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What Is Zero Trust Architecture All About?

Daniel Segun | ✔️Fact-checked by: Angela Daniel
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What Is Zero Trust Architecture All About?

Here, we will show you what Zero Trust Architecture is all about, its concepts, and why it emerging as a new cybersecurity paradigm.

But, first, let’s start with the history of Zero Trust.

The History Of Zero Trust 

Zero Trust is a strategic effort that aims to eliminate the idea of trust from an organization’s network architecture, therefore reducing the likelihood of successful data breaches like the Pipeline Oil Ransomware attack.

Zero Trust is built on the idea of “never trust, always verify,” and it uses network segmentation, lateral movement prevention, Layer 7 threat prevention, and granular user-access management to secure modern digital environments.

During his time as a vice president and lead analyst at Forrester Research, John Kindervag developed Zero Trust after realizing that existing security approaches are built on the outmoded notion that everything inside a network should be trusted.

The History Of Zero Trust 

It is believed that a user’s identity is not stolen and that all users take responsibility and can be trusted under this broken trust paradigm. Trust is a weakness, according to the Zero Trust paradigm. Users, including threat actors and malevolent insiders, are free to roam about the network and access or exfiltrate any data they want once they’re connected.

The Jericho Forum in 2003 discussed the trend of de-parameterisation and the problems of establishing the perimeter of an organization’s IT systems. BeyondCorp, a zero-trust architecture developed by Google, was launched in 2009.

The reporting and analysis done by Kindervag helped to solidify zero trust principles in the IT community. Zero trust architectures, on the other hand, would take over a decade to become common, owing to the growing usage of mobile and cloud services, among other factors.  

READ ALSO: How to Secure Your Mobile Devices: A Comprehensive Guide

The Concepts Of Zero Trust

What Is a Zero-Trust Network, and How Does It Work? Here are the 5 key assumptions within a zero-trust network:

  1. The network is always assumed to be hostile.
  2. On the network, external and internal threats are constantly present.
  3. Network proximity is insufficient for deciding whether to trust a network.
  4. Every device, user, and network flow requires authentication and permission.
  5. Policies must be flexible and based on a variety of data sources.

The zero-trust network is a new paradigm that has emerged in the wake of global hacking scandals. It hinges on five key assumptions: that networks are assumed to be hostile, external, and internal dangers exist at all times, choosing whether or not to trust someone means ensuring they have proper authentication and authorization for every device used by them as well as themselves–not just their location–and finally recognizing that it’s essential we continue this mindset even after any attack occurs.

Here is how Microsoft explains their Zero Trust deployment: Rather than trusting that everything inside the company firewall is secure, the Zero Trust model assumes a breach and validates each request as if it came from a public network. Zero Trust teaches us to “never trust, always verify” no matter whence the request comes from or what resource it accesses.

Before giving access, each request is thoroughly verified, approved, and encrypted. To keep lateral movement to a minimum, micro segmentation, and least privileged access are used. To detect and respond to abnormalities in real time, rich intelligence and analytics are employed.

READ ALSO: Zero Trust Architecture: Enhancing Network Security

Outdated Security Models

Today’s security model is outdated, and it needs to modernize in order for organizations to keep up with the ever-changing environment.

Today’s businesses need a new way of thinking about cybersecurity because today’s world has become more complex than before due to smartphones being so prevalent among people these days. Cybersecurity should embrace this mobile workforce by adapting quickly as threats change continuously – which they are constantly doing! 

When it comes to cybersecurity, the importance of zero trust cannot be overstated. This is especially important when building a system from scratch or implementing new technologies into an existing workflow.

The security industry has been experiencing a paradigm shift in recent years as we move further away from traditional models that rely on protocols like firewalls and allow more access at once.

Along with this trend, cyberattacks have become increasingly sophisticated–and so too should our solutions for protecting against them!

That’s why it can’t be stressed enough how crucial Zero Trust implementations are to any company looking to protect data by being proactive about their physical protection strategies: only those who bake Zero Trust into every aspect of their business will know what success feels like!

Outdated Security Models

Image source

Why Is Zero Trust Emerging As A New Cybersecurity Paradigm? Is It Feasible? 

Yes and no. For any organization that has not yet embraced the concept of privileged access and least privilege, as well as still maintaining shared accounts for security purposes, zero trust is simply not going to work. 

They are not offering a self-contained solution to solve all the problems—a massive undertaking that requires building an IT architecture from scratch with zero trust as the driving security principle.

It’s an interesting time to be in the cybersecurity industry. Therefore, it is ideal to utilize a reliable cloud backup and disaster recovery company like Assurance IT. Zero trust is now a common practice among organizations, but there are limitations with this approach that we need to acknowledge as IT professionals, like myself, Luigi Tiano.

Regardless of whether your organization has one person or thousands, zero trust can only manage what falls within its scope – and when it comes outside of those bounds (i.e., remote employees), it struggles mightily regardless how long you’ve been practicing zero trusts policies internally!

Why Is Zero Trust Emerging As A New Cybersecurity Paradigm? Is It Feasible

A hot topic of conversation coming into 2021 is how feasible Zero Trust really is.  The idea has been around since 2018, but only a handful of organizations have adopted it at large scale so far.

It seems that more and more companies are considering the risk involved with trusting any user on their network to remain authentic for long periods or even permanently- which may be why there’s still an ongoing debate about its feasibility 3 years in?

Organizations should start preparing for quantum computers now, as they are still years away. While a hacker may not be able to decrypt information immediately with today’s technology, it is possible that an attack could happen in the future when hackers have access to advanced forms of encryption or decryption methods through their own devices.

This would cause organizations and governments alike great harm if sensitive data were compromised and released into public networks during this time period without being encrypted properly beforehand due either human error or user negligence at some point beforehand.

READ ALSO: 5 Adoption Strategies For Zero Trust

Zero Trust Architecture: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the pillars of zero trust architecture?

Zero Trust is built on three core principles:

  1. Least Privilege Access: This principle dictates that users and devices are granted only the minimum level of access required to perform their tasks. This minimizes the potential damage if a security breach occurs.
  2. Continuous Verification: Zero Trust doesn’t rely on implicit trust based on network location. Users and devices must be continuously verified throughout a session, even if they are already inside the network perimeter.
  3. Never Trust, Always Verify: This principle emphasizes the importance of constant verification. Identity, device posture (security status), and access requests are continuously checked to ensure authorized access.

What are the three main concepts of zero trust?

These three concepts essentially boil down to the core principles mentioned above:

  1. Assume Breach: Security posture assumes a breach has already occurred or could happen at any time. This eliminates the concept of a trusted network perimeter.
  2. Micro-Segmentation: Networks are divided into smaller segments with specific access controls. This limits the potential damage if a breach occurs within one segment.
  3. Identity and Device Access Management: Strong identity and device access management solutions are central to Zero Trust. They ensure only authorized users and devices can access resources, and their access is continuously monitored.

What is an example of zero trust?

Imagine a company using a Zero Trust approach. An employee working from home needs to access a confidential document on a company server. Here’s how Zero Trust might work:

  • The employee logs in using strong Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
  • The employee’s device posture (security software updates, etc.) is verified.
  • The system only grants access to the specific document the employee needs, not the entire server.
  • Even after gaining access, the employee’s activity might be monitored for suspicious behavior.

What are the pillars of Zero Trust?

As mentioned earlier, the core principles (Least Privilege Access, Continuous Verification, Never Trust, Always Verify) form the pillars of Zero Trust Architecture.

What is the main goal of Zero Trust?

The main goal of Zero Trust is to significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to data and resources within a network. It achieves this by eliminating implicit trust and implementing continuous verification throughout a session. By minimizing access privileges and constantly monitoring activity, Zero Trust helps organizations better protect their sensitive information from cyberattacks.

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Great Tools To Help Protect Yourself And Your Devices

Mikkelsen Holm | ✔️Fact-checked by: Christian Schmitz
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Great Tools To Help Protect Yourself And Your Devices

This post will show you great tools to help protect yourself and your devices.

Protecting yourself from the dangers of day-to-day life is one of the most important and difficult things that you could ever aspire to do. By its very nature, life is dangerous.

However, there are plenty of tools that you can turn to your advantage to help keep yourself and your belongings safe.

This article aims to outline some of the most useful tools that you can make use of.

READ ALSO: Ultimate Digital Privacy Guide: Protect Your Data Today

Protecting Your Devices

Protecting Your Devices

First and foremost, you will probably want to consider the various ways in which you can protect your devices from potential theft or harm. This is an essential thing to do as your devices are easily some of the most important things that you will ever own.

Your mobile phone, for example, will often have so much secure information and importance in your life that it is almost inconceivable not to protect it. However, people often wholly fail to protect their phones from some of the most common threats out there.

Tools like an antivirus for your phone go underutilized entirely by most of the population simply because people don’t think about the need to protect your phone in that manner. In addition to antivirus, however, there are plenty of other tools that you can utilize to help further protect your devices.

  • A VPN can be a great way to protect your devices from potential dangers further and safeguard your anonymity online.
  • Compressed air and other cleaning tools are essential for allowing you to clean out your devices and protect them from potential damage from overheating.
  • Cases and similar devices are useful ways to protect your mobile devices from damaging themselves when dropped, much like screen protectors can keep your phone screens from getting destroyed.

What’s more, devices like ghostchat.net’s military-encrypted phones even come with a high level of protection so that you don’t have to protect the device yourself.

CHECK OUT: SecureBlitz Cybersecurity Resource Center

Protecting Your Home

Protecting Your Home

Devices aside, one of the most important things that you will need to protect is your home. There are plenty of things that could potentially threaten your home and bring turmoil to your life, from potential thieves to water damage and other environmental dangers.

Fortunately, there are also plenty of things that you can do to help safeguard your home.

You can install anti-theft devices like burglar alarms. Plus, you can invest in insurance options that help to cover not only theft but also damages to your home from a variety of potential causes. In this way, you can help to keep yourself and your home safe.

READ ALSO: Student Cybersecurity: 4 Simple Tips for Safety

Protecting Your Health

Protecting Your Health

Finally, one of the most important things you can do to help protect yourself during life is to ensure that you are protecting your health. There are plenty of elements within life that can threaten your health and by doing what you can to protect it, you ensure that you have a better quality of life.

Fortunately, there are tools to help you protect your health just as much as there are to protect anything else. From food tracking apps that can ensure you are keeping a good diet to treadmills and other exercise machines, these tools can help to ensure you make choices that will safeguard your health and keep your life quality high.

Great Tools To Help Protect Yourself And Your Devices: Frequently Asked Questions

In today’s digital world, protecting your devices and data is crucial. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the tools and methods you can use to safeguard yourself:

What methods can we use to protect your devices?

A layered approach using various tools and practices is most effective for device protection. Here are some key methods:

  • Security Software:
    • Antivirus and Anti-malware: Install a reputable antivirus and anti-malware program to detect and remove malicious software that can steal data or harm your device. Keep the software updated for the latest protection.
    • Firewalls: Firewalls act as a barrier between your device and the internet, filtering incoming and outgoing traffic to prevent unauthorized access. Most operating systems come with built-in firewalls, but you can also consider additional firewall software.
  • Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
    • Strong Passwords: Use unique, complex passwords for all your online accounts. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or pet names. Consider using a password manager to help you create and manage strong passwords.
    • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enable MFA whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step beyond just your password, such as a code from your phone or a fingerprint scan.
  • Operating System and Software Updates: Always keep your operating system (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS) and software applications updated with the latest security patches. These updates often address vulnerabilities that hackers might exploit.
  • Be Wary of Phishing Attempts: Phishing emails and websites try to trick you into revealing sensitive information like passwords or credit card details. Don’t click on suspicious links or attachments in emails, and be cautious of unsolicited messages.
  • Data Backups: Regularly back up your important data to an external hard drive or cloud storage service. This ensures you can recover your data in case of a device malfunction, cyberattack, or accidental deletion.
  • Physical Security: Keep your devices in a safe place when not in use. Be mindful of your surroundings when using your devices in public places.

What tools can be used to protect your computer?

The tools mentioned above apply to computers as well. Here are some additional points to consider:

  • Encryption: Encrypting your hard drive can protect your data from unauthorized access, even if your computer is stolen or hacked.
  • Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): VPNs encrypt your internet traffic and mask your IP address, adding an extra layer of security when using public Wi-Fi networks.

READ ALSO: Top 11 Dangerous VPN Providers to Avoid in 2024

What are the technologies or tools that can be used to protect information?

The tools mentioned previously are some of the technologies used to protect information. Here’s another layer of security to consider:

  • Password Managers: These tools help you generate, store, and manage strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts. This eliminates the need to remember multiple passwords or reuse weak ones.

What tools or software are used to protect data and devices?

The previously mentioned tools (antivirus, firewalls, password managers, etc.) are the primary software tools used to protect data and devices.

What are the ways to secure your mobile device?

Many of the methods mentioned above also apply to mobile devices (smartphones and tablets). Here are some additional tips for mobile security:

  • Download Apps from Reputable Sources: Only download apps from official app stores (Google Play Store, Apple App Store) to minimize the risk of downloading malware.
  • Enable Screen Lock and Find My Device Features: Use a strong PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition to lock your screen and prevent unauthorized access. Enable “Find My Device” features (Android) or “Find My iPhone” (iOS) to locate your lost or stolen device.
  • Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing sensitive information or financial accounts when using public Wi-Fi networks. Consider using a VPN for added security.

What is one way to protect your personal devices and information?

While there’s no single foolproof method, using a combination of strong passwords, Multi-Factor Authentication, security software updates, and being cautious about online activities significantly reduces the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches.

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What Makes A THC Pen Better Than Traditional Smoking?

Mikkelsen Holm | ✔️Fact-checked by: Angela Daniel
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What Makes A THC Pen Better Than Traditional Smoking?

As smoking methods and cannabis culture continue to evolve, vaporizer pens have emerged as one of the top ways for cannabis consumers to enjoy their favorite plant.

Once limited to rough approximations of cigarettes and pipes, today’s THC vape pens offer a discreet, controlled, and customizable experience that provides smokers with notable advantages over traditional combustion.

While there remains a thriving social and cultural element to sharing joints or bongs with friends, for many, the practical appeal of a pen has become hard to ignore. In this post, we’ll explore some of the key ways that a THC Pen can deliver a superior experience compared to rolling up a joint or packing a bowl.

Factors That Make A THC Pen Better Than Traditional Smoking

Factors That Make A THC Pen Better Than Traditional Smoking

Pricing

THC pens are more cost-effective than traditional smoking. With traditional smoking, you need to purchase rolling papers, lighters, and other smoking accessories. But with THC pens, you can reuse the device and need to purchase cartridges, which are not as expensive as traditional smoking accessories.

Legalization

THC pens are legal in many states where cannabis has been legalized, making it a great option for those who live in those states. Traditional smoking of cannabis is still illegal in many states, so using a THC pen instead is a safer and more practical way to consume cannabis.

Effects

THC pens provide a smoother and cleaner experience than traditional smoking, reducing the harsh effects on your lungs. With traditional smoking, you’re burning the flower and inhaling smoke, but with vape pens, the oil is heated and vaporized, producing a cleaner and smoother experience.

Dosage

One of the advantages of THC pens is the precise control they offer over the dosage. Unlike traditional smoking methods, where it is difficult to determine the exact amount of cannabis being consumed, THC pens allow for accurate dosage management. This not only provides convenience but also promotes responsible cannabis consumption by enabling users to have better control over their intake.

With vape pens, you can confidently tailor your cannabis journey to your specific needs and preferences, ensuring a more personalized and enjoyable consumption experience.

Ease of Use

THC pens are user-friendly and convenient, making them an excellent choice for beginners in cannabis consumption. With their sleek design and ease of use, these pens provide a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Moreover, vaping offers a discreet alternative to traditional smoking, allowing individuals to consume cannabis in public places without drawing unnecessary attention. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced user, THC pens offer a practical and inconspicuous way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis.

Nicotine Strength

Many THC pens offer a wide range of nicotine strength options, allowing you to find a product that perfectly aligns with your tolerance level. Unlike traditional smoking, where your choices are limited, vape pens provide you with numerous options to explore and tailor your experience to your preferences.

Whether you like a mild hit or a more intense sensation, there is a THC pen out there that will serve your specific needs and desires.

Reusability

Most THC pens are rechargeable, which means you can reuse the device multiple times, making it a more environmentally friendly option than traditional smoking methods.

Unlike rolling papers thrown away after each use, THC pens help reduce waste and promote sustainability. By choosing a rechargeable pen, you enjoy the convenience of multiple uses and contribute to a greener and cleaner environment.

Cost-effectiveness

THC pens are an excellent investment for cannabis enthusiasts. Not only do they offer long-term cost savings, but they also provide a convenient and efficient way to consume cannabis compared to traditional smoking methods.

With THC pens, there’s no need to constantly purchase new drugs every time you want to enjoy the benefits of cannabis. Their reusable nature allows for a more sustainable and budget-friendly approach to cannabis consumption. Experience the convenience, cost-efficiency, and satisfaction of THC pens today!

Long-life

Most THC pens are designed to have a long life span, which means you can savor the vaping experience for an extended period without the need to replace the device itself. This ensures a consistent and enjoyable vaping experience and provides convenience and cost-effectiveness in the long run. So, you can indulge in your favorite vaping flavors and relax, knowing that your THC pen is built to last.

Tips for New Vapers Who Have Just Shifted From Smoking

Tips for New Vapers Who Have Just Shifted From Smoking

Choose the right device

Choosing the right device is very important to ensure a successful shift from smoking to vaping. A pod system or a starter kit with a simple design and easy-to-use features can be a great starting point. They’re simple, user-friendly, and easy to maintain. Just make sure the device offers a similar experience to smoking, such as a tight draw, similar nicotine levels, and a satisfying hit.

Experiment with flavors

One of the best things about vaping is the variety of flavors. Unlike cigarettes, which only come in one or two flavors, vaping offers a wide range of options. You can choose from fruity, minty, menthol, tobacco, dessert, and so many other flavors. Experiment with different flavors to find the ones that suit your taste buds.

Choose the right nicotine level

Choosing the right nicotine level is vital to ensure a successful transition. A nicotine strength that is too low might leave you craving nicotine, while one that is too high might give you a headache or a nauseous feeling. If you’re not sure where to start, go for a nicotine level that’s similar to what you used to smoke. You can then adjust the strength accordingly from there.

Take good care of your device

Taking good care of your device ensures it lasts long and functions correctly. Clean it regularly, store it properly, and replace the coils or pods when necessary. Regular maintenance will not only increase the life of your device but also enhance your vaping experience.

Join vaping communities

Joining vaping communities can also make your transition more comfortable. You can get tips and advice from experienced vapers. You can also learn about new products, vaping techniques, and trends. Be part of a community of like-minded people with the same interests and experiences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many reasons why a THC pen is better than traditional smoking. If you’re looking for a cost-effective, more convenient, cleaner, and more precise way to consume cannabis, then invest in a high-quality THC pen and enjoy the vaping experience it brings. It’s essential, however, to buy cannabis from a licensed dispensary and ensure you’re consuming it responsibly.

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How To Stay Secure: 5 Top Tips When Betting Online To Implement And Follow!

Angela Daniel | ✔️Fact-checked by: Daniel Segun
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How To Stay Secure: 5 Top Tips When Betting Online To Implement And Follow!

How to stay secure: 5 top tips when betting online to implement and follow!

Betting online is a great way to have fun and further enhance the enjoyment you can get from your favorite sports and events, as well as the potential to win big, but it is important to remember that you should always practice digital safety when betting.

Naturally, taking precautions to protect your personal information and financial information can help prevent any potential scams from taking advantage of you, especially when there is a lot of data and information being shared by the bettor without perhaps them even realizing how much has been shared in the first instance.

Here are five of the best tips for staying secure while betting online, with each of these extremely important to follow in order to ensure the best possible experiences in terms of security are provided with each wagering session. 

5 Top Tips When Betting Online To Implement And Follow

1. Research the Betting Site

Research the Betting Site

Before you even think about signing up with an online betting site, it is essential that you do your research. Make sure the site is reputable, safe, and secure by reading customer reviews and checking out forums dedicated to the topic.

Also, look out for any red flags such as no contact information listed on the website or suspicious payment methods offered. A legitimate betting site will have its own security measures in place to guarantee player safety.

If it makes it easier, then perhaps only consider brands with global reputations to begin with, before potentially venturing out and trying sportsbooks or casinos that you may not have heard of.

2. Stay Alert

Stay Alert

When playing at an online casino, it is important to stay alert at all times and be aware of any suspicious activities.

It is also a good idea to keep track of how much money you are spending on bets and not exceed your limit. If you feel like something is off or if someone tries to take advantage of you in any way, report the incident immediately.

The more vigilant you are, the less chance there is that someone will take advantage of your vulnerability when playing online games for real money.

3. Use Secure Payment Methods

Use Secure Payment Methods

Perhaps an obvious tip and something that those already using the best sportsbooks that provide punters with the ability to bet on basketball in Canada after reading the available blog posts, it is important to ensure you are aware of the payment methods offered.

Stick with trusted payment methods when making deposits or withdrawals from an online casino account or a sportsbook. Credit cards may be convenient but they can also leave your financial details vulnerable if not used correctly.

Look into using services like PayPal, Neteller, or Skrill which offer greater protection against fraud and identity theft by adding a layer of encryption between you and the merchant site.

Be sure to check out their terms and conditions regarding fees before making any payments so that there will be no surprises later down the line!

READ ALSO: How To Protect Your Online Identity

4. Keep Your Personal Information Private

Keep Your Personal Information Private

When registering with an online betting site, it is important that you keep your personal information private as much as possible.

Avoid giving out too much detail such as addresses, phone numbers, etc., unless absolutely necessary; this includes providing bank account details unless requested by the site itself after verifying your identity through other means first (like sending a copy of a passport).

Doing so helps protect yourself from potential scammers who might want access to this data for malicious purposes.

5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Two-Factor authentication is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from fraud when gambling online; it requires two steps before anyone can access your account – usually entering a code sent via text message or email along with your regular password credentials – making it virtually impossible for anyone else besides yourself to get into your account without permission!

To enable two-factor authentication on most sites just go into settings and look for “two-factor authentication” followed by instructions on how to set it up; this extra layer of security should give you peace of mind knowing that your funds are extra safe!  

READ ALSO: How to Secure Your Mobile Devices: A Comprehensive Guide

Frequently Asked Questions: Betting Strategies

Betting can be exciting, but it’s important to remember it’s a game of chance, not a guaranteed path to riches. Here’s a breakdown of some common questions regarding betting strategies, with a focus on responsible gambling:

What is the most successful betting strategy?

There’s no single “most successful” betting strategy. Every approach has its strengths and weaknesses, and what works for one person might not work for another. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Understanding the sport or event you’re betting on: Knowledge of the teams, players, or factors affecting the event is crucial for making informed bets.
  • Setting a budget and sticking to it: Only bet what you can afford to lose. Treat betting as entertainment, not a way to make money.
  • Odds shopping: Compare odds offered by different bookmakers to find the most favorable payout for your bet.
  • Money management: Develop a strategy for how much to wager on each bet. Common approaches include flat betting (fixed amount per bet) or proportional betting (varying amount based on confidence).

Here are some popular betting strategies, but remember, use them with caution:

  • Value betting: This involves identifying bets where the odds offered by the bookmaker are higher than the actual probability of the event happening. Analyzing statistics and historical data can help with this approach.
  • Hedging: Placing multiple bets on different outcomes to minimize potential losses. This can be complex and requires careful planning.
  • Arbitrage betting: Exploiting discrepancies in odds offered by different bookmakers to guarantee a profit. This opportunity is rare and can be restricted by bookmakers.

What is the secret to win betting?

There’s no guaranteed secret to winning every bet. Betting involves inherent risk, and even the most informed strategies can fail.

How do you win big in online betting?

Winning big is an exception, not the norm. Focus on responsible betting practices and enjoying the game rather than chasing big wins.

What are the strategies to win bets?

Here are some general tips that might improve your betting experience:

  • Do your research: Analyze statistics, team/player performance, and any relevant factors before placing a bet.
  • Don’t chase losses: If you’re losing, don’t try to win it all back by placing impulsive bets. Walk away and come back another day.
  • Set limits and stick to them: Decide on a budget and betting limits beforehand, and adhere to them strictly.
  • Take breaks: Don’t get caught up in the excitement and lose track of time or money. Take breaks to stay focused.
  • Consider the emotional aspect: Don’t bet when you’re feeling emotional or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These states of mind can lead to poor decision-making.

Remember, responsible gambling is key.

Verdict

Following these five tips when betting online will ensure that you remain safe while enjoying all the benefits of playing casino games online; they may seem like small steps but they make all the difference when keeping hackers and scammers from accessing personal data or scamming players out of their winnings!

With these simple steps taken care of, all that is left now is having fun and enjoying the best experiences possible!

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EasyJet Data Breach: Confirms Cybercriminals Hijacked Data of Millions

Abraham Faisal | ✔️Fact-checked by: Christian Schmitz
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EasyJet Data Breach: Confirms Cybercriminals Hijacked Data of Millions

Four years later: EasyJet data breach reveals 9 million customer information exposed, raising new questions.

EasyJet Plc. has confirmed that a cyberattack compromised the data of 9 million customers, including email addresses, travel details, and, most concerning, credit card information for 2,208 individuals.

This update comes almost a year after the initial breach was announced in May 2020, highlighting the ongoing investigation and potential consequences.

The airline described the attack as “highly sophisticated” and emphasized that they have notified affected customers and reported the incident to relevant authorities.

However, the delay in uncovering the full scope of the breach raises questions about EasyJet’s security measures and potential financial repercussions.

EasyJet Data Breach: Key Points

EasyJet Data Breach: Key Points

  • 9 million customers affected: Email addresses and travel details exposed.
  • 2,208 credit card details compromised: Heightened risk of financial fraud.
  • Investigation ongoing: EasyJet cooperates with authorities.
  • Potential fines loom: Similarities to past incidents raise concerns about regulatory penalties.
  • No evidence of data misuse: However, customers advised to be vigilant against phishing scams.

Experts Weigh In

“This incident underscores the ever-evolving threat of cyberattacks and the importance of robust security systems,” says Johan Lundgren/

While it’s encouraging that EasyJet reported the breach promptly, the delayed discovery of compromised credit card information is concerning.”

READ ALSO: Using Artificial Intelligence To Keep Your Financial Data Safe [Infographics]

Impact on Customers

Affected customers are advised to change their passwords, monitor their accounts for suspicious activity, and be cautious of phishing attempts.

EasyJet has offered credit monitoring services to those whose credit card details were exposed.

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EasyJet Data Breach: FAQs

EasyJet Data Breach: FAQs

What happened in the EasyJet data breach?

In May 2020, cybercriminals accessed the data of approximately 9 million EasyJet customers. This included email addresses, travel details, and credit card information for 2,208 individuals. The airline initially reported no credit card details were compromised, but this was later updated.

What information was exposed?

For most customers, the exposed information included email addresses and travel details. For 2,208 individuals, credit card information was also compromised.

What are the potential consequences for affected customers?

Customers whose credit card details were exposed are at risk of financial fraud. They should monitor their accounts closely and change their passwords. All affected customers should be wary of phishing scams attempting to exploit this breach.

How can I protect myself from future data breaches?

Be cautious about the information you share online, use strong and unique passwords, and be wary of phishing attempts. Regularly monitor your accounts for suspicious activity and consider using credit monitoring services.

READ ALSO: 5G Networks Are Likely to be Hacked: The Unseen Vulnerabilities

EasyJet’s Actions Following the Data Breach: A Summary

Since the initial announcement of the data breach in May 2020, EasyJet has taken several steps to address the issue and its potential consequences. Here’s a breakdown of their actions:

Immediate Actions

  • Notified affected customers: EasyJet started contacting affected individuals whose credit card details were compromised in April 2020, followed by notifications to all affected customers in May.
  • Offered credit monitoring: The airline provided complimentary credit monitoring services to customers whose credit card details were exposed.
  • Reported the breach to authorities: EasyJet informed the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in the UK and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) about the incident.
  • Launched an investigation: They initiated an internal investigation to understand the nature and scope of the breach.

Ongoing Actions

  • Strengthening security measures: EasyJet has stated that they are reviewing and enhancing their security systems to prevent similar incidents in the future. However, specifics of these improvements haven’t been publicly disclosed.
  • Cooperating with investigations: The airline continues to cooperate with the ICO and other authorities in their investigations.

Challenges and Unknowns

  • Potential fines: Similar data breaches have resulted in significant fines for other companies. EasyJet may face penalties from regulatory bodies like the ICO, but the final outcome is still unknown.
  • Customer trust: Regaining customer trust after a data breach is critical. EasyJet’s long-term impact on customer sentiment remains to be seen.
  • Lessons learned: The full details of the investigation and the effectiveness of EasyJet’s response are yet to be publicly released. Sharing these learnings with the industry could benefit other organizations facing similar threats.

While EasyJet has taken steps to address the data breach, its full impact and long-term consequences are still unfolding. Staying informed through reliable sources and following the latest updates from the airline and regulatory bodies is crucial.

Additionally, remember that EasyJet may not disclose all details of their response due to ongoing investigations and security concerns.

READ ALSO: 5 Cybersecurity Tips To Protect Your Digital Assets As A Business

Looking Forward

The full impact of this data breach, including potential fines and customer lawsuits, remains to be seen. EasyJet faces the challenge of regaining customer trust and demonstrating its commitment to data security in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.

Why not learn how to protect your organization against internal threats.

Note: This news was originally published in May 2020 but has been updated.

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Breachers Gonna Breach: Protect Your Organization From Internal Threats

Chandra Palan | ✔️Fact-checked by: Daniel Segun
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Breachers Gonna Breach: Protect Your Organization From Internal Threats

Companies tend to put the majority of their focus on preventing external threats—such as hackers and viruses—despite the fact that internal threats are more common. It’s likely your organization spends considerable resources to protect itself against data breaches—and rightly so. Data breaches can result in compliance violations, large expenses, and damaged reputations.

According to the Ponemon Institute’s 2020 Cost of Insider Threats Report, insider-caused cybersecurity threats are up 47% since 2018 and the average annual cost of internal threats has risen to $11.45 million—up 31% in two years.

Internal breaches sprout from a wide array of motivations: a current employee feels overlooked for an opportunity; a departing employee wants to impress their new employer by copying intellectual property or contact lists; or a contractor is unhappy about being let go.

The added danger of these internal threats is they can easily go undetected. They have all the access, but who’d suspect a current employee? It would likely be an invisible attack. Further, many organizations fail to adequately remove access from departing or terminated employees.

Incomplete offboarding remains a major risk throughout many businesses, but former employees are quickly forgotten. Too often, no one is looking for or monitoring their accounts. Plus, these users tend to know their way around the network.

An internal breach in 2017 saw the City of Calgary’s payout fines of 92.9 million Canadian dollars. This scandal started when an email was sent by an employee to a colleague at another municipality. The email shared personal information of more than 3,700 employees. Leaving your network unprotected can leave you vulnerable to a similar threat.

Manual Access Management

identity and access management

When access management is done manually, the granting and revocation of access often has flaws. Manual efforts regularly suffer from a lack of consistent data entry and logging—causing inconsistencies and loss of records—or from lax policies. Employees are frequently given too much access and, with no review system in place, this leads to severe oversights both during and after employment.

Each employee or contractor’s manager is responsible for making the IT team aware of the level of access needed (i.e. read, write, edit, admin), so the IT staff can issue the relevant permissions for each organizational system, app, and file share. However, IT staff do not have the day-to-day business and operational experience to determine which user roles should access what.

Making requests and waiting for them to be fulfilled can often be time-consuming. As a result of this, managers frequently request excess access to avoid having to request additional rights in the future. This can lead to employees acquiring a level of access that they shouldn’t have.

This ‘extra access’, also known as permission bloat, can lead to a large security risk to your organization. Even if the employee has no malicious intent, there is always the chance that their credentials are stolen, and if that happens, a large amount of your organization’s resources become put at risk.

In addition, managers are responsible for notifying the IT department when an employee is terminated or departing. This notice should begin the offboarding process so the given user’s access can be revoked. If managers forget or take longer than is ideal, employees may retain access to sensitive information/resources after their term of employment has ended.

Even if the offboarding process is executed, IT has to check every location and resource in your environment to which the given user retained access. Any missed spots risk breaches or compliance violations and manual management efforts simply aren’t thorough enough.

Vast and overlooked access rights lack transparency and leave a great deal of room for human error or exploitation by malicious actors. They are unequivocally, without a doubt, a massive cause of internal breaches, and an issue your organization needs to address.

So, what’s the solution?

With one of the biggest internal threats to data security right under the noses of organizations, how do you make access easier while retaining security against the threat of data breaches?

The level of security employed would typically depend on the sensitivity of the data being protected and the compliance pressures stemming from your organization’s particular industry.

That said, there are a few universal steps that all organizations can take to not only mitigate breaches, but also optimize their processes. With automation, the entire provisioning and access management processes are made more centralized, efficient, cost-effective, and transparent.

How To Protect Your Organization From Internal Threats

1. User provisioning

Protect Your Organization From Internal Threats

Let’s look at access in a chronological sense, starting with onboarding. Unlike manual processes, identity and access management (IAM) solutions connects disparate management systems throughout the network to automate processes.

For example, the HRMS tracks users’ personal details—e.g., their names and addresses, employment start and end dates, departments, positions—and then the IAM solution automatically synchronizes users’ account information between the HRMS and the network.

Changes made in the HRMS are detected, then automatically updated or implemented across the network. The management dashboard within an IAM solution allows IT and managerial staff to oversee access beyond the automated processes.

2. Access governance

automated access governance solution

An automated access governance solution integrates with the IAM tool to determine, on a per-user basis, what access rights a user should have.

Authorization matrices in the solution use an employee or contractor’s job role to determine access rights for various company resources. These rights include whether the employee or contractor can perform certain transactions, access a particular system, or access specific physical locations.

To enforce this authorization matrix, access rights are recorded in the solution and then issued, changed, and withdrawn for each user accordingly. This type of role-based access control allows for the ability to oversee and track individuals who have access to what, and these changes can be monitored.

Automated solutions also allow managers to generate overviews of and fully report on each employee or contractor’s activity. The IAM technology logs and tracks the individuals performing activities and when these occured.

Solutions that automatically revise access rights according to user changes help prevent permission bloat by ensuring every employee is held to the Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP).

Adhering to PoLP ensures that your users retain access to exactly the resources they need—no more, no less. This prevents the security and compliance risks that occur over time due to unreviewed access rights.

3. Workflow management and self-service

Workflow management and self-service

While automated provisioning helps keep onboarding efforts secure, some users require additional access rights beyond what is configured for their base job role. Whether additional assignments, temporary projects, or other responsibilities, not every employee will perfectly fit your role model.

To account for unique roles and the many other unplanned for scenarios that occur within organizations, access must be maintained appropriately throughout the employee/contractor lifecycle.

Workflow management and self-service solutions allow team members and leaders to request, monitor and approve resources without any IT intervention. For example, an employee that needs access to a resource to complete a task will request access to an that resource (whether it is an application or a file share). The approval process for granting that access should be part of a structured workflow within the overall IAM solution.

Then, the team leader authorizes each permission or request and how access is granted within the network. The employee receives access to the required resource and moves forward with the tasks at hand. Note that with the right solution, all these processes are executed with zero IT involvement.

A strong self-service solution will allow users to directly request access from their managers or the appointed and knowledgeable decision-maker. As already mentioned, IT staff do not typically have the knowledge of day-to-day business operations and what access may or may not be problematic. Bypassing IT allows the correct people to approve or deny the request, with the solution executing all changes automatically. Moments after requesting a resource, a manger can approve it; moments after approval, the user has their resource.

Not only do IAM solutions make it easy to grant and revoke user access rights, but they can also grant or revoke physical access to work areas, and allow the user to submit helpdesk tickets.

4. User de-provisioning

The final stage of the employee/contractor lifecycle requires deprovisioning whether they are departing to a new organization, their contract simply expired, they were terminated, or other reason. De-provisioning should be your organization’s number one priority since orphaned accounts (accounts without an active user) often pose as major security risks, if not taken care of properly.

IAM solutions can detect a change in an employee or contractor’s employment status in the HRMS system and instantly disable the network account in all centrally located systems and applications.

If an employee or contractor terminates their employment early for some reason, make sure your organization’s policies include alerting the IT team or the systems administrator, so someone can revoke all access within the IAM system. The transparency provided by an automated IAM system reduces access pollution, so you can clearly see when all access is removed.

Bottom Line – Internalize Security

access rights

In today’s competitive business landscape, a breach scandal can sink an organization. It’s important to protect against both external threats and the more-common internal threats.

An IAM system replaces spreadsheets and other manual entry templates. It ensures that all users maintain the correct authorizations appropriate to their individual roles, as well as relieves the IT team from mundane and repetitive provisioning tasks. With all that time reclaimed, IT can focus on other, more impactful projects instead of menial data entry.

IAM solutions streamline access management, increase efficiency, and provide a transparent access trail for easy auditing that relieves worries of compliance and auditing on polluted file systems. The sophisticated access controls and automated processes help minimize the typical weak points exploited by internal security threats.

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Small Business Hiring Mastery: Building High-Performing Teams

Daniel Segun | ✔️Fact-checked by: Angela Daniel
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Small Business Hiring Mastery: Building High-Performing Teams

In this post, I will talk about building high-performing teams.

No matter the type of business you run, building a strong team is critical to its success. But securing top talent is easier said than done.

You not only have to offer the right benefits to these candidates but also have to go above and beyond just to find them among a sea of applicants. To help you ace this ongoing test of managing a business, here’s a quick guide on mastering the art of recruitment. 

Discover what your workforce needs are

Small Business Hiring Mastery: Building High-Performing Teams

Before you start writing job posts and announcing deadlines to your team, take a moment actually to figure out your hiring needs.

This is where you have to determine what type of employees you need for your business and what your specific requirements are for them. From there, you can better prepare for dealing with recruitment challenges like cybersecurity talent shortages. 

Be wary of recruitment costs

Whether you have a dedicated recruitment department or not, looking for new talent can cost a pretty penny. That is why you need to be wary of your overall recruitment costs before you kick-start this process.

From performing cheap background checks to going paperless, you can also take several steps to reduce your spending during the search for your next employee. 

Ask open-ended questions

Another tip to building high-performing teams is to ask open-ended questions. It’s fine to ask some “yes” or “no” questions during aptitude tests. But when it comes to interviews, you should not touch them with a ten-foot pole.

Instead, you should set your gaze on open-ended questions to learn more about your potential employees. If you use an employee chat software, you can brainstorm with your recruitment team on which questions to ask candidates. 

Ensure you’ve found the right fit

A strong team goes beyond degrees and skills on paper. It also means that your employees are right in line with your business’ vision.

When you take your time to assess each candidate’s suitability for your company culture, you can increase your chances of working with them for a long time. This makes it one of the top secrets for running a successful business. 

Take Stakeholders Into Account

Take Stakeholders Into Account

If you’ve ever used an employee engagement app, you may know the power of gathering feedback in real-time. This also applies to the process of looking for new employees who need to work with your existing team members.

By respecting the views of line managers and senior employees about the hiring process, you can pave the way to having a formidable workforce under your roof. 

Make Pre-Screening a Habit

If you don’t want to end up with a barrage of candidates at your workplace, you should turn to pre-screening.

This practice lets you filter applicants through activities like phone interviews and aptitude tests, which leaves you with the cream of the crop for main interviews. If you have a firm grasp of using programs like an online form builder, you can design a pre-screening process with specialized apps. 

Learn the Long-term Plans of Candidates

Whether you make this a part of pre-screening or the main interview, asking candidates about their long-term plans can help you assess if they see themselves with your business in a few years.

In case you plan to find your business’ new leadership in these new hires, this lets you ensure that you pick people who plan to stick with you for the long haul. 

Make a Comprehensive Plan

The recruitment process demands a high level of attention due to its high stakes. While candidates fulfill this requirement with practices like including must-have sections on resumes, you should make it a point to address it by putting together a comprehensive plan.

During this activity, you can look into tried-and-tested recruitment tips and also include any other suggestions that you learn from recruitment experts on your team. 

READ ALSO: Managing Remote Teams: Best Practices for Team Extension and Outsourcing

Building High-Performing Teams: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 5 C’s of high-performing teams?

There isn’t a universally agreed-upon set of “5 C’s” for high-performing teams, but here are some common characteristics that contribute to success:

  • Clarity: Clear goals, roles, expectations, and communication are essential. Everyone on the team should understand their individual responsibilities and how their work contributes to the overall objective.
  • Communication: Open, honest, and frequent communication is key. Team members should feel comfortable sharing ideas, concerns, and feedback.
  • Commitment: Team members who are committed to the team’s goals and are willing to go the extra mile are crucial for success.
  • Competency: The team should have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their tasks effectively.
  • Conflict Management: High-performing teams can manage disagreements constructively and use them as opportunities for growth.

Some additional characteristics often cited include:

  • Trust: Team members who trust each other are more likely to collaborate effectively and take risks.
  • Psychological Safety: A feeling of safety where team members feel comfortable taking risks and admitting mistakes without fear of retribution.
  • Diversity: Teams with diverse perspectives and backgrounds can be more creative and innovative.

How to build a high-performing team?

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but here are some key steps:

  1. Set Clear Goals: Define the team’s goals and ensure everyone understands how their work contributes to those goals.
  2. Assemble the Right People: Focus on building a team with the necessary skills, experience, and complementary personalities.
  3. Foster Open Communication: Encourage open communication and active listening within the team.
  4. Provide Support and Recognition: Offer resources, training, and recognition to help team members succeed.
  5. Establish Trust and Psychological Safety: Create a safe space for team members to share ideas and concerns without fear of judgment.
  6. Manage Conflict Effectively: Equip team members with conflict resolution skills and establish clear processes for addressing disagreements.
  7. Celebrate Successes: Recognize and celebrate the team’s achievements to maintain morale and motivation.

What does building high-performing teams mean?

Building high-performing teams means creating a group of individuals who are not only skilled and knowledgeable but also work effectively together towards a common goal. It’s about fostering an environment where collaboration, communication, and trust lead to exceptional results.

What are 3 things the team did to build a high-performing team?

This question requires a specific scenario to give the most relevant answer. However, here are some general examples of what a team might have done:

  • Team Building Activities: Engaged in team-building exercises to improve communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
  • Established Clear Roles and Responsibilities: Defined clear roles for each team member to avoid confusion and duplication of effort.
  • Implemented Effective Communication Channels: Created open communication channels to ensure everyone is informed, heard, and aligned.
  • Focused on Continuous Improvement: Constantly evaluated their processes and sought ways to improve communication, efficiency, and overall effectiveness.

By understanding these concepts, you can take steps to build high-performing teams that achieve great things.

A Final Word

This advice lets you speed through the challenges of building a high-performing team without making your small business pay the toll for it. This unlocks the door to success that you can only get through with a strong workforce by your side.

Leave a comment below on building high-performing teams.

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What You Need to Know About NIST Cybersecurity Framework

Chandra Palan
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What You Need to Know About NIST Cybersecurity Framework

I will talk about NIST Cybersecurity Framework today. In today’s threat landscape, maintaining robust cybersecurity measures is a top priority for every organization.

With persistent and increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks, safeguarding sensitive data, protecting intellectual property, and ensuring the continuity of crucial business systems can be daunting tasks.

Fortunately, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) offers a powerful solution to support American businesses in addressing these challenges: the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. NIST Cybersecurity Framework is accessible to and valuable for any organization, even though it was created to safeguard Department of Defense activities and vital infrastructure in the US.

What Is NIST CSF?

What You Need to Know About NIST Cybersecurity Framework

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework provides a comprehensive set of rules and best practices to help organizations develop and improve their cybersecurity posture. It offers a consistent set of guidelines, standards, and recommendations to assist companies across industries in recognizing and mitigating cyber threats.

Whether you are building a cybersecurity program from scratch or looking to enhance an existing one, the NIST CSF can serve as a valuable tool. The framework comprises five fundamental functions that encompass all aspects of cybersecurity talents, initiatives, workflows, and regular tasks:

  • Identify: This function focuses on gaining a detailed understanding of the organization’s critical resources and assets to protect against cyber-attacks. It includes categories such as business environment, asset management, risk assessment, governance, risk management tactics, and supply chain management.
  • Protect: This function involves implementing suitable safeguards and protective measures to ensure the security of key infrastructure functions. It encompasses areas such as awareness and education, data protection procedures, maintenance, protective technology, identity management, and access control.
  • Detect: The detect function aims to establish safeguards that provide early warning signs of cyber-attacks. It involves identifying anomalies, ongoing security monitoring, and implementing effective detection procedures.
  • Respond: In the event of a cybersecurity incident, this function ensures a well-coordinated response. It includes planning for incident response, communication strategies, incident analysis, mitigation measures, and continuous improvement.
  • Recover: The recovery function focuses on strategies for resilience and business continuity following a cyberattack or security breach. It encompasses actions such as communication planning and recovery plan enhancements.

READ ALSO: What Are The Best Practices For Internet Customer Support?

Advantages of NIST CSF

Advantages of NIST CSF

For managing cybersecurity risk, the NIST CSF offers a consistent vocabulary and organized process. The Framework Core describes resources for information and activities that may be integrated into cybersecurity programs. It is intended to supplement your present cybersecurity program rather than to replace it.

Organizations can determine areas where current processes need to be strengthened or where processes need to be added by developing a Framework Profile. These profiles help enhance communication inside your business and strengthen your risk management plan, together with the language provided in the Framework Core.

Your organization can choose cost-effective defensive measures that will be performed depending on information systems, environment, and the likelihood of cybersecurity incidents by combining a Framework Profile with an implementation strategy. Plus, the profiles they produce can be used as powerful evidence to prove due diligence.

Lastly, the Framework Implementation Tiers give your company context regarding the strength of your cybersecurity plan and if you have used the right amount of rigor given the complexity and size of your business. Budget, risk tolerance, and mission priority can all be discussed using tiers as communication tools.

READ ALSO: The Best Antivirus Software

NIST Cybersecurity Framework: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and what does it do?

The NIST CSF is a non-prescriptive framework that outlines key cybersecurity activities and best practices. It helps organizations identify, prioritize, and implement appropriate cybersecurity measures based on their unique risk profile. The framework is not a compliance requirement, but it can be used to support compliance with other regulations.

Who should use the NIST Cybersecurity Framework?

The NIST CSF is designed to be adaptable and can be used by organizations of all sizes and across various industries. It is particularly beneficial for:

  • Critical infrastructure providers: Organizations responsible for essential services like energy, communications, and transportation.
  • Government agencies: Federal, state, and local government entities looking to improve their cybersecurity posture.
  • Private sector organizations: Businesses of all sizes seeking to manage their cybersecurity risks.

What are the key components of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework?

The framework consists of five core functions:

  • Identify: Understand your assets, systems, and data.
  • Protect: Implement safeguards to protect your assets.
  • Detect: Continuously monitor for suspicious activity.
  • Respond: Contain an incident and restore normal operations.
  • Recover: Learn from incidents and improve your security posture.

Each function is further divided into categories and subcategories, providing specific activities and considerations.

Is the NIST Cybersecurity Framework mandatory?

No, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework is voluntary. However, many government agencies and critical infrastructure organizations are encouraged or required to use it. Additionally, many companies choose to use the framework even though it is not mandatory, as it provides a valuable tool for managing cybersecurity risks.

Endnote

The NIST CSF provides a powerful toolset to enhance how organizations identify, detect, respond to, and recover from cyber risk. By adopting the framework and tailoring it to your specific business needs, you can strengthen your risk management procedures and bolster your cybersecurity defenses.

Take advantage of this valuable resource to protect your organization’s assets, maintain customer trust, and ensure business continuity in the face of evolving cyber threats.

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Data Security – How Safe Is Data In Our Technology Driven World?

Marie Beaujolie | ✔️Fact-checked by: Angela Daniel
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Data Security – How Safe Is Data In Our Technology Driven World?

Nowadays, data security is vital for every internet user. And while you may not be in danger of getting mugged or stabbed, criminals on the internet are after something much more valuable: data.

And every digital interaction, whether with a device, application, or feature, generates data. Is yours safe enough in a world that looks like ours? Read on to find out more.

Almost everyone is an internet user these days. The United States of America has some of the highest internet penetration stats in the world. Residential services like Cox internet plans cover most households located in key markets.

When not using their home Wi-Fi, people still use mobile internet services instead of staying offline till they can connect to a wireless network again.

Most businesses, educational institutes, medical service providers, and even not-for-profit organizations rely heavily on the internet as well. Many aspects of our lives are now driven by digital technology.

However, given how much internet use and various devices have cemented themselves in our lives, it is easy to become complacent. The internet isn’t always a safe place.

Data Security In A World Driven By Technology

data safety

Early internet access was restricted to government and military use. In fact, the first internet network was developed as a fail-safe to ensure government operations in case a nuclear attack disrupted conventional communication.

That’s right! Cold War paranoia led to the development of one of the most significant technologies in human history. But in the early 90s, the internet became commercially available.

Over the decades, it penetrated not just homes and offices in the United States but also all over the world. Today, smartphones, computers, and even IoT devices rely on internet networks to work.

However, around the same time the internet became a commercially available service, a new breed of criminals began to emerge. Cybercriminals are undesirable elements, but they exist nonetheless. In many cases, they use sophisticated ways to infiltrate websites, devices, and even home networks.

Once in, they will usually target your data and personal information. They can steal it, use it fraudulently, impersonate you, or even hold sensitive information for ransom.

In any case, you can be sure cybercriminals aren’t trying to hack you to access your calendar and figure out the best time to throw you a party.

The cybersecurity industry is growing both in size and sophistication. But data is rarely safe if you, the first line of defense, don’t take the following precautions:

Use Strong Antivirus And Firewall Software

Using an updated antivirus tool is not optional if you’re an internet user, it is mandatory. An antivirus scans your device and network for commonly known types of malware.

It can detect and deal with these viruses after a scan, as well as in real-time when the virus tries to make it into your device.

An updated antivirus tool can find the most recent threats since hackers continue to get smarter and more sophisticated.

But where the antivirus software focuses on finding and removing malware that has entered your system or device, a firewall exists to make sure the malware does not get past it in the first place.

A strong firewall will ensure your network and device are protected from commonly known malware types.

Set Strong And Unique Alphanumeric Passwords

It is astonishing how something as simple as using upper- and lower-case characters as well as symbols can boost your data security. Hackers tend to use a technique called brute force when hacking into accounts.

Brute force involves bombarding the account log-in page with all possible permutations a simple password could have. This takes a lot of time, but if you have a weak password with just lower-case alphabets, you’re making it way too easy.

Create unique passwords for each account, and beef them up by using a mix of alphabets, numerals, and symbols. This makes it much harder for hackers to gain access via brute force since the number of permutations becomes much harder to process.

READ ALSO: How To Generate Strong Passwords With SecureBlitz Password Generator

Healthy Skepticism At All Times

Finally, the best thing you can do for data security is to protect your data by developing a healthy sense of online skepticism.

Be suspicious of links or websites that you don’t know. Don’t open emails or click on attachments that come from senders that you don’t know or who may be impersonating someone you do know.

Never share your date of birth, phone number, or address publicly on social media. Even when sharing this information with someone you know, make sure it’s the same person on the other end.

Above all, invest in and start using a solid VPN service. The encryption tunnels make it much harder for someone to eavesdrop on you or monitor your activity.

How Safe Is Data In Our Technology Driven World?

Data security in our technology-driven world is a complex issue with both advantages and challenges.

Here’s a breakdown of some key points to consider:

The Advantages of Data Collection

  • Convenience and Personalization: Data collection allows companies to personalize your experience, from targeted advertising to recommending products you might be interested in. It can also streamline processes, like auto-filling forms with your saved information.
  • Improved Services: Data analysis can help companies improve their services and develop new features that better meet user needs. For instance, analyzing traffic patterns on navigation apps can help optimize routes.
  • Scientific Advancement and Innovation: Data is the fuel for many scientific advancements and innovations in healthcare, finance, and other sectors. Studying vast datasets can lead to breakthroughs in disease research, targeted treatments, and financial modeling.

The Challenges of Data Security

  • Privacy Concerns: The widespread collection of personal data raises privacy concerns. Users might be apprehensive about how companies use their information and who they share it with. Data breaches can expose sensitive information and lead to identity theft or financial loss.
  • Cybersecurity Threats: As our reliance on data grows, so do cyber threats. Hackers constantly develop new methods to steal or exploit data for malicious purposes. Data breaches can be costly for both companies and individuals.
  • Government Surveillance: Data collection by governments can raise concerns about mass surveillance and potential misuse of information.

How to Stay Safe in a Data-Driven World

  • Be Mindful of What Data You Share: Be cautious about the information you share online, particularly on social media. Avoid sharing overly personal details or sensitive information.
  • Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication: Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts and enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) whenever possible. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step beyond just your password.
  • Read Privacy Policies: Before using a new app or service, take the time to read their privacy policy. Understand how your data will be collected, used, and stored.
  • Be Wary of Phishing Attempts: Phishing emails and websites try to trick you into revealing sensitive information like passwords or credit card details. Be cautious of emails or messages urging you to click on suspicious links or download attachments. Don’t enter your personal information on unfamiliar websites.
  • Use Security Software: Consider using antivirus and anti-malware software to protect your devices from malware that can steal your data. Keep your software updated with the latest security patches.

The Future of Data Security

Data security is an ongoing battle that requires continuous improvement. As technology evolves, so too must our data security measures. Here are some potential future trends:

  • Stronger Encryption: Advancements in encryption technology can make it even harder for unauthorized users to access data.
  • Biometric Authentication: Biometric authentication (fingerprint, facial recognition) could offer a more secure way to verify user identity.
  • Increased Regulation: Governments might enact stricter regulations on data collection and use to protect user privacy.
  • User Awareness: Educating users about data security practices will be crucial in safeguarding their information.

By understanding the challenges and taking steps to protect your data, you can navigate the data-driven world with more confidence. Remember, data security is a shared responsibility. We all have a role to play in ensuring our information remains secure.

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