#DataBreaches

[govindhtech]

Using The Automatic Password Rotation Tools In Google Cloud

Password rotation best practice

How to set up Google Cloud’s automatic password rotation

Although most people agree that rotating passwords is a good idea, actually putting it into practice may be difficult and disruptive. This load can be lessened by automation, and in this tutorial it provide some best practices for Google Cloud password rotation automation.

It provide a reference architecture as an illustration of how to automate the Cloud SQL instance on Google Cloud password rotation procedure. You may use this technique to other kinds of secrets and other tools as well.

Password rotation tools

Password storage on Google Cloud

It recommend utilizing Secret Manager, its fully-managed product for securely keeping secrets, even if there are numerous other options available in Google Cloud for storing secrets like passwords. Whatever tool you select, you should take extra precautions to secure stored passwords. Using Secret Manager, you can protect your secrets in the following ways:

Restricting access: Only Service Accounts via IAM roles should be able to read or write secrets. When assigning roles to service accounts, the least privilege principle ought to be adhered to.

Encryption: Secret Manager by default uses AES-256 to encrypt secrets while they are at rest. To secure your secrets while they’re at rest, you can also utilize your own customer-managed encryption keys (CMEK).

Rotating passwords: To lower the chance of a security event, passwords kept in Secret Manager should be changed frequently.

Why and how to change your passwords

Changing passwords on a regular basis reduces the chance of password compromise. According to Forrester Research estimates, privileged credentials like passwords, tokens, keys, or certificates are compromised in 80% of data breaches.

Since managing passwords by hand can increase risk such as password misuse we do not advise manually rotating passwords. The possibility of human error leading to the non-performance of the rotation is another danger associated with manual rotation methods.

Including automatic password rotation in your workflow is a more safe approach. A database, an application, a third-party service, or a SaaS provider could be the source of the password.

Automatic password rotation

Usually, following actions are needed in order to rotate a password:

In the underlying program or system (such as apps, databases, or SaaS), change the password.

To save the new password, update Secret Manager.

Restart any programs that require that password. By doing this, the application will obtain the most recent passwords.

Adaptable design for Automatic password rotation

Based on the best practices we just discussed, the architecture below shows a generic layout for a Google Cloud system that can rotate passwords for any underlying program or system.Automatic password rotation is orchestrated by Cloud Function and Pub/Sub. The invocation of the function can happen from any system.

The workflow should function as follows:

A pub/sub topic receives a message from a pipeline or a cloud scheduler. The information regarding the password rotation is contained in the message. For instance, if it’s a database password, this information might be the login and database instance, or a Secret ID in Secret Manager.

A Cloud Run Function is triggered when a message reaches the pub/sub topic. It reads the message and collects the data it contains.

The function modifies the relevant system’s password. For instance, the function modifies the password for that user in the specified database if the message included the database instance, database name, and user.

The function modifies the secret manager’s password to match the newly entered password. Since the Secret ID was supplied in the pub/sub message, it is aware of which one to update.

The function notifies a different pub/sub topic by publishing a message that the password has changed. Any program or system that wants to know whether to restart itself or carry out another task in the event of a password rotation can subscribe to this topic.

Read more on govindhtech.com

[otiskeene]

All You Need To Know About Social Engineering And Its Attack Types

Hello Reader,

Before diving into this article, we’d like to request just two minutes of your time to complete a brief survey. You might want to have your credit card details handy – just kidding! We don't need that information, and neither should anyone else who asks for it.

Unfortunately, many have been tricked into sharing sensitive information, leading to hacks or scams. This is known as social engineering, where cybercriminals manipulate people into revealing confidential data or taking actions that compromise their security. Such attacks can result in data breaches, financial losses, and even physical harm.

In this article, we’ll explore social engineering and the types of attacks you should be aware of. Keep your credit card details secure and read on!

“World Bank Breach: Massive Cyberattack Exposes Millions To Data Theft”

Headlines like this are common in the news. While these cybercrimes often target system vulnerabilities, many incidents exploit a different weakness: human error.

This technique, known as social engineering, relies on manipulating people rather than hacking systems. According to Digital Commons, social engineering accounts for 98% of all cyber-attacks, highlighting how attackers exploit human vulnerabilities. Scary, right?

Don’t worry; you’re in the right place! We’ll cover everything you need to know about social engineering so you can stay vigilant. But first, let’s get familiar with the basics.

What Is Social Engineering?

Social engineering is a tactic where cybercriminals trick people into giving away sensitive information or access to their systems. Think of it as a modern con game, but it happens online or through phone calls and emails.

For example, a criminal might pose as a trusted figure, like a coworker or company representative, and create a sense of urgency or play on emotions to catch you off guard. They might claim there’s a problem with your account that needs immediate attention.

If you fall for it and share your login credentials or personal details, the criminal now has access to your accounts, data, or networks.

That’s just one way social engineering works. Let’s discuss the various types of social engineering attacks to understand them better.

Types Of Social Engineering Attacks

Phishing: Phishing attacks deceive victims into revealing personal information or login credentials by using misleading links, urgency, and fear tactics. These scams often mimic legitimate sources to appear trustworthy. Variants include spear phishing (targeting specific individuals) and whaling (focused on high-profile executives). Beware of any emails or messages requesting personal data or login details, even if they look legitimate!

Pretexting: In pretexting, attackers create fake scenarios to trick victims into giving out personal information. They might pose as trusted entities and claim they need specific details to verify identity. More advanced pretexting involves convincing victims to bypass security policies, often by posing as authority figures. Always check credentials and verify requests, especially if they seem suspicious.

Business Email Compromise (BEC): BEC is a sophisticated social engineering attack where scammers impersonate high-level executives to trick employees into performing fraudulent financial transactions or sharing sensitive data. These attacks don’t rely on malware or malicious links, making them harder to detect. Be cautious about requests from executives, even if they seem legitimate!

Quid Pro Quo: In this attack, the scammer offers something desirable, like a service or benefit, in exchange for sensitive information. The attacker might pose as an IT support technician or government agency, offering to fix a problem or provide a benefit. However, the catch is that you need to provide login credentials or personal information to receive the benefit. Once the attacker has your information, they can misuse it.

Smishing And Vishing: Smishing involves phishing attempts via SMS text messages, often with malicious links that lead to fake websites or malware. Vishing, or voice phishing, involves scammers impersonating legitimate entities over the phone to extract sensitive information. Be cautious of unexpected text messages or phone calls requesting personal details.

Watering Hole Attacks: In this attack, hackers target popular websites among specific groups, like employees of a particular company, and inject malicious code or create fake versions of the site. When targets visit the compromised site, they may inadvertently download malware or be redirected to a fake login page. Always be cautious when a website you trust suddenly asks you to log in again or redirects you to a different site.

Conclusion:

Social engineering attacks exploit human vulnerabilities and emotions to trick people into revealing private information or taking harmful actions. To protect yourself, be cautious and skeptical of unexpected requests, even if they seem genuine. Always double-check before giving out personal information, whether online or over the phone. Awareness and knowledge about these types of attacks can help you stay safe!

[sifytech]

Incident Response and Disaster Recovery: Preparing for the Worst-Case Scenario

No organization is immune to incidents and disasters. This article emphasizes the criticality of incident response and disaster recovery planning. Read More. https://www.sify.com/security/incident-response-and-disaster-recovery-preparing-for-the-worst-case-scenario/

[usnewsper-politics]

Canada's Chief Information Officer Resigns Amid Digital Transformation Challenges #CanadaChiefInformationOfficer #CatherineLueloresignation #databreaches #digitalidentitysystem #federalgovernmenttechnologysystems

[usnewsper-business]

ICBC Hacking Incident: How Financial Institutions Fight Cyber Attacks to Keep Your Money Safe #cyberattacks #cybersecuritymeasures #databreaches #financialinstitutions #ICBChackingincident

[jpmellojr]

Zero-day, supply-chain attacks drove data breach high for 2023

A new record for data breaches reported to the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) was set in 2023, spurred by zero-day and supply chain attacks,

opensourcesoftware

[copperchips]

What is Security Testing? Examples and Approach

Security testing is a critical aspect of software testing, focusing on assessing the security of a system or application. The goal is to protect the system from unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security threats by identifying vulnerabilities and potential risks.

[vmlogin]

How to Prevent IP and Account Associations?

Protecting the privacy of personal IP addresses and accounts is the key to preventing privacy breaches, information leakage, and payment security.

When you log in with the same or multiple accounts on different websites and services, your multiple accounts can easily be associated with your IP address. This association may lead to the blocking of your account, leakage of personal information, and payment security, and your business may be affected.

VMLogin Virtual Browser is a tool used to protect your privacy. It keeps your account and privacy secure by simulating fingerprint information and a virtual browser environment as well as disguising your IP address to hide your real identity and location. Virtual Browser also provides a series of features such as independent running, anonymous browsing, cookie isolation, blocking ads and malicious links, and automatic clearing of browsing history to further enhance your privacy protection.

⭐VMLogin provides a free trial for new users.@Vmlogin Free trial: https://www.vmlogin.us/

📬Contact us: Tg: @Vmlogin @vmlogin_us Skype: cs@vmlogin.us Email: cs@vmlogin.us

[fisstacademy]

HACKER HACKED? SWIPE TO READ MORE! #cybersafety #cybersecurity #hacking #hackers #databreaches #dataprotection #fisst #fisstacademy #womenempoweringwomen #girlpower #womenpower #cyberhub #fbi #cia #shahrukhkhan (at Chennai, India) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqADUbjLooK/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[govindhtech]

Self Encrypting Drives: Securing Sensitive Data With SEDs

Self Encrypting Drives

Data security is crucial in the digital era, and self-encrypting drives (SEDs) are essential. Advanced storage solutions embed encryption into the hardware, securing data from storage to retrieval. This proactive approach decreases the danger of unwanted access, data breaches, and compliance violations, giving institutions handling sensitive data peace of mind.

SEDs

Self encrypting drives automate data encryption without software, making them efficient and safe. Self Encrypting Drives automatically integrate hardware-level encryption into regular operations, unlike standard drives that may require separate encryption software. Offloading encryption processes from the CPU to the HDD simplifies data protection and improves speed.

Self Encrypting Drives basics are crucial as businesses and consumers prioritize data privacy and security. This article discusses self-encrypting disks’ features, benefits, and installation. If you’re new to data security or looking to strengthen your organization’s defenses, understanding SEDs will assist you choose data storage solutions.

Why Use Self-Encrypting Drives?

Cyber threats and sophisticated hacking have increased the need for effective data protection solutions. By embedding encryption into the hardware, self-encrypting SSDs reduce these dangers. Data is encrypted, preventing illegal access and breaches.

Increased Cyberattack Risk

Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated and dangerous to organizations and individuals. Malicious actors exploit data storage and transfer weaknesses with ransomware and phishing attacks. By encrypting data as it is written to the drive and limiting access to it to authorized users or applications, Self Encrypting Drives defend against these assaults. Data breaches are strongly prevented by hardware-based encryption. Even if a drive is physically compromised, encrypted data is illegible without authentication.

Trends in Data Protection

To combat new dangers and regulations, data protection evolves. To comply with GDPR, FIPS, and CCPA, organizations across industries are using encryption technologies like Self Encrypting Drives. Trends also favor encryption by default, which encrypts critical data at rest and in transit. This proactive strategy boosts security and stakeholder confidence by committing to protecting critical data from illegal access and breaches.

SED types

SED kinds have diverse characteristics and functions for different use cases and security needs. Drive encryption implementation and management are the main differences.

Self-Encrypting Drives Work How?

Self Encrypting Drives automatically encrypt all drive data using strong cryptographic techniques since they use hardware encryption. No additional software or configuration is needed to encrypt through this transparent technique. Data from the drive is decrypted on the fly if login credentials are provided. These simultaneous encryption and decryption processes safeguard data at rest and in transit, preventing illegal access.

Software and Hardware Self-Encrypting Drives

The two primary types of self-encrypting disks are hardware and software.

Hardware-based SEDs encrypt and decode at hardware speed without affecting system performance by integrating encryption directly into the disk controller. Software-based SEDs use host-system encryption software to manage encryption tasks.

Although both types offer encryption, hardware-based SEDs are chosen for their security and efficiency.

Seagate Exos X Series enterprise hard drives feature Seagate Secure hardware-based encryption, including SEDs, SED-FIPS (using FIPS-approved algorithms), and fast secure erase.

Lock/Unlock Self-Encrypting Drives?

Set up and manage passwords or PINs to lock and unlock a self-encrypting drive. This ensures that only authorized people or systems can access encrypted hard drive data. Most SEDs offer a simple interface or tool to securely initialize, update, or reset authentication credentials. Self Encrypting Drives protect critical data even if the physical drive is taken by using robust authentication.

Seagate Advantage: Safe Data Storage

Seagate leads in safe data storage with their industry-leading self encrypting drives that meet strict industry security standards. The advantages of Seagate SEDs are listed below.

Existing IT Integration

Seagate self-encrypting disks integrate well with IT infrastructures. These drives integrate into varied IT ecosystems without extensive overhauls in enterprise or small business contexts. This integration feature minimizes operational disruption and improves data security using hardware-based encryption.

Using Hardware Encryption

Seagate SEDs encrypt data with hardware. Encrypting the disk controller or drive directly protects against unwanted access and data breaches. Hardware-based encryption optimizes encryption and decryption without compromising system performance.

Compliant with Industry Rules

Trusted Computing Group (TCG) Opal 2.0 data security and privacy requirements apply to Seagate SEDs. These disks encrypt sensitive data at rest to ensure GDPR, HIPAA, and other compliance. This compliance helps firms secure sensitive data and reduce regulatory non-compliance concerns.

Easy Management and Administration

Seagate’s straightforward tools and utilities simplify self-encrypting drive management. IT managers can easily manage encryption keys, access controls, and drive health using these solutions. Seagate SEDs simplify data security operations with user-friendly interfaces and robust administration tools.

Are SEDs Safe?

The drive’s specific hardware automatically encrypts and decrypts any data written to and read from it, making Self Encrypting Drives safe.

An important feature is that encryption and decryption are transparent and do not affect system performance.

SEDs also use passwords or security keys to unlock and access data, improving security.

SED encryption keys are produced and stored on the drive, making them unavailable to software attackers. This design reduces key theft and compromise.

SEDs that meet industry standards like the Opal Storage Specification are interoperable with security management tools and offer additional capabilities like secure erase and data protection compliance. The SED method of protecting sensitive data at rest is effective and robust.

What’s SEDs’ encryption level?

AES with 128-bit or 256-bit keys is used in Self Encrypting Drives. AES encryption is known for its encryption strength and durability. This encryption keeps SED data secure and inaccessible without the encryption key, giving sensitive data handlers piece of mind.

AES-256 encryption, known for its security and efficiency, is used in Seagate Exos X corporate drives. Governments, financial organizations, and businesses employ AES-256 for critical data protection.

Which Encryption Levels Are Available?

SEDs’ encryption levels vary by model and setup. SEDs with several encryption modes, such as S3, let enterprises choose the right security level for their data. Hardware and full disk encryption (FDE) are standard. Hardware components encrypt and decrypt all FDE-encrypted data on the drive.

Backup encrypting drives

Backup SED data to provide data resilience and continuity in case of drive failure or data loss. SED backups use secure backup technologies to encrypt disk data. These encrypted backups protect data while helping enterprises recover data quickly after a disaster or hardware breakdown. Organizations can reduce data breaches and operational disruptions by backing up self-encrypting disks regularly.

Unlocking SED Power

SEDs’ full potential requires understanding and using their main features and capabilities, such as:

To manage and configure encryption settings, use tools offered by the drive manufacturer, such as Seagate Secure Toolkit. These tools usually manage passwords and authentication credentials.

Security Software: Integrate the SED with Opal Storage Specification-compliant security management software. This allows remote management, policy enforcement, and audit logging.

Enable BIOS/UEFI Management: Let your BIOS or UEFI manage the drive’s locking and unlocking. This adds security by requiring the necessary credentials on system boot to access the drive.

To get the latest security updates and bug fixes, upgrade the drive’s firmware regularly. If available, monitor and audit access logs to detect unauthorized drive access.

With these tactics, your SEDs will safeguard data while being easy to use and manage.

Considerations for SED Implementation

To ensure IT infrastructure integration and performance, SED installation must consider various criteria.

Current IT Compatibility

SEDs must be compatible with IT systems before adoption. OS, hardware, and storage integration are compatibility factors. Self Encrypting Drives have broad platform compatibility and low deployment disruption.

Effects on performance and scaling

When implementing SEDs, encryption may affect performance. SED hardware encryption reduces performance decrease compared to software encryption. To ensure SEDs suit current and future data processing needs, organizations should evaluate performance benchmarks and scalability choices.

Total Ownership Cost

Total cost of ownership (TCO) includes initial costs, ongoing maintenance, and possible savings from data security and operational overhead improvements. SEDs may cost more than non-encrypting drives, however increased security and compliance may outweigh this.

Simple Configuration and Maintenance

SEDs simplify configuration and maintenance, making deployment and management easier. IT managers may adjust encryption settings, maintain encryption keys, and monitor drive health from centralized panels. This streamlined solution reduces administrative hassles and standardizes storage infrastructure security.

Read more on Govindhtech.com

[rutujapatil07]

Standard Operating Procedures is a set of detailed instructions that outline the processes and activities that employees must follow to complete a task or accomplish a goal. It helps ensure that tasks are completed in a consistent, accurate and efficient manner. SOPs are typically written in a step-by-step format and include detailed descriptions of the steps necessary to complete the task, such as the order in which tasks should be completed, the tools and materials needed, and the expected outcomes. SOPs can also include best practices, tips, and guidance on how to handle specific situations.

Why use SOP for IT Department

Why use SOP for IT Department  SOPs, or Standard Operating Procedures, provide a way for IT departments to ensure that all processes are followed consistently, accurately, and promptly. They help streamline daily tasks, provide direction on how to handle complex projects, and create a system of checks and balances that reduce the likelihood of mistakes. By creating a set of SOPs, IT departments can help ensure that their services run as smoothly as possible and that their customers receive the highest quality of service. Additionally, SOPs can help IT departments maintain security and compliance with laws and regulations, as well as provide a framework for developing new processes or adapting existing ones.

Tips on How to Write SOPs 

 1. Start with a clear goal

Before you begin writing your SOPs, it is important to identify the outcome that you want to achieve. This will help ensure that your SOPs are focused and effective.  

2. Be concise

SOPs should be concise and to the point. Avoid using too much detail or technical language that might be hard for others to understand.  

3. Use simple language 

Complex language and jargon can be difficult for others to understand and can lead to confusion. Stick to simple language that everyone can easily understand.  

4. Include all relevant information 

Make sure that your SOPs include all relevant information, such as the steps to be taken, the roles and responsibilities involved, and the expected results.  

5. Include visuals

Incorporating visuals such as diagrams and flowcharts can help to make your SOPs easier to understand.  

6. Review and revise

Once you have written your SOPs, it is important to review them and make any necessary revisions. This will help ensure that your SOPs are up-to-date and accurate.  

7. Seek feedback

Ask others to review your SOPs and provide feedback. 

[sifytech]

Compliance and Data Protection: Navigating Complex Regulatory Landscapes

Data protection and compliance with regulations are paramount for organizations handling sensitive information. However, navigating the complex and diverse regulatory frameworks can be a daunting task. Read More. https://www.sify.com/security/compliance-and-data-protection-navigating-complex-regulatory-landscapes/

[usnewsper-politics]

Canada's Chief Information Officer Resigns Amid Digital Transformation Challenges #CanadaChiefInformationOfficer #CatherineLueloresignation #databreaches #digitalidentitysystem #federalgovernmenttechnologysystems

[usnewsper-business]

ICBC Hacking Incident: How Financial Institutions Fight Cyber Attacks to Keep Your Money Safe #cyberattacks #cybersecuritymeasures #databreaches #financialinstitutions #ICBChackingincident