Botnet Attacks and Their Prevention Techniques Explained

Botnet attacks are a massive cybersecurity threat, growing quickly and becoming increasingly sophisticated. According to CSO Online, researchers detected 67 million botnet connections from over 600,000 unique IP addresses in the first half of 2022. This article will discuss what botnet attacks are and the most effective techniques for botnet attack prevention.

Application of Botnet Attacks and Their Usage

In a botnet attack, a network of compromised Internet-connected machines is infected by malware, enhancing a hacker’s ability to carry out larger cyberattacks. Botnet attacks typically involve stealing data, sending large quantities of spam and phishing emails, or launching massive DDoS (distributed denial of service) attacks.

Botnet attacks occur when large numbers of machines have been taken over by the attacker. Cybercriminals can gain control of a machine in multiple ways, from installing Trojans and viruses to social engineering attacks. Each machine in a botnet is known as a “bot” or “zombie.” Often, the computer’s owner is not even aware that it has been infected or taken over by an attacker.

While a single compromised machine has relatively little effect, the true impact of botnets comes from their strength in numbers. Together, the members of a botnet can swarm targets with traffic or requests, overwhelming their systems and causing them to become inaccessible. They can also send thousands or millions of malicious emails or use their computing power for nefarious purposes.

Perhaps the most well-known example of a botnet attack was the October 2016 DDoS attack against the DNS provider Dyn. Many websites using Dyn were temporarily taken offline as a result of the attack, including Twitter, CNN, Reddit, Airbnb, and Netflix. The attack occurred after many Internet-connected devices (from computers and printers to cameras and baby monitors) were taken over by the Mirai malware, with an estimated 100,000 members of the botnet.

Common Types of Botnet Attacks

There are many different types of botnet attacks, each representing its own serious threat to businesses. In this section, we’ll discuss five of the most common types of botnet attacks.

1. DDoS Attacks

In a DDoS (distributed denial of service) attack, the attacker tries to disrupt a network, website, or server by swarming it with malicious traffic. A good real-world analogy for a DDoS attack might be a mob of people outside a store entrance, preventing legitimate customers from going inside. The motives for DDoS attacks include inflicting financial or reputational damage on a company, extorting the target for money to stop the attack, and even politics or espionage.

2. Credential Theft

Many websites and applications prevent users from trying to log into the same account too many times. With a botnet, however, attackers can use the compromised machines to have many more chances at cracking a valuable account’s password. Botnets also allow for credential stuffing attacks, where the attacker already has access to stolen login details and wants to hack into as many accounts as possible.

3. Spamming and Phishing

Botnet “zombies” can also be used to launch mass spamming and phishing email campaigns, casting as wide a net as possible. These emails may themselves contain malicious links or attachments that install the botnet software, further propagating itself and extending its reach. The emails may also fool users into revealing personal information or login credentials. Botnets can also spread spam messages via other methods such as Internet forum posts and blog comments.

4. Ad Fraud

Attackers may use the machines in a botnet to maliciously simulate real user activity. For example, a botnet can perpetuate “click fraud,” in which the botnet machines repeatedly click on the links or buttons of an ad campaign. Since advertisers pay money for each user who clicks on an ad (a payment model known as pay-per-click or PPC), this form of attack can be used to significantly damage competitors’ ad budgets. Botnets can also be used to artificially inflate the popularity of certain website content by giving it views, likes, or upvotes.

5. Cryptocurrency Mining

Last but not least, some attackers use botnets for their own financial gain, such as by running cryptocurrency mining campaigns. Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin require significant computational power to create new coins, a process known as “mining.” Attackers can use a botnet to harness the processing power of the machines under their command, generating new coins for themselves while the machines’ owners pay the cost in increased electricity consumption.

Prevention Techniques for Botnet Attacks

◉ While botnet attacks are a major cybersecurity threat, the good news is that organizations can use many botnet attack prevention techniques, including the following:

◉ Deploy sophisticated antivirus and antimalware tools and keep them updated.

◉ Regularly install updates and bug fixes for software and operating systems.

◉ Learn how to recognize suspicious emails and attachments and avoid clicking on them.

◉ Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access.

◉ Require cybersecurity training and education programs for employees to understand botnet attacks.

Below are some tips to prevent your IT environment from becoming the victim of a botnet attack:

◉ Install cybersecurity solutions such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS).

◉ Monitor network traffic for suspicious activity and unexpected surges in requests.

◉ Use a DDoS protection tool such as DNS filtering that can help block malicious visits to a website or service.

Source: eccouncil.org

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How to Use The Metasploit Framework for Enterprise Vulnerability and Penetration Testing

If you’re responsible for enterprise security, you know that vulnerability and penetration testing are critical to keeping your organization safe. The Metasploit Framework is one of the most popular tools for performing these tests, and it’s packed with features that can help you find vulnerabilities and fix them. Here we’ll look at how to use the Metasploit Framework for enterprise vulnerability and penetration testing. We’ll also explore some of the features that make it so powerful.

What is Metasploit?

Metasploit is a free and open-source tool that helps security professionals test the security of systems. It can find vulnerabilities in systems and then exploit them. Metasploit runs on Linux, Windows, and OS X.

◉ Metasploit is made up of two main areas: the Framework and the Console. The Framework is a collection of tools and libraries that can create or modify exploit code.

◉ The Console is a graphical user interface (GUI) that makes it easy to use the Framework. (Docs.rapid7.com, n.d. -b)

The Metasploit Framework includes hundreds of different Exploit Modules. These modules can exploit vulnerabilities in systems. Each module includes information about the specific vulnerability that it exploits. Metasploit also includes Payload Modules, which can create custom payloads for specific purposes.

Metasploit can be utilized for both positive or negative applications, making it is crucial to understand how the program works to prevent potential misuse. (Petters, J., 2020).

How is Metasploit Used, and What Are Some Features?

Metasploit is a versatile open-source toolkit that helps security professionals assess vulnerabilities in their systems. It can launch attacks, test defenses, research new exploitation techniques, and it is a versatile tool that can be adapted to fit the needs of any user. (Kennedy et al., n.d.)

Metasploit has many features that make it a valuable tool for security professionals. Some of the most popular features include:

◉ The ability to exploit a wide range of vulnerabilities, including those that are unpatched or not yet publicly known

◉ A large and active community of users who contribute new modules and share their expertise

◉ A comprehensive database of exploits, payloads, and auxiliary modules

◉ A robust framework that allows for easy customization and extensibility

◉ A wide range of platform support, including Windows, Linux, and OS X (Petters, J., 2020)

Despite its many features and benefits, Metasploit does have some limitations. Some of the most notable limitations include the following:

◉ The learning curve can be steep for newcomers.

◉ It can be difficult to keep up with the rapid pace of development.

◉ Some features require a paid subscription. (Wallarm., n.d.)

Overall, Metasploit is a powerful tool that can be of immense help for security professionals. While it has some limitations, its many features make up for them.

Modules in Metasploit

Metasploit Modules are code packages that exploit a vulnerability, perform an attack, or otherwise carry out a specific task. Payload modules generate and deliver a payload to a target system. Auxiliary modules are for tasks such as reconnaissance, scanning, and denial of service attacks. (Offensive Security, nd)

There are seven types of modules in Metasploit:

◉ Payloads are the components of an exploit that allow you to control a system once it has been compromised.

◉ Evasion modules help you avoid detection by anti-virus software and other security measures.

◉ Auxiliary modules provide additional functionality, such as password guessing and denial-of-service attacks.

◉ Encoders are used to transform payloads into a format that is difficult for security systems to detect or decode.

◉ Exploits are modules that exploit vulnerabilities in systems.

◉ Nops are filler code that can be used to pad out an exploit or increase its chances of success.

◉ Post modules are used to run commands on a compromised system or gather information about a target. (Engineering Education (EngEd) Program, n.d.)

The Metasploit Framework is constantly being updated with new modules, so check back often for the latest and greatest ways to make your hacking more efficient and effective.

Steps In Using Metasploit Framework / How to Work with Metasploit

Before we get started, there are a few things that you should know. First, Metasploit Framework is not a tool that is used by itself. It requires other tools to function properly. Second, Metasploit Framework is not intended for beginners. It is a complex tool only for experienced penetration testers or security professionals.

◉ First, you’ll need to download and install the Metasploit framework. Once you have the framework installed, you’ll need to launch it. This can be done from the command line or from within your graphical user interface. (Docs.rapid7.com, n.d. -b)

◉ Once Metasploit is up and running, you’ll see the main interface. From here, you can select the type of exploit you want to use. There are a number of different types of exploits, each designed to attack a different type of system. For our purposes, we’ll be using an exploit that targets Windows systems.

◉ When you’ve selected the type of exploit you want to use, it’s time to select your target. Metasploit comes with a number of built-in targets, or you can specify your own. For our example, we’ll be targeting a Windows system that has the IP address 192.168.1.1. (Docs.rapid7.com, n.d. -a)

◉ Now that you have your target selected, it’s time to select your payload. The payload is the code that will be executed on the target system once the exploit is successful. Metasploit comes with a number of different payloads, but for our purposes we’ll be using a reverse shell payload. This payload will give us a remote shell on the target system, allowing us to run commands and take over the system. (Docs.rapid7.com, n.d. -c),

◉ Once you’ve selected your payload, it’s time to select your attack vector. The attack vector is the method by which the exploit and payload will be delivered to the target system. Metasploit comes with a number of built-in attack vectors.

◉ Now that you have your attack vector and payload selected, it’s time to launch the attack. This is simply clicking on the “exploit” button in the Metasploit interface.

Source: eccouncil.org

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Expert Insights: Combatting Malware Threats with a Holistic Security Strategy

The threat landscape is changing. Attackers are becoming more sophisticated, as they know security teams are looking for a holistic approach to protect their organizations. Accompanied by the huge diversity of malware available, both in sophisticated and disruptive nature, the list of potential threats is long and comprehensive. Therefore, it can be quite overwhelming to start looking at everything from an “in-depth” perspective. Cybersecurity Exchange got in touch with Vinjaram Prajapati, cybersecurity director for Aligned Automation, to learn his views on how malware and the security landscape will evolve. Although novel approaches to combat malware, such as AI and ML, are emerging trends, Vinjaram states that organizations should not lose focus on finding a comprehensive security approach for responding to security incidents.

Vinjaram Prajapati, an information security expert, has over 17 years of experience in the industry. He has excellent client relationship-building prowess and is an established decision-maker who mentors his team to meet project milestones. As a leader, he oversees project milestones and mentors team members to achieve those goals. Over the course of his 17-year career, Vinjaram Prajapati has developed and delivered information security solutions to promote business opportunities in the cybersecurity space. The following are edited excerpts from the interview:

1. What are the top malware threats to information security today?

Below are some of the most prominent malware threats in today’s information security landscape:

• Ransomware: Ransomware is malware that can spread to computers, phones, and other devices through an email or a website and encrypt the victim’s files until the victim pays a ransom.
• Trojans: A Trojan is a malicious software that masquerades as licit software and can be used to gain access to a system for malicious purposes.
• Spyware: Spyware is a kind of malware used to monitor a computer or device without the user’s knowledge.
• Rootkits: A rootkit is a type of malicious software designed to hide within the operating system of a computer or device.
• Adware: Adware is a malware designed to display advertisements on a system without the user’s knowledge or consent.
• Cryptojacking: Cryptojacking is malware that uses a computer or device’s resources to mine cryptocurrency without the user’s knowledge or consent.
• Bots: Bots are malicious software that can be used to carry out automated tasks, such as spamming, launching DDoS attacks, or stealing information.

Today, security threats are rampant and can be encountered online and offline. Online security threats can come in many forms, including phishing, viruses, and Trojans. Offline security threats include theft, vandalism, physical attacks, and other criminal activities.

2. What should organizations look for when it comes to security to ensure that both their business goals and their management will not be compromised?

Organizations should look at security from a holistic perspective, considering various elements such as risk management, compliance, data protection, authentication, access control, and more. All of this should be implemented so that the organization’s business goals or management are not negatively affected. For example, encryption should be used to protect sensitive data but must not impede the organization’s ability to do business. Similarly, authentication should be used to protect user accounts but should not be overly burdensome or intrusive. A comprehensive approach to security can ensure that your business goals and management are not compromised while still providing a secure environment.

3. How do you achieve and advise other security leaders to achieve a stable work-life balance?

There are several ways to achieve work-life balance, and here are some suggestions:

• When it comes to achieving a work-life balance, the first step is to define boundaries between your personal and professional lives. Set clear expectations with your team and colleagues about the hours you are available and stick to them.
• Setting achievable goals for your team and yourself will help you manage your workload and not feel overwhelmed.
• It’s essential to make time for yourself each day, whether through walking, enjoying a book, or resting. Staying focused and minimizing stress will be more manageable if you take a break from your routine.
• Prioritizing tasks and projects is the key to achieving a stable work-life balance. Focus on the most important tasks first so that you can be more efficient and have more time for yourself.
• As a security leader, it is important to delegate tasks to team members or colleagues so that you can manage your workload and not be overburdened.
• Staying organized and keeping track of tasks and deadlines will help you manage your time more effectively and help you stay on top of your workload.

4. Based on your experience delivering security solutions, what rudimentary security frameworks and policies do most organizations lack or overlook?

• Many organizations lack a comprehensive security policy that outlines the roles and responsibilities of those responsible for security, the security measures in place, and the processes for responding to security incidents.
• Lack of proper user access controls—such as user authentication, authorization, and segmentation of duties—can allow unauthorized users to gain access to business data and systems.
• Some organizations lack secure configuration management processes, such as ensuring that systems are regularly patched, updated, and configured securely. Without these processes in place, systems can be vulnerable to attack.
• Many organizations lack a data classification system that classifies data in terms of sensitivity and risk. Without this practice, organizations can be unaware of which data is most critical and vulnerable.
• Security awareness training is necessary to ensure that users are aware of their roles in maintaining the organization’s security. Without this training, users may be unaware of the risks of their actions or may not understand their responsibilities.

5. How do you see malware-based threats evolving, given the significant changes occurring in technology today?

As technology becomes more complex, malware-based threats are likely to evolve in sophistication and complexity as well. Attackers will take advantage of the increasing number of connected devices and more sophisticated artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics tools. Malware creators may also use more sophisticated techniques to hide malicious code, such as encrypting or inserting it into legitimate software. Additionally, attackers may use more advanced techniques to spread malware, such as social engineering, phishing, and other forms of cybercrime. Finally, attackers may use distributed computing platforms, such as botnets and distributed denial-of-service attacks, to disrupt systems and networks.

6. What novel and upcoming technology will impact defense against malware the most?

One novel and upcoming technology that will have a tremendous impact on defense against malware is artificial intelligence (AI). AI can be used to detect and identify malicious software before it spreads, as well as detect and respond to threat actors. For example, AI-based systems can be trained to identify malicious code, analyze malicious behavior, and even predict and prevent malicious attacks. It can also be used to streamline and automate security processes, allowing security teams to focus their efforts on more critical tasks.

7. As a decision-maker in an organization’s security, what aspects would you expect or advise security leaders to focus on or consider before implementing security policies or changes?

• Assess the organization’s security risks and prioritize security initiatives based on their potential to mitigate the most significant risks.
• Develop and enforce organization-specific security policies and procedures across all departments.
• Monitor security measures regularly and review them for effectiveness.
• Educate employees and other stakeholders on security policies and measures, and ensure they are aware of the potential consequences of violating them.
• Utilize the appropriate technology and tools to protect the organization’s data and resources.
• Evaluate all third-party service providers for compliance with the organization’s security criteria.
• Prepare for incidents and disasters by having a plan and regularly testing it.
• Allocate the necessary resources to keep your security measures up-to-date and effective.
• Develop an incident response plan that includes a step-by-step process for dealing with a security incident.

8. What advice would you give aspiring professionals aiming for a successful threat intelligence and incident handling career?

• Keep up to date on the newest developments in threat intelligence and incident handling.
• Gain a thorough understanding of the various methods and tools used in threat intelligence and incident handling. This includes learning about different types of malware, attack vectors, and risk management processes.
• Invest in training and certifications that will help you become more specialized in your field. Many organizations require specific certificates for employment in this field.
• Network with other industry professionals and make connections with experts in the domain. This allows you to tap into abundant resources.
• Build a portfolio of case studies and success stories that highlight your expertise. By doing this, you will set yourself apart from competitors and establish your competence as a professional.

Source: eccouncil.org

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Expert Insights: Modern SOC Automation – The New L1 Analyst

The Security Operation Center (SOC) is vital to keeping your organization safe in today’s evolving cybersecurity landscape and novel technologies. Rapid deployment of new technologies like cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and mobile devices have all widened the attack surfaces for organizations. SOCs must adapt to these changes and devise strategies to secure these new technologies while mitigating their risks. We must look into improving SOC operations by using modernized tools.

Cybersecurity Exchange got in touch with Praveen Ganesa, Senior Security Analyst at RHB, Malaysia, to discuss the emerging trends and challenges associated with SOCs. He has over seven years of demonstrated experience working in the information technology and services industry. Praveen is a network and information technology professional with a degree in networking and security. He has both skills and foundational education associated with digital security. He also has extensive experience in information security, which includes using SIEM tools and monitoring systems, conducting security incident response, managing information security policies and standards, performing vulnerability assessments, and carrying out SOC operations.

Praveen offered a few key insights and tips for security teams on managing security operations seamlessly in today’s digital age.

Edited excerpts from the interview are as follows:

1. What are the biggest challenges you face as a SOC practitioner?

One of the few challenges that I face is the need for more resources. As a SOC, we are constantly growing and onboarding multiple new technologies to secure the organization. By doing so, we are increasing the amount of data intake into the SIEM, which leads to the creation of new use cases. With the increase in events or alerts in the SIEM and the lack of resources to handle them promptly, there are instances in which we will miss out on an alert from a different tool. So, the best-case scenario is first handling events with a higher severity rating.

Besides that, analyzing the existing tools in the market and determining the most suitable tool are the biggest challenges. Many SOARs or SIEM tools are available in the market, and all of them have features that can help the organization, but ultimately the main factor besides the relevance is the price. We have a fixed number of resources, and implementation should yield results. Stakeholders want to know the benefits of having a particular technology and its cost, so even after its implementation, we must ensure the technology is worth the investment.

2. What are some of the most exciting developments in the industry over the past year?

Well, one of the exciting technologies that caught my attention is user behavior analytics (UBA). User behavior analytics is a cybersecurity process for detecting insider threats, targeted attacks, and financial fraud that tracks a system’s users. UBA looks for patterns in human behavior and then analyzes their findings to detect potential threats. UBA solutions use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to analyze large datasets to identify patterns that indicate security breaches, data exfiltration, or other malicious activity that might otherwise go unnoticed by security, IT, and network operations personnel.

3. How do you think SOC operations will change in the future?

In the future, there won’t be an L1 analyst in SOC, as most of the tasks and analysis might be automated, and what used to be a monitoring scope might change into a response and action scope. So once the automated process checks and even detects it as suspicious, a SOC analyst would have to further confirm this detection and follow the relevant SOP to act. But ultimately, even if the process gets automated, the final touch or call will fall to humans. So even if an AI determines that an activity is malicious, a human analyst will have the final say.

4. What is the most beneficial aspect of modernizing SOC operations?

Modernizing SOC will improve the security posture and, hopefully, reduce costs. Tools such as extended detection and response (XDR) that collect threat data from previously siloed security tools across an organization’s technology stack for easier and faster investigation, threat hunting, and response will seem better than a modern SOC. When we look into improving our SOC operations, having tools that cover all domains would be efficient. Implementing unique technology for each domain will make it more secure but won’t be cost-effective.

5. What are some challenges of implementing a modernized SOC operation?

The migration of current technology to newer technology. We must consider the compatibility and synchronization ability with other technologies within the organization’s environments. There are cases whereby only a specific version of the operating system is supported or only a particular log type is readable by the tool. These elements will fall into place if we try to build a stable ecosystem. Understanding the interaction between the technologies will be taxing, and implementing and testing its functionality is another tedious journey. Another challenge will be the all-time factor of time and money: the time it takes to complete the implementation and the project cost will always be a factor to be considered. Even after implementing new technologies or event policies, we would need to train the current support team to prepare for the newer technologies. This training also takes up resources, but it’s required.

6. In what ways can companies benefit from implementing a modernized SOC operation?

Hopefully, the SOC analyst workload will be reduced with the correct implementation. Companies will have much more streamlined security processes and better postures. If the current performance is ironclad, it will save them money in the near future, and companies can redirect these resources to upskill internal talents.

7. What does it take to be successful with a modernized SOC operation?

Proper planning and understanding of the current and future requirements of the organization. To ensure the flawless operation of SOC for the organization, we need to understand the existing issues and potential risks. By forming a strategy around it, we should be able to create a fully functional next-gen SOC that meets the stakeholder’s objectives.

8. Do you have any tips for aspiring professionals interested in learning more about modernizing SOC operations?

Well, most SIEM or technology providers will have their own version of SOC modernizing. Comparing different technology definitions of SOC modernizing will give you a clear understanding. Once you have studied or established your organization’s goals and targets, focus more on the technology matching the criteria. Always look into future trends and threats because the threat landscape is constantly evolving, so it’s best to prepare ourselves by understanding how much technology could address them.

9. What does it mean to be a SOC practitioner today, and how has your role changed over time?

The primary role involves more technologies and investigations, so I can’t say how it has changed. But as an analyst, the roles are migrating to be more proactive rather than reactive, so that’s a significant change that has to be noted. Analysts have to be on their feet and stay vigilant about existing and potential threats since we have to gather the relevant indicators of compromise and provide them to our FW and AV teams for blocking.

10. Is there anything else you’d like to add about your role as a SOC practitioner today or any other thoughts on how modernized SOC operations are shaping the future of security?

The main takeaway from this is that the security domain and threat landscape is growing side by side, and as a SOC practitioner, I have to be aware of these changes. We need to ensure that the right policies and rules are in place. We need to make sure the current technology that we have in place will be able to protect us from a zero-day attack. It’s a nearly impossible task, but we must cover all grounds. My suggestion is more of a rule of thumb: educate the organization’s staff and members. Cybersecurity awareness training should be enforced in organizations to ensure all members are aware of or have a common understanding of potential security risks. Most attacks directly result from phishing, where users either click on malicious links or download malicious attachments because the source looks legitimate. With proper cybersecurity education, we can reduce these types of risks.

Source: eccouncil.org

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Expert Insights: Leading the Cybersecurity Charge – Perspectives from a Top 50 CSO, Marco Túlio Moraes

CISOs are tasked with the responsibility of designing and deploying security technology architecture and interacting with executives on a daily basis. In an age where a lot of regulatory compliances are deemed mandatory and technology is advancing rapidly beyond one’s imagination, CISOs are expected to work above and beyond, leading security teams in all enterprises to success. From policy development, governance, and compliance reporting, board member meetings, designing the cyber risk culture of businesses, and prioritizing budget allocations according to business objectives, it is a career that’s challenging and fulfilling but not easy. Today, we have the honor of having our esteemed guest, Marco Túlio Moraes, a highly acclaimed CSO, join us to shed light on the life of a CISO and more. 

Let’s dive into the questions.

1. What is the one key trait every CISO must have that you find is sometimes lacking in today’s times, basis your interactions with other CISOs?

Security executives are well prepared to face the technical challenge of the job but need to improve their management skills, such as strategic thinking, leadership, and coaching. Leadership is vital, mainly now, when we see mental health issues and a lack of talent in our industry. Besides, given the strategic cybersecurity value at organizations, Cyber Executives must be able to lead the role as a Business function and to prepare their team to take a new approach on this journey. It requires coaching and leading technical teams to transform them into business partners, risk advisors, and cultural change agents. They must prepare leaders to train more and more leaders for this mission. It takes work.

2. What were some of your critical career decisions toward becoming a security executive for a Fortune 500 company? What was the turning point or catalyst?

My first turning point to becoming a leader was when I was required to work as a manager and lead a security program, leading budget, people, operations, strategy, and third parties. Still, I was a very young and shy technical specialist with no management preparation, poor communication capabilities, and many other soft skills gaps. To get worse, I faced some critical life changes that made things a bit harder.

Performing an MBA to get trained in management skills, a theater course to enhance communication skills and better deal with shyness, and a coaching process to work on my soft skills gap, were some of the initiatives I took to enable my transformational journey as a manager and business leader.

3. Which are the top 3 cybersecurity books you recommend for cybersecurity professionals transitioning to managing and leadership positions?

Three books helped me understand the other aspects of being a security manager. The first one is “CISO Leadership – Essential Principles for Success” from 2007 and which speaks about business alignment, security as a business function, leadership, organizational culture, and Governance. It helps understand how to position the security function to provide value to organizations strategically.

Peter Drucker’s book “The Effective Executive in Action: A Journal for Getting the Right Things Done” provides practical reflections and actions that helped me with management practices.

The third one, “The Other Kind of Smart”, guided me in understanding emotional intelligence and how to leverage this critical component as a professional, peer, and manager.

4. What message from your professional career journey would you like to share with cybersecurity enthusiasts as a recipient of the honor of being in the top 50 CSOs by IDG?

We face, as security professionals, a challenging journey of ecosystem education, fixing technical debt, and deploying solutions to protect against very structured and advanced cyber-threat actors while managing crises and cyber-attack events. In general, there are many high risks, and we want to fix all of them immediately. Dealing with this challenge considering this mindset is stressful and unsustainable in the long term. This critical understanding is essential to not be frustrated, overwhelmed, get sick, or worse, cause all of that to your team.

Some of the awards that my team and I earned resulted from a complex and intense job that brought value to the companies I worked for, which I’m very proud of. On the other side, we could better manage expectations and the rush for some of the programs I led, creating a better rhythm and a more enjoyable walk. Security is a journey that takes time and many strategies to accept that your organization may not be prepared to absorb some of the stakeholders’ expectations, including ours. Driving the focus for that moment is necessary to make things sustainable in multiple aspects.

5. Given the global scope of your profile at work, what are some of the best practices in the LATAM region that can be applied globally in improving cybersecurity defense?

We have good competencies on the mission to protect organizations against fraudsters. Due to the fraudster’s skills in the region, good companies are providing world-class cybersecurity services and a sort of technologies that helps companies to be more protected against it, such as cyber-threat intelligence services and biometrics solutions.

Ethical hacking services, for example, have been doing a fantastic job of testing application business logic and simulating fraudsters’ behaviors. The security community is also committed to helping each other, sharing information, and collaborating. It is a cat and mouse play, of course, but there are a lot of good practices we can share.

6. What are the top cyber risks organizations are failing to address but facing in the 21st century?

The lack of capability to deal with the technical debt, where everything is built without security from the beginning. This snowball grows when emerging technologies and innovation bring more risks to the organization, such as AI/ML, IoT, Cloud, and Big Data.

Other relevant business risks are third-party and digital supply chain cyber-risks. Organizations have been transferring their operations and data to external business partners and need to know the cyber risk they accept when doing that.

7. We have seen a trend of CISOs taking a seat in the Boardroom. You have done this movement as well. What were your steps to achieve this, and what benefits can CISOs bring Board Members?

When I moved to a digital company some years ago, I realized that my profession needed to be more prepared to be a digital business enabler, moving from a “sheriff” mindset.

I started a transformational journey to become a much more business-centric executive. Through coaching, business mentoring, and Corporate Governance preparation, I had the chance to be an executive director and a board advisor, where I spoke about business strategy, risks and technology, and cybersecurity.

CISOs can be an excellent asset for the Boardroom. We bring technology, product, cyber, GRC, and digital risk competencies to the table. I have seen many security professionals being board members for digital companies while acting as executives in their companies. It is a strategy that brings a win-win situation for companies and executives.

8. How do you juggle family time as a CISO?

Being present. I spend quality time with my family by being really present. I’m there when cooking with my daughter, reading, singing, or in a park. The same with my wife, and I’m entirely present. I also love participating in the family routine, putting her to sleep, preparing her for school, and giving us time to play and talk about something. We are now living in a special moment with a new baby coming, and I try to participate in every phase of this moment.

The role of a CISO at organizations is usually stressful, but we always need to invest in the things we value, and it is not zero or one.

Source: eccouncil.org

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Digital Forensics 2.0: Innovations in Virtual Environment and Emerging Technologies

Modern computing devices generate high volumes of information and are responsible for the retrieval, storage, and processing of information throughout our day-to-day lives. Emerging technologies which are fast-growing, can make forensics investigations difficult as they span applications in a variety of industries ranging from agriculture, aviation, entertainment, electronics, information technology, and more.

Virtualized environments can make digital forensics challenging, and the current state of digital forensics is rapidly evolving. With the increasing use of electronic devices, there are concerns revolving around privacy violations. Automation fueled by Machine Learning in digital forensics investigations can improve the overall efficiency of the investigation processes and make it easier to ensure the integrity of information when analyzing cases.

Read More: 312-85: EC-Council Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst (CTIA)

We will examine emerging technologies and the latest innovations in the current digital forensics landscape. We will explore what it means to venture into the world of Digital Forensics 2.0 and what forensic examiners are doing to improve their investigative practices. Here are the key trends to watch out for (Barrett, 2008):

IoT Forensics

IoT has changed the way mobile communications and systems work and enabled interconnectivity between physical and digital infrastructures. Users are sharing their data across multiple platforms, and despite the several benefits of using IoT applications, environments are laden with various cyber threats, such as the destruction of IoT networks, DoS attacks, ransomware, and mass monitoring. IoT forensics ensures the preservation and extraction of critical evidence regardless of technological limitations and responds to investigative requirements without needing user intervention. USB forensics is growing in its capabilities and is used to trace USB connection activities in networks to assist with investigations. It identifies file-related operations like copy-pasting pictures and opening documents and helps in analyzing potential digital artifacts. Digital devices also contain important footprints, and the MSC protocol is a standard used for defining communications between operating systems and USB devices. Forensic examiners can get full access to clusters, systems, and sectors by using the MSC protocol and can address security vulnerabilities before a data breach happens.

Cloud Forensics

Cloud Forensics relies on the sharing of resources across local servers and personal devices to run applications. A majority of growth can be attributed to ubiquitous access, and there are plenty of opportunities for improving the scope of criminal investigations in the field. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) clients give investigators the access they need to the right information for solving cases. Virtualization allows multiple instances to be separated from physical systems and separates cases across cloud environments as well. This ensures user anonymity for shared infrastructures during forensics investigations. Cloud forensics focuses on capturing traffic transiting networks and data packets which might be considered being sourced from unusual or malicious traffic. It is multi-dimensional and encompasses technical, organizational, and legal domains. Methods like live forensics, evidence segregation, and collecting client-side artifacts are laid emphasis on. Forensic examiners also focus on examining multi-tenancy environments, SLAs, CSPs, multi-jurisdictional environments, and trust boundaries without violating the laws and regulations of states (Obbayi, 2018).

Social Media Forensics

Social media forensics has gained a lot of traction with the advent of Web 2.0 technologies and Industry 4.0. Different social media platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are exposed to hackers, and their databases are most vulnerable to malware attacks. Investigators are able to access diverse subsets of different data sources, photographs, contact lists, demographics, metadata, and text messages. These can be used to assist forensic investigations and solve cases. Digital artifacts can be extracted from timestamps, URLs, passwords, images, and other social media mobile applications for analysis.

There are three key features social media forensics offers when it comes to the latest developments – tempering localization analysis, reverse search integration, and metadata visualization and extraction. Forensic algorithms can generate up to 6 different tampering localization maps to acquire tempering traces on social media, and it also supports embedded thumbnails. Forensic experts can examine these to ascertain crucial evidence and proceed with their investigations (Alghamdi, 2020).

Digital Forensics for Code Semantics

A multi-layer automation approach is used to collect information from multiple social media networks by law enforcement officials. Semantic reverse engineering is used to understand binary codes in closed-source software packaging and for recovering data structure instances without leaving any traces of execution. It can extract high-level semantic meanings for associated memory addresses, and its forensic applications are used for sensitive data protection, vulnerability scanning, and so on. Reviver and Mismo are popular digital forensics frameworks used to do cross-platform binary code similarity detection and analysis for vulnerability identification. It uses deep learning and dynamic analysis to evaluate data structures, IoT firmware images, and CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) functions in smartphones and devices.

Artificial Intelligence and Digital Forensics

Automated identification of digital evidence and advanced mixed data forensic analysis is used to streamline the decision-making process during legal proceedings by analyzing relevant evidence and presenting appropriate findings. AI technology is used for pattern recognition in clusters, and decision trees are used in conjunction with neural nets to help with the identification of initial patterns, which is of critical importance for forensic investigations.

Data mining is another area of interest where exploratory data is used to highlight key relationships between information and users and make deeper assessments. AI techniques are being used to examine the imaging of virtual disks and can automate forensic processes to help experts speed up repairs and conduct analysis for closing cases in record times.

Quantum Forensics

The top algorithms being used for quantum forensics in the digital landscape are Shor’s O(n3) integer factorization and discrete logarithms. These are used to solve cryptoanalysis challenges associated with RSA-like and EC-based public-key cryptosystems. They can analyze compromised cryptosystems in real time and speed up cryptographic quantum computing times. This means that organizations can eliminate large-scale cybercrimes in the future and improve both the quantity and quality of evidence recovered from digital devices for further analysis and interpretation in proceedings (Overill, 2012).

Virtualization

Technological advances in virtualization technologies like VMware, Microsoft, Sun, and Parallels offer in-depth views and insights into digital forensic examinations in virtual environments. Parallels operate on the Macintosh platform and provide users with up to 350 software downloads through a library that allows users to deploy and manage OS environments. Many companies in the market are offering virtual box solutions, and the InBoxer Anti-risk app is popular for archiving emails, electronic evidence discovery, and real-time content monitoring. The use of virtualization is not limited to official cases but can be used for individual investigations as well. For example, MojoPac isolates host PCs from desktop environments and can load its virtualized environments onto portable USB storage devices, Windows host computers, and network-attached storage.

The Portable Virtual Privacy Machine is another innovation that aids forensic examiners with privacy-enabled open-source internet applications. It can be loaded on flash memory cards, iPods, secure digital devices, and USB drives.

Virtual machines are also useful tools in forensics since they can track and record activity trails of users and produce seamless recreation of crime scenes for further forensic examinations. Law enforcement officers source images from a suspect’s native environment and analyze these files in virtual machines to see how the perpetrators, along with their evidence, respond to and react in their natural states.

Conclusion

The next version of digital forensics is dubbed by experts as Digital Forensics 2.0, and it is basically a collection of emerging technologies and enhancements which aid with the investigation process. The completeness of data and data privacy preservation need to be compatible with each other, and researchers are addressing this challenge by leveraging emerging technologies. Digital forensic frameworks use a mix of machine learning and automation to retrieve higher-level evidence and securely log investigation steps. These frameworks also establish a high level of accountability throughout the process, thus garnering trust and improving the effectiveness of said investigations.

Source: eccouncil.org

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Expert Insights: Exploring the State of the Cybersecurity Industry with Tas Jalali, Head of Cybersecurity at AC Transit

We believe that the world is more connected than ever, and with the addition of evolving attack surfaces, the priorities of CISOs and CIOs are changing as they revamp their security programs to mitigate these threats. Today, we are honored to introduce our esteemed guest, Tas Jalali, the Head of Cybersecurity at AC Transit, to discuss the state of the industry as well as the latest security trends. Let’s get started.

1. What are your thoughts on AI botnet attacks on enterprises, and what can organizations do to protect themselves?

AI botnet attacks pose a growing threat to enterprises by leveraging AI algorithms to enhance their scale and sophistication, making them more challenging to detect and prevent. Such attacks can cause significant financial and reputational damage to organizations. To protect against such attacks, enterprises must adopt a multi-layered cybersecurity approach. This should include measures such as regular vulnerability assessments, security training for employees, implementation of secure coding practices, and deployment of security technologies like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and advanced End Point Detection and Response (EDR) software. Moreover, organizations can leverage AI and machine learning technologies to monitor network traffic and identify abnormal behavior in real-time, thereby enabling quick responses to potential threats. Ultimately, defending against AI botnet attacks demands the implementation of robust cybersecurity measures and advanced technologies to minimize risks and limit adverse impacts on the enterprise.

2. What are the current cybersecurity technologies market opportunities, and what do you think will be the trend in 2024?

The cybersecurity technology market has been expanding rapidly in recent years due to the increasing frequency and severity of cyber threats. Some of the current market opportunities include cloud-based security solutions, AI and machine learning-powered security tools, and next-generation firewalls. Additionally, there is a growing demand for solutions that can protect against advanced threats like ransomware and supply chain attacks.

Looking ahead to 2024, it is likely that the cybersecurity market will continue to grow as more organizations become aware of the importance of securing their digital assets. The trend towards cloud-based solutions and AI-powered technologies is expected to continue, and there may be an increased emphasis on cybersecurity automation and orchestration. Additionally, with the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), there may be a greater need for specialized security solutions that can protect against IoT-specific threats.

3. How was your experience at Harvard? What are the must-haves in a cybersecurity course curriculum that learners should keep an eye out for when choosing to further their cybersecurity learning journey?

My experience as a Harvard alumnus was both transformative and challenging, with the university’s rigorous academic environment, diverse student body, and opportunities for intellectual and personal growth being defining features. The education I received at Harvard has helped me achieve academic excellence and personal growth and fostered lifelong connections.

4. What’s the most formidable challenge you’ve faced in your career as the Head of Cybersecurity for AC Transit?

As the Head of Cybersecurity of AC Transit, I continually face the formidable challenge of balancing the need for robust security measures with the organization’s business objectives and operations. This includes identifying and prioritizing potential security risks, developing and implementing security strategies and policies, and overseeing the deployment of security technologies and solutions. Staying up-to-date with the constantly evolving cybersecurity landscape is crucial to proactively anticipating and mitigating potential threats while managing incident response and recovery efforts in the event of a breach.

To maintain the security posture, effective communication with both the executive team and employees has been crucial in ensuring their understanding of the significance of cybersecurity and their respective roles. However, the field of cybersecurity is currently experiencing a shortage of skilled professionals who possess the knowledge and expertise to protect organizations from cyber threats.

The rising number of cyber-attacks has significantly increased the demand for cybersecurity professionals. According to CompTIA’s “State of the Tech Workforce Report” (March 2023), the projected growth for tech jobs is 242%. The shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals has made it challenging for us to fill and retain cybersecurity positions, given that professionals in this field receive many lucrative job offers from various companies.

5. What tips would you like to give aspiring ethical hackers and cybersecurity career starters?

Starting a career in cybersecurity can be challenging, but with the right mindset and approach, it is achievable. Here are some tips to help aspiring ethical hackers and cybersecurity career starters:

First, it is important to have the right education and certifications. A degree in computer science, IT, or a related field is a good start, and obtaining certifications such as the C|EH, CISM, or CISSP can demonstrate your knowledge and expertise to potential employers.

Second, having a strong foundation in IT and programming is essential for success in cybersecurity. Familiarizing yourself with programming languages like Python, C++, and Java can be helpful in understanding and addressing cybersecurity issues.

Third, gaining practical experience is crucial in the cybersecurity field. Participating in CTF competitions, bug bounty programs, or internships can provide valuable hands-on experience and help you build your skills.

Fourth, staying up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity trends and threats is essential. Subscribing to industry publications, attending conferences and events, and joining cybersecurity communities can keep you informed and help you stay ahead of the curve.

Finally, developing strong communication skills is important for cybersecurity professionals, as they often need to communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders. Effective communication can help you convey security risks and strategies to colleagues and executives. By following these tips, aspiring ethical hackers and cybersecurity career starters can build a solid foundation for a successful career in cybersecurity.

6. How has Elethia shaped your experiences as a cybersecurity professional?

Contributing to Elethia has enabled me to exhibit my dedication towards social responsibility and community engagement, showcasing my commitment towards corporate social responsibility. By volunteering with Elethia, I have been able to develop essential traits such as leadership skills, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty.

Moreover, Elethia has provided me with invaluable opportunities for personal and professional development. Through my volunteer work, I have been able to work on meaningful projects, build my leadership skills, and gain experience in areas outside of my regular job responsibilities. These experiences have been instrumental in my personal growth and have contributed to making me a well-rounded professional.

7. What drove you into the field of cybersecurity, and what is the one message you would like to share with our readers based on your professional experience in the field?

I have been working in the cybersecurity field for the last 17 years, and here are some insights that your readers might find useful. My interest in technology and problem-solving skills, as well as the desire to make a positive impact, have been the driving factors for me.

To succeed in cybersecurity, staying up-to-date with trends and continuously learning is crucial. Practical experience through internships or bug bounty programs can develop skills necessary for real-world scenarios. Strong communication skills are also critical, as cybersecurity professionals must communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders.

Conclusion

The rapidly evolving landscape of Cloud, IoT, 5G, and OT is attracting non-security professionals to learn about cyber risks. Stakeholders and policymakers are working towards a more secure future, with new opportunities for improvement in 2023. To enhance cyber resilience and prepare for the future, it’s crucial to embrace transformative technologies such as AI, ML, and IoT, and adapt to the changing landscape.

Source: eccouncil.org

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Why DevSecOps Is Essential for Every IT Industry

What Is DevSecOps?

DevSecOps is a methodology that integrates security into the software development process.

Patrick Debois and Andrew Clay Shafer coined the term “DevSecOps,” but the concept has been around for several years. DevOps has been gaining popularity recently as organizations strive to speed up software development.

Developers and operations teams build, test, and deploy applications rapidly and frequently in a DevOps environment.

Security has often hindered speed and agility in the software development process. However, with the rise of DevOps, there is a growing recognition that security must be integrated into the development process if organizations deliver secure software at high velocity.

DevSecOps aims to automate security testing and integrate it into the software development process to identify and remediate security issues early in the development cycle. This shift-left approach to security enables organizations to deliver secure software faster.

DevSecOps: Defined, Explained, and Explored

DevSecOps combines the speed and agility of DevOps with the security-focused mindset of the traditional Information Security (InfoSec) team.

In a traditional organization, the InfoSec team is responsible for keeping the company’s data safe from external threats. They do this by implementing security controls and monitoring for compliance. The problem is that these security controls can often slow down the software development process.

For example, a developer who wants to deploy a new feature might have to go through a lengthy approval process with the InfoSec team before pushing their code to production. This can create a bottleneck that slows down the entire development process. DevSecOps aims to address this problem by shifting security left in the software development lifecycle.

Instead of waiting for code to be deployed before it’s reviewed for security issues, DevSecOps calls for continual security testing and monitoring throughout the entire development process. This way, security concerns can be addressed before they cause issues later.

How Does DevSecOps Work?

The key to making DevSecOps work is a collaboration between the development, operations, and security teams. In a traditional organization, these teams often operate in silos, leading to conflict and delays.

DevSecOps fosters a culture of collaboration and communication between these teams, which is essential for delivering secure software quickly. DevSecOps teams often use various tools and automation techniques to make this happen.

For example, they might use continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines to automate the software delivery process. They might also use security scanning tools to automatically find and fix security vulnerabilities in code and configuration management tools to ensure that all servers are properly configured and compliant with security policies.

Why Is DevSecOps Important?

There are several reasons why DevSecOps is such an important part of the software development process.

◉ First, it helps organizations deliver software faster without sacrificing security. This is because security is built into the process from the beginning rather than being an afterthought.

◉ Second, DevSecOps helps organizations avoid the “security vs. speed” trade-off that often happens when traditional security controls are applied to Agile development processes.

◉ Third, DevSecOps helps organizations improve their overall security posture by baking security best practices into the software development process.

◉ Finally, DevSecOps can help organizations save money by reducing the need for manual security testing and remediation.

What Are the Benefits of DevSecOps?

There are many benefits of adopting a DevSecOps approach to software development. Here are just a few of them:

◉ Faster delivery times – DevOps can significantly speed up the software development life cycle by automating tasks and increasing collaboration between developers and operations teams. This means that new features and updates can be released more quickly, giving businesses a competitive edge.

◉ Cost savings – Automating repetitive tasks saves time and money. In addition, by reducing errors and rework, DevOps can help organizations improve their bottom line.

◉ Improved security posture – DevOps can help organizations improve their security postures by automating patch management and vulnerability testing tasks. By doing so, businesses can reduce the risk of data breaches and cyber-attacks.

◉ Repeatable and adaptive process – DevOps is a repeatable and adaptive process that can be easily adapted to the changing needs of an organization. This makes it ideal for businesses that are constantly evolving and need to be able to respond quickly to market changes.

◉ Increasing the value of DevOps – As businesses adopt DevOps practices, they often find that they can increase the value of their development team. This is because DevOps enables organizations to deliver software faster, with fewer errors, and at a lower cost.

◉ Accelerated security vulnerability patching – DevOps can help organizations quickly fix security vulnerabilities by automating the process of patching software. This is critical in today’s business environment, where cyber attacks are becoming more common.

◉ Increasing the likelihood of overall business success – Studies have shown that businesses adopting DevOps practices are more likely to be successful than those not. This is because DevOps helps businesses achieve faster time to market, improve their bottom line, and respond quickly to market changes.

◉ Automation compatible with modern development – DevOps is built on a foundation of automation, which is essential for modern software development. Businesses can improve their efficiency and release software faster by automating code testing and deployments. (Atatus, 2021)

Grow Your Skills with EC-Council’s Certified DevSecOps Engineer (E|CDE)

If you’re not already on board with DevSecOps, now is the time to start adapting your business to this new way of thinking about software development and security. EC-Council Certified DevSecOps Engineer (E|CDE) is a hands-on, instructor-led comprehensive DevSecOps certification program that helps professionals to build essential knowledge and abilities in designing, developing, and maintaining a secure application and infrastructure.

Source: eccouncil.org

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What Is Vendor-Specific and Vendor-Neutral Training in Cloud Security

Vendor-neutral and vendor-specific training in cloud security refer to the types of training organizations can undergo to ensure the security of their cloud-based systems. The blog discusses the differences between these concepts and what you need to keep in mind while choosing a cloud security certification that best suits your needs.    

Vendor-Neutral & Vendor-Specific Concepts in the Cloud Explained

Vendor-neutral training is focused on providing a broad understanding of cloud security concepts and best practices without focusing on specific vendors or technologies. This type of training is ideal for organizations that are using multiple cloud providers or are considering a switch in the future. It covers topics such as data encryption, identity and access management, network security, and incident response. By providing a general understanding of cloud security, vendor-neutral training equips organizations with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about the security of their systems, regardless of the specific vendor or technology they are using.

On the other hand, vendor-specific training is focused on providing in-depth knowledge of the security features and best practices for a specific cloud vendor or technology. This type of training is ideal for organizations that are exclusively using a single cloud provider or are planning to do so in the future. It covers topics such as configuring security settings, using vendor-specific tools and services and troubleshooting common issues. By providing detailed information about a specific vendor or technology, vendor-specific training enables organizations to fully utilize the security features and capabilities of their cloud systems.

Why Do Cybersecurity Professionals Need to Understand the Applications of Both?

The applications of both vendor-neutral and vendor-specific cloud security are important for a cloud security engineer to understand. Each type of security has advantages and disadvantages that must be considered when deciding which type to implement.

Vendor neutrality has several advantages when it comes to security. Vendor-neutral cloud security provides a higher level of security than vendor-specific cloud security. This is because it is not tied to any one vendor or product. This means it can be used with any cloud service or application.

◉ First, it gives organizations more control over their data and how it is used. They can select the most appropriate vendors for each specific need and switch vendors without losing access to their data or incurring high costs.

◉ Second, vendor-neutral clouds are typically built on open standards, making it easier to integrate security solutions from different vendors and customize them to meet the organization’s unique needs.

◉ Finally, vendor-neutral clouds allow organizations to take advantage of the best security tools and practices across the industry rather than being limited to a single vendor’s offerings.

However, vendor-neutral cloud security can be more difficult to configure and manage than vendor-specific cloud security. One of the biggest challenges with vendor-neutral cloud security is the lack of integration between different security solutions. This can make it difficult to manage multiple security solutions and lead to gaps in coverage.

Another challenge with vendor-neutral cloud security is limited visibility into what is happening on the network. This can make it difficult to detect and investigate security incidents.

Vendor-specific cloud security is easier to configure and manage than vendor-neutral cloud security. This is because it is specific to one vendor or product. This means it is easier to implement and maintain. 

When deciding which type of cloud security to implement, it is essential to consider your organization’s needs. Security needs vary depending on the size and type of organization. It is also essential to consider the level of security required. For example, organizations that handle sensitive data may require a higher level of security than those that do not.

Important Pointers While Choosing a Cloud Security Certification

A cloud security certification helps keep data safe by allowing a cloud security engineer to validate an organization’s security controls and procedures. There are a few key points to look for when considering a cloud security certification:

1. The certification should be accredited, and industry recognized. Many organizations/institutions offer certifications, but not all of them will add weight to your resume.

2. The certification should cover the major cloud service providers. As more businesses move to the cloud, ensuring that your certification covers the platforms you are likely to use is important.

3. The certification should be specific to cloud security. There are many general security certifications available, but these may not cover the unique aspects of cloud security. Ensure your certification is specific to the cloud and covers data encryption and access control topics.

4. The certification should be updated regularly. The cloud landscape is constantly changing, so it is important to make sure that your certification is kept up-to-date. Many organizations offer annual or biennial updates to their certifications to ensure they remain relevant.

Why Should You Pursue EC-Council’s Certified Cloud Security Engineer

Learn cloud security implementation and management with a first-of-its-kind certification that is both vendor-neutral and vendor-specific with EC-Council’s Certified Cloud Security Engineer (CCSE). The CCSE training covers a broad range of topics, including cloud architecture, security controls, risk management, and compliance. This program enables candidates to acquire cloud security skills by training them in a simulated environment with 50+ labs designed to match real-time cloud security challenges and perform special security tasks essential for a cloud security role.

As a vendor-neutral program, it is an ideal choice for organizations that use various technologies. The course is also vendor specific, meaning that it covers specific types of devices and software from major vendors such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

With CCSE training learn how to perform cloud computing security audit/s and penetration testing to help organizations comply with the standards, policies, procedures, and regulations governing cloud environments.

Source: eccouncil.org

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Redefining the ‘Shift-left’ Philosophy: DevOps to DevSecOps

Shifting left has become a popular buzzword in the DevOps and agile communities, but what does it mean? And how can you make the shift without sacrificing speed or quality? Here we’ll explore the origins of the shift-left philosophy and show you how to implement it in your organization. We’ll also introduce you to DevSecOps, a new approach that combines DevOps and security best practices to help you increase application security.

What Is DevSecOps?

DevSecOps is a set of practices that combines software development (Dev) and information security (Sec) into a single, integrated lifecycle. DevSecOps aims to deliver secure software faster and more efficiently by automating security controls and integrating them into the software development process. (Red Hat, 2022)

What Is Shift Left Security?

Shift-left in the software development life cycle (SDLC) refers to the practice of moving certain activities, such as testing and quality assurance, to earlier stages in the development process. This approach is also known as “left-shifting,” and it is designed to identify and resolve issues as early as possible in the development cycle, before they become more complex and costly to fix.

One of the challenges of DevSecOps is that it requires a culture shift within organizations. Development and operations teams need to work closely together, and security needs to be embedded into every stage of the software development process. Implementation can also be complex, as it requires changes to both people and processes.

There are many different tools and techniques that can be used to integrate from DevOps to DevSecOps. Some common tools include automation, configuration management, continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD), and containers.

The key to success with shifting DeSecOps to the left is to ensure that everyone involved in the software development process is aware of and invested in security best practices. One

way to do this is to create a “security champions” program, where individuals or teams are tasked with promoting a security culture within their organization.

Importance of DevSecOps in Today’s Fast-Moving World

Shifting security to the left means embedding security into every phase of the software development life cycle (SDLC), from design and development through testing and deployment. By doing so, organizations can identify and mitigate security risks early in the process, before they have a chance to cause problems.

In the past, developers would write code and then hand it over to the operations team to deploy. This process often resulted in delays as the operations team tried to understand the code and figure out how to deploy it. DevOps aims to solve this problem by bringing the two teams together and making them work more closely together. (IBM Developer, 2022)

◉ One of the key benefits of DevSecOps is that it helps to improve communication between developers and ops staff. Working more closely together allows them to identify problems and find solutions more quickly and easily. This partnership can help to speed up the software delivery process and make it more efficient.

◉ Another benefit of DevSecOps is that it helps to automate the software delivery process. This means that developers can focus on writing code, and ops staff can focus on deploying it. Doing so saves a lot of time and effort and helps improve the quality of the software delivered.

◉ It improves the overall quality of the software delivered. By automating the delivery process and working more closely together, developers and ops staff can quickly catch errors and potential problems. This can lead to fewer bugs in the final product and help ensure that the software is more reliable.

Why EC-Council’s Certified DevSecOps Engineer Certification Stands Out

The EC-Council Certified DevSecOps Engineer (E|CDE) certification is geared toward IT professionals who want to pursue a career in DevSecOps and learn how to secure their organization’s development processes and code repositories. The curriculum combines a mix of theoretical and practical knowledge of DevSecOps in your on-premises and cloud-native (AWS and Azure) environment. A hands-on certification with 70% of the course dedicated to labs, the E|CDE equips you to design, develop, and maintain secure applications and infrastructure.

Source: eccouncil.org

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