Network Security Best Practices: Access Control and Segmentation
EV-Consultech • Oct 31, 2020
Network Security Best Practices: Access Control and Segmentation
The IT network infrastructure is in many ways the backbone of any business. As a network supports countless diverse aspects of an organization, it is no surprise that IT specialists who have experienced and remediated data breaches can testify that they often cause major - and sometimes irreversible damage.
While multiple defenses exist against such threats, such as firewalls and antimalware software, are these in themselves enough to protect a business from attacks? Unfortunately, attackers know that most companies already have these security measures in place for such an event, which is why they often target the human error factor instead, knowing that people are indeed the weakest link and can be prone to making mistakes.
However, there are two controls you can implement in your organization's network that can provide another shield of protection beyond traditional security measures, making it much more challenging for intruders to compromise your network: Access Control and Segmentation.
Implement Tighter Access Control
While implementing secure access control may seem like a simple task, it can be difficult to execute in reality. Why? One reason in particular keeps many businesses from having tight controls over access, and that is convenience. It is much more convenient for businesses to use the same or similar credentials across the board, rather than having unique access policies per user or department based on individual needs.
Nevertheless, it is vital that businesses ensure their users have all the credentials they need, but not any more or any less. Any more can lead to a massive increase in damage done by an attacker should they access to the network; any less can keep your employees from meeting their job requirements. In many cases, the only exception to a limited access policy should be company owners, executive managers, and IT staff, who need universal access given the scope of their work.
A limited access policy results in a more secure work environment for everyone. Though some employees under such a policy may dislike having less freedom, the benefits of security far outweighs the costs.
Let's consider an example: A marketing employee has credentials that provide her limited access across an organization. She is able to access her marketing resources, and any other resources she needs. However, she has no access to the accounting department's resources, or the resources of any other department she does not need. She also doesn't have administrative rights. If a perpetrator is able to break into the network through her credentials, he will be able to do far less damage, and across a more limited spectrum than he might have were she to have much greater access to company data.
The bottom line is this - If you are looking for an additional wall of defense beyond traditional measures, maintain tight user access control. This is one of the best defenses you can have against security breaches.
Segment your Network
Another step you can take to secure your business data is to segment your network by dividing it into several smaller networks. While this method of network security can be time consuming, it can have a powerful affect on your network's security - similar in many ways to limited access policies.
A great way to segment a network is by department. In this way a company can have a different subnetwork for each of its functions, like accounting, shipping, and marketing. Just as tight user access controls can divide access to company resources by user, having segmented networks divides access per computer and network device.
It's also wise to create a separate network for personal devices of employees and guests, with limited access to company data compared to business computers and devices. This will limit any attacker's chance of accessing your important company data through a personal device not equipped with features as per your business's security policies.
The result of a well-designed, segmented network is a more highly secured organization, and a much greater challenge for any attacker trying to break into your company's network.
It's Worth the Effort
At first glance, it may seem too much to define unique access policies based on each user's needs, and to divide your company's network by department, but coupled with firewalls, antimalware software, and other security measures, these efforts will be well worth the time. Many companies are slow to improve their security simply because they haven't experienced a major data breach yet. Instead of having to experience one at all, we recommend you be rigorous and proactive about your company's security, and keep would-be attackers out of your network before they try to enter it.
This blog is based on information from the following articles:
STOP
Your Shield Against Insider Attacks
Password Managers
Cyber Insurance
In today's day in age, the use of AI-generated platforms has become increasingly popular across the internet. These platforms allow for a fast and facilitated way to complete tasks such as professional work, education, or expanding one's personal knowledge. Anyone has the ability to discover new or pre-existing information regarding a multitude of topics by simply imputing their inquiries on platforms such as Chat GPT. Chat GPT has had a striking impact on society because of how easy it is for people to gather information on any topic. The platform provides information on anything asked through its online chat and it does so with a fast response. However, Chat GPT and AI-generated platforms can have potential risks such as... Data Breaches Data breaches can happen when using any type of online platform, especially those generated by AI. Chat GPT must be accessed through a web browser since it cannot be downloaded. Because of that, data breaches can occur if an unauthorized party gets a hold of your online chat logs, personal information, or any other sensitive data. A few consequences are: Privacy compromises : If an unknown person or group gains access to your personal information through the platform, your privacy has been compromised and you identity could be exposed. Identity theft : Cybercriminals could use your personal information to act under your name rather than their own. They would steal your identity by using it against you in order to perform fraudulent actions. Misuse of data : User data could be subject to misuse when a data breach occurs on an AI platform. With that, your information could be used without your consent for suspicious activity online. Open AI appears to be taking accurate cyber security measures in order to make it less likely for data breaches to take place. However, not all systems are free from errors or breaches in security, and Chat GPT is a good example of this. Access to Confidential Information Chat GPT has the ability to use personal information entered into the online chat by its users. In order to ensure the user's safety and continual privacy while using the platform, it's best to not exploit one's own information when using the AI chat. Gaining access to user information isn't easy for an AI-generated platform to achieve, but if the user provides the data themselves, it can have some consequences. Biased or Inconsistent Information An additional risk in using Chat GPT is that it could potentially provide biased or inconsistent information to its users Because of the wide range of information the platform contains, it could possibly generate false data that could be confused for something else. This can definitely affect industries or companies that use AI-generated content for their line of work These businesses could provide faulty service to their customers all due to the misleading data given by an AI platform. This has the potential to hinder the company’s advances and overall performance as a result. In the end, it's up to the user and the user alone how they interpret the information given by the AI chat bots; it could be completely right or completely false. Question: Is it safe to use? In certain aspects, Chat GPT contains multiple potential threats to one’s online experience. A platform such as this one can provide misinformation and exploit your personal information. However, it can still be used without problems if certain measures are taken accordingly. Safety Measures You Can Take: Browse on and interacting with AI platforms through anonymous accounts Keep personal or sensitive information private Review the platform’s privacy policy and be well-informed about its activity To conclude, yes, Chat GPT is safe to use as long as it is used responsibly and accordingly to reap the benefits. These types of platforms will continue to be prevalent in the world for years to come and it’s important to know how to ensure we have the best experience with AI. Where can I learn more about the effects of AI for my business? At EV-Consultech, we can answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding the influence of AI. Learn more by contacting us below.
Why Using A.I. Chatbots Will Impact The Way You Conduct Business
Pandemic Impact
When an employee decides to leave a company, there is an offboarding process that needs to happen. This process “decouples” the employee from the company’s technological assets and is vital to cybersecurity.
The pandemic has been a reality check that companies all around have shared. It required major changes in how they operate. No longer, did the status quo of having everyone work in the office make sense for everyone. Many organizations had to quickly evolve to working through remote means.
The one constant about technology is that it changes rapidly. Tools that were once industry standard, like Internet Explorer and Adobe Flash, age out, replaced by faster and more secure alternatives.