Imagine this: you lock your car every night, but mistakenly believe you’ve rolled up all the windows. A casual glance might confirm your assumption, but a closer look reveals a single window left open. This scenario perfectly illustrates the cybersecurity issues many businesses face. They implement what they believe are essential security measures, assuming they’ve covered all their bases. But just like the car with the open window, these businesses are wide open to a determined attacker and in some cases not even a determined one……
The problem often lies in the gap between perception and reality. Companies may have implemented basic security protocols, but either haven’t considered the full picture or haven’t implemented them correctly. This leads to a false sense of security, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
A Case in Point: The Unsecured VPN Breach
In our experience conducting security assessments, finding vulnerabilities is almost a guarantee. Let me share a real-world example: during a recent penetration test for a client, we achieved full compromise of their on-premise network through an unsecured VPN connection.
Here’s how it unfolded:
- Unsecured Login Page: The login page for the VPN configuration was publicly exposed. This means anyone with an internet connection could potentially access it – and we did.
- Missing LDAP Throttling: The VPN lacked LDAP throttling; a security feature that limits login attempts to prevent brute-force attacks. Without this protection, we were able to systematically guess login credentials until we gained access.
- No Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): There was no MFA implemented on the VPN. Even with valid credentials, MFA adds an extra layer of security, requiring a secondary verification code to access the network. Its absence made unauthorised entry much easier.
Once inside the network, the misconfigurations and poor security practices became immediately apparent. This exemplifies the critical role of security assessments in uncovering hidden weaknesses before malicious actors exploit them – but more importantly it highlights the importance of taking care of your internal security stance and doing away with the simple “it will be OK” mind set.
Security Assessments: Beyond Just Identifying Vulnerabilities
Security assessments offer far more value than simply identifying vulnerabilities. Here’s how they benefit your business:
- Real-World Attack Simulations: Penetration testing, a common component of assessments, simulates real cyberattacks. This allows you to see your vulnerabilities through an attacker’s eyes, providing a much clearer picture of your security posture.
- Actionable Insights and Prioritisation: A good security assessment goes beyond just a report. It provides actionable recommendations for remediation, prioritising risks based on severity and potential impact. This empowers you to address the most critical issues first, maximising your security investment.
- Peace of Mind and Proactive Defence: Knowing your security posture is strong gives you peace of mind. Regular security assessments allow you to identify and address weaknesses before they become a major security incident.
- Compliance with Regulations: Many industries have strict data security regulations. A security assessment can help ensure you’re meeting compliance requirements, avoiding hefty fines and potential legal repercussions.
Security Assessment Options for Every Business Need
Several security assessment types cater to specific needs:
- Vulnerability Assessments: Identify weaknesses in systems and applications.
- Penetration Testing: Simulate real-world attacks to test your defences.
- Configuration Audits and Reviews: Ensure systems and applications are configured securely.
- Social Engineering Assessments: Test employee awareness of social engineering tactics used by attackers.
Choosing the Right Security Assessment Provider
With numerous providers available, here are key factors to consider:
- Experience and Expertise: Look for a provider with a proven track record and a team of experienced security professionals, Resolute are CREST accredited validating our expertise in this field.
- Services Offered: Ensure they offer the type of assessment you need.
- Industry Knowledge: Choose a provider with experience in your specific industry for tailored insights.
- Methodology and Reporting: Understand the provider’s assessment methodology and their reporting process. Clear, actionable reports are crucial.
- Cost: Security assessments vary in cost, having a through assessment can be time consuming – but this shouldn’t be a tick box exercise in order to provide real value.
Conclusion: Don’t Be a Sitting Duck – Take Control Today
A strong cybersecurity posture is essential in today’s digital world. A security assessment is the key to identifying and addressing vulnerabilities before they become a costly breach. By proactively investing in your security, you protect your business, your reputation, and your bottom line. Schedule your security assessment today and take control of your digital security future.