When Horn IT Solutions engages in a client security assessment, we prioritize several critical areas to quickly enhance the security posture of any organization. While the full set of CIS controls addresses the entire spectrum of security and compliance, these seven areas are the most important steps to address:

#1. Maintain an accurate inventory of your key data assets

Understanding what data you have and where it is stored is crucial. Start by mapping out how data flows into, through, and out of your organization. This involves:

• Data Mapping: Identify all types of data, their locations, and their flow within the organization.
• Encryption: Ensure critical data is encrypted both in transit and at rest, including backups.
• Network Segmentation: Keep critical data separate from the employee network and control access meticulously.

By maintaining an accurate inventory, you can better protect sensitive information and reduce the risk of data breaches.

#2 Provide cyber security awareness training for your employees

Your employees are your first line of defense. Comprehensive training programs should include:

• Basic Cybersecurity Practices: Educate all employees on their responsibilities in maintaining cybersecurity.
• Extended Security Measures: Include training on securing home networks, which are often overlooked and can be gateways into business systems.
• Secure Coding Practices: Train development teams in secure coding and establish a peer review process for code before deployment.

Regular training ensures everyone in the organization is aware of potential threats and their role in safeguarding data.

#3 Protect all of your devices and endpoints

Securing devices and endpoints involves multiple layers of protection:

• Regular Updates: Keep all hardware devices, especially firewalls, updated with the latest firmware.
• Centralized Antivirus: Ensure antivirus software is running on all devices and is regularly updated to combat new threats.
• Network Hygiene: Implement Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Protection Systems (IPS) to scan for vulnerabilities and respond promptly.
• Advanced Tools: Utilize Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems for enhanced monitoring and threat detection.

These measures help in maintaining a robust defense against potential intrusions. See also: Key Differences Between Anti-malware and Antivirus.

#4. Control Administrative Access

Administrative access should be tightly controlled:

• Access Limitation: Restrict the number of administrators and define clear access levels based on necessity.
• Dedicated Accounts: Ensure administrators use dedicated accounts and, if possible, dedicated machines for administrative tasks.
• Monitoring and Alerts: Set up alerts for any changes in administrative privileges and conduct regular reviews of all user accounts and access levels.

Properly managing administrative access minimizes the risk of internal threats and unauthorized access.

#5. Use Strong Passwords

Strong password policies are fundamental to security:

• Password Manager: Implement a password manager to generate and store strong, unique passwords.
• Password Length and Complexity: Ensure passwords are at least 12 characters long, with pass phrases being the most secure option.

These practices help prevent unauthorized access through weak or compromised passwords.

#6. Carefully Control Remote Access

Remote access needs stringent control:

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Require MFA for all remote access to systems.
• RDP Restrictions: Limit or prohibit Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) traffic from outside the network. Monitor and log all remote connections for unusual activity.
• Access Monitoring: Watch for anomalies such as logins from unusual locations or extended login durations.

Controlling remote access ensures that only authorized individuals can access your systems remotely.

#7. Backup Your Critical Data

Reliable data backup strategies are essential:

• Regular Backups: Schedule regular backups of all critical data.
• Testing Backups: Periodically test backups to ensure data recovery is possible in the event of a disaster.
• Encryption and Storage: Encrypt sensitive data and store backups in a way that they are not network-accessible.
• Disaster Recovery Plan: Develop and test a formal disaster recovery plan at least annually.

Effective Disaster Recovery Plans mitigate the impact of data loss and ensure business continuity.

Final Thoughts

These seven areas are crucial for strengthening your organization’s security posture. While they represent the most critical areas, there are many additional measures you can take. The key is to start implementing these steps as soon as possible to reduce vulnerabilities.

Horn IT Solutions can guide you through these processes and help you establish a robust security framework. Contact us today to get started on enhancing your cybersecurity.