Suggest A Policy To Help Mitigate Attacks

Suggest a policy that would help mitigate against attacks similar to this one in the future

To mitigate against attacks similar to the ransomware incident at No-Internal-Controls, LLC, implementing a comprehensive cybersecurity policy focused on strengthening access controls, network segmentation, and employee security awareness is essential. This policy should mandate the use of strong, unique passwords with regular updates, enforce multi-factor authentication where possible, and restrict remote access through secure means such as a VPN with multi-factor authentication. Additionally, the policy should require regular updates and patches for all systems, disable unnecessary services, and enforce least privilege access principles. It should also incorporate routine security training for employees, emphasizing the risks of phishing and social engineering, and implement regular vulnerability assessments. These measures collectively address the vulnerabilities exploited in the attack, such as weak credential policies, unsecured remote access, and unpatched systems, thereby reducing the risk of similar future incidents.

Suggest a policy that would help mitigate against attacks similar to this one in the future

This policy aims to establish a secure and resilient network environment for No-Internal-Controls, LLC by enforcing strict access controls, maintaining updated system defenses, and promoting security awareness among employees. Its primary goal is to prevent unauthorized access, limit the spread of malware, and ensure rapid detection and response to security incidents. The policy advocates for stronger password management, multi-factor authentication, secure remote access practices, regular patching, and ongoing employee training on cybersecurity best practices. By adopting these strategies, the organization can significantly reduce the probability of successful cyberattacks, safeguard critical data, and improve its overall security posture.

Suggest at least two different controls to support your policy and explain how they will support the policy

  • Control 1: Implementation of Multi-Factor Authentication (Technical, Preventative)
  • This control enhances account security by requiring multiple forms of verification before granting access to sensitive systems. It directly supports the policy's goal of strengthening authentication procedures, making it more difficult for attackers to exploit compromised credentials. Multi-factor authentication prevents unauthorized access even if passwords are stolen or guessed, aligning with the policy's emphasis on robust access controls.
  • Control 2: Network Segmentation with Firewall-Based Access Controls (Physical/Administrative, Preventative)
  • Segmenting the network into smaller zones with dedicated firewalls limits the lateral movement of malicious actors within the network. This control supports the policy by reducing the attack surface and containing potential breaches, thereby preventing malware spread. Proper segmentation ensures that even if one part of the network is compromised, the damage is limited, supporting the overall goal of network resilience and improved security management.

Suggest an employee position to be responsible for your policy and what metrics they might use to measure compliance with the policy

The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) should be responsible for overseeing the implementation and ongoing compliance with the cybersecurity policy. Metrics to evaluate their effectiveness could include the percentage of systems with enabled multi-factor authentication, the number of successful security awareness training sessions completed by staff, the frequency of system patches and updates applied, and the number of security incidents detected and contained. Regular audits and vulnerability assessments can also serve as key performance indicators to ensure the policy's adherence and identify areas for improvement.

References

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  • Peltier, T. R. (2016). Information Security Policies, Procedures, and Standards: guidelines for effective information security management. CRC Press.
  • Scarfone, K., & Mell, P. (2007). Guide to Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS). NIST Special Publication 800-94.
  • Stallings, W. (2017). Network Security Essentials: Applications and Standards. Pearson.
  • Whitman, M. E., & Mattord, H. J. (2018). Principles of Information Security. Cengage Learning.
  • Westby, J. (2018). Ransomware: The Hidden Threat. Cybersecurity Magazine.
  • Von Solms, R., & Van Niekerk, J. (2013). Information Security Governance: A Model Based on the Public Sector. Information Management & Computer Security, 21(3), 144-157.

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