In recent years, the frequency and severity of cyberattacks have escalated dramatically, underscoring a pressing concern for organizations worldwide. A glance at the CISA list of significant cyber incidents reveals the alarming scale of these attacks. A notable instance occurred in May 2021 when a ransomware assault on Colonial Pipeline crippled fuel distribution across the United States.
More recently, a hacking collective infiltrated telecommunications networks globally, accessing call logs and text messages, exemplifying the ongoing threat landscape. Such incidents are only two examples from the numerous cyberattacks reported this year.
In response to these growing threats, the Department of Homeland Security has enacted a mandatory directive aimed at safeguarding federal information systems against cyber intrusions. This directive is rooted in CISA’s catalog of known vulnerabilities identified as high-risk. Federal entities are required to enhance their cybersecurity protocols and remediate known weaknesses within a stringent timeframe.
Year-End Cybersecurity Strategies
The federal government’s heightened emphasis on cybersecurity signifies an important shift—one that business owners in the private sector should heed. As federal agencies fortify their defenses in line with the new directive, it is anticipated that cybercriminals may redirect their efforts toward more vulnerable private sector entities. Given that vulnerabilities often persist in private enterprises even after being mitigated in public sector infrastructures, proactive measures are essential.
As the close of the year approaches, IT professionals should prioritize cybersecurity in their planning for 2022. One critical focus should be on distinguishing between known vulnerabilities and those that have been actively exploited. IT teams are urged to align resources toward remediating vulnerabilities that have demonstrated real-world impact, as these pose significant risks to organizational security.
Patch Management as a Priority
Applying security patches immediately is a critical step for organizations seeking to mitigate known vulnerabilities. Many cybersecurity defenses are contingent upon timely patches that address specific weaknesses, some of which have already been exploited. Take, for instance, the update for Microsoft Exchange Server that resolved the ProxyShell vulnerability earlier this year. This serious flaw allowed for remote code execution and was exploited shortly after becoming public, leading to ransomware deployments on unprotected servers.
Furthermore, it is important to recognize that the holiday season often correlates with increased cyber risks. Although patch updates may arrive during busy periods, swift action is necessary, as threat actors frequently exploit lapses in security protocols during such times.
While effective patch management is crucial, it constitutes just one component of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.
Password Security Measures
Another frequently overlooked countermeasure involves preventing the use of compromised passwords among users. Cybercriminals maintain extensive databases on the dark web of passwords obtained through various breaches. This practice is particularly problematic as users commonly reuse passwords across multiple sites, increasing the risk of a breach. When a password is compromised, attackers can easily identify its association with other accounts.
Utilizing tools like Specops Password Policy can assist organizations in mitigating this risk. Its breach password feature scans databases of billions of compromised passwords, ensuring that those cannot be utilized within your network.
Additionally, this software supports IT professionals in formulating compliant password policies through templates aligned with standards set by NIST and others. By adopting such measures, organizations can ensure that their password practices align with robust security protocols similar to those adopted by federal agencies. As an added resource, you can access a trial version of this software in your Active Directory environment for 14 days.
