved in IT security

Constantly update the cybersecurity strategy to leverage new technology and threat information

LinkedIn (Job Titles and Employers):

Information Systems Security Officer (Amazon Web Services)

Information Security Risk Analyst (Adobe)

Information Security Architect (Cisco)

Information Security Manager (Quantcast)

Business Information Security Officer (Salesforce)

Information Security Engineer (Google)

Information Systems Security Officer (Raytheon)

CYBERSECURITY Cyber Security Analyst
Cyber security analysts assess, plan and enact security measures to help protect an organization from security breaches and attacks on its computer networks and systems. The job involves simulating attacks to identify vulnerabilities, testing new software to help protect the company's data, and helping users adhere to new regulations and processes to ensure the network stays safe. Additional duties may include:

Monitor computer networks to identify any issues or security breaches that need to be resolved

Install software, such as firewalls and data encryption programs, to help protect a company's data and sensitive information

Conduct tests on systems, including simulating attacks, to identify and defend potential areas of vulnerability

Develop processes and standards to ensure that systems stay as safe as possible, including researching the latest IT security trends and software

Prepare reports to document and support ongoing security efforts as well any security breaches

LinkedIn (Job Titles and Employers):

Cyber Security Architect (Lockheed Martin)

Cyber Info Systems Security Analyst (Northrop Grumman)

Vice President, Information and Cyber Security (News America Marketing)

Cyber Security Specialist Vulnerability Management (Irving Oil)

Principal Cyber Security Architect (Comcast)

Cyber Security Data Vulnerability Analyst (NBCUniversal)

Director of Cyber Security Operations (City of Boston)

NETWORK SECURITY Network Security Engineer
Network security engineers are responsible for the provisioning, deployment, configuration and administration of many different pieces of network and security-related hardware and software. These include firewalls, routers, switches, various network-monitoring tools, and virtual private networks (VPNs). These engineers are a company's first line of defense against unauthorized access from outside sources and potential security threats. Job responsibilities may include:

Test for network vulnerabilities, working with IT staff to evaluate, test and troubleshoot technologies; identify, diagnose and resolve security issues

Prepare comprehensive reports on their assessment-based findings, outcomes and proposals for further enhancing security

Produce documentation to ensure proper protocols and processes related to server and security infrastructure are in place

Create, implement and enforce network security

Manage vendor relationships related to security upgrades, installations and planning

LinkedIn (Job Titles and Employers):

Director, Network Security Architecture (Salesforce)

Network Security Engineer (Dropbox)

Principal Network Security Engineer (CBS Corp.)

Network Security Architect (Booz Allen Hamilton)

Network Security Lead (Verizon)

Principal Network Security Consultant (Symantec)

It should be noted that there is considerable overlap in many of the positions that employers are hiring for in these three related disciplines. For further insight, check out this list of 50 jobs in this field "that every job seeker should know about," from CybersecurityVentures.com.
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Educational Requirements

It is well-known that the security industry includes a broad mix of professionals with varying experience and educational backgrounds - some are largely self-taught; others possess advanced degrees.

This is important because, across all industries, demand for high-tech security talent (information security, network security, cybersecurity) far exceeds the current supply. Simply put, technology has brought new opportunities, and new risks, but the workforce is still catching up.

To help combat this talent shortage and train the next generation of cybersecurity leaders, more colleges and universities are now offering advanced degree programs. At the same time, computer and IT professionals who have specialized in other areas are recalibrating their skillsets with a heightened focus on security.

One such degree program, the Master of Science in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership, is offered entirely online by the University of San Diego to afford maximum flexibility to working professionals looking to take advantage of new career opportunities in the brave new world of cyberspace.

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Cybersecurity vs. Information Security vs. Network Security

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Everyone knows that security is essential in the Digital Age. Regular news reports about high-profile cyberattacks and data breaches leave no doubt that strong security is a must. But what's the difference between information security, cybersecurity and network security? There is definitely some confusion around these terms, in part because there's a significant amount of overlap between them.

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Government Agencies and Policy for Cyber Security

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Government Agencies and Policy for Cyber Security

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The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is a national effort to defend critical infrastructure against cyber threats. They are responsible for providing tools to safeguard responsive services and collaborate with governments to create policies that protect and improve these infrastructures. The National Cyber Incident Response Plan (NCIRP) was created by the CISA to facilitate collaboration and information sharing between stakeholders during cyber incidents. They have also created exercise and training programs to prepare for future cyber attacks and plan responses. By promoting communication between shareholders the CISA and NCIRP increase cybersecurity resilience.

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Government Agencies and Policy for Cyber Security

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Government Agencies and Policy for Cyber Security

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Government Agencies and Policy for Cyber Security

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Government Agencies and Policy for Cyber Security

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Government Agencies and Policy for Cyber Security

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Government Agencies and Policy for Cyber Security

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Cyber attacks can have a multitude of implications on organizations. From Financial loss, legal l consequences, damage to reputation, operational discrepancies, and so much more, Organizations can face many consequences at the hands of hackers. Organizations should have various strategies to try and protect their precious data. Some strategies that could be implemented range from but aren’t limited to multi layered security controls, regular security audits and testing, incident response planning, and security awareness training. In regards to ransomware and cyber attacks, organizations should have a plan to effectively respond by maintaining regular backups of important and valuable information, have an incident response plan to act on immediately, and have open communication with stakeholders.

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SideChannel - vCISO & Cybersecurity Services

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Developing a Cyber Incident Response Plan | IRP | Cyber Policy Creation #CISOlife

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The threat of ransomware looms large over businesses across various industries, with the latest insights from the Verizon 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report underscoring its pervasive nature. Organized crime actors are behind more than 62% of ransomware incidents, while financial motivations drive 59% of such cases.

Having an incident response plan in place is essential to ensure the safety of an organization's digital assets and overall security. Due to the continuous evolution of cyber threats, a well-defined plan is no longer just a precautionary measure, but an absolute necessity. As cyberattacks, particularly those involving ransomware, are becoming more prevalent, companies need to take a proactive approach.

By implementing a well-structured plan, organizations can respond swiftly and efficiently in the event of an attack. An established incident response team enables companies to quickly assess the situation, contain any potential damage, and work towards restoring systems to normalcy. This approach minimizes downtime and data loss. The impact is often measured in terms of the amount of data protected from compromise. In addition to operational considerations, an incident response plan assists organizations in navigating the legal and compliance landscape associated with cyber incidents.

Creating Your Incident Response Plan

An effective incident response plan meticulously outlines your organization's strategy and specific actionable steps for detecting, containing, mitigating, and recovering from cyber threats, including ransomware attacks. This strategy should encompass activities such as risk assessment, detection, in-depth investigation, and seamless restoration. By following these steps, your organization can effectively streamline its incident response process, mitigate the impact of any potential incidents, and maintain business continuity:

step 1. define objectives and scope

For an effective ransomware response plan, it is vital to establish clear objectives and identify the systems and data that will be impacted.

step 2. Establish an Incident Response Team

Formulate an incident response team comprising IT, cybersecurity, legal, and executive leadership experts. Assigning roles and responsibilities within the team ensures a coordinated response to ransomware incidents.

step 3. Develop an Incident Classification Framework

Craft a framework for classifying ransomware based on severity and impact. This aids in prioritizing responses and resource allocation in the event of an attack.

step 4. Detection and Identification of Ransomware Threats

Implement robust monitoring and detection systems to identify ransomware infections early. Employ intrusion detection, anomaly detection, and anti-malware solutions to flag potential ransomware dangers.

step 5. Containment and Eradication of Ransomware

Define procedures to isolate affected systems, preventing the spread of ransomware. Develop protocols for investigating and thwarting malicious actors, ensuring the quarantine of affected systems.

step 6. Recovery and Data Restoration

Establish a recovery plan for data and system restoration post-ransomware attack. Regularly back up critical data and test the restoration process for effectiveness.

step 7. Communication Protocols

Develop communication protocols for both internal and external stakeholders during ransomware incidents. Specify when and how to notify employees, customers, and regulatory authorities. Maintain open lines of communication throughout the response plan.

Step 8: Legal and Compliance Considerations

Collaborate with legal counsel and law enforcement to understand the legal and regulatory implications of ransomware. This includes data breach notification requirements and the consequences of paying the ransom.

Step 9: Documentation and Reporting

Document all actions taken during the process, including containment, eradication, and recovery efforts. Prepare incident reports for post-incident analysis and regulatory compliance. Regularly review and update the plan to accommodate changes in technology, threats, and organizational structure.

Step 10: Training and Awareness

Regularly train the incident response team and relevant employees on the ransomware response plan. Conduct tabletop exercises and simulations to ensure preparedness for an effective response to a ransomware attack.

FOCUS ON 3 KEY CATEGORIES

1. Detect Ransomware Behavior:

Employ anti-malware with machine learning and AI capabilities to effectively identify the multitude of threats generated daily.

2. Enhance Email Security and URL Filtering:

Update countermeasures to detect and filter threats before they infiltrate your system.

3. Improve Visibility:

Monitor and log activities across infrastructure using tools like Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) to identify malware, intrusions, and unauthorized access.

4. Network and Endpoint Security:

Eliminate network exposures, harden endpoints by disabling unused services, and segment internal networks.

5. Enhance Access Management:

Strengthen password and access management practices, restricting access to systems containing admin tools and sensitive data.

1. Security Awareness Training:
Implement training programs to help employees identify suspicious phishing attempts.

2. Automate Vulnerability Scanning and Patch Management:
Utilize automation to swiftly locate and address vulnerabilities, alleviating the IT team of this critical yet cumbersome task.

3. Simplify Endpoint Management:
Streamline the number of agents on endpoints and consoles, which may have accumulated over the years.

4. NIST Framework Implementation:

Regularly assess and update defenses and mitigation strategies using the NIST framework.

1. Data Protection:
Establish a robust data protection regimen as a final defense line. Conduct live tests of plans to validate strategies and processes regularly.

2. Disaster Recovery Solution:
Consider a disaster recovery solution to quickly resume operations by switching to replicated applications and data.

In the aftermath of an attack, leverage the incident response plan to identify and close vulnerabilities.

Start Your Incident Response Plan Today

At Systems X, we have a team of cybersecurity experts who are dedicated to helping you create a strong incident response plan that is specifically tailored to meet the needs of your organization. Our team has a wealth of experience in cybersecurity, and we are skilled at developing comprehensive strategies that are aligned with your goals. We take a proactive approach to cybersecurity, using advanced tools and techniques to detect, contain, and mitigate cyber threats, including those posed by ransomware incidents.

When you partner with Systems X, you can trust that we will work closely with you to enhance your cybersecurity resilience and respond quickly and effectively to potential threats. Let us empower your organization with a customized incident response plan that is designed to withstand the ever-evolving landscape of cyber risks.

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How to Build an Incident Response Plan for Ransomware Resilience

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Learn to build a robust ransomware incident response plan. Minimize downtime and safeguard digital assets. Schedule a call with our cybersecurity experts for enhanced resilience.

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Cybersecurity Risk Management | Institute of Data

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Explore effective cybersecurity risk management strategies to protect your organization from cyber threats in this comprehensive guide.