Outdated traditional security models and controls, in which the network perimeter becomes less visible and corporate networks more complex, are less effective in providing security for networks.
The modern enterprise network encompasses multiple environments, including on-premises, cloud-based, and remote resources, which must be kept the most confidential and secure. Protecting these environments against cyber attacks can be achieved through the Zero Trust implementation.
With the popularity of virtual work environments, especially in the business world, there has been an increase in companies adopting cyber security approaches to protect these environments. According to statistics in 2021, 42% of participants in a global study claim to be either in the early stages of adopting Zero Trust approach or are in the early phases of doing so. In general, 72% of respondents either already use Zero Trust or plan to do so in the future.
With this method, which is a vital part of the security infrastructure, you can provide high-level security by controlling your access. This method, which will level up your security level, should be acquired by every business, no matter how big or small. Let's talk about what exactly is this method, has been widely used by businesses.
What is Zero Trust?
By having a "trust none, verify all" mindset, zero trust is a cutting-edge method of network security intended to remedy the flaws of traditional networks. Access to company resources is only granted on a case-by-case basis under the Zero Trust security philosophy. These access decisions are based on role-based access controls (RBAC), in which users are only given the access and permissions required to successfully carry out their job tasks.
What is the importance of Zero Trust for businesses?
Today, more and more distributed workforces are taking place in the business world, and more and more outsourced employees are outsourced, either internally or externally. As a result, the traditional corporate network environment is changing dramatically, and many businesses are turning to some security measures to keep up with the pace of change.
The result of these situations has been an increase in surface areas for external cyberattacks and potentially harmful internal data breaches. This has made the traditional security scheme not fit for purpose in its current form. This is exactly why Zero Trust has started to gain great importance for companies.
With the Zero Trust "trusted users only" policy, you can utilize access control to divide the network into different parts. The corporate network is kept more secure by administrators who can set up teams and assign user access permissions based on the resources needed to complete their tasks.
Businesses have more control over who sees what and has access to what thanks to a Zero Trust network that is invisible to or inaccessible to outside parties. As a result, finding the source of breaches is quickened and you get a complete picture of what is happening in your corporate network.
Before implementing Zero Trust, what should I do?
Although it may seem complicated to implement and acquire Zero Trust, this process actually becomes quite easy as long as you follow some steps. So, what are these steps?
Get to know the areas you protect
Corporate networks are dynamic, ever-expanding systems that are challenging to comprehensively describe, control, or maintain. Administrators should determine which and where your most protected Data, Applications, Assets, and Services (DAAS) are rather than mapping the entire network. The first step toward Zero Trust is outlining this "Protect Surface."
Description of your Zero Trust architecture
As you map the Protection Surface of your network, you will be able to describe the architecture of your Zero Trust framework. It is to increase security controls to restrict access to your vital network areas. When adopting Zero Trust, utilizing both Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and Single Sign-on (SSO) aids in mapping your architecture.
Build your Zero Trust policy
The system often referred to as the Kipling Method, is a useful tool for figuring out whether an individual or group is qualified to enter your protected regions. In essence, administrators shouldn't be aware of any communication that takes place between a user and an application. So that someone can be taken seriously as trustworthy, high standards must be established and satisfied for security.
Maintain your network permissions
Documenting as many of the activities circulating in your environment as possible is what makes Zero Trust effective. Your administrators can use this data to improve your Zero Trust network security by applying for additional access permissions over time.
Zero Trust Network Access is a model that you can incorporate into your existing architecture relatively easily. Zero Trust is designed to make sure that your most critical data and resources are accessible only to those who are trusted and that no one else can.
Conclusion
Zero Trust we mentioned above has many benefits for businesses such as potential cost reductions, safer data enhanced network security, reduced impact from breaches, and more. These not only benefit the employer but also the employees and even the customers. Zero Trust, which is the basic building block of secure access, keeps cloud working environments safe thanks to the solutions it provides.
Remember that implementing Zero Trust Network Access together with other SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) components such as Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), and Firewall as a Service (FwaaS) is the most efficient from Zero Trust security strategy. To sum it up, protecting your cloud workspaces from cyberattacks requires the deep visibility and granular protection that Zero Trust solutions provide.
Online Threat Alerts Security Tips
Pay the safest way
Credit cards are the safest way to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if you never get the goods or services or if the offer was misrepresented. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if someone makes unauthorized charges to your account, and most credit card issuers will remove them completely if you report the problem promptly.
Guard your personal information
In any transaction you conduct, make sure to check with your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the seller, charity, company, or organization is credible. Be especially wary if the entity is unfamiliar to you. Always call the number found on a website’s contact information to make sure the number legitimately belongs to the entity you are dealing with.
Be careful of the information you share
Never give out your codes, passwords or personal information, unless you are sure of who you're dealing with
Know who you’re dealing with
Crooks pretending to be from companies you do business with may call or send an email, claiming they need to verify your personal information. Don’t provide your credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying for something and know who you are sending payment to. Your social security number should not be necessary unless you are applying for credit. Be especially suspicious if someone claiming to be from a company with whom you have an account asks for information that the business already has.
Check your accounts
Regularly check your account transactions and report any suspicious or unauthorised transactions.
Don’t believe promises of easy money
If someone claims that you can earn money with little or no work, get a loan or credit card even if you have bad credit, or make money on an investment with little or no risk, it’s probably a scam. Oftentimes, offers that seem too good to be true, actually are too good to be true.
Do not open email from people you don’t know
If you are unsure whether an email you received is legitimate, try contacting the sender directly via other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe.
Think before you click
If an email or text message looks suspicious, don’t open any attachments or click on the links.
Verify urgent requests or unsolicited emails, messages or phone calls before you respond
If you receive a message or a phone call asking for immediate action and don't know the sender, it could be a phishing message.
Be careful with links and new website addresses
Malicious website addresses may appear almost identical to legitimate sites. Scammers often use a slight variation in spelling or logo to lure you. Malicious links can also come from friends whose email has unknowingly been compromised, so be careful.
Secure your personal information
Before providing any personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords, be sure the website is secure.
Stay informed on the latest cyber threats
Keep yourself up to date on current scams by visiting this website daily.
Use Strong Passwords
Strong passwords are critical to online security.
Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs
Keep all of your software applications up to date on your computers and mobile devices. Install software that provides antivirus, firewall, and email filter services.
Update the operating systems on your electronic devices
Make sure your operating systems (OSs) and applications are up to date on all of your electronic devices. Older and unpatched versions of OSs and software are the target of many hacks. Read the CISA security tip on Understanding Patches and Software Updates for more information.
What if You Got Scammed?
Stop Contact With The Scammer
Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.
Secure Your Finances
- Report potentially compromised bank account, credit or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They may be able to cancel or reverse fraudulent transactions.
- Notify the three major credit bureaus. They can add a fraud alert to warn potential credit grantors that you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also want to consider placing a free security freeze on your credit report. Doing so prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit report entirely, which will prevent them from extending credit:
- Equifax
- Experian
- TransUnion
Check Your Computer
If your computer was accessed or otherwise affected by a scam, check to make sure that your anti-virus is up-to-date and running and that your system is free of malware and keylogging software. You may also need to seek the help of a computer repair company. Consider utilizing the Better Business Bureau’s website to find a reputable company.
Change Your Account Passwords
Update your bank, credit card, social media, and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwords when changing account passwords.
Report The Scam
Reporting helps protect others. While agencies can’t always track down perpetrators of crimes against scammers, they can utilize the information gathered to record patterns of abuse which may lead to action being taken against a company or industry.
Report your issue to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:
- Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
- Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
- Identitytheft.gov: If someone is using your personal information, like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number, to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund, report it at www.identitytheft.gov. This federal government site will also help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation. Questions can be directed to 877-ID THEFT.
How To Recognize a Phishing Scam
Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.
Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages:
Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might
- say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
- claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
- say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
- include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
- want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware
- say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam
- offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real
About Online Threat Alerts (OTA)
Online Threat Alerts or OTA is an anti-cybercrime community that started in 2012. OTA alerts the public to cyber crimes and other web threats.
By alerting the public, we have prevented a lot of online users from getting scammed or becoming victims of cybercrimes.
With the ever-increasing number of people going online, it important to have a community like OTA that continuously alerts or protects those same people from cyber-criminals, scammers and hackers, who are every day finding new ways of carrying out their malicious activities.
Online users can help by reporting suspicious or malicious messages or websites to OTA. And, if they want to determine if a message or website is a threat or scam, they can use OTA's search engine to search for the website or parts of the message for information.
Help maintain Online Threat Alerts (OTA).