Many companies are worried about the security of their business but do not know what effective protection consists of and how to counter various kinds of cyber threats. In fact, there are a lot of offers on the market, in particular SIEM as service providers, as well as providers of IDM systems and SOAR tools. In this article, we will talk about the solutions that make up a high-quality protection system.
Table of Contents
Why Are Separate Solutions Inefficient?
There is no one universal solution that could close all the gaps in the IT infrastructure of a business. Security tools are designed for different purposes, each with its own advantages and blind spots. To build a complete security system, you need to put all the “bricks” together. Moreover, building a security system is beneficial from a financial point of view.
Let’s look at the tools used to protect a business at a basic and advanced level. This will allow you to evaluate the purpose of different technologies and the scope of tasks provided for them.
Foundation of Protection
This protection includes basic solutions for minimal containment of threats. Let’s review them.
1. Endpoint protection.
Tools: antiviruses, licensed software.
When needed: when at least one device appears in the company.
Value: insurance against the most widespread and widespread threats.
Main disadvantage: incapable of preventing complicated and novel dangers.
The lowest possible level of security for sensitive data, business processes, and business data. These security solutions are known as “fool-proof” since the antivirus guards against known viruses, worms, and trojans that have already made it into the database.
The security foundation also includes licensed software, because only on it you can receive regular updates that contain the timely study of all current vulnerabilities.
2. Perimeter protection.
Tools: firewall.
When needed: always, if the company has the Internet.
Value: basic protection of the corporate network from external threats.
The main drawback: only basic protection, there are vulnerabilities for sophisticated attacks that are covered by other means of protection.
Advanced level protection
This protection includes more advanced solutions that are mandatory for companies with even minimal interaction with user data.
1. Advanced endpoint protection.
Tools: EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response)
When needed: to prevent sophisticated attacks by early detection of malicious activity
Value: basic protection of endpoints inside the perimeter against advanced threats
The main disadvantage: the need for highly qualified specialists and integration with other protection tools in order to not only detect threats but also eliminate them.
2. Protection against unknown threats.
Tools: Sandbox
When needed: any interaction with external files.
Value: the ability to block new threats and complex attacks on a budget, without complex settings and involving specialists.
The main downside: malware may fail to open in a sandbox if it doesn’t mimic the real world well.
3. Network protection.
Tools: NTA (Network Traffic Analysis).
When needed: when the infrastructure is connected to the network and there is a possibility of targeted attacks.
Value: a detailed picture of activity in the infrastructure and traffic storage.
Main disadvantage: the need to integrate with other security tools to not only detect threats, but also eliminate them.
4. Leak prevention, data protection.
Tools: DLP, VPN.
When needed: when there are employees working with sensitive data or just remote employees.
Value: detection and blocking of leaks, encrypted data transfer, control over employees.
Main disadvantage: complex implementation, configuration, and administration.
Progressive Defense
This protection includes quality solutions that are aimed at preventing cyber threats. They are expensive but effective. Such solutions are mandatory for use in large organizations.
1. Solving internal security problems.
Tools: security scanner, WAF (Web Application Firewall).
When needed: With at least a foundation of security, as well as web-based customer service applications.
Value: timely closure of security gaps and protection of reputation.
The main disadvantage: the scanner – the need for regular scanning and evaluation by specialists, WAF – individual adjustment for the client.
2. Source code analysis.
Tools: Application Inspection.
When needed: when to check the security of a new development.
Value: developers can check their own developments, and companies can safely accept applications from contractors.
The main disadvantage: there may be false positives, due to which the verification process cannot be fully automated, it is necessary to involve specialists.
3. Rights management.
Tools: IDM systems.
When needed: if the company has more than 1000 users and from three information systems.
Value: automated access rights management.
Main disadvantage: long payback period.
4. Access control.
Tools: 2FA, PAM.
When you need it: when password protection methods are used, when there are IT administrators in the company.
Value: a significant increase in password protection, control of administrators.
Main disadvantage: in some cases network dependency on the mobile phone.
5. Information security and incident management.
Tools: SIEM.
When needed: when security devices generate thousands of events per second and it becomes impossible to process them by specialists.
Value: the most complete picture of the organization’s security in a single window and the ability to track all possible types of malicious activity.
The main disadvantage: the high cost of building the system and the expertise of specialists. There is a possibility to find a reliable SIEM as a service provider in 2023.
6. Incident response.
Tools: SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response).
When you need it: when the company does not have a well-functioning incident response system.
Value: automation of information security systems and prompt response to incidents.
The main disadvantage: the complexity of implementation and integration.
7. Integrated security system.
Tools: SOC (Security Operation Center).
When needed: when the company has a developed cybersecurity landscape and an increased risk of the impact of cybersecurity threats on business.
Value: the maximum possible risk reduction, optimization of information security processes.
The main disadvantage: complex processes for setting up and maintaining the center, as well as dependence on the qualifications of SOC employees.
8. Information space monitoring.
Tools: ETHIC (External Threats & Human Intelligence Center).
When you need it: when a reputation in the digital space is important for a business.
Value: proactive business protection.
The main disadvantage: detected threats cannot be shelved, and an instant reaction of information security specialists is required.
Final Thoughts
The head of any company needs to start with an inventory of the entire information system on which business processes are built. It is necessary to create a team of lawyers, and IT and information security specialists, look at threats, and risks, and develop mechanisms to neutralize these threats. Mechanisms can be organizational, legal, technical, and social. For any cyber security-related purpose, you can contact UnderDefense. The company is a reliable SIEM as a service provider and offers customers several plans with attractive rates and a corresponding set of features.