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How to Handle a Cyber-Security Attack with A Skilled Team of Experts

by Thomas CherickalAugust 22nd, 2024

Too Long; Didn't Read

Ransomware attacks have become increasingly targeted, focusing on critical infrastructure and demanding higher and higher ransoms. If you want to know the recommended practices to follow in preparing for and dealing with a cyber-security attack, read this article. Because it is not a matter of if, but when.

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Security Measures are the Need of the Hour!

The entire world is online.

AI is evolving at a rapid pace.

And never has cyber-security been more important than today.

As AI evolves, hackers and security threats increase in potency and power every day.

Some of the most dangerous cyber-security threats in 2024 are:

Ransomware Attacks
- Ransomware attacks have become increasingly targeted, focusing on critical infrastructure and demanding higher and higher ransoms.
- Some recent lucrative ransomware attacks have even occurred with health service providers, jeopardizing the lives of thousands.
- Daily backups, kept offline, are the best line of defense against ransomware attacks.
Phishing Attacks
- Phishing tactics have evolved into more sophisticated forms, such as spear phishing and whaling, which target specific individuals or high-level executives to gain sensitive information.
- The use of AI to automate and personalize phishing campaigns significantly enhances their effectiveness, making it harder for employees to recognize fraudulent attempts.
- Remember to never send critical information like bank account numbers and MFA codes via email - even if it seems that the CEO is asking for it.
Supply Chain Attacks
- Cybercriminals infiltrate organizations through vulnerabilities in third-party vendors, which can compromise the entire supply chain and disrupt operations.
- This can be difficult to manage because, for most companies, supply chains can be international.
- Regular audits and MFA authentication being enabled for all key personnel is sometimes the only way to avoid such attacks.
Cloud Security Vulnerabilities
- As businesses increasingly adopt cloud solutions, vulnerabilities in cloud configurations and access controls pose significant risks to sensitive data.
- These vulnerabilities can be detected by sophisticated AI attacks.
- This necessitates continuous monitoring and security measures like MFA.
IoT Vulnerabilities
- The rapid growth of IoT devices has expanded the attack surface, as many devices lack robust security features, making them easy targets for cyber attacks.
- Many IoT devices are not even encrypted with powerful encryption that can avoid cracking, which makes them hugely vulnerable to security threats.
- All IoT devices have to be secure and safe, otherwise they are just ammunition for massive DDoS attacks from attackers in practically any country.

What Do You Do When a Cybersecurity Attack Hits?

Activate the Incident Response Plan

It is important for every enterprise to have an Incident Response Plan to every cyber-attack, including ransomware.
Assess the Situation

Check the systems that are compromised and identify the resources at risk. Make sure there has been a comprehensive survey.
Contain the Threat

Isolate the compromised machines and remove unaffected systems to a safety staging area.
Eradicate the Threat

Depending on how severe the attack is, do what you can to remove the threat from your affected systems.
Recover and Restore Operations

Once the threat has been eradicated, recovery and normal operation will be resumed.
Conduct a Post-Incident Review

Conduct a comprehensive analysis to see how the threat occurred and how to prevent it in the future.

Are You Prepared?

For most enterprises, the answer is no.

No incident response plan (although, with today’s issues, an incident response plan is an absolute must).

Many enterprises do not have a security department (although that is quickly changing now) and sometimes do not even have a chief information security officer! (CISO)

FYI:

From: https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/definition/CISO-chief-information-security-officer

What is a CISO (chief information security officer)?

The CISO (chief information security officer) is a senior-level executive responsible for developing and implementing an information security program, which includes procedures and policies designed to protect enterprise communications, systems and assets from both internal and external threats.

In an organization, the CISO ensures information resources and technologies are effectively protected.

CISOs oversee the development, implementation and enforcement of security policies.

The CISO might also work alongside the chief information officer to procure cybersecurity products and services and to manage disaster recovery and business continuity plans.

So when such enterprises need personnel - what can they do?

Cyber-Security Personnel Recruitment Specialists

There are many companies that have recognized the global shortage and the urgent need for a highly skilled cyber-security workforce. Some of them are:

Source Group International

A global technology recruitment firm that specializes in delivering extraordinary tech talent to future-focused organizations, with a focus on cybersecurity roles such as CISOs, Penetration Testers, and Incident Response Engineers.
CyberCoders

A leading recruitment firm specializing in IT and cybersecurity positions, connecting employers with top tech talent and leveraging advanced technology to streamline the hiring process.
TEKsystems

A prominent provider of IT staffing and services, focusing on connecting skilled professionals with organizations in need of cybersecurity expertise and offering workforce management and IT consulting tailored to the cybersecurity sector.
Robert Half Technology

A division of the Robert Half recruitment agency that specializes in placing IT professionals, including cybersecurity experts, in various industries, known for its extensive database of qualified candidates and ability to match talent with specific organizational needs.
Hays Technology

A global recruitment agency that focuses on technology roles, including cybersecurity positions, provides tailored recruitment solutions and has a deep understanding of the tech landscape.

We shall focus on Source Group International as a Case Study.

Case Study: Source Group International

Source Group International (SGI) has established itself as a prominent player in cybersecurity recruitment through its extensive expertise and tailored services.

Specialization in Cybersecurity Recruitment

SGI has a dedicated focus on cybersecurity roles, allowing them to understand the unique challenges and requirements of the sector, which enhances their ability to match candidates with the right positions.
Extensive Industry Network

The firm has built strong relationships with a wide network of top companies and cybersecurity professionals, providing access to exclusive job opportunities and a rich talent pool.
Proven Track Record of Success

SGI boasts a history of successful placements across various cybersecurity roles, demonstrating its effectiveness in delivering high-quality candidates to leading organizations.
Rigorous Screening and Assessment Processes

They conduct comprehensive screening and assessment processes to ensure that only highly qualified candidates are presented to clients, minimizing the risk of mismatches and ensuring successful placements.
Commitment to Transparency and Ethical Practices

SGI prioritizes ethical practices and transparency in all interactions, fostering trust with both candidates and clients, which is essential for building long-term relationships in the cybersecurity hiring landscape.

The Importance of A Security Department

CISO and an Incident Response plan is no longer an option for online enterprises.

It is an absolute necessity.

The more profitable and the more critical your business is, the more attractive it is to hackers.

This cannot be overemphasized - security is essential.

As AI improves, rest assured that cybercriminals are crafting more and more tailored, specialized attacks.

In my opinion, ransomware and whaling is only the beginning.

Sophisticated attacks can lead to hugely disruptive outages worldwide.

Nothing is safe from hackers today.

At least, nothing online.

Every system has a flaw somewhere.

Hackers are adept at finding them.

Customized AI tools pose a greater threat in that they can identify vulnerabilities that most hackers cannot.

What can be done?

Steps to Counter Cyber-Security Threats

Hire the best in the business.

You have the recommended source (group International) for that!

Incentivize white-hat hacking.

As the MAANG companies do, they provide bounties for security flaws.

Let hackers and pen-testers be rewarded bountifully for finding flaws in your systems.

This is a model which has been adopted well by leading IT companies worldwide.

Create a security department, hire a CISO, and create incident response plans.

Enforce MFA authentication at all critical points.

And never treat a cyber attack as if it were an if.

Always treat it as a when - an inevitability.

And of course - daily backups, offline, to foil all ransomware attacks.

This is a very simple step that will allow you to save millions of dollars one day.

Also, it is difficult for most organizations to handle skilled cyber-security professionals quickly, but you can quickly, easily, and reliably hire from https://www.sourcegroupinternational.com/, on a permanent or contract basis.

All the best!