Tag Archives: cybersecurity

Network Blog

13 Top CISO Priorities and Trends in 2024

Posted on by Dr. Erdal Özkaya
23
May

As we navigate through 2024, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) face an evolving landscape of challenges and responsibilities. The digital transformation has accelerated, and with it, the complexity of cybersecurity threats has increased. Here are the key priorities and trends that CISOs are focusing on this year.

1. Evolving Compliance Standards and Regulations

One of the foremost concerns for CISOs in 2024 is keeping up with the changing compliance standards and regulations impacting cybersecurity. With data breaches becoming more frequent and severe, governments and industry bodies are tightening the rules around data protection and privacy. CISOs must ensure their organizations are compliant with these evolving standards to avoid hefty fines and reputational damage.

2. Cybersecurity Programs and Board Engagement

Cybersecurity is no longer a technical issue; it’s a business imperative. CISOs are now regular participants in board discussions, emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity programs that align with the organization’s strategic objectives. They are advocating for increased budgets and resources to develop strategies that can withstand the sophisticated cyber threats of today.

3. Rise of Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Zero Trust

The “never trust, always verify” principle of Zero Trust architecture has gained significant momentum in 2024. Coupled with robust IAM solutions, organizations are adopting granular access controls, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and continuous monitoring to minimize the potential for unauthorized access and lateral movement within networks. This shift is crucial in addressing the expanded attack surface created by remote work and cloud adoption.

4. The Rise of Polymorphic Malware

The advent of AI has given rise to polymorphic malware, a new breed of self-evolving threats. These sophisticated forms of malware use AI to learn and adapt to security systems, making them particularly hard to detect and neutralize. CISOs are prioritizing the development of advanced defense mechanisms to protect against these adaptive threats.

5. Ransomware and Extortion Mitigation

Ransomware attacks, often coupled with extortion tactics, pose a significant threat. CISOs are focusing on preventative measures like robust backup and recovery mechanisms, employee awareness training, and incident response planning. Cybersecurity insurance is also gaining traction as a means to mitigate financial losses in the event of an attack.

6. Understanding Cybersecurity Responsibility

CISOs are working towards a culture where cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. By implementing comprehensive training programs, they aim to educate all employees about their role in maintaining security. This includes awareness of phishing scams and the importance of not clicking on suspicious links.

7. Data Breach Prevention

Negligent behavior by employees remains a significant cause of data breaches. CISOs are focusing on minimizing these risks by educating staff on the proper handling of sensitive information and employing technologies to safeguard against accidental disclosures.

8. Supply Chain and Third-Party Vendor Risks

The compromise of third-party vendors and supply chain attacks continue to be a focal point. CISOs are enforcing robust risk management practices to assess and mitigate risks associated with external partners and vendors.

9. AI-Enhanced Cybersecurity

AI and machine learning (ML) are no longer buzzwords; they are integrated into modern security operations. In 2024, CISOs are leveraging AI-powered tools for threat detection, incident response, and vulnerability management. AI’s ability to analyze vast datasets and identify patterns aids in detecting anomalies and predicting potential threats, enhancing overall security posture.

10. Queryable Encryption

To protect sensitive data even if systems are compromised, CISOs are employing queryable encryption. This allows data to remain encrypted even during processing, significantly reducing the risk of data exposure.

11. Securing the Cloud and Supply Chain

As cloud adoption accelerates, securing cloud environments and the intricate web of third-party vendors comprising the supply chain has become paramount. CISOs are prioritizing robust cloud security configurations, regular vulnerability assessments, and stringent vendor risk management practices to address potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers.

12. Proactive Regulatory Compliance

The regulatory landscape for data protection and privacy continues to evolve. CISOs are proactively ensuring compliance with frameworks like GDPR, CCPA, and emerging regulations to avoid hefty fines and reputational damage. Automation tools and dedicated compliance teams are becoming essential to navigate the complexities of regulatory compliance.

13. Addressing the Cybersecurity Talent Shortage

The shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals remains a pressing concern. CISOs are investing in upskilling existing staff, partnering with educational institutions, and exploring innovative recruitment strategies to attract and retain talent. Additionally, automation and managed security services are being employed to bridge the gap and ensure adequate security coverage.

Conclusion

The role of the CISO has never been more critical. As guardians of digital trust, CISOs in 2024 are at the forefront of defending against an ever-changing threat landscape. By prioritizing these key areas, they aim to create a resilient and secure environment for their organizations to thrive in the digital age.

Network Blog

NIS2: The Next Wave of European Cybersecurity and the Vital Role of Network Observability

Posted on by Dr. Erdal Özkaya
NIS2 - The Next Wave of European Cybersecurity and the Vital Role of Network Observability
17
May

As the European Union (EU) gears up to implement the Network and Information Systems Directive 2 (NIS2), organizations across the continent are preparing for a significant shift in cybersecurity regulations. With a focus on bolstering the resilience of essential services and critical infrastructure, NIS2 introduces stricter requirements for risk management, incident reporting, and supply chain security. Amidst these changes, network observability emerges as a crucial tool for compliance and proactive threat detection.

NIS2: A New Era of Cybersecurity

NIS2 is a comprehensive update to the existing NIS Directive, aiming to address the evolving cyber threat landscape and strengthen the EU’s overall cybersecurity posture. Key changes under NIS2 include:

  • Expanded Scope: NIS2 applies to a broader range of sectors, including energy, transportation, healthcare, financial services, and digital infrastructure.
  • Stricter Requirements: Organizations will be required to implement stricter risk management practices, incident reporting procedures, and supply chain security measures.
  • Increased Penalties: Non-compliance with NIS2 can result in significant financial penalties and reputational damage.

The Importance of Network Observability

Symbol Photo - by DALLE

Network observability plays a pivotal role in meeting the demands of NIS2. By providing comprehensive visibility into network traffic, performance, and security, organizations can:

  • Identify and Mitigate Risks: Network observability enables organizations to identify vulnerabilities and potential threats in real-time, allowing for proactive risk mitigation.
  • Streamline Incident Response: In the event of a security incident, network observability helps organizations quickly detect, investigate, and respond to the threat, minimizing damage and downtime.
  • Ensure Regulatory Compliance: By continuously monitoring network activity, organizations can demonstrate compliance with NIS2’s stringent reporting and incident management requirements.
  • Enhance Supply Chain Security: Network observability helps organizations monitor the security posture of their supply chain partners, ensuring that they also meet the required standards.

Network Observability Tools

A variety of network observability tools are available to help organizations meet the challenges of NIS2. These tools include:

  • Network Traffic Analysis (NTA): NTA tools analyze network traffic patterns to identify anomalies and potential threats.
  • Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS): IDPS tools monitor network traffic for signs of malicious activity and can take automated actions to block attacks.
  • Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): SIEM tools collect and correlate security events from various sources, providing a centralized view of the organization’s security posture.
  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): EDR tools monitor endpoint devices for signs of compromise and can take automated actions to contain threats.

The Future of Cybersecurity in Europe

NIS2 marks a significant step forward in European cybersecurity. By embracing network observability and investing in the right tools and technologies, organizations can not only meet the requirements of NIS2 but also proactively defend themselves against the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape.

How can NEOX NETWORKS help you with your NIS2

NEOX NETWORKS can assist you in complying with the NIS2 Directive by providing professional data extraction tools for monitoring, analysis, and security in critical infrastructures. Their solutions ensure a reliable source of network data, which is essential for the continuous monitoring and protection of corporate networks, whether IT or OT. With our expertise, we can offer your organization robust support to meet the comprehensive measures required by the NIS2 Directive.

Enhanced Network Visibility and Monitoring:

  • Network TAPs: FPGA-based NEOXPacketRaven Network TAPs ensure lossless and, thanks to data diode functionality, unidirectional routing of network traffic in order to make it available to security and monitoring tools.
  • Network Packet Brokers (NPBs): NEOX NETWORKS’ NPBs are responsible to provide analysis and monitoring systems with all data streams of the Network TAPs or other data sources distributed in the network, reliably and aggregated. Using dedicated ASIC hardware, which is used in every NPB, both simple and complicated filter rules can be created to ensure an optimized data flow towards the analysis systems.
  • Network Traffic Analysis (NTA): NEOX NETWORKS’ NTA solutions provide deep insights into network traffic, enabling real-time monitoring and analysis. This helps organizations identify anomalies, suspicious activities, and potential security breaches, which is crucial for early threat detection and incident response under NIS2.
  • Network Monitoring Solutions: NEOX NETWORKS provides network monitoring solutions that collect and analyze network data in real-time. These solutions offer insights into network performance, bandwidth utilization, latency, and other critical metrics, helping organizations identify and troubleshoot network issues quickly.

NEOX NETWORKS Product Portfolio

Supply Chain Security:

  • Network Segmentation: NEOX NETWORKS can help organizations implement network segmentation, creating isolated zones within the network to limit the spread of threats and protect critical assets. This is particularly important for managing supply chain risks, as NIS2 emphasizes the need to secure interconnected systems and services.

Compliance and Regulation:

  • Data Recording and Retention: NEOX NETWORKS’ solutions enable organizations to record and retain network traffic data for compliance and forensic purposes. This ensures that organizations can meet regulatory requirements for data retention and provide evidence in case of security incidents.

Improved Network Performance and Troubleshooting

  • Application Performance Monitoring (APM): NEOX NETWORKS’ APM solutions monitor the performance of critical applications and services running on the network. This helps organizations identify bottlenecks, optimize application performance, and ensure a smooth user experience.
  • Network Forensics: In case of a security incident or network outage, NEOX NETWORKS’ solutions can provide detailed forensic data to help investigators understand the root cause and identify the responsible parties.

Call to Action

As the implementation of NIS2 approaches, it is crucial for organizations to assess their cybersecurity posture and invest in network observability solutions. By doing so, they can ensure compliance, protect their critical assets, and maintain the trust of their customers and stakeholders.

Network Blog

Why a Data Diode Function is so important for Network TAPs

Posted on by Michael Tunk
Why a Data Diode Function is so important for Network TAPs
20
Jul

Data diodes guarantee unidirectional communication and ensure that data traffic in the network, no matter what type of media is used, can only flow in one direction.

Unidirectional network devices with data diode functionality are typically used to ensure information security or protection of critical digital systems (CRITIS), such as industrial control systems or production networks from cyber attacks.

This data diode function is crucial in a Network TAPs (Test Access Points) as it helps to ensure that network traffic only flows in the intended direction and that any unauthorised access of the network is prevented, helping to prevent data tampering and leakage.

Data Diode function for Network TAPs
Data Diode Function with active Network TAPs

By allowing data to flow in only one direction, a data diode ensures that sensitive or confidential information on the network cannot be viewed or stolen by unauthorised users. This is especially important for organisations that handle sensitive data, such as financial institutions and government agencies.

Another important advantage of the data diode function in Network TAPs is that it helps prevent malicious attacks on the network, for example.

The unidirectional flow of data means that a data diode can prevent hackers from accessing the network and installing malware or other malicious software. This in turn helps protect the network from a variety of threats, including viruses, ransomware and denial-of-service attacks.

In summary, the data diode function is an important component in Network TAPs as it is instrumental in ensuring the security and integrity of network traffic. Since it only allows data flow in one direction without any retroactive effect, it can prevent data breaches and malicious attacks and improve the availability of the network.

Conclusion

Companies that handle sensitive data should consider integrating the data diode function into their Network TAPs to ensure their network security.

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