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At its core, cyber threat exposure management (CTEM) is the culmination of traditional vulnerability management, threat intelligence, and attack surface management. In the past, organizations focused on identifying and patching software vulnerabilities, often with a reactive approach. CTEM is focused on proactively identifying all types of high-risk exposure that could leave your organization at risk, and empowering teams to proactively remediate them.

Today, the scope of cybersecurity threats has expanded enormously, extending beyond the traditional IT infrastructure to include cloud, operational technology, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and even business processes.

At the same time, the threat landscape is undergoing rapid and disjunctive shifts. New threats such as stealer logs and triple extortion ransomware continue to proliferate leaving many security teams in a mode of constant reactivity.

CTEM aims to bridge the gap between these teams and enable cybersecurity teams to build a threat driven approach to cyber exposure management.

Cyber exposure refers to the quantifiable measure of an organizations attack surface the sum total of vulnerabilities that a threat actor can exploit in its:

This exposure encompasses not only known vulnerabilities but also previously undiscovered ones that may exist in the organizations complex IT infrastructure. The greater an organizations cyber exposure, the more likely it is to suffer a potentially catastrophic cyber attack.

Cyber exposure aims to address this widened threat landscape by providing a live view of the entire attack surface, including both digital and physical assets. It uses data to develop risk-based insights and visualizes cyber risk in the same manner that CFOs visualize financial risk. This enables an organization to make strategic decisions based on the potential business impact.

Understanding and managing cyber exposure is crucial in todays hyper-connected world. It serves as the foundation for a proactive and risk-based approach to cybersecurity, ensuring organizations stay ahead of threats rather than merely responding to them. The next step in managing cyber exposure is implementing effective detection strategies.

As cyber threats grow more complex and numerous, detection strategies must evolve to match the pace. Implementing a robust, proactive approach to detecting cyber exposure is integral to a successful cybersecurity strategy.

Here are some critical pillars of cyber exposure detection in the context of the modern threat landscape:

The first step to managing cyber exposure is obtaining complete visibility of your entire IT ecosystem. This means identifying and cataloging all physical and digital assets, including:

Its essential to continuously monitor these assets to spot any changes or vulnerabilities that might increase your cyber exposure.

After mapping out your digital landscape, the next step is assessing the vulnerabilities within your network and systems. This process includes identifying known vulnerabilities using databases like the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) system and conducting penetration testing to discover unknown vulnerabilities.

Its crucial to remember that new vulnerabilities can emerge at any time, necessitating a routine and ongoing assessment process.

Cyber threat intelligence is a critical tool in the fight against cyber exposure. By keeping abreast of the latest threat trends, attacker tactics, and emerging vulnerabilities, organizations can stay one step ahead of potential attacks.

Using a cyber threat intelligence platform can aid in automating this process, providing real-time alerts and in-depth analysis of the current threat landscape.

Identifying vulnerabilities is only part of the process; understanding the potential impact of these vulnerabilities is equally important. By performing a risk analysis, organizations can prioritize their remediation efforts based on the potential business impact of a vulnerability being exploited. This approach ensures that resources are allocated effectively, addressing the most critical threats first.

Detection strategies must be complemented by a robust incident response plan. When organizations detect a threat, they need to respond quickly to mitigate the damage.

This requires having a pre-established incident response plan that includes:

Incorporating these pillars into your cyber exposure detection strategy can significantly enhance your cybersecurity posture. However, while detection is vital, its only half of the equation. The other half lies in prevention strategies.

While detection is a critical component of managing cyber exposure, prevention is equally paramount. By implementing strategic preventive measures, organizations can significantly reduce their cyber exposure and mitigate potential risks.

Here are some best practices to consider:

One of the simplest ways to reduce cyber exposure is to regularly update and patch:

Many cyber attacks exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software. Therefore, adhering to a regular patching schedule is essential.

Ensure all your systems and applications are configured securely. Default configurations can often leave organizations exposed to threats. By hardening these configurations based on industry best practices or guidelines like those provided by the Center for Internet Security (CIS), you can significantly reduce your attack surface.

Human error remains one of the largest contributors to cyber exposure. Regular training and awareness programs can equip your employees with the knowledge to identify and avoid common threats like phishing attacks, thereby reducing the chance of a successful cyber attack.

Implement a least privilege access control policy, which ensures that employees have only the access they need to perform their job. This minimizes the risk of internal threats and limits the potential damage in case of a breach.

Use advanced threat protection tools that leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning to proactively detect and prevent threats. These technologies can spot unusual patterns or behaviors that traditional tools might miss, helping to prevent attacks before they occur.

While the focus here is on prevention, having a well-established incident response plan is still vital. It can help minimize the damage in the event of a security incident and ensure a swift return to normal operations.

Foster a culture of cybersecurity within your organization. This goes beyond mere training; it means integrating cybersecurity into your organizational ethos and everyday practices.

Preventing cyber exposure is an ongoing, dynamic process that requires continuous attention and refinement. By proactively implementing these best practices, organizations can protect themselves against evolving cyber threats and significantly decrease their cyber exposure. The ultimate goal is to establish a resilient security posture that enables your business to thrive in the digital age.

In an age of escalating cyber threats, it is not enough to merely react to incidents. Organizations need to take a proactive stance to manage their cyber exposure effectively, and one of the key ways to do this is through leveraging cyber threat intelligence.

Cyber threat intelligence refers to the collection and analysis of information about potential or current attacks threatening an organization. By using this intelligence, organizations can better understand the risks and implications of cyber threats, allowing them to make informed decisions about their security strategy.

Heres how cyber threat intelligence can be harnessed for effective cyber exposure management:

With detailed threat intelligence, your security team can proactively hunt for threats before they materialize into attacks. This involves searching for indications of malicious activities or anomalies within your networks that could signal a cyber threat.

Early detection of these potential threats can help organizations remediate them swiftly, reducing their cyber exposure.

All threats are not created equal. Threat intelligence allows your organization to understand the potential impact and likelihood of different threats. With this understanding, you can prioritize your security efforts towards the most significant risks, ensuring efficient use of resources.

By providing an in-depth understanding of the threat landscape, cyber threat intelligence can guide strategic security decision making. It helps you identify trends, understand the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) of threat actors, and make predictions about future threats.

This empowers your organization to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and make strategic investments in your cybersecurity infrastructure.

In the event of a security incident, cyber threat intelligence can provide valuable context, helping your incident response team understand the nature of the attack, the possible motivation of the attackers, and the potential implications. This leads to a faster and more effective response, minimizing damage and downtime.

At a broader level, cyber threat intelligence feeds into your organizations overall risk management strategy. It aids in assessing your cyber risk, aligning your cybersecurity strategy with your business objectives, and demonstrating due diligence for compliance purposes.

In essence, cyber threat intelligence offers the foresight needed to anticipate and mitigate cyber threats. As such, it is a powerful tool in the arsenal of any organization seeking to manage its cyber exposure effectively. By integrating cyber threat intelligence into your cybersecurity strategy, your organization can navigate the digital landscape confidently, securing its future in an increasingly connected world.

Understanding and effectively managing cyber exposure is paramount for every organization. At the core of these strategies lies the powerful role of cyber threat intelligence, providing crucial insights and enabling proactive responses to the ever-evolving threat landscape.

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The post Cyber Threat Exposure: Detection & Prevention Guide appeared first on Flare | Cyber Threat Intel | Digital Risk Protection.

*** This is a Security Bloggers Network syndicated blog from Flare | Cyber Threat Intel | Digital Risk Protection authored by Flare. Read the original post at: https://flare.io/learn/resources/blog/cyber-threat-exposure/

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Cyber Threat Exposure: Detection & Prevention Guide - Security Boulevard

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SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The Department of the Air Force is highlighting cybersecurity this month and this year's overarching theme is "Cybersecurity Every Airman, Every Guardian Mission Possible!"

Airmen and Guardians play a critical role in maintaining operational security. From practicing a safe online presence, to learning the fundamentals of cybersecurity and understanding what its contribution to the mission is, the 126th Air Refueling Wings Communications Flight specialists explain the importance of their work.

Staff Sgt. Joshua McCoid, a network operations specialist from the flight, puts it simply.

Were maintaining functionality of communications, whether it be radio, cyber, or just digital communications. Maintaining those, making sure that we have the capability and the availability. Making sure nobody can mess with that signal as well, said McCoid.

In an age of rapidly advancing technology, the U.S. military adapts accordingly. With every software update or newly released connected device comes new ways for the enemy to puncture our digital defenses, leaving our greatest assets vulnerable. Its the responsibility of our servicemembers to continually adapt their cybersecurity techniques to defend against malicious actors and foreign adversaries.

Airman Maximillian Bremer, an information assurance specialist, has an answer to this. With a background in scripting, Bremer wants to work his way into becoming an ethical hacker. Right now, hes using his skills to identify shortcomings in the Air Forces cyberspace.

We look for outdated versions of software that shouldn't be on the system that could allow a bad actor to get in," said Bremer. "Anything that a bad actor could use to get into the system, or that someone already in the system could use to exfiltrate data that we don't want to leave the system.

Its extremely important that all guardsmen are up to date on the latest security practices to ensure operational security. Airmen of all ranks are entrusted with sensitive information, which must be shared only with those who require it, making it crucial that proper cybersecurity hygiene is practiced by all individuals, rather than a select few experts of the field.

One of those experts, McCoid, switched from active duty to the Illinois Air National Guard this year.

During some of his time in active duty, he worked as a cyber warfare operations specialist, where he specialized in Windows operating systems. Engaging in cyber warfare among his DoD counterparts, an exercise referred to as a hackathon, McCoid sought out innovation within his field to expand the understanding and ability of the DoD, experimenting boldly and creatively to develop the cyber field.

Thinking about a career after active duty, McCoid sought true mastery in his field and saw the Illinois Air National Guard as an opportunity to hone in on specific skills.

I think I want to stretch my legs I want to be really good at this one thing, said McCoid. "I want to really focus in on being an event manager, you know, where I'm in charge of making sure all the security logs get to where they're going, or I'm an analyst of some sort."

I want to be really good at this I want to be streamlined and expert in this.

McCoid searched for a more conducive work-life balance by joining the Illinois National Guard and says he has no regrets.

According to Maj. Christopher Kruse, the 126th Communications Flight commander, we need to be aware of what good digital conduct looks like, and this month is a time to expand on what we already know about maintaining security.

The Department of the Air Forces focus on cybersecurity expresses a commitment to safeguarding missions and ensuring that every Airman and Guardian is equipped with the knowledge and tools to protect against digital threats.

Strong cyber security is the foundation of trust in our digital world, said Kruse, which is important at work and especially at home with the vast Internet of things.

Here are some resources available to learn more about online safety:https://www.safcn.af.mil/CISO/Cybersecurity-Awareness/CSAM-2023/

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Navigating the Cyber Frontier: The 126 ARW Way > Air National ... - ang.af.mil

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Getting your hands on some protection against ransomware and data stealers is essential because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up preventing malicious actors from illicitly obtaining your data. This data can often be of a highly personal and sensitive nature, so it is no surprise that consumers all around the world are trying to make themselves feel safer than might have been the case otherwise by choosing the best one.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that AV-TEST recently did an analysis of 27 protection solutions that are currently available on the market. This testing process revealed which options can withstand the attacks that are being committed in the here and now, and each software was graded on a 35 point scale.

It turns out that V3 Internet Security, a product offered by the folks over at AhnLabs, came out on top. It received the maximum possible score of 35 points, but in spite of the fact that this is the case, there were a few other protection solutions that also managed to reach this score.

All in all, ten of the 27 protection solutions that AV-TEST experimented with received the highest score that was possible with all things having been considered and taken into account. Apart from V3 Internet Security, they include the Free Antivirus by Avast, Internet Security by AVG, SAFE by F-Secure, and Standard by Kaspersky.

Furthermore, Premium by Malwarebytes, Total Protection by the widely popular McAfee, the stock Defender Antivirus offered by Microsoft, the eScan Internet Security Suite and Application Allowlisting by PC Matic also made the cut. These ten represent the absolute pinnacle of ransomware and data stealer protection, but some of the 27 products that were tested missed the mark.

On the other end of the spectrum, Security for Windows by Avira missed out on 3 points. This just goes to show that you need to be careful about which security solution you end up selecting. Failing to pick the right one could lead to your systems getting compromised. Once a malicious actor has been allowed in, there is no telling what type of irreparable damage they might end up doing on their way out.

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What's the Best Protection Against Ransomware and Data Stealers ... - Digital Information World

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