
Cybersecurity Infrastructure Checklist
By Michael Hotchkiss, Chief Technology Officer
Pretend for a moment that you are managing a Fortune-500 company's IT Security department. What would your team look like? What kind of hardware would you have? What kind of software? What kind of balance should you have, given that EVERY company is trying to make every dollar go a little further. We can start making a roster once we know what positions we need to fill.
Here is a typical list of positions that must be filled in any mature IT infrastructure:
Our Cybersecurity Infrastructure Checklist:
1. Internet Service Provider
- What kind of internet access should I have?
- Do I need redundancy?
- What service level can we afford?
2. Firewall
- Do I need redundancy?
- Will users need to VPN in to my network remotely?
- Do I have staff that can implement and maintain all the features we need?
- How much traffic will be going through this firewall?
- How many networks am I securing?
3. Intrusion Detection/Intrusion Prevention (IDS/IPS)
- How do I know if my network has been compromised?
- What happens if my IDS/IPS has a false positive? False negative?
- Who is notified?
4. Web Usage Monitoring
- Where are my users going on the corporate internet connection?
- Are known malicious sites blocked?
- Can you block specific sites quickly?
- Should you decrypt HTTPS connections?
5. Security Information and Event Monitoring (SIEM)
- Are all my events logged to a central repository?
- Am I able to quickly search for events in a single location?
- Can I correlate events from disparate devices to determine if our organization is under attack?
- Are my logs sufficient to investigate a Cybersecurity incident after it takes place?
6. Security Awareness Training
- Are my users trained to avoid clicking on suspicious links?
7. Endpoint Security
- Which endpoints need to be protected?
- Is this anti-virus only, or anti-malware as well?
- Is there a performance impact with endpoint security software
Conclusion
These are broad strokes that cover a wide range of cybersecurity needs - you will need to decide what products and services fit your needs.
If this seems too overwhelming, Asgard is here to help.
Download the Checklist
Cybersecurity Infrastructure Continued: Essential Steps for Protecting Your Business
Businesses are increasingly vulnerable to a variety of cyber threats that can jeopardize their operations and sensitive information. With incidents of phishing, malware, and insider attacks on the rise, it’s essential for organizations to establish robust cybersecurity measures to protect their assets. This cybersecurity infrastructure checklist serves as your go-to guide for identifying and addressing critical weaknesses in your security framework.
From implementing effective firewalls and intrusion detection systems to enhancing security awareness training and access controls, we’ll explore pivotal steps necessary for safeguarding your business today. Let’s dive into the checklist and transform your approach to cybersecurity, ensuring a safe and secure environment for your organization.
To take your cybersecurity to the next level, partner with Asgard Cyber Security. Our team of experts is dedicated to creating tailored solutions that protect your business from evolving threats. Don’t leave your organization’s safety to chance—contact us today for a comprehensive evaluation and ensure your systems are fortified against cyber risks!
Common Cyber Threats to Businesses
Before diving into the infrastructure checklist, it's crucial to understand the common cyber threats that businesses face today. By recognizing these threats, organizations can better prepare their defenses and allocate resources effectively.
Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks remain one of the most prevalent and dangerous threats to businesses. These attacks use deceptive emails or websites to trick employees into revealing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. Regular security awareness training is essential to help staff recognize and avoid these threats.
Malware and Ransomware
Malicious software, including ransomware, can cripple an organization's operations and lead to significant financial losses. Implementing robust endpoint security and maintaining up-to-date software patches are critical in defending against these threats.
Insider Threats
Not all threats come from outside the organization. Insider threats, whether intentional or accidental, can pose significant risks to a company's data and systems. Implementing strong access controls and monitoring systems can help mitigate these risks.
Data Encryption and Protection
Protecting sensitive data is paramount in today's digital landscape. Implementing strong encryption measures can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.
Encryption at Rest and in Transit
Ensure that data is encrypted both when it's stored (at rest) and when it's being transmitted (in transit). This provides comprehensive protection against interception and unauthorized access.
Data Classification and Handling
Implement a data classification system to categorize information based on its sensitivity. This allows for appropriate handling and protection measures to be applied to different types of data.
Regular Security Audits and Penetration Testing
Regular security assessments are crucial for identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring the effectiveness of existing security measures.
Vulnerability Assessments
Conduct regular vulnerability scans to identify potential weaknesses in your systems and networks. Tools like Nessus, OpenVAS, or Qualys can help detect vulnerabilities and uncover potential entry points for attackers.
Penetration Testing Methodologies
Engage in regular penetration testing to simulate real-world attacks on your systems. This proactive approach helps identify and address security gaps before they can be exploited by malicious actors.
Conclusion
These are broad strokes that cover a wide range of cybersecurity needs - you will need to decide what products and services fit your needs.
It's crucial to remember that cybersecurity is an ongoing process, not a one-time implementation. Regularly reviewing and updating your cybersecurity infrastructure is essential to stay ahead of evolving threats. Additionally, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements such as HIPAA, CCPA, PCI-DSS, and other industry-specific laws is critical for maintaining a robust security posture and avoiding potential legal issues.
To ensure you have the best cybersecurity solutions tailored to your needs, reach out to Asgard Cyber Security today. Let us help you enhance your security strategy and protect your organization from emerging threats!