Third-Party Risks: how to protect your business from external threats

Third-party risks are a reality that no organization can ignore. Reliance on external vendors, partners, and services is rising, but have you considered how these relationships can become a gateway for threats?
This article will help you understand third-party risks, why managing them is essential, and how specialized cyber surveillance solutions like Kartos can benefit your business.

What are third-party risks?

Third-party risks refer to threats from external entities with which your organization interacts. This includes vendors, contractors, business partners, and any other entity with access to your data, systems, or processes.
For example, imagine that your cloud service provider suffers a cyberattack. Even if you're not the direct target, the consequences can devastate your business, from losing sensitive information to disrupting your day-to-day operations.
Managing these risks is vital to ensuring the security and continuity of your organization. This is where the TPRM (Third Party Risk Management) concept comes into play.
You may be interested in→ 5 tips to improve your company's access management.

What is TPRM and why is it important?

TPRM is identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with third parties. This approach helps companies:

• Protect your sensitive data. Ensure that suppliers and partners comply with the required security standards.
• Avoid interruptions in operations. Anticipate possible failures or vulnerabilities that may affect the business.
• Comply with legal regulations. Many regulations, such as the GDPR, require strict controls over relationships with third parties.

Managing third-party risks is not optional but necessary in an environment where digital supply chains are becoming increasingly complex.

Cybersecurity and third-party risks: a complicated marriage

Cybersecurity is one of the most critical aspects in third-party risk management. According to recent studies, more than 60% of security breaches originate from third parties. This is because, in many cases, attackers find in them the weakest link to access their final goal: your company. Some of the most common risks related to third parties are:

• Insecure access: providers with weak passwords or without multi-factor authentication.
• Lack of updates: outdated systems that become exploitable vulnerabilities.
• Unencrypted data transfers: exchanges of sensitive information without adequate safeguards.
• Fourth-tier providers: subcontracted entities that do not meet expected security standards.

Key tools to manage third-party risks

You need more than just trusting your partners or suppliers; you need a robust system to assess and monitor risks continuously. In this context, cybersecurity tools, such as Enthec's solutions, stand out as a reliable and practical choice.

Kartos: Designed for Business

Kartos is a cyber-surveillance solution focused on continuous threat exposure management (CTEM). With it, your organization can:

• Identify risks in real time. Detect potential vulnerabilities before they become a problem.
• Evaluate your third parties. Check if your partners meet the security standards you need.
• Generate clear and actionable reports. It facilitates data-driven decision-making.

This solution works under a CTEM approach, ensuring that you not only identify threats, but also take action to mitigate them.

Best practices to minimize third-party risks

In addition to using solutions such as those from Enthec, there are several measures you can implement to strengthen security:

• Conduct regular evaluations. Evaluating your third parties at the beginning of the relationship is not enough; it is crucial to do so continuously.
• Establish clear contracts. It includes specific clauses related to security and compliance.
• Train your team. Your employees need to be aware of third-party risks and how to spot them.
• Implement security audits. Regularly review your partners' systems and procedures.

Protect your business today!

In an increasingly interconnected world, managing third-party risks isn't just an option; it's a responsibility. Enthec, with its cyber-surveillance solutions like Kartos, is here to help you ensure your business's and your data's security.
Don't let a third party cause a breach in your organization. Take the first step toward continuous threat exposure management with cybersecurity tools designed to fit your needs.
Contact us and find out how to protect yourself from third-party risks proactively and efficiently.

by amorena

How to Improve BYOD Security: C-Levels Personal Data Protection

BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) has gained popularity in recent years due to several factors, including the growing adoption of mobile devices and the need for flexibility in the workplace. Read on to learn more about this trend and how it affects the organization's security and C-Levels.

What is BYOD, and what is its relevance to companies?

BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) is the company policy that allows employees to use their devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, to access corporate systems and data and perform work activities. This practice typically includes accessing corporate email, business applications, documents, and other company resources. BYOD implementation varies by company but normally involves installing security and management software on personal devices to protect corporate data.

Why has BYOD become popular?

The emergence and adoption of BYOD policies in companies have been driven by various causes related to the business environment and the global market. These have created an exemplary scenario for companies to adopt BYOD policies and take advantage of their benefits.

• Increased labor mobility. Employees can now work from anywhere and anytime, which has caused companies to look for solutions that allow this flexibility.
• Demand for flexibility from employees. New generations of workers value flexibility and autonomy at work. BYOD allows employees to use devices they are familiar with and comfortable with, which can improve their satisfaction and retention.
• Reduction of operating costs. Allowing employees to use their own devices reduces hardware and maintenance expenses, which is especially beneficial for small and medium-sized businesses.
• Technological advances. The rapid evolution of mobile technology has made personal devices increasingly powerful and capable of handling complex work tasks.
• Enhanced connectivity. The expansion of high-speed networks has improved global connectivity, allowing employees to access corporate systems and data quickly and efficiently from anywhere
• Growth of remote work. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work around the world. Many businesses were forced to adapt to this new reality quickly, and BYOD became a viable solution for allowing employees to work from home.
• Security and device management. Developing advanced device management and security solutions has enabled enterprises to implement BYOD policies securely.

Advantages and disadvantages of BYOD in companies

BYOD has many advantages and disadvantages that businesses should consider before implementing it to ensure successful and safe adoption.

BYOD advantages

• Increased productivity. Employees tend to be more productive when they use devices that they are familiar with and comfortable with. Learning time is reduced, and efficiency in the completion of tasks is increased.
• Cost reduction. Companies reduce purchasing and maintaining hardware costs by allowing employees to use their devices. This is especially beneficial for small and medium-sized businesses with limited budgets.
• Flexibility and employee satisfaction. BYOD allows employees to work from anywhere and anytime, improving work-life balance and, thus, satisfaction. For the company, this translates into more significant talent attraction and retention.
• Innovation and technological updating. Individuals generally tend to update their devices more frequently than businesses, which means they may have access to newer, more advanced technology.

BYOD disadvantages

• Security information, data, and communications are the primary concern, as personal devices can be more vulnerable to cyberattacks.
• Device compatibility and management. Managing various devices and operating systems can become complex and require additional resources.
• Employee privacy. Implementing management and security software on personal devices raises employee privacy concerns. Establishing clear and transparent policies to protect employees' data is essential.
• Hidden costs. Although BYOD reduces hardware costs, it can sometimes carry hidden costs associated with implementing and managing the policy.

BYOD Security Challenges and How They Affect C-Levels

While security issues within the BYOD system remain, those that affect C-levels are more relevant to the organization due to their high capacity for action.

Risks of BYOD to C-Levels Personal Data Privacy

When it includes C-levels, BYOD carries the same risks and threats as applied to any other employee. However, the type of information they handle and the activity that C-levels have access to within the organization make the associated risks more critical.

• Sensitive data: C-Level personal devices used as BYOD contain critical information about the organization. In addition, they contain a large amount of personal data that can be used to put the person and the organization at risk.
• Spear Phishing and Whale Phishing: Senior executives are attractive targets for highly targeted spear phishing attacks and other forms of social engineering.
• Lost or stolen devices: Personal devices are more susceptible to loss or theft, which can expose critical corporate data, especially for C-levels.
• Use of unsecured Wi-Fi networks: Connecting every day to public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks from personal devices during private activities is common.
• Security updates: Awareness of the need to keep personal devices up to date may be lower and may even conflict with some use outside the device's work environment (e.g., lack of sufficient memory).
• Mix of personal and work use: Combining personal and work data on the same device can easily lead to unauthorized access and exposure of sensitive information.

Common Security Threats to Using Personal Devices at Work

Using personal devices at work presents several security threats common for any worker, regardless of the responsibility of their position within the organization.

• Malware and malicious applications. Personal devices can download apps that contain different types of malware and compromise business data security.
• Phishing. Phishing attacks arrive through emails, SMS messages, social networks, and other applications to trick users into revealing sensitive information.
• Ransomware. This type of malware encrypts the data on the device and demands a ransom to release the information. Personal devices are often more vulnerable to these attacks.
• Unauthorized access. Personal devices are used in various places and situations, making unauthorized access easier.
• Insecure Wi-Fi networks. Connecting to public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks exposes devices to attacks and unauthorized access and is a common practice when in a public place with a personal device.
• Lost or stolen devices. If a personal device is stolen or lost, corporate and personal data can fall into the wrong hands.

Strategies to mitigate risks and protect critical data

To reduce or nullify the risks associated with BYOD, there are many recommended cybersecurity strategies:

• Cybersecurity training: Train employees on security best practices, such as safely identifying phishing emails and using personal devices.
• Digital identity protection: Implement strong authentication measures, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), to ensure that only authorized users access sensitive data.
• Zero Trust Architecture: Adopting a security approach based on the concept of Zero Trust involves continuously verifying users' identity and context.
• Behavior-based protection: Use security solutions that detect and block suspicious device behavior.
• Update and Patch Policy: Ensure that all personal devices used for work are up-to-date with the latest security patches and software.
• Data encryption: Implement data encryption at rest and in transit to protect sensitive information in case of lost or stolen devices.
• Continuous monitoring: Conduct regular audits and assess the use of personal devices to detect and respond to any security incidents quickly.

Practices to improve BYOD security in C-Level profiles

Carry out a series of cybersecurity practices to mitigate risks and protect critical data in company C-level profiles with a BYOD policy.

Recommended technologies for protecting data on BYOD devices

Some technologies that can be incorporated into C-Level BYOD devices include:

• MDM (Mobile Device Management). It enables businesses to manage and secure mobile devices. With MDM, you can enforce security policies, control applications, and perform remote wipes in case of loss or theft.
• MAM (Mobile Application Management). More restrictive than the previous one, it focuses on managing specific applications instead of the entire device. This allows you to control access to corporate applications and protect data within them.
• VPN (Virtual Private Network). It provides a secure, encrypted connection between the device and the corporate network, protecting data in transit from potential interceptions.
• Data encryption. Encrypting the data stored on the devices is essential to protect it in case of loss or theft. Data encryption ensures that only authorized users can access the information.
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA). It adds an extra layer of security by requiring multiple verification forms before granting access to data or applications.
• Security containers. They separate corporate data from personal data on the device, ensuring that sensitive information is protected and not mixed with personal data.

Updated security policies

Regularly updating corporate security policies is essential to improving BYOD security, especially for C-Level profiles.

These periodic updates must include adapting policies to new threats, approving new legal regulations, conducting the latest risk assessments, applying new technologies and security protocols, providing staff training, and implementing changes in the organization's business structure or operational processes.

Staff training

To improve BYOD security in senior management profiles, designing a training plan for C-Levels that considers their particular responsibility is essential. Such training should integrate awareness of general and specific threats, security best practices, compliance, incident management, cybersecurity culture, and, crucially, risk assessment, taking into account the particular context of each C-Level. You may be interested in our publication→, Cybersecurity Risk Management for C-Levels.

Featured Examples of BYOD in Enterprises

BYOD is a policy followed by various companies, from small startups to large multinational corporations. Due to their work's mobile and flexible nature, technology and professional services companies are some of the most adopting this policy. However, growing adoption is also seen in sectors such as education, health, and finance, where mobility and quick access to information are crucial. Some prominent examples of companies that have successfully implemented BYOD include:

1. IBM: Allows employees to use their devices to access corporate applications and data.
2. Cisco: Uses BYOD to encourage employee flexibility and mobility.
3. SAP: The company has experienced improvements in productivity and employee confidence since implementing BYOD.
4. Unisys: The BYOD policy has enabled employees to work more flexibly and efficiently.

The Future of BYOD in Companies and Its Impact on Data Security

The future of BYOD in enterprises looks promising, but it poses significant challenges regarding data security. Allowing employees to use their devices to access corporate systems and data has gained popularity due to its potential to increase productivity and satisfaction. However, this practice also introduces security risks that companies need to address. One of the main challenges is protecting sensitive data. Personal devices typically lack the same levels of security as corporate devices, making them more vulnerable to cyberattacks. In addition, the diversity of devices and operating systems can make it challenging to implement uniform security policies. To mitigate these risks, companies must adopt comprehensive approaches to security. This includes implementing personal device management and automated monitoring solutions for real-time detection of data breaches and the breaches that have caused them. Educating employees on security best practices and establishing clear policies on using personal devices is also crucial.

Find out how Enthec can help you protect your organization's sensitive information and its C-Levels

Through its automated and continuous monitoring solutions, Enthec locates leaked and exposed sensitive information, neutralizing its use to carry out successful cyberattacks and detecting security breaches in the systems or devices that have caused them. If you need to know more, do not hesitate to contact us.

by Enthec

Cyber Resilience: The Concept You Need to Know

Cyber resilience is an approach that extends an organization's traditional cybersecurity strategies, adding resilience and evolution capabilities to those of prevention and recovery.

Cyber Resilience: What It Is

Cyber resilience is a key concept in the cybersecurity industry that everyone is talking about now.
But what is cyber resilience and why is it so important?
Cyber resilience is the ability of a system or organization to anticipate, resist, recover and evolve in the event of cyberattacks or adverse conditions that prevent normal functioning in the digital environment.
Cyber resilience is a concept that goes beyond the traditional approach to cybersecurity, which is focused on protecting systems, networks, and data from attacks. It involves being prepared to nullify or minimize damage, maintaining activity during any cyberattack or incident, and learning to strengthen.
Cyber resilience is crucial for organizations because traditional cybersecurity measures are insufficient to ensure data security, proper infrastructure operation, and business continuity. Any organization must be able to prevent and contain attacks, respond appropriately, and recover as quickly as possible.
A well-implemented cyber resilience strategy helps protect a company through four pillars:

1. Anticipation: locating vulnerabilities and threats to nullify them or knowing them to be prepared when used.
2. Resistance: resist attacks and minimize damage, thanks to anticipation.
3. Recovery: recover as soon as possible, maintaining activity at all times.
4. Evolution: continuously improving the capabilities to prevent and overcome attacks.

Cyber resilience involves having the most evolved and appropriate tools, solutions, and systems to protect against cyber threats. It also requires adapting corporate processes to this approach and properly training people.
This includes implementing a continuous vulnerability location strategy, incident response and recovery plans, regular security testing, and a trained and ready cybersecurity team.

Differences Between Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience

Cybersecurity and cyber resilience are two fundamental and complementary concepts in the field of information security, but they have some significant differences from the outset.

Cybersecurity focuses on prevention and protection, while cyber resilience focuses on adaptation and evolution. Cybersecurity is the prerequisite for cyber resilience, which thus emerges as an expansion of the scope of the concept of cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity focuses on preventing attacks and using technologies and practices to protect a company's digital assets. It involves keeping systems up to date, training employees in best practices, and investing in appropriate solutions and technologies to locate vulnerabilities and prevent attacks before they occur or minimize the damage caused.
Instead, cyber resilience is built so that not all cyberattacks can be prevented and focuses on an organization's ability to adapt and learn from them. Cyber resilience goes beyond the ability to recover from an attack; it also involves the ability to continue operating during an attack and minimize its impact on business operations.
To learn more about cybersecurity, access our publication→ The 5 cybersecurity trends you should know.

Why is cyber resilience important for companies?

Today, cyber resilience has become an essential component of business sustainability in the short and medium term, thanks to the benefits it brings:

Increased competitive advantage

Cyber resilience improves customer and partner trust, strengthening the company's reputation. In addition, a cyber-resilient company can innovate and adapt quickly to market changes, seizing digital opportunities securely.
Cyber resilience is a long-lasting competitive advantage that is sustained over time and adjusts to the constant changes in the cyber threat landscape.

Reduction of financial losses

Cyber resilience helps businesses minimize the financial losses associated with cyberattacks. By effectively resisting attacks, businesses avoid significant costs related to disruption of operations, data loss, and fines for regulatory non-compliance.
In addition, rapid recovery from an attack reduces downtime, limiting revenue losses, while lowering long-term costs by preventing damage from customer churn. In this way, while the average cost of a successful cyberattack increases every year, cyber-resilient companies manage to reduce this amount significantly.

Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

Cyber resilience helps organizations comply with national and international cybersecurity regulations like the Networks and Information Systems Directive (NIS) or the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Organizations implementing cyber resilience practices can demonstrate to regulators that they are proactively protecting critical data and systems. This helps avoid fines and penalties that result from regulatory non-compliance.

Reputation Protection

Cyber resilience plays a crucial role in protecting companies' reputations. In a digitized market, a single security incident can cause significant damage to a company's reputation and lead to a loss of trust from customers and partners.
By being cyber-resilient, companies demonstrate their commitment to security, strengthening their reputation and reliability. In addition, by minimizing the impact of cyberattacks, cyber resilience prevents negative publicity and helps maintain stakeholder trust.

Characteristics of a cyber-resilient company

Cyber-resilient companies share a series of characteristics associated with the ability to adapt and learn in the face of cyberattacks:

Dynamic positioning

Dynamic positioning allows companies to adapt to new threats, learn from security incidents, and continuously improve their defenses.
It involves anticipating, resisting, and recovering from cyberattacks and other critical events.
In an ever-evolving digital environment, cyber threats change and adapt quickly. Therefore, enterprises must be able to adjust their security posture dynamically to meet these challenges.
This is achieved through comprehensive security strategies, continuous monitoring, and personnel training. Cyber-resilient businesses must also be able to adapt to new cybercriminal tactics and keep up with the latest technologies and security standards.
In addition, they must have adequate contingency and recovery plans to minimize damage and maintain customer trust.

Analytical monitoring

Cyber-resilient companies know the need to
detect and respond to threats promptly.

Analytical monitoring allows these companies to collect, process, and analyze large volumes of security data in real-time. This provides complete visibility into different attack surfaces and enables early detection of vulnerabilities and suspicious or anomalous activity.
This visibility is achieved by implementing tools and systems to monitor potential threats and vulnerabilities. Analytical monitoring is crucial to identifying and responding to cyber incidents efficiently.
In addition, it allows cyber-resilient companies to anticipate and prevent attacks, minimize the impact of incidents, and protect their critical assets. Analytical monitoring also helps improve responsiveness and recovery.
Continuous analytical monitoring of different attack surfaces offers additional benefits that go beyond simple incident detection:

• Improved detection capability: This maximizes the ability to detect potential adverse conditions and reveal their extent, enabling a more effective and faster response to incidents.
• Attack anticipation: Helps anticipate and prevent cyberattacks, significantly reducing financial and reputational losses.
• Improved system security: In addition to helping respond to an attack and survive quickly, it also serves to develop and design protection strategies.
• Reduced chances of a cyberattack: By identifying and containing potential threats before they materialize, you can reduce your chances of falling victim to one.
• Improved responsiveness: Improves the ability to respond to incidents, allowing for faster and more effective recovery.
• Improved collaboration: Facilitates collaboration between different departments and with third parties, which is essential for an effective cyber resilience strategy.

Cybersecurity Practices and Policies

Strengthened cybersecurity practices and policies are a critical characteristic of a cyber-resilient enterprise. These policies define the rules and procedures that the organization follows to protect against cyber threats and respond effectively when security incidents occur.
This involves implementing robust security measures, such as complex passwords, multi-factor authentication, and regularly updating software and systems.
In addition, the organization should have clear policies on device and network use and ongoing training for employees on cybersecurity best practices. These measures help prevent and mitigate cyberattacks, reducing the organization's vulnerability. Likewise, an organizational culture prioritizes cybersecurity is crucial, where all company members are committed to following the established protocols.

Comprehensive protection measures

These measures encompass a variety of strategies and technologies designed and combined to protect all aspects of a company's digital infrastructure and control different attack surfaces.
They encompass monitoring and analytics solutions to detect and respond to cyber incidents quickly. They also include physical security, such as controlling access to data centers, and digital security, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software.
In addition, they include data protection, such as encryption and key management, and application security, such as code review and penetration testing.
Finally, comprehensive protection measures involve incident preparedness, such as incident response planning and disaster recovery.

Find out how Kartos by Enthec can strengthen your organization's cyber resilience.

Our Kartos Corporate Threat Watchbots Cyber Surveillance platform makes it
easy for your organization to continuously monitor the external attack surface.

Thanks to the analytical capacity of its self-developed Artificial Intelligence and machine learning, Kartos reinforces organizations' cyber resilience by providing the information they need to deal with a cyberattack.

Contact us and learn about our solutions to make your company a cyber-resilient organization.

by Enthec

Cyber-intelligence: what it is and what are its advantages of use at a strategic and tactical level

Cyber-intelligence is an emerging and ever-evolving field that combines elements of traditional intelligence with information technology to protect digital operations.

What is cyber-intelligence?

Cyber-intelligence is the collection and analysis of information on threats and vulnerabilities in cyberspace that can affect organizations, administrations, and governments. Its main objective is to provide a detailed understanding of the threats faced by these entities and countries, enabling informed decision-making about protecting their digital assets. Understanding cyber-intelligence must focus on detecting and identifying potential threats before they materialize, allowing organizations to prepare and defend proactively. This can include identifying threat actors, their tactics, techniques, and procedures, and open and exposed corporate vulnerabilities that they could exploit to carry out an attack successfully.
It is essential to understand that Cyber-intelligence is not only about collecting data, analyzing it, and transforming it into valuable information to face the detected threats. It requires data analysis capabilities and involves creating a feedback loop in which threat information is continuously used to improve an organization's defenses.

Main Applications of cyber-intelligence

Cyber-intelligence has many practical applications within an organization's cybersecurity strategy.

Brand Protection

Brands, with their reputations, are among an organization's most valuable assets and, therefore, one of the most targeted by cybercrime. Cyber-intelligence tools currently offer the best strategy for protecting the brand against fraudulent use or abuse.

Third-party risk

In an environment in which the IT perimeter has blurred its borders in favor of hyperconnection, controlling the risk of the value chain has ceased to be a voluntary protection strategy and has become an obligation established by the most advanced legislation, such as the case of the European NIS 2 Directive. These tools allow organizations to control the risk of third parties through objective data obtained in real-time. As they are not intrusive, it is not necessary to obtain any permission from third parties.

Detecting and disabling phishing, fraud, and scam campaigns

Raising awareness among customers, employees, and third parties about phishing, fraud, and scams cannot be an organization's only strategy to fight them. Organizations must actively protect all these actors, both for safety and for their brand's reputation. Through Cyber-intelligence, organizations can locate, track, and deactivate phishing, fraud, and scams with corporate identity theft on social networks. You may be interested in our post→ Phishing: what it is and how many types there are.

Compliance

Legal systems are becoming stricter regarding organizations' compliance with protecting the personal and sensitive data they handle and controlling the risk of third parties. Cyber-intelligence tools allow not only control of the value chain but also detect in real-time the leak and exposure of any organization's database and open vulnerabilities that may imply a legal sanction.

Detection and removal of open and exposed vulnerabilities

Open and exposed vulnerabilities on the Internet, the Dark Web, the Deep Web, and Social Networks are within anyone's reach and are exploited by cybercriminals to design attacks.

The time the vulnerability remains open plays into the attack's success. Cyber-intelligence tools enable the organization to detect them almost as soon as they occur.

Locating Leaked Passwords and Credentials

The organization's knowledge of leaked passwords and credentials and its real-time location allow it to change them before they can be used to execute an attack.

Locating Leaked and Exposed Corporate Databases

Cyber-intelligence tools allow the organization to detect the leak of any database in real-time and act quickly to avoid sanctions and damage to corporate reputation.

Protection of intellectual and industrial property

Detecting the unauthorized use of resources over which the organization has intellectual or industrial property is essential to protecting the corporate core's assets. With cyber-intelligence tools, this fraudulent use can be detected in real-time, and the mechanisms to report and eliminate it can be activated.

Cybersecurity Scoring

The most evolved cyber-intelligence tools allow you to obtain cybersecurity scorings, both your own and those of third parties, obtained through objective and up-to-date data. This capability facilitates decision-making in alliances and cooperations, positioning in contracts with the administration or with other agents, and detecting weak points in the cybersecurity strategy.

The Three Types of Cyber-intelligence: Tactical, Strategic, and Technical

Among the different types of Cyber-intelligence, we can find three main ones:

Tactical cyber-intelligence

This type of cyber-intelligence focuses on immediate threats. It includes identifying specific threat actors, understanding their tactics, techniques, and procedures, and detecting ongoing attacks. Tactical cyber-intelligence is essential for incident response and threat mitigation.

Strategic cyber-intelligence

Strategic cyber-intelligence deals with long-term trends and emerging threats. It includes analyzing cybercriminals' tactics, identifying new vulnerabilities, and understanding how the threat landscape will evolve. Strategic cyber-intelligence is crucial for security planning and decision-making at the organizational level.

Technical cyber-intelligence

Technical cyber-intelligence involves the detailed analysis of technical data related to cyber threats. It includes analyzing malware, identifying indicators of compromise, and understanding how attacks are carried out. Technical cyber-intelligence is essential for network defense and the protection of digital assets. Each type of cyber-intelligence plays a crucial role in protecting organizations against threats. Together, they provide a complete view of risks, enabling organizations to defend themselves effectively in the digital environment.

Advantages of using cyber-intelligence at a strategic and tactical level

On a strategic and tactical level, implementing a cyber-intelligence tool offers several advantages to organizations:

• Cyber Threat Prevention: Cyber-intelligence enables organizations to identify and mitigate threats before they can cause harm. This includes identifying threat actors, understanding their tactics, and detecting vulnerabilities that could be exploited.
• Incident Response: When a security incident occurs, cyber intelligence helps determine what happened, who was responsible, and how it can be prevented in the future. This includes actions such as malware analysis, attack attribution, and identification of indicators of compromise.
• Threat Intelligence: Cyber-intelligence provides valuable insights into emerging threats and security trends. It helps organizations stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and adapt their defenses accordingly
• Regulatory compliance: Organizations have compliance requirements, including protecting digital information and susceptible data identified by legal systems. Cyber-intelligence helps organizations comply with these regulations by providing information about the threats and vulnerabilities that must be addressed.
• Digital Investigation: In the case of a digital crime, Cyber-intelligence is used to collect evidence and track criminals. This involves identifying the source of an attack, gathering digital evidence, and assisting in prosecuting criminals.

Why do companies need cyber-intelligence tools?

In the digital environment, cyber threats are a constant reality that is increasingly difficult to contain due to the incorporation of new technologies into the planning and execution of attacks. Businesses of all sizes and industries are potential targets for cybercriminals. Cyber-intelligence tools allow them to use those same new technologies to take a proactive approach to cybersecurity and stay ahead of attacks, neutralizing them before they materialize.

• Proactive threat prevention: Cyber-intelligence enables organizations to identify and mitigate threats before they can cause harm. This is especially useful at the tactical level, where early threat identification can prevent attacks and minimize damage.
• Informed decision-making: At a strategic level, Cyber-intelligence provides organizations with the information they need to make informed decisions about protecting their digital assets. This includes identifying new vulnerabilities, understanding cybercriminals' tactics, and anticipating emerging threats.
• Effective Incident Response: Cyber-intelligence helps organizations respond more effectively to security incidents. It provides information that allows the identification of an attack's source, the determination of its scope, and the implementation of measures to prevent future incidents.
• Regulatory compliance: Cyber-intelligence helps organizations comply with information security regulations by providing information about the threats and vulnerabilities that can lead to a legal breach.
• Improved cybersecurity strategy: By providing a comprehensive view of threats, Cyber-intelligence enables organizations to improve their security posture and protect themselves more effectively in the digital environment.
• Cost savings: Security breaches are costly in terms of direct financial loss and damage to a company's reputation. Cyber-intelligence tools prevent these breaches, reducing the business's IT risk.

Know our cyber-surveillance and cyber-intelligence solution for companies

Kartos Corporate Threat Watchbots, the Cyber ​​Intelligence platform for companies developed by Enthec, provides organizations with the most evolved cyber-surveillance capabilities on the market. In an automated and continuous manner, Kartos obtains data on open and exposed vulnerabilities, raises alarms in real-time, and issues reports prepared thanks to self-developed AI. An AI so evolved that it allows Kartos to be the only cyber-surveillance platform for companies capable of eliminating false positives in search results. Contact us if you need more information about how Kartos can protect your business.

by Enthec

Cybersecurity solutions that you should apply in your company

Protecting your company's information, nowadays, is no longer an option to consider, it is a necessity. Cyberattacks are on the rise, and with them, the risks to businesses of all sizes. If you're not prepared, you could face financial loss, reputational damage, and, in some cases, legal consequences.
In this article, we'll discover the most important cybersecurity solutions for businesses, both preventive, such as our Enthec cyber surveillance solutions , and reactive, and how you can implement them in your organization.

The Need for Enterprise Cybersecurity Solutions

Digital transformation has revolutionized how businesses operate, but it has also expanded the attack surface for cybercriminals. The risks are more varied and sophisticated than ever, from ransomware to phishing attacks to sensitive data breaches.
Enterprise cybersecurity solutions protect information, ensure business continuity, increase customers' trust, and comply with legal regulations such as GDPR. However, choosing the proper measurements for your particular case is key.

Key cybersecurity solutions to protect businesses

Threats are not the same for all organizations, but several cybersecurity tools and strategies can be tailored to a business's specific needs. Here, we show you the most important ones.

Perimeter Protection Solutions

Perimeter protection is the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your network. This involves establishing controls at entry points, such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and network segmentation. These tools act as a wall that prevents cybercriminals from accessing internal systems.
For example, a firewall can block suspicious connections, while an IDS detects anomalous activity in real-time. This perimeter cybersecurity is specially relevant to preventing attacks targeting servers and connected devices.

Cyber Intelligence Solutions

Cyber intelligence is about collecting and analyzing data about potential threats before they occur. This includes using advanced platforms to monitor the digital environment for signs of malicious activity, such as suspicious patterns in emails or irregular network movements.
This approach allows companies to anticipate attackers and respond quickly. Corporate cyber-surveillance tools like Kartos identify vulnerabilities and plan mitigation strategies before irreversible damage occurs.

Data Protection Solutions

Data protection is essential for any company that handles sensitive information, whether from clients, employees or internal projects. Encryption tools, multi-factor authentication, and regular backups are essential measures. Furthermore, it is important to know that data protection solutions not only guarantee the privacy of information, but also protect its integrity. If an attacker manages to break into your systems, backups and encryption can be the last barrier to avoiding a catastrophe.

Differences between proactive and reactive cybersecurity solutions

A comprehensive approach to cybersecurity combines proactive and reactive security measures. Both approaches are complementary and necessary, but understanding their differences will help you prioritize according to your resources.

Proactive Threat Prevention Solutions

Proactive solutions seek to prevent an attack from occurring. They include security audits, training staff to identify phishing emails, attack simulations to assess system weaknesses and real-time detection of exposed vulnerabilities before they can be used by a cybercriminal to execute an attack, such as the Kartos platform.
These measures are crucial for businesses looking to stay ahead of cybercriminals and reduce risk before something happens.

Reactive solutions for incident recovery

Conversely, reactive solutions focus on responding to an incident after it occurs. This is where disaster recovery plans (DRP), system restoration via backups, and post-incident investigations come into play to prevent recurring problems.
While prevention is ideal, having a solid response strategy can make the difference between a brief disruption or a complete shutdown of the business.

Kartos: the advanced solution in enterprise cyber surveillance

Choosing a trusted provider to manage your company's cybersecurity is as important as the tools you implement. In this sense, Kartos is a leader in enterprise cyber-surveillance solutions.
Kartos offers a personalized approach through constant monitoring, vulnerability detection, and real-time support. This platform is designed for companies that want to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.

Why choose Kartos?

• Real-time cyber intelligence. Identify threats before they become problems.
• 100% non-intrusive AI. It analyzes information on the Internet, Deep Web, Dark Web, and open sources to identify exposed data that cybercriminals could use. It is delivered to companies to protect themselves without carrying out attacks.
• Third-Party Risks In addition to protecting the organization and its risks, Kratos allows organizations that need it to manage third-party risks.

Investing in cybersecurity solutions is not just a technical issue but a strategic decision protecting your company's present and future. Whether you take proactive or reactive measures, the most important thing is to act now.
If you are looking for an ally to help you implement these measures effectively, Kartos is the answer. With their experience and advanced technology, you can be sure that your company will be in the best hands. Contact us today and take the first step towards a safer digital environment.

by Enthec

Proactive security: What is it and why use it to prevent and detect threats and cyberattacks?

Proactive security involves a combination of technologies, processes, and practices designed to protect organizations from attacks or unauthorized access before they occur.

What is proactive security?

Proactive security is an approach to cybersecurity that focuses on preventing cyber threats before they occur rather than simply reacting to them once they have occurred.
This approach involves identifying and remediating security vulnerabilities and anticipating future threats to prevent potential security breaches.
Proactive safety is based on the premise that prevention is better than repair. Rather than waiting for a security incident to occur and then taking steps to minimize or repair the damage, organizations with a proactive approach to cybersecurity seek to prevent these incidents by identifying and eliminating vulnerabilities before cybercriminals can exploit them.
A key component of proactive cybersecurity is regularly assessing information systems and networks to identify vulnerabilities. This may involve conducting penetration tests, in which security experts attempt to breach the organization's systems to uncover weaknesses before attackers do.
Another proactive strategy is the continuous monitoring of the attack surface external to the organization – the internet, dark web, deep web, social media, and other sources – to detect leaked information, open breaches, exposed system vulnerabilities, and suspicious activity. This involves the use of continuously functioning automated cyber intelligence tools for real-time threat detection.
Security training is also an important aspect of proactive cybersecurity. By educating employees on security best practices and keeping them informed about the latest threats and attack tactics, organizations can reduce the risk of security breaches occurring due to human error or a lack of security knowledge.
By taking a proactive approach to security, organizations empower themselves to prevent threats before they occur, minimizing the risk of cyberattacks and protecting their valuable information assets.

Why use a proactive approach to security?

Today, cybersecurity is a critical concern for all organizations. However, many companies still take a reactive approach, responding to threats as they occur, and organizations need to adopt a proactive attitude to security due to the advantages it brings:

1. Attack prevention. Proactive security focuses on preventing attacks before they happen. This is achieved by identifying and remediating vulnerabilities and anticipating future threats. By doing so, organizations avoid the costly downtime and data loss associated with consummate cyberattacks.
2. Cost savings. Although implementing proactive security measures may require an upfront investment, the cost of these measures is often much lower than the cost of responding to a cyberattack and its aftermath. In addition, successful cyberattacks can lead to regulatory fines and litigation, which cause financial damage.
3. Reputation protection. A cyberattack can significantly damage an organization's reputation. Your customers and business partners will lose trust in a company that can't protect their data. By taking a proactive approach, organizations demonstrate their commitment to data security, thereby enhancing their reputation.
4. Compliance. Most countries have strict rules and regulations around data security. By taking a proactive approach, organizations can ensure they comply with these standards, thus avoiding fines and penalties, while facilitating partnerships and internationalization.
5. Guarantee of business continuity. Organizations can avoid system downtime and keep their operations running smoothly by identifying and fixing vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
6. Competitive advantage. Organizations that demonstrate a solid commitment to cybersecurity have a competitive advantage in an increasingly digitized market. Customers and business partners often prefer to do business with companies that take data security seriously.

Proactive Security Best Practices for Detecting Cyberattacks

A proactive security attitude involves deploying a series of best practices in the organization's cybersecurity strategy.

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)

It provides continuous visibility into network endpoints and enables rapid responses to cyber threats. EDR collects and analyzes endpoint data to detect, investigate, and prevent threats.
This proactive solution enables organizations to identify abnormal behavior, perform forensic analysis, and mitigate risks before they become security incidents, thereby improving their overall security posture.

Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

It focuses on identifying, monitoring, and protecting data in use, in motion, and at rest. DLP uses security policies to classify and protect sensitive and critical information, preventing users from sending, storing, or using sensitive data inappropriately.
By detecting potential data breaches before they occur, DLP helps organizations prevent the exposure of valuable information, comply with regulations, and protect their reputation.

Vulnerability Detection

Monitoring the external attack surface and locating exposed vulnerabilities is an effective proactive cybersecurity practice. It consists of identifying, classifying, and prioritizing vulnerabilities in the corporate system that are accessible to the public.
This practice allows organizations to detect potential cyberattack entry points, providing a clear view of potential threats. By locating and remediating these vulnerabilities, organizations strengthen their cybersecurity strategy, prevent intrusions, and minimize the impact of any attacks. This practice is essential for effective cybersecurity management.

Disaster Recovery Plan

It prepares an organization to respond to a cyberattack. It includes procedures for detecting, evaluating, and recovering from security incidents.
This plan helps minimize damage, accelerate recovery, and protect data integrity. It is essential to maintain business continuity, protect the company's reputation, and ensure customer trust. The goal is to restore normal operations as quickly as possible after a cyberattack.

Benefits of Proactive Security

Staying one step ahead of cybercriminals makes it possible to neutralize attacks before they are executed or minimize their consequences if they cannot be avoided.
A proactive attitude to security provides the organization with the following advantages:

Threat Anticipation

By anticipating threats, organizations can take preventative measures to protect their systems and data, reducing the risk of security breaches and minimizing the impact of any attacks.

Strengthening the relationship with the customer

Proactive cybersecurity strengthens the customer relationship by building trust and security. Customers value their privacy and the protection of their data.
By implementing proactive measures, organizations demonstrate their commitment to customer data security. This increases customer satisfaction, improves retention, and attracts new customers. In addition, in the event of a cyberattack, a quick and effective response can minimize the impact on customers, maintaining their trust in the organization.

Reducing business risk

Proactive cybersecurity reduces business risk by preventing cyberattacks. By identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities, exposure to threats is minimized, protecting the integrity of data and systems.
This avoids costly outages and information loss, maintaining customer trust while complying with privacy and data protection regulations. Proactive cybersecurity protects the company's value and reputation.
To stay up-to-date in this sector, we encourage you to access our content→ The 5 cybersecurity trends you need to know.

Discover the Kartos by Enthec CTEM platform

Kartos Corporate Threat Watchbots, the Continuous Threat Exposure Management platform for companies developed by Enthec, provides organizations with the most evolved Cyber Surveillance capabilities on the market to respond to attacks' evolutions and trends.
Using Artificial Intelligence internally developed and working automatedly and continuously, Kartos by Enthec obtains and delivers data on companies' open and exposed vulnerabilities, providing real-time alarms and issuing reports on their cybersecurity status and that of their value chain.
In this way, Kartos allows organizations to implement a proactive approach in their cybersecurity strategy and ensure the detection and nullification of open breaches and exposed vulnerabilities before they are used to execute a cyberattack.
If you would like to learn more about how Kartos can help you implement a proactive approach in your cybersecurity strategy, don´t hesitate to contact us.

by Enthec

What is a CVE?

CVE, Common Vulnerabilities, and Exposures is a list of standardized names and codes for naming information security vulnerabilities and exposures to make them publicly known.
Each vulnerability has a unique identification number, which provides a way to publicly share data and information about them.
Thus, a CVE is a standard identifier for information security vulnerabilities. In addition to the unique number, a CVE assigns a brief description to each known vulnerability to facilitate its search, analysis, and management.
CVEs aim to provide a common, unified reference for vulnerabilities so that they can be easily shared and compared across different sources of information, tools, and services. CVEs also help to improve awareness and transparency about threats to information security and foster cooperation and coordination between the different actors involved in their prevention, detection, and response.
Before delving into how the CVE system works, it is worth clarifying what a vulnerability and an exposure are.

Differences between a vulnerability and an exposure

As indicated by INCIBE, a vulnerability is a technical flaw or deficiency in a program that can allow a non-legitimate user to access information or carry out unauthorized operations remotely.
An exposure is an error that allows access or unwanted people to a system or network. Exposures can lead to data breaches, data leaks, and the sale of personally identifiable information (PII) on the dark web.
An example of a data exposure could be accidentally publishing code to a GitHub repository.

How does the CVE system work?

CVE is a security project born in 1999 focused on publicly released software, funded by the US Division of Homeland Security. The CVE Program is managed by the Software Engineering Institute of the MITRE Corporation, a non-profit organization which works in collaboration with the United States government and other partners.
CVEs are issued by the CVE Program, an international initiative that coordinates and maintains a free, public database of vulnerabilities reported by researchers, organizations and companies around the world.
CVEs can be viewed on the official CVE Program website, where you can search by number, keyword, product, supplier, or date. They can also be consulted in other secondary sources that collect and analyze CVEs, such as the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) in the United States, which provides additional information on the impact, severity and the solutions for each vulnerability.

Criteria followed by CVEs

The CVE Glossary uses the Security Content Automation Protocol (SCAP) to collect information about security vulnerabilities and exposures, catalog them according to various identifiers, and provide them with unique identifiers.
The program is a community-based cooperative project that helps discover new vulnerabilities. These are discovered, assigned and published on the lists so that they are public knowledge. It does not include technical data or information on risks, impacts and remediation.
In this way, the CVE consists of a brief description of the error and the version or component that is affected. It also tells where to find out how to fix the vulnerability or exposure.
CVEs are released once the bug has been fixed. This, by pure logic, is done to avoid exposing affected users to a risk without being able to solve it. In fact, this is one of the criteria that CVEs follow: the vulnerability can be fixed independently of other bugs or vulnerabilities.
Recognition by the software or hardware vendor is also important. Or, the whistleblower must have shared a vulnerability report that demonstrates the negative impact of the bug and that it violates the security policy of the affected system.

CVE identification

As mentioned above, the identification of CVEs is unique. This nomenclature consists of an ID and a date indicating when it was created by MITRE, followed by an individual description field and a reference field. If the vulnerability was not reported directly by MITRE, but was first mapped by an advisory group or bug tracking advisory group, the reference field will include URL links to the advisory group or bug tracker that first reported the vulnerability. Other links that may appear in this field are to product pages affected by CVE.

Kartos by Enthec helps you locate the CVEs of your organization

Kartos Corporate Threat Watchbots is the Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) platform developed by Enthec for the protection of organizations. Working in an automated, continuous and real-time manner, Kartos alerts your organization of any corporate vulnerabilities and exposures so that they can be nullified before any attack is executed through them. Simply enter the company's domain into the platform, and the Kartos bots will begin crawling the three layers of the web in search of your organization's CVEs. If you want to learn more about how Kartos can help you locate and override your organization's CVEs, do not hesitate to contact us.

by Enthec

The 5 Cybersecurity Trends You Need to Know

Businesses should invest in staying up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity trends to protect against threats, maintain customer trust, comply with regulations, and protect their reputation.

Importance of cybersecurity today

In today's economic and technological environment, cybersecurity has become a top priority for companies, institutions, and states.

With the digitalization of business processes and the increasing dependence on technology, ensuring information security has become essential to ensuring organizations' long-term sustainability.
Cybersecurity involves protecting a company's systems and networks against external attacks and ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data.
This is especially relevant in a business environment, where the loss or theft of information can have severe financial and reputational consequences.
Staying on top of cybersecurity trends is a must, as cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated and frequent. Cybercriminals exploit security vulnerabilities using various tactics, from phishing to ransomware.
Businesses need to be prepared to deal with these threats and have incident response plans.
In addition, cybersecurity is critical to complying with data protection regulations. Businesses are required by law to protect the personal information of their customers and employees. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant fines and damage the company's reputation.
In addition, cybersecurity is also crucial to maintaining customer trust. If customers don't trust that their data is secure, they may choose not to do business with a company. As such, cybersecurity is essential for customer retention and acquisition.

Discover the 5 cybersecurity trends

The development of technology brings with it new forms of cyberattacks and new ways to protect against them. Staying on top of each other's trends is the foundation of any effective cybersecurity strategy.

1. Increased focus on Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the field of cybersecurity, emerging as an essential tool for protecting computer systems against cyber threats. As cyberattacks become more sophisticated, Artificial Intelligence offers new ways to strengthen security and prevent attacks.
Although it also represents new challenges when used to execute attacks, Artificial Intelligence's ability to analyze large amounts of data and learn from past attacks makes it a powerful tool in the fight against cybercrime.
Artificial Intelligence analyzes large amounts of data at a speed that surpasses that of humans. This allows cybersecurity tools to collect data and convert it into valuable information to identify patterns and detect gaps that may involve an attack. In addition, Artificial Intelligence learns from past attacks to prevent future threats.

Main areas of action of Artificial Intelligence in cybersecurity

One area where Artificial Intelligence is proving its effectiveness is phishing detection. AI algorithms can scan emails, the Internet, the deep web, the dark web, and social media for signs and actions of phishing.
In addition, thanks to artificial intelligence's learning and analysis capacity, the most advanced cybersecurity tools on the market can eliminate false positives in search results. Thus, the use of Artificial Intelligence guarantees the accuracy of automated tools and avoids the need for human review of the results.
However, despite these advances in protection, Artificial Intelligence also presents new security challenges. Cybercriminals are exploiting it to carry out more sophisticated and hard-to-detect attacks.
Therefore, cybersecurity professionals and solutions must stay up-to-date with advancements and trends in Artificial Intelligence.
As Artificial Intelligence continues to evolve, its role in cybersecurity will become increasingly relevant.

2. Zero Trust Security

Zero-trust security is an emerging cybersecurity trend. Its basic quality is its robust and proactive approach. This approach is based on the principle of "never trust, always verify," which means that no entity, internal or external, is considered trustworthy by default.
This trend focuses on protecting the organization's resources regardless of location. This is especially significant today when employees can work from anywhere, and data is often hosted in the cloud.
In a Zero-Trust model, each access request is authenticated, authorized, and encrypted before being granted. This applies even if the request comes from within the organization's network. In this way, Zero-Trust Security helps prevent insider threats, which are ineffectively addressed in many organizations.
In addition, Zero Trust security uses micro-segmentation to divide the network into smaller zones. This limits attackers' lateral movement within the network, making it easier to contain potential security threats.
However, implementing a Zero-Trust model can be challenging for an organization. It requires a change in mindset as it goes against the traditional approach of trusting yet verifying. In addition, it may involve a complete overhaul of the existing security infrastructure.

3. Rise in phishing attacks

Phishing is one of the most prevalent threats in the digital environment. Despite advances in cybersecurity, there has been a steady upward trend in phishing attacks in recent years, leading organizations to need more effective ways to protect themselves.
Phishing involves using social engineering tactics to trick users into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, financial data, or downloads of infected files.
Cybercriminals carry out these attacks using various methods, including spoofed emails, fraudulent websites, text messages, or social media campaigns.
You may be interested in our post→ Common types of cyberattacks.
Several factors account for the continuing trend of phishing in cybersecurity and the continuous increase in phishing attacks.
First, phishing is relatively easy to perform and can be highly effective. Second, with the rise of remote work and the use of personal devices, cybercriminals have more opportunities to launch successful phishing attacks.
Organizations use various cybersecurity measures and solutions, some of which are highly advanced, to combat phishing. These include training employees to recognize and avoid phishing attacks, using email filters to block phishing emails, and implementing two-factor authentication to protect user accounts.
The most advanced cybersecurity solutions use automation, Artificial Intelligence, and machine learning to detect and prevent phishing attacks. These tools can analyze emails, websites, social media, and the internet for signs of phishing, helping to protect users and organizations from these attacks.

4. Evolution of Quantum Computing

Quantum computing is a novel cybersecurity trend that promises to revolutionize how organizations protect systems and data.
This technology takes advantage of the properties of quantum mechanics to perform calculations at a speed and scale that are beyond the reach of traditional computers.
This computing has the potential to solve complex cybersecurity problems more efficiently. For example, it can improve cryptography, making our systems more secure.
Quantum algorithms, such as Shor's algorithm, can factor large prime numbers much faster than any classical supercomputer.
However, this same power also presents challenges. If cybercriminals gain access to quantum computers, they could use them to break the cryptography that protects our data. This has led researchers to develop post-quantum cryptography to resist attacks from quantum computers.
In addition, quantum computing can enormously improve threat detection and cybersecurity incident response. Quantum systems can analyze vast amounts of security data at a speed hitherto unattainable, identifying threats and responding to them faster and more effectively.
Although still in the early stages of development and evolution, it is indisputable that quantum computing has the potential to transform cybersecurity. On the one hand, it offers new ways to protect our systems and data, but on the other, it presents new cybersecurity challenges.

5. Security in IoT devices

The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized the way we interact with the digital world. However, this massive interconnectedness has also opened new doors for cybersecurity threats.
IoT devices, which span fields from home appliances to smart industrial machinery, generate a large amount of sensitive data.
When this information is exposed, it can be used for the planning and execution of a cyberattack.
As a result, the security of IoT devices has become a critical trend in the field of cybersecurity. Enterprises are investing in robust security solutions to protect IoT devices and the data they generate.
And this is a trend in cybersecurity that will continue to evolve as IoT adoption expands. It is therefore imperative that businesses and users take proactive steps to protect their devices and data in this increasingly connected environment.
An effective IoT security strategy involves several layers of protection:

• Physical security: protection of physical devices, which should not be easily accessible for unauthorized tampering.
• Network security: Implementing firewalls and other network security measures to protect IoT devices from external attacks.
• Data Security: Protecting the data generated and transmitted through IoT devices.
• Regular updates: Keeping devices up-to-date with the latest firmware and software versions to protect against known cybersecurity system vulnerabilities.
• Security by design: IoT device manufacturers incorporate security measures from the product design phase.
• User education: Users should be aware of the operation and scope of IoT devices and the risks they have, as well as informed about security best practices, such as changing default passwords and disabling non-essential features.

Learn about our cybersecurity solution for companies

Kartos Corporate Threat Watchbots, our Cyber Surveillance platform for enterprises developed by Enthec, provides organizations with the most evolved Cyber Surveillance capabilities on the market to respond to the evolution and trends of attacks.
Using self-developed Artificial Intelligence, issue reports on the cybersecurity status of organizations and their value chains in an automated and continuous way.
An Artificial Intelligence so evolved that it allows Kartos to be the only Cyber Surveillance platform for companies capable of putting an end to false positives in search results, thus guaranteeing the degree of effectiveness of protection.
Contact us if you need more information on how Kartos can protect your business.

by amorena

What is hashing: How it works and uses it in cybersecurity

Hashing is a crucial process in information security that transforms any data into a unique and fixed value, facilitating its rapid recovery and guaranteeing its integrity.

What is hashing?

Hashing is a data processing algorithm that transforms a string of text or data set into a single, fixed numerical representation. This process is done by a hash function, which generates a unique value for each distinct input, called a hash.
Hashing is commonly used in programming to store and retrieve data efficiently.
The hashing process works as follows:

1. Entrance. A text string or dataset is provided as input.
2. Hash function.

   The input is passed through a hash function, which uses a mathematical algorithm to transform the input into a unique numerical representation.

3. Hash. The result is the hash, a single, fixed numerical representation of the original input.

If the hash function is good, the same input message will always produce the same output number and a small change in the message will drastically change the output number.
However, it's important to note that the features aren't perfect. There is a chance that two different messages produce the same hash, which is known as a hash collision. Despite this, good hashing functions are designed to minimize the likelihood of collisions.

Using Hash Values

Now that we know what a hash is, it's relevant to find out that hash values are instrumental in a variety of applications, including:

• Data storage and retrieval: The hashing algorithm efficiently retrieves data. In a database, hashing is used to index and retrieve data quickly. When storing data in a hash table, the hash function directly calculates the location of the data in the table.
• Data authentication: These values are commonly used to authenticate data, as generating a hash that matches the original one is very complex. In addition, any slight modification to the data creates a new hash.
• Data encryption: Hashing is used to encrypt data securely. By storing data in encrypted mode, hashing protects its integrity and confidentiality. This function associated with cryptography has made hashing a fundamental element of blockchain technology.
• Duplicate detection: Hash values can also detect duplicate data. Two datasets will likely be identical if they have the same hash value.

Characteristics of how hashing works

The fundamental characteristics of how hashing works are:

Illegibility

The hash output data, the hashes, are not readable or recognizable. The goal is to make the results difficult to decode or understand, providing greater security in applications such as cryptography and data authentication.

Continuity

A hashing algorithm can maintain a connection or relationship between the input data and the generated results. This means that the results are consistent and consistent over time, which is especially important for applications that require data integrity and security.

Speed

Speed is an essential feature of hashing. Hashing functions are designed to be extremely fast and efficient. In general, the speed of hashing depends on the algorithm's complexity and the hardware capacity used.

Determinism

This hashing feature refers to an algorithm's ability to produce results that are always the same for a specific input.
It implies that the hashing result is predictable and not influenced by external factors. Given an input, the algorithm will always produce the same hash, and therefore, if two people have the same data and use the same hash function, they will get the same hash.

Securities Collision Safety

It refers to the ability of a hashing algorithm to minimize the likelihood of collisions between different inputs.

Theoretically, a perfect hashing algorithm would produce unique values for each entry. However, in practice, collisions can occur due to the limited number of possible hash values, where different inputs produce the same hash value.
A good hashing algorithm will distribute inputs evenly across the hash space, reducing the likelihood of collisions and improving safety.

Use cases of hashing in cybersecurity

Here are some prominent use cases for hashing in cybersecurity:

File integrity verification

In cryptography, hash values are used to verify the integrity of data. By calculating the hash value of the data before and after transmission, it is possible to check whether the data has been altered during transmission.

Digital signatures

In digital signatures, the message's hash value is used as input for the signing algorithm. This allows you to verify the sender's authenticity and the message's integrity.

Secure password storage

The hashing algorithm authenticates a user's identity and securely stores passwords. When registering for an app, the user provides a password stored as a hash.
The application checks the provided password against the stored hash when the user logs in. Because the password is stored as a hash, it is very difficult for someone other than the user who generated it to decrypt it and use it.

Prevention of replay, brute force, SQL injection, and cross-site scripting attacks

Prevention of replay, brute force, SQL injection, and cross-site scripting attacks
Hashing helps prevent these types of attacks, as it is difficult for an attacker to reproduce a hash that has already been verified or generate a hash that matches the original hash. This makes it difficult to access data without being authorized.
You may be interested in our publication→ 5 cybersecurity trends you should know.

Advantages of hashing that you should know

Hashing offers several advantages over other methods of encryption and data storage:

1. Speed. It is swift and efficient, based on simple mathematical operations and does not require complex search algorithms.
2. Scalability. It is scalable, as it does not depend on the content's complexity, making it suitable for large amounts of data.
3. Irreversibility. The hash is irreversible, which means that you cannot recover the original data from it. This provides an extra layer of security to protect sensitive data.
4. Data integrity. The hashing algorithm ensures that data is not modified or altered during transmission or storage.
5. Authentication. The hash of the original data can be verified by comparing it with the hash of the received data, which shows that the data has not been modified during the transmission process.
6. Efficiency. Modern hashing algorithms are fast and efficient, responding to applications that require high processing speed.
7. It requires no keys, secure communication, or encryption services. By its very function, hashing does not require keys, secure communication, or encryption services to protect data, so its implementation is straightforward. At the same time, it is ideal for applications that require high security.
8. No dependence. Hashing does not depend on complexity, structure, language, frequency, or data categorization, which may condition its application.

If you want to improve the security of your information, find out how Kartos Corporate Threat Watchbots can help your organization. Learn about our solutions; it's time to prevent and locate any vulnerabilities!

by amorena

Top cybersecurity tools to use in your business

Implementing cybersecurity tools appropriate to corporate needs within organizations' cybersecurity strategies is essential to ensuring protection against threats and cyberattacks.

Why is it essential for companies to implement cybersecurity tools?

Cybersecurity tools offer robust protection against various threats, enable early detection of risks and attacks, and enable proactive response to security incidents.

Threats and cyberattacks

Cybersecurity has become a top priority for businesses of all sizes. Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated and frequent, posing a significant threat to corporate data's integrity, availability, and confidentiality.
Common threats include malware, ransomware, phishing, and denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. The success of each of these attacks comes with severe consequences, such as the loss of critical data, disruptions to business operations, and damage to corporate reputation.
Malware, including viruses, worms, and Trojans, infiltrates company systems, corrupting files and stealing sensitive information. Ransomware is particularly dangerous because it encrypts company data and demands a ransom to release it.
Phishing attacks, conversely, use deceptive emails to obtain login credentials and other sensitive information from employees.
Finally, DDoS attacks can overwhelm company servers with malicious traffic, causing service disruptions and negatively impacting productivity.

Security risks in unprotected companies

Companies that do not implement adequate cybersecurity tools expose themselves to significant risks. One of the most apparent risks is data loss. In today's environment, data is one of a company's most valuable assets, and its loss can seriously impact operations and the ability to make informed decisions. In addition, the stolen data can be used to carry out fraud, identity theft, and other criminal acts.
Another significant risk is disruption to operations. Cyberattacks can disrupt systems, impacting productivity and, correspondingly, corporate finances. For example, a ransomware attack can paralyze operations until the ransom is paid or the effects of the attack are reversed. In contrast, a DDoS attack can render the company's websites and online services inoperable.
Another critical risk is the loss of trust and reputation. Security breaches often damage a company's reputation and cause customers, partners, and other stakeholders to lose confidence in its ability to protect their data. This perception implies the loss of some business and long-term damage to the brand.
Finally, unprotected companies risk incurring legal and regulatory penalties. Data protection laws and regulations, such as the GDPR in Europe, require companies to implement adequate security measures to protect personal data. Failure to comply with these laws carries significant penalties and legal action.

Cybersecurity tools to protect your business

Among the variety of cybersecurity support tools that an organization can implement to protect its systems, one group stands out for its effectiveness and efficiency:

Antivirus

Antivirus software is one of the most relevant and widely used cybersecurity tools. Its primary function is detecting, blocking, and removing malware before it can cause harm. Modern antivirus uses advanced techniques such as signature-based detection, heuristics, and artificial intelligence to identify and neutralize a wide range of threats, including viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, and ransomware.

• Signature-based detection. This technique uses a database of known malware signatures to identify threats. When antivirus software scans a file, it compares its signature to those in the database, and if it finds a match, it blocks and removes the threat.
• Heuristic. Heuristic methods allow antivirus software to identify suspicious behavior and code patterns that could indicate the presence of new or unknown malware. This technique is essential for detecting zero-day threats, which do not yet have known signatures.
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Modern antivirus programs incorporate AI and machine learning technologies to improve real-time threat detection. These technologies can analyze large volumes of data and learn to identify malicious behavior patterns, even without a known signature.

Firewall

Firewalls are critical tools for cybersecurity. They act as a barrier between the company's internal network and external networks, such as the Internet. Their primary function is to control and filter incoming and outgoing network traffic, allowing only authorized connections and blocking unauthorized access.

• Hardware and software firewalls Firewalls can be deployed as dedicated hardware appliances or software on servers and computers. Hardware firewalls are ideal for protecting the entire enterprise network, while software firewalls offer additional protection on individual devices.
• Packet Filters Firewalls inspect every data packet entering or leaving the network, comparing it to predefined rules. If a packet complies with the rules, access is allowed. Otherwise, it is blocked.
• Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW). NGFWs combine traditional firewall capabilities with advanced features such as deep packet inspection (DPI), intrusion prevention (IPS), and application-based threat protection.

Intrusion detection systems

Intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) are essential tools for monitoring and protecting corporate networks against malicious activity. These systems analyze network traffic for behavior patterns indicating an attempted intrusion or attack in progress.

• IDS (Intrusion Detection Systems). IDSs monitor network traffic in real-time and generate alerts when they detect suspicious activity. They can be passive, simply alerting security administrators, or active, automatically responding to threats.
• IPS (Intrusion Prevention Systems). IPS detects intrusions and takes steps to prevent them, such as blocking malicious traffic or applying additional firewall rules. IPS often integrates with other security systems to provide in-depth defense.
• Signature and behavior analysis.
  IDS and IPS use signature analysis techniques to identify known threats and behavioral analysis to detect anomalous activity that could indicate new or unknown attacks.

Automated Cybersecurity Monitoring Tools

Automated monitoring is crucial to maintaining the security of corporate infrastructures. These tools allow businesses to continuously monitor their systems and networks for unusual or malicious activity and respond quickly to security incidents.

Security Information and Event Management Systems (SIEM)

SIEM solutions collect and analyze event data and logs from multiple sources on the enterprise network. They use advanced algorithms to detect suspicious behavior patterns and generate real-time alerts.

Incident Response and Analysis Tools

These tools allow security teams to quickly analyze security incidents and take the necessary steps to mitigate them. This can include identifying the incident's root cause, containing the threat, and recovering the affected system.

Cloud monitoring

Automated monitoring tools for cloud environments are essential with the increased use of cloud services. These tools monitor cloud activity, detect threats, and ensure compliance with company security policies.

Tools for Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM)

To effectively protect their systems, organizations can't just manage the security of their internal infrastructure. Controlling exposed vulnerabilities available to anyone allows you to detect open gaps and implement a proactive security strategy in the organization.
Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) solutions monitor the different layers of the web to locate those publicly exposed vulnerabilities, such as leaked data or credentials, and detect the open breaches that caused them.
The most evolved CTEM tools, such as Kartos Corporate Threat Wathbots, use Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies to analyze and clean their data and provide highly accurate information about imminent threats.

Identity and access management tools

Identity and access management (IAM) is a crucial component of enterprise cybersecurity. IAM tools ensure that only authorized users can access critical business resources and data and maintain strict controls over who can do what within the system.

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide more than one form of verification before accessing systems. This can include a combination of passwords, verification codes sent to mobile devices, fingerprints, or other forms of biometric authentication.
• Privileged access management (PAM). PAM tools allow companies to control and monitor access management to privileged accounts, which have elevated permissions within the system. This includes implementing role-based access policies and logging all privileged account activities.
• Single Sign-On (SSO) Solutions. SSO allows users to access multiple applications and systems with a single login credential. This simplifies password management, improves the user experience, and provides centralized security controls.

Kartos: Corporate Cyber-Surveillance Solution for Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM)

Kartos Corporate Threat Watchbots is a monitoring tool for Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) developed by Enthec to protect organizations.

Using its army of bots deployed across the Web, Dark Web, and Deep Web, Kartos scours forums and repositories to locate leaked information, exposed vulnerabilities, and open breaches of organizations.
Among its unique capabilities in the cybersecurity tools market, Kartos stands out for eliminating false positives in search results thanks to tag technology, which uses self-developed Artificial Intelligence.
In addition to protecting the organization, Kartos allows third parties to be controlled in real-time and continuously for the duration of the business relationship.
If you want to learn more about how Kartos Corporate Threat Watchbots can help you protect your organization and control risks in your value chain, please do not hesitate to contact us.

by Enthec

System Vulnerabilities in Cybersecurity

System vulnerabilities in cybersecurity are being exploited with increasing sophistication and precision. The risk for institutions and companies, regardless of their size, is increasingly evident. In recent times, we have witnessed numerous attacks, including on important public institutions such as the SEPE in Spain or the Colonial Pipeline, the largest oil pipeline network in the US. In this scenario, it is essential for organizations to reduce the risk of suffering a cyber attack. To delve deeper into this, in this article we will talk about system vulnerabilities in cybersecurity.

What is a Cybersecurity Vulnerability?

A vulnerability is a weakness or flaw within an information system that poses a security risk. It could originate from a configuration error, design flaws, or procedural failure.
This security “hole” represents an entry point for cybercriminals who use these vulnerabilities to enter our system and compromise its availability, integrity, and confidentiality.
Therefore, it is vital to keep our systems safe, find these vulnerabilities as soon as possible, and fix them to avoid these risks.

Difference between vulnerability and threat in cybersecurity

As mentioned, vulnerabilities are flaws, “security holes” in our system. Threats are those actions carried out by cybercriminals who exploit these vulnerabilities.
Therefore, they are different things. The vulnerability is the security breach while the threat is the action that exploits the security breach.
Generally when vulnerabilities appear, there will always be someone who will try to exploit them.

What types of vulnerabilities can I have?

We will now discuss the types of vulnerabilities we can suffer from. However, it is worth remembering that some are more important than others. We will have to assess the importance of each vulnerability, as having an exposed database is not the same as having a leaked commercial PDF.
We will now comment on the types of vulnerability by establishing the following classification:

SQL injection vulnerabilities

These vulnerabilities occur when SQL code that was not part of the programmed code is inserted. This technique alters the operation of a database.
The attacker’s hostile data can trick the interpreter into executing unwanted commands or accessing data without authorization.

Authentication vulnerabilities

These are flaws related to input data validation that allow attackers to access our system.
Another critical point here is passwords. Using insecure passwords makes systems vulnerable, and if they are easily cracked, they can lead to incursions by unauthorized third parties.

Vulnerability exposed data

Many web applications and APIs do not adequately protect sensitive data, such as financial, health, and personal information. Attackers can steal or modify this weakly protected data to commit credit card fraud, identity theft, or other crimes.

Configuration vulnerabilities

These types of vulnerabilities are due to software or server misconfigurations. It can lead to system disablement or other more powerful attacks, such as a Dos attack.
Other types of configurations are related to security, such as open cloud storage and misconfigured HTTP headers.
All operating systems, frameworks, libraries, and applications must be securely configured and patched/updated promptly.

XSS (Cross Site Scripting) Vulnerabilities

This type of vulnerability is characterized by allowing scripts from languages such as VBScript or Javascript to be executed. XSS flaws occur when an application includes untrusted data on a page without proper validation or escaping.
Cybercriminals can hijack user sessions by executing these scripts. Phishing to steal passwords and data is an example of such an attack.

Component-related vulnerabilities

Components, such as libraries, frameworks, and other software modules, run with the same privileges as the application.
An attack could result in data loss or server access if any of these components are vulnerable.

Kartos locates your organization's exposed vulnerabilities

Kartos Corporate Threat Watchbots is the Continuous Threat Exposure Management platform developed by Enthec for the protection of organizations. Thanks to its technology designed to scan the three layers of the web in search of threats, Kartos locates open gaps and exposed vulnerabilities in your organization to prevent them from being used by cybercriminals to develop an attack. Contact us to learn more about how Kartos can help you neutralize exposed system vulnerabilities and avoid the threats they entail.

by Enthec