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Cyber Security Services in Sydney | 3Columns

The number and frequency of Cyber-Attacks is increasing at a rapid rate whilst also becoming more sophisticated. Technology is constantly evolving, putting your business also partners, staff and suppliers in a vulnerable position unless your cybersecurity is comprehensive and effective at the highest level of performance. There’s no one size fits all cybersecurity solution when it comes to cybersecurity services. While some companies install a firewall and think they are safe, we follow a proven 3 step system to ensure your business has the highest level of security possible. Partnering with us means you get an expert team of highly experienced cyber security professionals with flexibility and focus unique to our industry. A team that holds a broad list of industry certifications, is a proud CREST certified testing partner and an active security advisor across multiple industries. Lets make sure your business is doing enough to anticipate, protect and detect risks, or knows how to react, respond and repair, talk with us on +61285932358 or visit us on https://3columns.io/cyber-security-services/.

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Network Security Services by 3Columns in Sydney, Australia

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SOC uplift provider company Brisbane - 3Columns

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5 Key Requirements for PCI DSS Compliance: 4.0 Compliance Checklist | 3Columns

PCI DSS 4.0 is the exclusive update of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. It is accomplished by the organizations that deal with! card exchanges and cardholder’s datasets. PCI DSS is led by PCI Standards Security Council, established by renowned card companies including Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. PCI DSS 4.0 makes the usage, storage and transfer of cardholders’ data more safe and agile. It helps limit and completely removes the credit and debit cards data loss. PCI DSS arranges robust safety protocols for card users and merchants to safeguard card data and usage from data breaches and harmful attacks.

Following are the five main requirements that users should fulfil to extract the best uses of PCI DSS 4.0–

● Installation and administration of a firewall

The first and foremost step towards maintaining organizational compliance in PCI DSS 4.0 is installing a firewall. There should be an adequate configuration of routers and firewalls to safeguard the cardholder’s data. Firewalls assist in adding security barriers to incoming and outgoing networks, further strengthening the card data. Organizations must incorporate robust firewalls that guard the entry and exits of accesses by filtering the unsolicited and harmful entries.

● Removing vendor default setting

The following essential requirement is eliminating the vendor default settings automatically installed on devices, systems and software. Generally, operating devices and panels have a username and password already set by the vendors. These usernames and passwords are vulnerable to foreign attacks. Whenever you incorporate PCI DSS 4.0, ensure that you alter the password and name and then use it.

● Securing stored cardholder data

Securing cardholder’s data is essential for completing PCI DSS 4.0 compliance. Users should know where the cardholder’s data is stacked, whether in documents, spreadsheets, or other files. Organizations should follow industry norms, algorithms and rules to protect the data. There are four ways of protecting cardholder’s data- encryption, truncation, masking, and hashing. Follow these rules and make the datasets confidential and safe from malicious users and attacks.

● Encryption of payment data transmission

Organizations should set stringent safety protocols on open and public networks to ensure the safe transmission of cardholder data. The primary payment gateways and processors should be appropriately encrypted. Using robust transmission protocols for encryption such as TLS and SSH helps safeguard the payment data transmission’s integrity.

● Regular maintenance of antivirus software

Antivirus protects cardholders’ datasets and crucial information portfolios from malware campaigns and unauthorized access. The proper deployment of antivirus protects data software, networks and computers from attacks of hacking, digital theft and data scraping. Make sure all the antivirus mechanisms are maintained and updated regularly.

Conclusion

These are the five essential requirements organizations must accomplish to ensure PCI DSS 4.0 compliance. Following the global standards of PCI DSS makes the storage, transmission and processing of card data effective and highly secure. Companies that deal with credit or debit cards data should precisely fulfil all these requirements. It will help them protect the customer’s data most plausibly.

About Us

3Columns are an industry leading Cybersecurity services provider based in Australia & New Zealand delivering world-class Cybersecurity solutions for our clients. We help businesses identify gaps in security and fortify important assets before it’s too late. Our cybersecurity experts work closely with organizations to develop IR plans tailored to their team’s structure and capabilities.

If you want more information about our Cybersecurity services in Sydney, Australia or looking for comprehensive Cybersecurity solutions in Sydney and training for your business then reach out to us at: Info@3columns.io or visit us at: https://3columns.io .

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Major differences between PCI DSS 4.0 & 3.2.1 and exclusive changes in PCI DSS 4.0

PCI DSS or Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard is an organised data security panel that protects cardholders’ interests in all factors. It is a secure framework for protecting cardholder data, privacy, and credentials. It also sets robust barriers against fraud, discrepancies, and cyberattacks.

PCI DSS 4.0 is the exclusive version that brings many new conditions and features within its functioning. The PCI security standards council will release in its Quarter one of 2022. The ultimate aim of PCI DSS 4.0 is to add more compliance and flexible features to working PCI DSS.

Five solid changes integrated in PCI DSS 4.0 are mentioned here-

1. Organizations and businesses will have to alter, report and verify the PCI DSS domain of the in-scope environment or PCI DSS 12.5.2. They will require extra documentation for confirming the safety protocols.

2. There will be the setting of target risk assessment, especially for controls that utilize the customised strategy. The target risk analysis will occur every 12 months with full-fledged and authorized agreements approved by senior administration.

3. An annual risk examination for any controls will be set. It will have the flexibility for maintaining the regularity and credibility of controls.

4. There will be an arrangement of cipher suites and protocols supervision annually.

5. An annual survey will be adapted to remove conventional technologies and implement the exclusive ones.

Here is all about the other requirements of PCI DSS 4.0-

● Additional RFC

PCI DSS will integrate RFC in the payment community for checking and assessing documents. The PCI DSS committee will organise an RFC for safeguarding 4.0 with additional safety protocols. It will further consist of Report on Compliance (ROC) template, Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs), and Attestation of Compliance (AOC) validation documents.

● Enhanced authentication features

PCI DSS 4.0 will have an updated and multi-factor authentication system. It will secure the login portals by augmenting the passwords and their strengths. The authentication features will provide more security to PAN, cardholder’s IDs, service code, account number, CVV and expiration dates.

● Changes in Supporting materials

It will bring many supporting materials such as SAQs, ROCs, and AOCs for protecting the card company and holder’s integrity. These materials will form a rigid barrier against card breaches. They will protect against data infringement and security leaks. There will be moderations in training and strategies of 4.0.

● Making security a continuous Process

Security will be guaranteed in a continuous process PCI DSS 4.0. It brings a solid safety program for continuous compliance. It will set security frameworks at each level collaborating with dealers, service providers, payment companies, and users to make the payment chain agile and secure.

● Customized validation methods and procedures

Organizations can alter the validation methodologies for setting simple yet strong safety norms. There will be SAQ validation methods to mitigate and resolve risks. Earlier, there were options of only evaluating risks and setting short-term compensation controls. But with 4.0, users can document long-term customization in the payment protocol’s setting.

Five main differences between 3.2.1 and 4.0

PCI DSS released its 3.2.1 version in 2018, whereas the latest version of 4.0 is set to roll out in 2022. Although there are not many differences between 3.2.1 and 4.0, let’s look at a few basic ones.

● PCI DSS 3.2.1 does not meet the IT area needs, but the 4.0 version is well-versed in securing cloud and related IT infrastructure.

● 4.0 update is more suitable for dealing with serverless data, whereas 3.2.1 is incompatible.

● PCI DSS 3.2.1 has only primary controls for protecting payment gateways, but 4.0 brings advanced settings in reinforcing payment outlets.

● 3.2.1 comes with only basic encryption standards, whereas 4.0 has high multi-factor authentication features.

● 3.2.1 acquires basic compensation controls in regulating Qualified Security Auditors or QSA. The 4.0 version has a customised implementation approach in designing and setting security controls of entities.

Conclusion

PCI DSS is a critical security network for adding credibility and a techno-savvy approach to payment cards. PCI DSS 4.0 will be a trendsetter in the PCI DSS area as it will bring a more innovative and safe approach for cardholders. It will strengthen the security in the payment industry, granting rigid protocol against phishing, cybercrime and digital theft. PCI DSS 4.0 will expand the validation methodologies granting a safe payment experience in the offline and the online mode to the cardholders. It is going to be a significant landmark in the payment board.

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Cloud Security Service Provider in Australia, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne

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Red Teaming Services in Australia, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne

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3Columns make adopting digital change easier and safer for businesses, by complementing your IT capability with our security expertise and experience. Taking a comprehensive approach, our focus is on ensuring your cyber security is considered, assessed and embedded into every element of your business infrastructure, ensuring the highest levels of protection. Providing a practical and cost-effective approach allows the opportunity for long standing partnerships with our clients. There whenever you need us, to help where we can. 3Columns has grown into a team of experienced cyber security experts and engineers, at the top of cyber security field. With incomparable knowledge, services and a genuine passion for their work, 3Columns paves the way for cyber security, penetration testing, cloud assessment, 3rd party maintenance, Red Teaming, vulnerability scanning and dark web monitoring excellence. Working closely with our clients to always offer the best solutions and a comprehensive range of technology. We offer a comprehensive portfolio of industry leading cyber security services, penetration testing services, cloud assessment services, 3rd party maintenance services, vulnerability scanning services, Red Teaming services and dark web monitoring services that empower organisations to take control of their risks. Partnering with us means you get an expert team of highly experienced cyber security professionals with flexibility and focus unique to our industry. A team that holds a broad list of industry certifications, is a proud CREST certified testing partner and an active security advisor across multiple industries. 3Columns take a holistic approach to cyber security, adapting a multi-disciplined, cost effective and considered way of working to supplement your security team capabilities. Our three guiding principles (3Columns) ‘Design, Assure, Govern’ stand as the foundation for our flexible expertise. 3Columns are invested partners, together with you, for the long term.

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Cyberattacks are becoming inevitable : How to create a secure online password you can remember? – 3Columns

No one is immune to cyberattacks. Passwords like ‘111111’ and ‘123456’ were among the most popular online passwords last year, and some banks even allowed customers use their own names.Observing World Password Day’s may be the best indicator of the level of vigilance required to live in the current world.The more we exist online, the more we must work to safeguard our privacy. In a nutshell, we need stronger passwords. The issue resurfaced this week with the publication of some troubling findings from a recent survey conducted by consumer group Which?

It was discovered that cases of banking fraud got increased by 97% in the first half of 2021. And the study suggested that high-street banks should take at least some of the blame, as far too many were lacking in security protection. Six banks even allowed customers to create passwords that included their own names.

Researchers focused at the security of online and mobile apps for 15 of the largest current accounts. But, just as our banks need to be more aware of this clear and present danger, we, as individuals, do as well. However, when it comes to creating passwords, most of us don’t give it much thought. We usually only have one and use it frequently. When fraudsters discover it, they suddenly find themselves in possession of the keys to our kingdoms.

According to internet security firm SplashData, the most popular passwords in 2021 were “111111” and “123456,” with “123456789” being a popular option for people who wanted to make things more difficult. “Password” and “qwerty” were popular choices.

Bobby Seagull, a maths instructor who found fame after appearing in University Challenge in 2017, has been inspired by the challenge of devising secure yet easy-to-remember passwords.

“It’s assumed that users haven’t made their passwords more complicated in response to increased hacker activity,” he tells i.

However, part of the cause for the enormous surge in banking fraud is simply the increased use of internet banking, along with increased technological proficiency. The more we live our lives on screens, the more likely fraudsters are to “discover” us.

The banks have stated that they are aware of the situation and are taking appropriate action.

“We take our customers’ security very seriously,” adds a Metro Bank spokeswoman, “and we constantly analyse and evolve our systems to… avoid fraud.” Throughout the year, we run many pieces of fraud prevention advise, offering relevant guidance on a regular basis.”

Sarah Knowles, co-founder of Shift Key Cyber, a company that works to protect people from cybercrime, claims that scammers often scam not for financial gain, but because they enjoy the challenge.

They have successfully imitated the World Health Organization and the UK Government in the last year by creating false domains and sending text messages requesting passwords in exchange for financial contributions. Thousands of people have been duped.

“No one is immune to the threat of cyber attacks,” Knowles admits, “so cyber professionals will always be on the defensive.”

“The more security measures we put in place, the more scammers will find ways to bypass them.”

What makes a password strong?

Password strength is proportional to the amount of computing power required to crack the password. Security experts advise users to create long, complex passwords to increase the time it takes to crack. Here are some specific steps you can take to strengthen the security of your passwords:

a) The longer the password, the safer it is.

b) Avoid commonly used password patterns.

c) Refrain from using dictionary words.

d) Use unique passwords

e) Be careful where you store your passwords.

f) Two-factor and Multi factor authentication are your friend.

How 3columns can protect your business?

If your enterprise is facing issues in managing security, handling massive logs and has to filter big amounts of security data , then we can help you by implementing comprehensive SIEM software , NIST Framework and Log Management Solutions which will enable your organizations to detect incidents that may otherwise go undetected. Book a Free No Obligation Call with our consultants today. https://zcu.io/z83i

About Us :

3Columns is an industry leading Cybersecurity provider based in Australia & New Zealand delivering world-class Cybersecurity solutions for our clients. We help businesses identify gaps in security and fortify important assets before its too late. If you are looking for comprehensive Cybersecurity Solutionsand training for your business then reach out to us at: Info@3columns.io or visit us at: https://zcu.io/z83i

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Pen testing and ethical hacking are other terms for penetration testing. It refers to the deliberate launch of simulated cyberattacks designed to find exploitable vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, websites, and applications. Penetration testers assess the security of their IT infrastructure in a controlled environment in order to protect against attacks and identify and exploit vulnerabilities. Instead of testing windows and doors, they look for flaws in servers, networks, web applications, mobile devices, and other potential entry points. IT infrastructure flaws enable hackers to easily gain access to the system and private information, resulting in intellectual property loss, identity theft, brand reputation damage, and data loss.

3Columns is best Penetration testing company in Australia. It's highly certified consultants have years of experience in providing Penetration testing services in Australia, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to a wide range of customers. They are experienced and qualified in Penetration Testing Networks, Applications, SCADA, IoT, Wireless, PCI-DSS and many more. If you are looking for comprehensive Cybersecurity solutions and best penetration testing services for your business in Australia,Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, then reach out to us at: Info@3columns.io or visit us at: https://3columns.io.

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No business should underestimate the devastating impact that cyber-crime can cause, however, we appreciate it may not always be the core focus. Here at 3Columns we take the load of this often-heavy threat, so that you can concentrate on success without the worry of a detrimental cyber threat occurring.

Global experience – Working across almost every industry, in key markets globally, including both small and large companies our team of experts are incredibly well equipped to handle any cyber security demand.

Pragmatic approach – With our wealth of knowledge and experience, plus having worked with businesses of all sizes, we understand that minimizing cost is a priority for most. Keeping this is mind, we always work with your business to provide the best support possible and never recommend unnecessary solutions.

Agility is Key – We know that in the cyber space things often happen suddenly, which requires an immediate response. 3Columns is the partner you can rely on to react quickly with the right expertise to provide timely solutions to protect your business.

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ISO 27001 checklist: 16 Steps for the implementation

Implementing an ISMS (information security management system) that is ISO 27001 compliant can be difficult, but it is worthwhile. This 16-step implementation checklist is meant to assist you if you are just getting started with ISO 27001 compliance.

1. Obtain management support

This one may appear to be obvious but it is frequently ignored. However, in my experience, this is the primary reason why ISO 27001 certification projects fail: management either does not provide enough personnel to work on the project or does not provide enough funding.

2. Approach it as a project.

As previously stated, implementing an Information Security Management System (ISMS) based on ISO 27001 is a complex issue involving numerous activities and a large number of people that can take several months (or more than a year). If you don’t clearly define what needs to be done, who will do it, and when it needs to be done (i.e., use project management), you might as well never finish the job.

3. Define the scope

If your organization is large, it makes sense to start implementing ISO 27001 in one part of the business. This approach reduces project risk because you upgrade each business unit separately and then integrate them together at the end.

Note: Any organization with less than 50 employees must retain company-wide scope.

Your management team should help define the scope of the ISO 27001 framework and should participate in a risk register and identify assets (i.e. tell you which business assets to protect). The implementation of scoping includes internal and external factors, such as relationships with your human resources and marketing and communications teams, as well as with regulatory authorities, organizations certification and law enforcement agencies. Think about how your security team will work with these dependencies and document each process (be sure to indicate who is the decision maker for each activity).

Set goals, budgets, and provide estimated deadlines. If your scope is too small, you may expose information, but if your scope is too large, the ISMS will quickly become complex and increase the risk of failure. Finding balance is very important.

In your ISMS scope documentation, you should include a brief description of the location, floor plan and org chart – this is not a strict requirement by the standard, but certified auditors as they have included. ISMS scope documents are a requirement of ISO 27001, but these documents can form part of your information security policy.

4. Write an Information Security Policy

The Information Security Policy (or ISMS Policy) is the highest-level internal document in your ISMS; it should not be overly detailed, but it should define some basic information security requirements in your organization. But what good is it if it isn’t detailed? The goal is for management to define what it wants to accomplish and how to achieve it.

5. Specify the methodology for risk assessment.

The most difficult task in the ISO 27001 project is risk assessment; the objective is to define the rules for identifying risks, impacts, and likelihood, as well as the acceptable level of risk. If those rules were not clearly defined, you might end up with results that are unusable.

6. Conduct the risk assessment and risk treatment

You must now carry out the risk assessment that you defined in the previous step – this may take several months for larger organizations, so you must carefully coordinate such an effort. The goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the internal and external threats to your organization’s information. (To learn more, see ISO 27001 risk assessment: How to Match Assets, Threats, and Vulnerabilities.)

The aim of the risk treatment process is to reduce unacceptable risks, which is usually accomplished by planning to use Annex A controls. (For more information, see the article 4 risk mitigation options according to ISO 27001.)

In this step, a Risk Assessment Report has to be prepared, which covers all the steps taken during the risk assessment and risk treatment process. Also, an approval of residual risks must be obtained – either as a separate document, or as part of the Statement of Applicability.

7. Write the Statement of Applicability

Once you have completed your risk treatment process, you will know exactly which controls from Annex A you need (there are a total of 114 controls, but you probably won’t need them all). The purpose of this document (frequently referred to as the SOA) is to list all controls and to define which are applicable and which are not, and the reasons for such a decision; the objectives to be achieved with the controls; and a description of how they are implemented in the organization.

The Statement of Applicability is also the most suitable document to obtain management authorization for the implementation of the ISMS.

8. Create a Risk Treatment Plan.

Just when you thought you were done with risk-related documents, here comes another one – the purpose of the Risk Treatment Plan is to define exactly how the controls from the SoA are to be implemented – who will do it, when, on what budget, and so on. This document is actually an implementation plan centred on your controls, without which you would be unable to coordinate further project steps.

9. Define how to measure the effectiveness of controls

This is another task that is usually underestimated in a management system. The point here is – if you can’t measure what you’ve done, how can you be sure you have fulfilled the purpose? Therefore, be sure to define how you are going to measure the fulfillment of objectives you have set both for the whole ISMS, and for security processes and/or controls.

10: Implement Controls & Procedures

This is where you put the documents and records required by clauses 4 through 10 of the standard, as well as the applicable controls from Annex A, into action. Because it necessitates the implementation of new behaviors, this is usually one of the riskiest activities in the project. New controls, policies, and procedures are required, and people frequently resist change. As a result, the next step is critical to avoiding this risk becoming a problem.

11. Implement Training & Awareness Programmes

Now that you have new policies and procedures in place, it is time to inform your employees. Plan training sessions, webinars, and so on. Provide them with a thorough explanation of why these changes are required; this will assist them in adopting the new ways of working.

In order to comply with ISO 27001, your security awareness training programme should include the following components:

1.Roles and responsibilities for running the programme

2.Security awareness poster campaigns

3.Computer-based security awareness training

4.Simulated phishing exercises

5. Cyber security alerts and advisories

One of the most common reasons for project failure is the absence of these activities in an ISMS.

12: Operate the ISMS

Records management should become an important part of your daily routine. ISO 27001 certification auditors adore records; without them, it is extremely difficult to prove that activities occurred. Maintain clear, concise records to assist you in monitoring what is going on and ensuring that your employees and suppliers are performing their duties as expected.

Automatically created records:

Logs created within your information systems

Reports created from the information systems

Manually created records:

● Reports where additional input was needed

● Training records

● Records from drills, testing, and exercising

● Meeting minutes

● Corrective actions

● Asset inventories

● Checklists

● To-do lists

● Change history within documents

● Post-incident review results

● Visitor’s logbook

13. Monitor the ISMS

What is happening in your ISMS? How many incidents do you have, and of what type? Are all the procedures carried out properly?

This is where the objectives for your controls and measurement methodology come together – you have to check whether the results you obtain are achieving what you have set in your objectives. If not, you know something is wrong – you have to perform corrective and/or preventive actions.

14. Internal audit

Very often, people are not aware that they are doing something wrong (on the other hand, they sometimes are, but they don’t want anyone to find out about it). But being unaware of existing or potential problems can hurt your organization – you have to perform an internal audit in order to find out such things. The point here is not to initiate disciplinary actions, but to take corrective and/or preventive actions.

15. Management review

Management does not have to configure your firewall, but they must know what is going on in the ISMS, i.e., if everyone performed their duties, and if the ISMS is achieving the desired results, fulfilling the defined requirements, etc. Based on that, the management must make some crucial decisions.

16. Corrective and preventive actions

The management system’s goal is to ensure that everything that is wrong (so-called “non-conformists”) is corrected or, ideally, avoided. As a result, ISO 27001 requires that corrective and preventive actions be carried out in a systematic manner, which means that the root cause of a non-conformity must be identified, then resolved and verified.

Hopefully, this ISO 27001 checklist has clarified what needs to be done – while ISO 27001 is not a simple task, it is also not a difficult one. You simply need to plan each step carefully, and don’t worry – your organization will receive ISO 27001 certification.

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3Columns make adopting digital change easier and safer for businesses, by complementing your IT capability with our security expertise and experience, focused on ensuring security is considered, assessed and embedded into every element of your business infrastructure. We do this using practical and least expensive approaches, that we can stand by over the long-term in partnership with our customers.

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Top 6 Identity Security Problems Overlooked by Companies – 3Columns

In typical computing environments, an identity represents a one-to-one relationship between a carbon-based life and their digital presence. Their digital presence, however, can have multiple accounts, multiple credentials, and an infinite number of entitlements in electronic format.

Consider the accounts associated with your personal identity and the myriad accounts associated with your corporate identity. These account names may be easily guessable if they are based on a simple template of your first initial and last name. On the other hand, they could be better obfuscated from a threat actor by using some form of patterned letters and numbers.

An account name could also be a predefined alias like “administrator” and have a logical meaning to a resource, but not intrinsically known to anyone outside of yourself unless an audit or IGA certification is performed. It is considered an identity governance best practice to permanently map this identifier back to your identity by including you in a group like “administrators” versus you being the “administrator” itself.

Top Overlooked Identity Management Problems

With that intro aside, let’s now consider the top 6 problems a CISO may experience.

1. Employees with the Same (or Similar) Names: If you have a common name (i.e. John Smith), you have inevitably encountered someone with the same name, or at least the same initials. Most corporate email addresses are based on first name and last name, in some combination.

As an organization grows, it is likely you will have account name collisions. While most businesses avoid this by adding a middle initial or a number as a suffix, multiple entries in your global address list can make it difficult to find someone. A sender needs to inspect a user’s title and location to determine if they are the correct individual.

Thus, truncating a person’s name for an account or email address can become a problem. And, the more you truncate the reference to their identity, the more problematic it becomes.

Therefore, consider adopting an account nomenclature based on full names, including middle initial or based on an obfuscated identity nomenclature, to avoid this conflict. This will help stop emails being mistakenly sent to the wrong people, which could, in some instances, result in the inappropriate divulging of sensitive information to the wrong individual, possibly create data privacy issues. Avoiding this conflict in the manner I suggest can also help eliminate confusion when trying to perform an identity attestation report by identity.

2. Floating Employees

If your organization has resources that “float” (change departments frequently, like floating nurses or consultants), then you could have an identity classification problem.

How do you register these identities in your identity governance solution and directory stores? Do you change the permissions, privileges, and role every time they float? Technically, you should, but often organizations grant access entitlements and fail to revoke them when a role changes.

Floating employees generally have broad entitlements and, at any given time, it is hard to report what their proper access rights should be. Many times, these identities are over-provisioned to accommodate their roles, and this contributes to the problem covered in #3 below.

3. Over-Provisioning

As we alluded to earlier, an administrator account potentially represents an over-provisioning of rights and fails to adhere to best practices, like the principle of least privilege. Few if any admin accounts should realistically exist across an enterprise. Admin/super user types of accounts (i.e. root, administrator, etc.) simply present far too high risk. When assigned to an identity, an admin account can provide complete control over an environment.

A challenge for most environments is the certification of who has administrative rights and determining whether that access is appropriate. If a user knows the administrator credentials, but is not assigned to an administrator’s group, then you definitely have a problem.

Teams need to scrupulously consider how they provision access for administrators. The administrator (or root) account credentials should never be shared. An appropriate admin user should be a member of administrator groups in order to properly report who potentially has access. Then, the access itself can be gated using a privileged access management (PAM) solution, or even throttled using a just-in-time access management approach.

Over-provisioning of privileged access is a common problem. Frequently, over-provisioning occurs because we share accounts without associating those accounts with the appropriate identities. After all, it is so much easier to give users high level of privileges and resource access so everything “just works” versus implementing a closed security model based on least privilege. Unfortunately, this is a dangerous identity and security practice that can allow a threat actor to move laterally and quickly expand access across an environment.

4. Mergers and Acquisitions

Mergers and acquisitions can stress even the most seasoned professionals.

When plans are implemented to consolidate technology like domains, identities, applications, and policies, best practices can be furloughed to achieve the desired business goals. This can lead to identity problems ranging from over-provisioning, to multiple accounts and domain names that do not follow an established pattern. This can lead to a cascade of additional identity-related problems, including applications that only work in some domains and inconsistent implementations for existing and new implementations. After all, if businesses do not merge standard operating procedures and establish technology baselines first, any subsequent project and identity management initiatives will suffer.

For the above reasons, it’s essential to establish security, identity policies, and provisioning baselines during the outset of any merger and acquisition. Then, any subsequent tasks have a guide to follow.

5. Non-Human Identities

Historically, identities in computing have been primarily associated with human users. However, modern computing environments involve many types of non-human identities (also called machine identities) as well. Forrester Research has stated that, “our clients tell us that machine identities are growing at twice the rate of human identities.” Non-human identity management quickly becomes a complicated topic.

Service accounts, application pools, and accounts used in CI/CD initiatives are not identities. Make no mistake, they are accounts associated with an owner—but not identities themselves. Such accounts are only used to authenticate an application or transaction. A non-human identity interacts with the physical world as well. That is why they are special. They need to be treated for the functions they perform and how they interact with humans.

Organizations typically fail to correctly classify the identities for robotics, automation, industrial control systems, etc. and thus, these types of machine identities can be leveraged by a threat actor.

Moreover, machine identities often have inconsistent attestation reporting because their ownership and access rights are not properly documented. To resolve this problem, all machine-based identities should have ownership assigned, just like having identity account relationships.

6. Vendor / Third-Party Identities

Rarely, if ever, does a business have all the employees necessary to perform all tasks. Almost every organization, albeit to varying degrees, relies on vendors, auditors, contractors, and temporary workers to pitch in with various functions.

When third-party staff requires access to an enterprise’s environment, there must be special controls to manage these vendor identities and validate that all their activity is appropriate. If the workers change frequently, then the overhead of managing their identities can place an onerous burden on the organization too.

For third-party / vendor identity management use cases, organizations should consider creating controls to manage these identities outside of typical directory services and avoid assigning generic accounts like “Contractor1” or “Vendor_XYZ”. The users should have actual account names for the duration of their services, while allowing for a management paradigm that reflects the simplicity and often transient nature of their access.

In other words, whether you actually place the identities for third-party users in a directory service or as a group in a dedicated vendor remote access solution all depends on the amount of entitlements needed to complete their mission. However, the group or solution should follow the model of least privilege, have strong monitoring capabilities, and be simple enough to administer that the burden of management is nowhere near as complex as managing employees. This includes managing the entire lifecycle from joiner, mover, and leaver, and ensuring that there are no orphan accounts present after an identity has expired.

Addressing Identity Challenges Head On

Some identity security problems may not easily fixable, meaning an organization may have to continue to live with exceptions, and inconsistency in order not to interrupt business operations. However, the more of these challenges you can solve, the better your organization’s identity security posture and resistance to cyber threats. One thing is certain, if you build a new environment from scratch, you certainly should consider these problems at the outset so they do not escalate as your organization grows.

About Us

3Columns is best and top Cyber Security Company in Australia and has a team of experienced cyber security experts and engineers, at the top of their field. With incomparable knowledge, services and a genuine passion for their work, 3Columns paves the way for cyber security excellence. We make adopting digital change easier and safer for businesses, by complementing your IT capability with our security expertise and experience. Working closely with our clients to always offer the best solutions and a comprehensive range of technology, 3Columns are invested partners, together with you, for the long term. There whenever you need us, to help where we can.

Services we offer are:

·        Security Assurance

·        Security Governance

·        Security Design

·        Cloud services

·        Professional services

·        Managed services

Get in touch with us on +61285932358/+6492173460 or mail us on info@3columns.io. For more information, please visit our website www.3columns.io.