security - PATECCO GmbH

How to Overcome Typical Security Risks in Multi-Cloud Environments

As more organizations embrace digital transformation, the shift toward multi-cloud environments has become a strategic move – enabling businesses to tap into the strengths of multiple cloud providers while avoiding vendor lock-in and enhancing agility. But with greater flexibility comes greater complexity, especially when it comes to securing systems, data, and applications spread across different platforms. Unlike single-cloud environments, where governance and control are more centralized, multi-cloud setups often lead to fragmented visibility, inconsistent security policies, and increased chances of misconfiguration. These challenges, if left unaddressed, can expose an organization to significant risks ranging from data breaches to compliance violations. In this article, we will highlight the most common security risks in multi-cloud environments and explore actionable strategies to overcome them – helping you build secure, resilient, and well-governed multi-cloud architecture. While the multi-cloud approach offers undeniable advantages – such as avoiding vendor lock-in, optimizing costs, and increasing service availability – it also introduces a more intricate and often fragmented security landscape. Unlike single-cloud deployments, where policies, tools, and access controls can be uniformly applied, multi-cloud environments require organizations to manage multiple platforms, each with its own security model, interface, and operational nuances. This increased complexity often leads to gaps in visibility, inconsistencies in security policies, and a broader attack surface. If not managed properly, these challenges can significantly increase the risk of cyberattacks, data loss, and compliance violations. Here are the top five security risks most commonly encountered in multi-cloud environments: 1. Inconsistent Identity and Access Management (IAM) Managing user identities and access permissions across different cloud platforms can result in inconsistent policies, over-privileged accounts, and difficulty in enforcing the principle of least privilege. Attackers often exploit weak or mismanaged IAM systems to gain unauthorized access to sensitive resources. 2. Misconfigurations and Human Error Each cloud provider has its own configurations and default settings. Without standardized configuration practices, there’s a high risk of accidentally exposing resources—such as unsecured storage buckets, open ports, or overly permissive roles—to the public internet or unauthorized users. 3. Lack of Centralized Visibility and Monitoring With resources spread across multiple cloud platforms, security teams often struggle to maintain full visibility into system activity, threats, and compliance status. This fragmented view makes it difficult to detect anomalies or respond quickly to incidents. 4. Data Security and Compliance Challenges Data is often transferred and stored across multiple environments, which increases the risk of exposure, loss, or non-compliance with industry regulations. Ensuring data is encrypted, tracked, and compliant across all platforms can be difficult without centralized control. 5. Vendor Lock-In and Integration Gaps Relying on proprietary tools and services from individual cloud providers can lead to vendor lock-in, making it difficult to migrate workloads or unify security controls across platforms. Many native security tools are not designed to work across different clouds, creating integration gaps and operational silos. This fragmentation leads to inconsistent security policies, duplicated efforts, and limited visibility. Over time, it increases complexity, reduces agility, and elevates risk in managing the multi-cloud environment. Securing a multi-cloud environment requires more than just extending traditional security practices to multiple platforms – it demands a cohesive, strategy-driven approach. With data, workloads, and access points spread across different cloud providers, the attack surface expands, and misalignments in security policies can easily occur. To reduce risk, organizations must focus on visibility, consistency, and automation across their entire cloud footprint. Below are five actionable tips to help you build a more secure and resilient multi-cloud architecture. 1. Centralize Visibility and Monitoring Leverage cross-cloud security dashboards and API integrations to unify monitoring across all platforms. Aggregating logs, metrics, and events into a centralized SIEM system enables faster detection of anomalies and suspicious activity. Real-time alerts and correlation across environments help identify threats that may otherwise go unnoticed. Visibility is the foundation of effective multi-cloud security. 2. Standardize Identity and Access Management (IAM) Implement identity federation and single sign-on (SSO) to manage access across cloud providers under one policy framework. Enforce least-privilege principles using role-based access controls (RBAC) and regularly review user permissions. Avoid using separate IAM configurations for each platform, which increases risk. A unified IAM strategy simplifies governance and limits attack vectors. 3. Implement a Zero Trust Security Model Adopt a Zero Trust approach where no user or system is inherently trusted, even inside the network perimeter. Continuously verify identities, enforce granular access controls, and monitor user behavior across all cloud platforms. Combine this with micro-segmentation to limit lateral movement in case of a breach. Zero Trust helps contain threats and reduces the blast radius of potential attacks. 4. Encrypt Data Across All Layers Ensure encryption is applied to data both in transit and at rest using the native encryption tools provided by each cloud platform. Regularly rotate encryption keys and apply strict access controls to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data. Be cautious of exposing data during transfers between clouds by using secure protocols. Encryption adds an essential layer of protection, especially when data is distributed across different services. 5. Establish a Multi-Cloud Incident Response Plan Develop an incident response strategy that covers all cloud platforms, with clear roles, escalation paths, and automated playbooks. Integrate cloud-native tools with centralized response systems to accelerate containment and recovery. Run regular simulations to test the plan’s effectiveness in multi-cloud scenarios. A fast, coordinated response minimizes the impact of any breach. Securing a multi-cloud environment doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the typical risks – ranging from misconfigurations to identity sprawl – and implementing proactive, unified, and automated security practices, organizations can confidently harness the power of multi-cloud without sacrificing their security posture.

How Do Organizations Combine Identity Management and Trust in Digital Environment?

Uncategorized / Von Ina Nikolova

As organizations increasingly operate in the digital world, ensuring secure and trustworthy interactions has become paramount. We can consider Identity Management and trust as two key elements that help protect digital environments. From one side, identity management focuses on securely managing user identities and access, on the other side, trust establishes confidence in these digital interactions. This article explores how organizations effectively combine these components to create a secure, efficient, and reliable digital ecosystem, addressing challenges and solutions in maintaining security and fostering trust. User experience in the digital world Positive online experiences and high security standards are crucial for trust in digital services. Every user experience begins with the first interaction with the service, and this is a key factor in determining whether digital trust in a specific service is even possible. And what is the first interaction from the user’s perspective? Logging in, of course. When you log in, you can see whether it is safe to continue. Cloud computing and mobile working have meant that many of us have to log in somewhere dozens of times a day. This in turn results in a huge and extremely complex network of identity information and therefore countless opportunities for mishaps and attacks. In the analog world, we have a few official identity documents from a trusted issuing authority (passport, driver’s license and the like) that all refer to and prove the same identity – namely ours. In the digital world, we either create a separate identity validation for each service (usually something freely selectable like username and password) or we hand over this responsibility to private tech giants (called federations) by “signing in with Google” or “signing in with Facebook”. Against this backdrop, doesn’t this raise the question of digital trust? How is it that we trust such a system to such an extent that we allow it to manage our everyday digital lives – some of us perhaps with concern, others all too carelessly? Which are the main factors for digital trust? Digital trust is the confidence users have in the integrity and reliability of digital platforms and services. It is shaped by several key factors, including reliability, which ensures consistent and dependable service, and user-friendliness, which emphasizes ease of use and smooth interactions. A good reputation builds trust through positive user experiences and industry credibility, while minimal data entry reassures users by reducing the amount of personal information required. Secure logins further enhance trust by safeguarding access to systems and protecting user data from unauthorized access. In addition to these factors, transparency plays a crucial role in fostering digital trust, as users expect organizations to be clear about how their data is collected, used, and protected. Ethical handling of user information, in compliance with privacy regulations, is equally important in establishing a sense of security. Furthermore, a robust response to potential security threats and breaches can reinforce trust, as users are more likely to feel confident in platforms that proactively address vulnerabilities. Continuous innovation in security measures, such as multi-factor authentication and encryption, demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding user data, further solidifying digital trust. Lastly, providing reliable customer support and openly addressing concerns also helps maintain and enhance this trust over time. Organizations must take responsibility Across industries, users believe that companies and institutions are and must be responsible for protecting their digital identities and personal data. Users can only partially influence the security of their information online, while the organizations that provide online services have a major role to play in digital trust. Here are ways in which organizations can gain the trust of their customers and ensure seamless digital experiences. Some of them are: Identity management is increasingly becoming a must-have Trust plays at least as big a role online as it does offline. After all, what is the Internet but interaction and the sharing of information between people and systems? A secure online experience is the basis of digital trust, and this is where the handling of digital identities plays a key role. Based on this, the reliable verification of identities is of great importance and makes identity management a must-have for any organization that cares about the security of its data and personal customer data. There is therefore a strong connection between identity management and digital trust – one is inconceivable without the other. Mastering identity management is not rocket science. Has your company not yet implemented identity and access management? Then perhaps it’s time to use a short assessment or a simple tool to ensure greater security in your company and strengthen the digital trust of your (future) customers. All things considered, it can be stated that identity management is increasingly becoming a must-have for businesses and digital platforms as the need for secure and seamless user authentication grows. With the rise of cyber threats and data breaches, managing user identities through secure logins, multi-factor authentication, and role-based access control is essential for safeguarding sensitive information. It not only enhances security but also improves user experience by streamlining access to services and reducing the complexity of managing multiple credentials. As digital interactions expand, robust identity management solutions are critical for maintaining trust and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.

How to Achieve Fraud Reduction With Identity Governance?

Uncategorized / Von Ina Nikolova

In the modern digital environment, where data breaches and identity theft are rampant, safeguarding personal and organizational information has never been more critical. As businesses increasingly rely on digital platforms and remote work, the challenge of managing and protecting identities becomes paramount. Identity governance emerges as a robust solution to this growing concern, offering a structured approach to ensure that the right individuals have appropriate access to technology resources. This article delves into the key processes of identity governance that organizations can implement to significantly reduce the risk of fraud. By exploring best practices, technological tools, and effective policies, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide to fortifying your organization’s defenses against fraudulent activities. Which key processes cover Access Governance? Access governance is a critical component of identity governance that focuses on managing and overseeing user access to an organization’s systems and data. By implementing effective access governance processes, organizations can mitigate security risks, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and improve operational efficiency. Access request management is one of the fundamental processes in access governance. It involves handling user requests for access to specific systems, applications, or data. This process typically includes automated workflows that streamline the approval process, ensuring that requests are handled promptly and efficiently. Role-based access controls (RBAC) are used to grant access based on predefined roles that align with job responsibilities, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access. Additionally, self-service portals enable users to request access directly, reducing the administrative burden on IT departments. Another key process is access certification and review, which ensures that access rights remain appropriate over time. Regular reviews of user access rights are conducted to ensure they align with current roles and responsibilities. Automated notifications are sent to managers and system owners to review and certify user access, promoting accountability and oversight. Comprehensive audit trails of access reviews are maintained to support compliance and facilitate audits. Role management is essential for establishing a clear and manageable access control framework. This involves defining roles based on job functions, ensuring that each role has a well-documented set of access rights. Users are then assigned to these roles based on their job responsibilities, streamlining the access provisioning process. Regular reviews and optimizations of roles are conducted to remove unnecessary access rights and eliminate role bloat. Access provisioning and deprovisioning are critical for ensuring that users have the appropriate access when needed and that access is revoked promptly when it is no longer required. Automated tools are used to provision access based on role assignments, reducing manual errors and improving efficiency. Immediate deprovisioning ensures that access is revoked immediately upon termination or role change, preventing unauthorized access. Regular reconciliation of access rights across systems is performed to detect and correct discrepancies. Enforcing access policies and monitoring compliance are vital for maintaining a secure access governance framework. Clear access policies are established to define who can access what information and under what conditions. Continuous monitoring of access activities helps detect and respond to policy violations in real-time. Compliance reporting generates reports to demonstrate adherence to internal policies and external regulations, aiding in audits and assessments. By incorporating these key processes, organizations can establish a robust access governance framework that safeguards sensitive information while enhancing operational efficiency and compliance. As cyber threats continue to evolve, a proactive and comprehensive approach to access governance is indispensable for protecting digital assets. Should we combine Identity Provisioning and Access Governance for a better fraud reduction? In the fight against fraud, the combination of identity provisioning and access governance is increasingly recognized as not just beneficial, but essential. Identity provisioning involves the creation, management, and deactivation of user identities within an organization’s systems. Access governance, on the other hand, focuses on ensuring that users have the appropriate access to resources based on their roles and responsibilities. When integrated, these processes provide a comprehensive framework for securing an organization’s digital environment and significantly reducing the risk of fraud. Identity provisioning ensures that every user in the system is accurately identified and appropriately managed from the moment they join the organization until their departure. By automating the provisioning process, organizations can ensure that users are given access to only the resources they need for their specific roles, thereby minimizing the risk of excessive access rights. This precise allocation of permissions is crucial in preventing unauthorized access, which is a common vector for fraudulent activities. Access governance complements identity provisioning by continuously monitoring and auditing access rights. It ensures that the permissions granted during the provisioning process remain appropriate over time, even as users‘ roles and responsibilities change. Regular access reviews and certifications help to identify and rectify any discrepancies or outdated access rights that could be exploited for fraudulent purposes. By maintaining an accurate and up-to-date map of who has access to what, organizations can quickly detect and respond to suspicious activities. The synergy between identity provisioning and access governance is particularly powerful in reducing fraud. For example, automated deprovisioning ensures that when an employee leaves the organization, their access is immediately revoked across all systems. This eliminates the risk of former employees exploiting lingering access rights for fraudulent activities. Similarly, role-based access controls, a fundamental aspect of access governance, ensure that users only have access to the information necessary for their roles, reducing the attack surface for potential fraudsters. Furthermore, combining these processes enhances compliance with regulatory requirements. Many regulations mandate stringent controls over user access to sensitive data, and failure to comply can result in severe penalties. By integrating identity provisioning and access governance, organizations can more easily meet these requirements, providing auditors with clear evidence of controlled and monitored access. Does Identity Governance reduce fraud risks and increase security? Identity Governance significantly reduces fraud risks and enhances security by providing a comprehensive framework for managing user identities and access rights within an organization. By implementing Identity Governance, organizations can ensure that users have appropriate access to systems and data based on their roles, effectively minimizing the risk of unauthorized access.

What are the main tools that a comprehensive IAM strategy requires?

Uncategorized / Von Ina Nikolova

Users are using more and more different services and almost all of these systems require authentication by username and password. Security-conscious companies that want to introduce an IAM system should know that there is no single tool for the absolute minimization of identity-related risks. A comprehensive IAM strategy requires three tools: PAM (Privileged Access Management), SSO (Single Sign-On) and a Password manager. A closer look at each tool helps to get a better sense of the role each plays in the overall IAM system. PAM (Privileged Access Management) offers companies a secure way to authorize and monitor privileged users with access to sensitive accounts. PAM can also prevent accidental or deliberate misuse of privileged access. SSO (Single Sign-On) allows the company to grant its users secure access to multiple applications via a single login combination (user name and password) per session. After logging in, users are authorized for all applications to which they have access and which are covered by the SSO solution. SSO provides SAML authentication and communicates via Active Directory (AD). It is important to combine SSO with two-factor authentication to add a second layer of security for sensitive accounts. Password manager is a secure method for companies to ensure that all users use strong passwords in all accounts. As with SSO, the user gains access to all login data via a master password. Unlike SSO, however, a password manager works for all user accounts (including cloud applications) and is not tied to one session. Here too, it is important to combine a password manager with two-factor authentication in order to add a second layer of security for sensitive accounts. What is the best solution for your own IAM strategy? If a company does not have to worry about money and is looking for control and security for its IT systems, a PAM solution is best suited. However, a PAM solution needs to be complemented by SSO and a password manager to ensure security throughout the organization. What’s the point of building a gate (for privileged users/systems) if it’s not part of the fence that protects your entire attack surface? If you have decided on a PAM solution, then you are aware of the risks that arise if you do without SSO and a password manager. This is because it protects the numerous cloud, work and private accounts that offer the greatest attack surface in the company. If a company has a limited budget and still wants to secure all user accounts and achieve secure password behavior, a password manager is the best option. A password manager is the best first step towards securing a company. Not only does it cover all user accounts, but it also enables and encourages a change in employee behavior. Instead of using the same password everywhere, a password manager allows employees to use unique, complex passwords for each account – whether it’s a cloud application, business or personal account. And they only need to remember one master password. If a company has successfully implemented a password manager and is convinced of the benefits, it would make sense to consider an SSO solution, as this is the perfect complement to a password manager. In case the corporation wants to secure certain cloud applications and the business accounts of all users, an SSO solution is best suited. An SSO solution provides a good overview and protection for central products that an employee uses for professional purposes. Since the credentials covered by SSO are professional credentials and users need to access these accounts for work, there is naturally a high adoption rate among employees. If a firm wants to secure certain cloud applications and the business accounts of all users, an SSO solution is best suited. An SSO solution provides a good overview and protection for central products that an employee uses for professional purposes. Since the credentials covered by an SSO are professional credentials and users need to access these accounts for work, there is naturally a high adoption rate among employees. Why Password manager complement SSO perfectly? A password manager complements Single Sign-On (SSO) perfectly by addressing security gaps and enhancing user convenience. While SSO simplifies access by allowing users to authenticate once and gain access to multiple applications, it relies heavily on the security of a single set of credentials. A password manager mitigates this risk by securely storing and managing complex passwords for non-SSO accounts, ensuring that all credentials are robust and unique. Additionally, password managers can autofill login details, streamlining access to legacy systems or external sites not integrated with the SSO system. This dual approach combines the ease of SSO with the comprehensive security of a password manager, providing a more holistic solution to access management. The two biggest dangers with SSO solutions are as follows: Cloud applications: SSO solutions cannot be used for all cloud applications, as some of them cannot be integrated. If a company uses dozens, if not hundreds, of cloud applications, they should be aware of the security gap that will exist. Credentials for personal and business use: SSO solutions cannot be used for credentials that are used for both personal and business use and the many accounts that are not used for business purposes and require a password. Without a password manager, any personal account means a reused password or credentials that can be used to access your organization’s network or data. The solution is simple: If a company uses an SSO solution or wants to introduce it as part of the IAM strategy, it should always be combined with a password manager to secure all user accounts and cloud applications and thus protect your entire network. In many cases, companies start with a low-cost solution that covers all areas, such as a password manager. This is already an important step towards greater security in the company, but you should be aware of the security gaps that exist if you only invest in a PAM or SSO solution. A comprehensive Identity and Access

How does blockchain positively impact data protection and digital identity management?

Uncategorized / Von Ina Nikolova

In this fast-paced digital age, where the exchange of personal data permeates online interactions, protecting data privacy and establishing foolproof digital identities has become a compelling challenge. Blockchain technology is a concept often associated with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. However, the reach of blockchain is much broader and goes beyond its roots in cryptocurrency. Beyond revolutionising digital transactions, it has the remarkable ability to reshape the landscape of data privacy and digital identity management on an unprecedented scale. This article explains how blockchain is positively impacting data privacy and digital identity management. Blockchain in the context of digital identity management Blockchain in the context of digital identity management refers to the use of blockchain technology to manage digital identities securely and transparently. Basically, digital identities are managed by centralized entities like governments, banks, or social media platforms, which store personal information in their databases. However, this centralized approach poses several risks, including single points of failure, data breaches, and lack of user control over their own data. Blockchain technology offers a decentralized and immutable ledger where digital identities can be securely stored and managed. Besides, the blockchain-based digital identity management systems have the potential to revolutionize how identities are verified, authenticated, and managed in various sectors, including finance, healthcare, government services, and online interactions. The role of blockchain in data protection Have you ever thought about gaining complete control over your personal data? Well, blockchain technology helps you gain that authority. Imagine being able to keep your information secure and private without any organisation having control over it. This is possible with the help of decentralisation. This means that blockchains do not store your data in one central location, as is the case with conventional databases, but distribute it across many different computers. This creates a network of copies of your data, which in turn makes it more secure. But wait, if everyone has access to these copies, doesn’t that mean your privacy is at risk? Let’s find out how blockchain keeps your data private and secure. Think of blockchain as a chain of blocks, with each block containing data and a special code called a hash. Instead of having all the data in one place, copies of this chain are stored on computers around the world. Each time a new block is added to the ledger (chain), it must be approved by other miners. If more than half of these computer agree, the new block becomes part of the chain, otherwise it is rejected. This approval process is called consensus. The blockchain keeps your data secure by distributing it across many computers, ensuring that everyone agrees on any changes. It secures blocks using hashes and the clever proof-of-work method. With zero-knowledge proofs, you can prove things without revealing too much. And public addresses hide your identity but still allow you to make transactions. The impact of blockchain on digital identity management Advances in digital identity protection technology have introduced options such as robotic process automation and machine learning. However, these new solutions can be expensive and less efficient in centralised digital identity systems. Instead of giving control of identity data to centralised entities, using blockchain for digital identity projects may offer a better solution. How does blockchain help solve identity management problems? It works by creating a digital identity on a decentralised system, which brings several benefits. Here are some ways blockchain improves digital identity management solutions: Security is a big deal for the growth of blockchain digital identity companies in the future. Think of blockchain like a super-secure digital vault. It keeps the data super secure and locked away so no one can change it. It also uses secret codes, called cryptography, to ensure that no one can take a peek at your digital identity. This makes your digital identity super secure and easy to trace. In addition, using blockchain for digital identity means that we don’t have to worry so much about weak passwords that can be easily broken. Another cool thing about blockchain-based digital identity is data protection. There’s a lot of talk about protecting our personal data. Blockchain uses really strong secret codes and digital signatures to ensure that your private data remains private. Every time something happens on the blockchain, it’s like putting a special lock on it that can’t be opened or changed later. Blockchain makes trust easier. It’s as if everyone in the club agrees on what’s true. The information is shared on many computers and everyone agrees that it is correct. It’s a bit like many friends confirming a story. When different groups use the same system, for example a special code for your country, digital identities become even better. Blockchain operates on principles of decentralization, transparency, immutability, and cryptographic security, making it a reliable and tamper-proof system for recording and verifying transactions across various industries. The future of blockchain in terms of data protection and digital identity The future of blockchain in terms of privacy and digital identity promises a transformative development in the way personal data is managed and protected. By utilising blockchain technology, digital identities can be managed securely and transparently while maintaining user privacy. Through decentralisation and encryption techniques, blockchain enables secure storage of identity data, reducing the risk of data misuse and identity theft. The immutability of blockchain ensures the integrity of stored data and prevents tampering. In addition, blockchain gives users complete control over their own identity data. They can choose what information they want to share and with whom, without having to rely on centralised intermediaries. This promotes user confidence in the security and protection of their data. In the future, blockchain-based identity management systems could be widely used in various sectors such as finance, healthcare, government services and online interactions. These systems not only offer improved data protection, but also efficiency and ease of use by eliminating the need for repeated identity verification and the management of multiple credentials.

The Future of Cloud Computing: Top Trends to Watch in 2024

Uncategorized / Von Ina Nikolova

As we delve deeper into the digital age, cloud computing continues to evolve at a rapid pace, reshaping the landscape of technology and business operations. With each passing year, new advancements and innovations emerge, driving the transformation of how we store, process, and manage data. In 2024, the realm of cloud computing stands on the cusp of groundbreaking developments that promise to redefine the way organizations leverage technology to streamline operations, enhance agility, and drive innovation. In this exploration of the future of cloud computing, we delve into the top trends poised to shape the industry in 2024 and beyond, offering insights into the potential impact and opportunities that lie ahead. From hybrid cloud architectures to AI-driven automation and security advancements, the journey into the future of cloud computing promises to be both exciting and transformative. Trend 1: Multicloud orchestration for complex cloud environments in companies A multicloud orchestrator harmonises server workloads, storage capacities and virtual machines, enabling companies to distribute workloads efficiently, optimise the use of resources and reduce costs. By distributing capacities across different clouds, companies can also increase resilience and thus their reliability and performance. A multicloud orchestrator can also help to streamline automated tasks in a workflow and ensure that they have the required access or authorisation to execute a workload. Overall, a multicloud orchestrator allows companies to maximise the benefits of different cloud platforms, adhere to compliance policies and security protocols and maintain an overview of resource utilisation and usage in a multicloud architecture. In view of the ever-increasing demand for greater efficiency, reliability, security and lower costs, multicloud orchestration will play a key role for companies in the future. Trend 2: Increasing cloud automation In the future, companies will increasingly rely on cloud automation to make standardised business processes more efficient: This automation extends across a variety of software tools and software-based methods. With their support, companies can counter the shortage of IT specialists, reduce the workload of IT teams and also minimise human error in the management of cloud services. By automating the scaling, resource management and provisioning of workloads in the cloud, organisations can not only operate more efficiently, but also reduce costs and accelerate time to market for new products. It is important to emphasise that cloud automation is not an integral part of a particular cloud solution that companies can simply add on. Rather, these are measures that should be implemented by companies. To fully utilise the benefits of cloud automation, it is therefore crucial that companies automate their existing IT with cloud technologies now, replace existing applications with cloud-native developments and develop modern API sets and company-specific DevOps principles. Among other things, these measures make a significant contribution to the standardisation of processes and security measures and enable companies to successfully overcome various challenges in dynamic and complex cloud environments in the future. Trend 3: Optimising cloud infrastructure for maximum performance The optimisation of existing cloud infrastructure, applications and services is becoming increasingly important in view of the continuous financial and time expenditure for the management, expansion and scaling of resources and cloud capacities. A future-oriented cloud and data management strategy will be crucial for companies of all sizes and in all industries in order to rationalise capacities, use existing resources more efficiently and avoid shadow IT. Increased implementation of advanced cost monitoring and analysis tools will play a key role in reducing costs. The regular adjustment of security configurations enables companies to continuously adapt their cloud environment to industry-specific compliance requirements. The trend towards cloud optimisation as a continuous process helps companies to exploit the full range of cloud benefits and increase their overall performance while optimising costs and resources for a sustainable future. Trend 4: Increasing use of observability tools Hybrid multi-cloud systems are highly interoperable, but also susceptible to additional vulnerabilities, particularly cybersecurity risks via third-party or fourth-party providers. Companies should therefore increasingly move towards cloud observability, which goes beyond mere monitoring. Observability tools use automated monitoring systems to identify the causes of problems and anomalies, create root cause analyses and provide predictive insights. This in-depth analysis is based on logging data, metrics and traces that provide a comprehensive understanding of system interactions. A combination of monitoring and observability is a proactive and effective strategy for troubleshooting and optimisation and will become imperative for businesses, especially in the face of increasingly sophisticated, AI-driven cyberattacks. As public cloud services share computing services from different customers, highly regulated companies in particular will therefore increasingly opt for a private cloud, which they can control more easily and with which they can comply with local industry and government regulations and compliance requirements. Trend 5: Private Cloud Private cloud environments can be tailored specifically to company’s needs, providing customised scalability, effectiveness and more reliable performance. In the long term, the use of private clouds therefore often leads to lower total cost of ownership – also because companies only pay for the infrastructure they use. A private cloud therefore combines many of the benefits of cloud computing with the control and security of an on-premise infrastructure, which in some markets will be crucial for companies to achieve a target-oriented IT and cloud architecture. The cloud at a turning point With the increased use of AI, edge computing and the development of even more powerful cloud platforms, the cloud technologies of tomorrow will not only drive digital transformation, but also herald an era of intelligent, autonomous and highly adaptive IT landscapes. For companies, the cloud must therefore be a business case that goes beyond purely technical issues. System integrators can help to develop a suitable, efficient cloud strategy and support companies in not being left behind in the new era of cloud technologies.

Measures to protect privileged accounts with Privileged Account Management

Uncategorized / Von Ina Nikolova

Cybercrime has become the most prevalent criminal activity worldwide. Companies must therefore protect their privileged accounts against this ever-growing threat. These are, for example, administrator, service, root or database accounts. Cyber criminals favour such accounts because they allow access to sensitive and business-critical resources. Privileged accounts require particularly effective management and security to protect them. Privileged Access Management (PAM) is one of the ways to achieve this. That cyber security solution requires that the assets are first identified, before being protected. This article shows how PAM can effectively protect the privileged accounts against cyber threats. Where are the privileged accounts? Access rights apply to all parts of hybrid IT, from the local database administrator or application stewards to external partners, suppliers, application admins or developers, but also to helpdesks or computers and devices in the Internet of Things area. All these populations and privileged accounts are growing as IT expands towards new technologies such as cloud solutions or services managed by external partners How does PAM help my company? PAM makes it possible to manage all privileged accounts. All types of privileged accounts are recorded, categorised and automatically integrated into the system. This enables efficient management of privileged accounts and brings benefits within a very short time. PAM also helps with the management of privileged access rights by checking and monitoring the use of privileged access data. As a result, organisations achieve complete control and accountability over privileged access. PAM solutions enable the management of business secrets and access to sensitive data and privileged credentials used by applications, tools and other non-human identities without compromising the agility of DevOps workflows. Secure privileged account management is easy to implement with a well-planned security strategy. IT departments can protect their privileged accounts with the following five measures: 1. Identify and prioritise privileged accounts The basis of effective privileged account management is a complete overview of all existing privileged accounts in the company network. This may sound simple and manageable, but for many IT departments it is a major challenge. This is because these accounts are distributed throughout the company’s IT and it is not uncommon for their number to far exceed the number of employees. As complete manual identification is virtually impossible, companies should therefore rely on PAM solutions that automatically recognise sensitive accounts and provide those responsible with a complete overview of all accounts and the number of all local admin users at all times. In a second step, the accounts should then be prioritised, making it easier to select the appropriate security controls. 2. Password management automation One of the most effective means of preventing the misuse of administrator accounts and accounts with privileged rights is adequate password protection. This makes it even more important to create, store and change passwords in a secure environment – and to do so regularly. As with account identification, companies should rely on PAM solutions that are based on automation, i.e. that automate password changes according to an individually defined schedule. All connected systems and users are then informed of the changes in real time so that – unlike with conventional password vaults, for example – no manual intervention is required. 3. Least privilege: implementing a minimal assignment of rights Access rights that are too broad represent a major risk for corporate security – especially when privileged authorisations and accounts are involved. A clear definition of access rights and responsibilities is therefore essential if companies want to maintain a clear security line. It is advisable to categorise accounts into user, service, system and infrastructure accounts and to allocate corresponding access rights according to the principle of minimum rights allocation, also known as the least privilege approach. This means that it is precisely defined who is allowed to access an account and how this access is organised. For example, it must be decided whether an administrator may know a fixed password or whether they must generate a new one before each session. Of course, this allocation must be checked and updated regularly. 4. Monitor privileged sessions In addition, IT departments should utilise security technologies that provide them with complete transparency of all administrative activities and sessions, making it easier for them to identify unusual and potentially harmful access at an early stage (and before major damage occurs). This is most effectively achieved with solutions that use machine learning technologies and analyse user activities based on individual behaviour patterns and automatically report suspicious access to privileged accounts. 5. Incident response plan in the event of an emergency In addition, companies should have prepared an incident response plan, which defines specific measures for defence and rapid containment of a cyberattack and ensures that companies do not lose any time in the event of an emergency. If, for example, privileged accounts have been compromised, an incident response plan is particularly important, as traditional protective measures – such as changing passwords or deactivating accounts – are not sufficient in this case and more comprehensive recovery measures must be implemented. By combining these measures, organizations can significantly enhance the security of privileged accounts and reduce the risk of unauthorized access or misuse of elevated privileges. It’s important to tailor these measures to the specific needs and risk profile of the organization.

Important reasons why financial institutions need Identity & Access Management

Uncategorized / Von Ina Nikolova

The financial sector is undergoing a radical change. Transactions are no longer carried out over the counter in branches; both customers and advisors want to have access to information and applications from anywhere and at any time. To ensure that user administration still fulfils the highest security requirements, banks need modern Identity & Access Management solutions that can also flexibly implement regulatory requirements. Well-designed solutions for Identity & Access Management significantly increase the level of security in all financial operations. IAM also offers other advantages that financial institutions should not do without. 1) SoD – improves the security situation The functional separation of demarcated activities in IT systems (Segragation of Duties – SoD) is one of many components of a well-designed IAM system to prevent such enormous damage. In addition to such prominent individual cases, cybercrime has posed an enormous threat to companies since the start of the coronavirus pandemic due to people working from home. Three out of four companies are victims of data theft or sabotage. In most cases, the perpetrators are (intentionally or unintentionally) current or former employees, meaning that a company’s own employees pose the greatest cyber risk. Company-wide guidelines and processes for user and authorization management contribute significantly to (internal) error prevention at this point. A well-structured IAM system ensures that only those employees have access to IT systems who are authorized to do so at the relevant time by the manager and the respective functional or technical managers of the IT systems. In addition to access control for normal user authorizations, particularly powerful authorizations (e.g. emergency access or so-called super users) should be controlled separately. With such authorizations, users can, for example, change parameter settings or bypass predefined release workflows. Such authorizations should therefore only be granted in emergency situations. This is where Privileged Access Management (PAM), which should be linked to the central IAM system in the company, provides the right tool. 2) Improves the end-user experience Complex, manual application processes for access rights in companies lead to long waiting times, employees need long start-up times to be able to work. For each system you have different user IDs and in the best case a password that is not easy to guess and therefore difficult to remember. This is precisely why many people associate IAM with annoying, time-consuming activities. A standardized and consistent IAM system ensures short application paths, automatic assignment and fast work in the target systems. Thanks to integrated and intelligent authentication using single sign-on (SSO), users can log into the target systems easily and securely. The advantages of such authentication services are obvious: they make it much easier to establish new customer relationships, as you only have to authenticate yourself once with the identity service. Integrated two-factor authentication also ensures a high standard of security. Identity management gives companies the opportunity to improve their digital customer relationships and gain trust in terms of data security. 3) Ensures compliance Banks and financial institutions are subject to various regulatory requirements, guidelines and standards such as BAIT, VAIT, ISO 27001 and GDPR. The attention paid to IT security by auditing bodies (banking supervisory authorities and auditors) has increased significantly in recent years and the rules have become dramatically stricter. The processes adhered to in the IAM system cover central governance requirements, such as the need-to-know principle or compliance with approval and control processes. Compliance can also be monitored with the help of logging and evaluation options. In addition to formal adherence to compliance, there are also beneficial „side effects“: system managers automatically start to think more about access rights and structures as a result of IAM processes. Internal IT compliance audits lead to significantly fewer findings and the work of internal and external auditors is made much easier. IAM thus makes a valuable contribution to the fulfillment of the compliance function in companies and should therefore not be neglected by those responsible in compliance departments (not only in banks and insurance companies). 4) Drives Efficiency In modern IAM systems, the associated processes are automated and run in real time. Manual control loops and human monitoring are therefore a thing of the past. Particularly in large and rapidly growing organisations, the IT landscape quickly becomes confusing and manual process steps become a cost trap. IAM automates the steps that were previously carried out manually and provides a framework that channels the authorisation management activities to be carried out. The massive reduction in manual activities not only relieves the burden on employees, but also saves considerable costs in the long term. IAM is also a key driver for the digitalisation of business processes in companies and therefore forms the basis for the digital transformation already underway in so many companies. An intelligent IAM system that is designed with the end user in mind can also reduce the workload for IT help desks by providing self-service options for users. 5) Boosts agility The profoundly advancing digitalisation in the financial sector requires the consistent application of agile methods and the expansion of digital capabilities, particularly in IT departments. Modern IAM solutions fit very well into existing IT processes and enable an agile approach. The ongoing transformation of IT applications into the cloud is optimally supported by an IAM. With a hybrid IAM model, any IT systems, whether in the cloud or on-premise, can be connected quickly and in a highly automated manner. Modern software developments, apps and enterprise web applications can also be connected to the company’s central IAM in an agile setting, ensuring consistent and secure access to all systems in the company. The introduction of IAM solutions realises many benefits for companies. With IAM, enormous fraud and damage incidents are reduced. Appropriate controls for access management are provided and all (regulatory) standard workflows are highly automated. IAM gives companies full transparency of user access to their systems at all times, significantly reducing manual process steps and waiting times in the provision of user access.

The Advantages of a Passwordless Authentication Within a Zero Trust Security framework

Uncategorized / Von Ina Nikolova

The rapid shift towards more remote working and the associated explosion of devices has dramatically increased the number of cyber threats. With this in mind, companies face the challenge of protecting their highly complex cloud-based technology ecosystems, as employees, software and even partner organisations can pose a threat to the security of valuable systems and data. As a consequence, the zero-trust approach has established itself as a popular security framework. What is Zero Trust? In a Zero Trust architecture, the inherent trust in the network is removed. Instead, the network is classified as hostile and every access request is checked based on an access policy. An effective zero trust framework combines several tools and strategies and is based on one golden rule: trust no one. Instead, each entity (person, device or software module) and each access request to technology resources must provide enough information to earn that trust. If access is granted, it applies only to the specific asset needed to perform a task and only for a limited period of time. The role of zero-trust authentication Because password-based, traditional multi-factor authentication (MFA) can be easily exploited by cybercriminals, an effective zero-trust approach requires strong user validation through phishing-resistant, passwordless MFA. It also requires establishing trust in the endpoint device used to access applications and data. If organisations cannot trust the user or their device, all other components of a zero-trust approach are useless. Authentication is therefore critical to a successful zero-trust architecture, as it prevents unauthorised access to data and services and makes access control enforcement as granular as possible. In practice, this authentication must be as smooth and user-friendly as possible so that users do not bypass it or bombard the helpdesk with support requests. The advantages of passwordless authentication Replacing traditional MFA with strong, passwordless authentication methods allows security teams to build the first layer of their zero-trust architecture. Replacing passwords with FIDO-based passkeys that use asymmetric cryptography, and combining them with secure device-based biometrics, creates a phishing-resistant MFA approach. Users are authenticated by proving that they own the registered device, which is cryptographically bound to their identity, through a combination of biometric authentication and asymmetric cryptographic transaction. The same technology is used in Transaction Layer Security (TLS), which ensures the authenticity of a website and establishes an encrypted tunnel before users exchange sensitive information, for example in online banking. This strong authentication method not only provides significant protection against cyber attacks, but can also reduce the costs and administrative tasks associated with resetting and locking passwords with traditional MFA tools. Most importantly, there are long-term benefits through improved workflow and staff productivity, as authentication is designed to be particularly user-friendly and frictionless. Zero trust authentication requirements at a glance It is important that organisations looking to implement a zero trust framework address authentication as early as possible. In doing so, they should pay attention to the following points: 1. Strong user validation A strong factor to confirm the identity of the user is the proof of ownership of their assigned device. This is provided when the authorised user verifiably authenticates himself on his own device. The identity of the device is cryptographically bound to the identity of the user for this purpose. These two factors eliminate passwords or other cryptographic secrets that cybercriminals can retrieve from a device, intercept over a network or elicit from users through social engineering. 2. Strong device validation With strong device validation, organisations prevent the use of unauthorised BYOD devices by only granting access to known, trusted devices. The validation process verifies that the device is bound to the user and meets the necessary security and compliance requirements. 3. User-friendly authentication for users and administrators. Passwords and traditional MFA are time-consuming and impact productivity. Passwordless authentication is easy to deploy and manage and verifies users within seconds via a biometric scanner on their device. 4. Integration with IT management and security tools Collecting as much information as possible about users, devices and transactions is very helpful in deciding whether to grant access. A zero-trust policy engine requires the integration of data sources and other software tools to make correct decisions, send alerts to the SOC and share trusted log data for auditing purposes. 5. Advanced policy engines Deploying a policy engine with an easy-to-use interface enables security teams to define policies such as risk levels and risk scores that control access. Automated policy engines help collect data from tens of thousands of devices, including multiple devices from both internal employees and external service providers. Because using risk scores instead of raw data is useful in many situations, the engine also needs to access data from a range of IT management and security tools. Once collected, the policy engine evaluates the data and takes the action specified in the policy, for example, approving or blocking access or quarantining a suspicious device. Traditional password-based multi-factor authentication is now a very low barrier for attackers. An authentication process that is both phishing-resistant and passwordless is therefore a key component of a zero-trust framework. This not only significantly reduces cybersecurity risks, but also improves employee productivity and IT team efficiency.

How Artificial Intelligence Helps Minimizing Cyber Risks

Uncategorized / Von Ina Nikolova

The digital age has opened up numerous opportunities for us, but at the same time we are exposed to entirely new cyber threats. Never before we have been as connected as we are today – across all sectors and areas of life, in industry, business and society. Especially through the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, processes are becoming more and more automated and optimized. The challenge for cybersecurity is that every exchange of data must be secured and protected from unauthorized access. Furthermore, cybercriminals are constantly looking for ways to compromise networks and steal sensitive data. These techniques are becoming increasingly advanced and can be difficult to detect by humans or traditional defense solutions. For this reason, organizations are looking to AI techniques to strengthen their cybersecurity defense plan. Artificial intelligence in cybersecurity can help companies understand and defend against these threats. How can companies protect themselves against cyber risks? As already mentioned, the application of AI has significantly impacted people’s lives. We now have machines that can drive cars, understand verbal commands, distinguish images, and play games. This is the reason why AI and machine learning have become indispensable to information security, as these technologies are able to quickly analyze millions of data sets and detect a wide range of cyber threats – from malware threats to phishing attacks, ransomware and zero-day vulnerabilities. These technologies are constantly learning, using data from past cyberattacks to identify potential threats. Regarding IT security, companies must ensure that they develop and operate a holistic security concept. In addition to using the appropriate protection products such as firewalls, virus protection or backups, this also includes active management of the IT components. All network components must not only be permanently patched and updated, but also continuously monitored. This ensures that security gaps are detected as quickly as possible. IT monitoring tools can be used not only to continuously monitor networks, servers, applications and other IT components to ensure that they are functioning properly, but to measure the performance of IT systems and detect security incidents, as well. Active monitoring is usually difficult for companies to implement, which is why support from a managed service provider is advisable. AI for cybersecurity can help you detect threats masquerading as normal traffic, and can process and analyze a large amount of data more thoroughly and in less time. A managed service is responsible for the provision and management of a company’s IT infrastructure. In doing so, we ensure that the customer’s IT infrastructure is always available and functional. Integrated services such as update management and monitoring, significantly increase the IT security. Of course the MSP use special software and AI-supported tools to ensure that potential attackers do not take advantage of artificial intelligence. Proper vulnerability management is the best way to secure an organization’s network. As mentioned earlier, a lot of traffic flows through an organization’s network, and it is imperative to detect, identify, and protect that traffic from malicious access. Unlike human security personnel, AI can quickly learn network behavior to identify vulnerabilities in the system, allowing organizations to focus on ways to mitigate those risks. In this way, vulnerability management can be improved and the enterprise can secure its network systems in a timely manner. Given the speed at which cyber threats evolve, it’s a fact that traditional rules-based security systems can’t keep up. This is where AI systems come into play. AI technologies are equipped with advanced algorithms that detect malware activity, perform pattern recognition and identify anomalous behavior before the system is compromised. Machine learning algorithms can learn from historical data and behavior patterns to identify new and emerging threats, including malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. AI systems can help identify your IT inventory, a documented record of all tangible and intangible assets. Cybercriminals are always trying to target these assets. Using AI in cybersecurity, you can predict how and when a cyberattack will occur and plan accordingly to allocate resources to the most vulnerable areas. One of the key benefits of incident response automation is its ability to significantly reduce the time it takes to detect, respond to security threats and remediate security incidents. AI and ML-powered tools can monitor network traffic, user behavior, and system logs to detect unusual activities that may indicate a cyberattack. This allows organizations to identify potential threats much more quickly than would be possible using manual methods, enabling them to take action before any significant damage is done. Cyberattacks are becoming more advanced, and cybercriminals are finding more creative ways to carry out their evil plans. That’s why companies are turning to AI to strengthen their defenses and mitigate cyber risks. AI offers so many cybersecurity benefits, including vulnerability management, risk prediction, threat detection, and network traffic monitoring. We hope this article has given you some insight into the use of AI in cybersecurity.