The Allianz Life Breach: Why Third-Party Vendor Risk Just Became Your Biggest Security Threat
When hackers stole 1.1 million customer records from insurance giant Allianz Life in July 2025, they didn’t break through firewalls or exploit zero-day vulnerabilities. Instead, they simply asked for access—and got it. This breach represents a seismic shift in how sophisticated threat actors are targeting enterprises, and it carries critical lessons for businesses across manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services. The Anatomy of a Modern Breach On July 16, 2025, threat actors gained access to Allianz Life’s third-party cloud-based CRM system, exposing sensitive personal information including names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, and Tax Identification Numbers. The breach affected the majority of Allianz Life’s 1.4 million customers, along with data from financial professionals and select employees. What makes this breach particularly alarming is its simplicity. The ShinyHunters group, linked to this attack, used social engineering tactics to trick employees into connecting a malicious OAuth application to the company’s Salesforce instance. No complex malware. No sophisticated network infiltration. Just human manipulation and a few clicks. Why This Changes Everything The Death of Perimeter Security Traditional cybersecurity focused on building walls around your data. This breach proves those walls are meaningless when attackers can simply convince someone to open the door. The Allianz Life incident highlights three critical realities: The Supply Chain Multiplier Effect For manufacturers dealing with CMMC compliance, this breach should trigger immediate concern. The same tactics used against Allianz Life are being deployed across the defense industrial base. When one contractor falls, it creates a ripple effect throughout the supply chain. Your secure practices mean nothing if your vendors provide an open door to attackers. Community banks and credit unions face similar challenges. With limited IT resources and increasing reliance on third-party financial technology providers, a single compromised vendor can expose multiple institutions simultaneously. Industry-Specific Implications Manufacturing and CMMC Compliance Defense contractors working toward CMMC Level 2 certification must now reconsider their vendor management strategies. The 110 security controls required for certification specifically address supply chain risk, but many organizations focus solely on their internal controls while ignoring vendor vulnerabilities. Key considerations for manufacturers: Healthcare and HIPAA Security Healthcare organizations already struggling with ransomware attacks now face an additional threat vector. The same social engineering tactics that compromised Allianz Life are being adapted to target electronic health record systems and practice management platforms. The implications are severe: Financial Services and Vendor Risk Management For community banks and credit unions, this breach underscores the critical importance of vendor risk management programs. Recent OCC and FDIC examinations have increased focus on third-party oversight, and incidents like this validate regulatory concerns. Financial institutions must consider: What Makes ShinyHunters Different The ShinyHunters group represents a new breed of threat actor. Rather than relying on technical exploits, they’ve mastered the art of social engineering at scale. Their tactics include: This group has been linked to breaches at major companies including AT&T, Ticketmaster, and now Allianz Life. Their success rate suggests current security awareness training isn’t addressing these specific attack vectors. Immediate Actions for Protection 1. Audit Third-Party Access Today Don’t wait for a breach notification. Every organization should immediately: 2. Implement Zero-Trust Vendor Management The days of trusting vendors by default are over. Implement: 3. Revolutionize Security Awareness Training Traditional phishing simulations aren’t enough. Your training must evolve to address: 4. Strengthen CRM Security Controls Whether using Salesforce, HubSpot, or another platform: The Path Forward: Building Resilience The Allianz Life breach isn’t an isolated incident—it’s a preview of the new normal. As organizations continue migrating to cloud platforms and expanding vendor relationships, the attack surface grows exponentially. Building resilience requires a fundamental shift in how we approach security. Organizations must move beyond compliance checkboxes to embrace continuous security improvement. This means regular assessments, proactive threat hunting, and a security culture that extends to every employee and vendor relationship. How DataSure24 Can Help At DataSure24, we’ve helped hundreds of organizations strengthen their security posture against these evolving threats. Our approach combines: Don’t wait for your organization to become the next headline. The threat landscape has fundamentally changed, and your security strategy must evolve accordingly. Ready to protect your organization against the next Allianz Life-style breach? Contact DataSure24 for a complimentary Security Strategy Review. Let’s ensure your vendors strengthen your security—not compromise it. Posted by Mark Musone
CMMC 2.0 is Here – Cybersecurity is No Longer Optional for DIB Contractors
The defense contracting landscape has reached a critical inflection point. With the official rollout of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0, the Department of Defense has sent a clear message: cybersecurity compliance is no longer a suggestion—it’s a mandatory requirement for all Defense Industrial Base (DIB) contractors.For aerospace and defense manufacturers, this shift represents both an immediate challenge and a defining moment. The days of treating cybersecurity as a secondary concern are over. Your ability to protect sensitive defense information now directly determines your eligibility to compete for federal contracts. The New Reality: What CMMC 2.0 Means for Your Business CMMC 2.0 fundamentally changes how defense contractors approach cybersecurity. Unlike previous self-attestation models, this framework requires third-party verification of your security practices. Here’s what this means for your organization: Mandatory Certification Requirements Direct Business Impact Without CMMC certification, your organization cannot: The Cost of Non-Compliance Goes Beyond Lost Contracts While losing access to federal opportunities is the most immediate consequence, the ripple effects of non-compliance extend much further: Financial Impact: For many manufacturers with revenues between $10-200 million, federal contracts represent a significant portion of their business. Losing this revenue stream can threaten organizational stability. Why Immediate Action is Critical The CMMC certification process isn’t something that can be rushed. Organizations typically need 6-12 months to prepare for assessment, depending on their current cybersecurity maturity. With contracts already requiring certification, waiting means watching opportunities pass by. Consider these timeline realities: Every day of delay pushes your certification date further out, potentially costing millions in lost contract opportunities. Turning Compliance into Competitive Advantage While CMMC 2.0 presents challenges, forward-thinking organizations are discovering unexpected benefits: Your Path to CMMC Certification Success Achieving CMMC certification doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is partnering with experts who understand both the technical requirements and the practical realities of implementation. Here’s the strategic approach that works: Why DataSure24 Makes the Difference At DataSure24, we bring unique advantages to your CMMC journey: Don’t Let CMMC Become a Barrier—Make It Your Advantage The message from the DoD is clear: cybersecurity is now the price of admission for federal contracting. Organizations that act decisively will not only maintain their current contracts but position themselves for growth in an increasingly security-conscious market. The question isn’t whether you need CMMC certification—it’s how quickly you can achieve it. Every day without certification is a day your competitors gain ground. Ready to secure your federal contracting future? DataSure24 is here to transform CMMC compliance from an obstacle into your competitive edge. Our proven process, deep expertise, and practical approach ensure you achieve certification efficiently and effectively. Schedule Your Free CMMC Readiness Consultation Don’t wait for the next contract opportunity to pass you by. Take the first step toward CMMC certification today and ensure your organization remains competitive in the evolving defense industrial base. Posted by Mark Musone
Ask the Lead CCA: Your Direct Line to CMMC Expertise
In the complex world of defense contracting, one question echoes through boardrooms and compliance departments alike: “How do we navigate CMMC requirements without losing our minds — or our contracts?” At DataSure24, we’ve heard this question countless times. That’s why we created Ask the Lead CCA — a direct connection to Mark Musone, our CTO and one of the industry’s foremost CMMC experts. This isn’t just another consulting service. It’s your opportunity to cut through the confusion and get straight answers from someone who lives and breathes CMMC every day. Why CMMC Guidance Matters More Than Ever The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) has fundamentally changed how defense contractors approach cybersecurity. Gone are the days of self-attestation and flexible interpretations. Today’s reality demands concrete compliance, verified practices, and a clear understanding of what the Department of Defense expects from its supply chain. For organizations with 50-500 employees — particularly those in aerospace, defense manufacturing, and related industries — the challenge is especially acute. You’re large enough to have significant DoD contracts at stake, yet often lack the dedicated compliance teams of larger corporations. Every decision matters, every investment counts, and every delay could mean lost opportunities. This is where expert guidance becomes invaluable. The difference between understanding CMMC requirements and truly comprehending how to implement them efficiently can save months of effort and hundreds of thousands of dollars in misdirected investments. Meet Your Lead CCA: Mark Musone Mark Musone isn’t just another consultant with opinions about CMMC. As DataSure24’s CTO, he brings a unique combination of technical expertise, regulatory insight, and practical experience to every conversation. His credentials speak volumes: But credentials only tell part of the story. What makes Mark truly valuable is his ability to translate complex requirements into actionable strategies. He doesn’t just explain what CMMC requires — he shows you how to achieve it efficiently, practically, and cost-effectively. The Gold Mine of a 30-Minute Session Why do we call a session with Mark a “gold mine” of education? Because in just 30 minutes, you gain insights that would take months to acquire through self-study and trial-and-error. Here’s what makes these sessions transformative: Unparalleled Expertise That Cuts Through the Noise CMMC documentation can be overwhelming. Between NIST 800-171 requirements, assessment guides, and evolving interpretations, it’s easy to get lost in the details. Mark’s extensive experience means he can quickly identify what matters most for your specific situation. Instead of wading through hundreds of pages of technical documentation, you get targeted insights that apply directly to your organization. Time-Saving Strategies Based on Real-World Experience Every organization wants to avoid the common pitfalls that delay certification or increase costs. Mark has seen what works and what doesn’t across dozens of implementations. He can help you: This isn’t theoretical knowledge — it’s practical wisdom gained from working with organizations just like yours. Cost-Efficiency Through Strategic Planning One of the biggest mistakes organizations make is throwing money at CMMC compliance without a clear strategy. They purchase expensive tools that don’t address their actual gaps, hire consultants who don’t understand their business, or implement processes that create more problems than they solve. Mark’s guidance helps you invest wisely. By understanding your current state and your specific requirements, he can help you create a road map that maximizes your existing investments while identifying where new resources are truly needed. Practical, Real-World Insights You Can Implement Theory is important, but implementation is everything. Mark doesn’t just talk about what CMMC requires — he shares practical strategies that organizations have successfully used to achieve compliance. These real-world examples help you understand not just the “what” but the “how” of CMMC implementation. Common Questions, Clear Answers Through Ask the Lead CCA, organizations gain clarity on the questions that keep them up at night: “Which CMMC level actually applies to our contracts?” Understanding your requirements is the first step toward efficient compliance. Mark helps you interpret contract language and determine your true obligations. “How do we navigate the assessment and certification process?” The path to certification involves multiple steps, stakeholders, and decisions. Get a clear road map tailored to your timeline and resources. “What’s a realistic timeline for our compliance journey?” Every organization is different. Mark helps you build a timeline that balances urgency with practicality. “Where should we invest our limited resources first?” Not all controls are created equal. Learn which areas deserve immediate attention and which can be addressed over time. “How do we avoid the pitfalls that delay certification?” Learn from others’ mistakes without making them yourself. Mark shares insights from successful certifications and common stumbling blocks. “How can we turn CMMC compliance into a competitive advantage?” Forward-thinking organizations see CMMC as more than a requirement — it’s an opportunity to strengthen their market position. Who Benefits Most from Ask the Lead CCA? While any organization facing CMMC requirements can benefit from expert guidance, certain groups find these sessions particularly valuable: Take the First Step Today CMMC compliance isn’t optional for defense contractors — it’s a business imperative. The question isn’t whether you need to achieve compliance, but how efficiently and effectively you can get there. Ask the Lead CCA provides the expert guidance that makes the difference between struggling through compliance and strategically achieving it. Don’t let CMMC complexity slow your momentum. Whether you’re just beginning to explore requirements or deep into implementation challenges, Mark Musone is ready to provide the clarity and direction you need. Book 30 min FREE with a LEAD CCA Transform CMMC from an obstacle into your competitive advantage. Your compliance journey starts with a single conversation. Posted by Mark Musone
Is Your Network Truly Secure? The Truth About Penetration Testing
Despite increased cybersecurity investments, security breaches continue to make headlines. The challenge is clear: too many organizations struggle to operationalize security effectively, leaving them vulnerable to evolving threats. At DataSure24, we believe cybersecurity should work for you—not against you. For businesses across manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services, the question isn’t whether you need better security—it’s whether your current defenses can withstand a real attack. Penetration testing provides the answer, revealing vulnerabilities before attackers find them. Understanding Penetration Testing Penetration testing, or pen testing, is like a controlled fire drill for your cybersecurity. It’s a simulated cyberattack carried out by experts to uncover weaknesses in your systems, networks, or applications. Unlike waiting for an actual breach to expose your vulnerabilities, pen testing proactively identifies security gaps while you still have time to fix them. This approach differs fundamentally from other security measures. While firewalls and antivirus software play defense, penetration testing actively challenges those defenses. Security professionals use the same techniques as malicious hackers, but with your permission and for your benefit. They attempt to breach your systems, documenting every vulnerability discovered along the way. The process reveals not just technical vulnerabilities but also procedural weaknesses. A pen test might expose that your employees fall for phishing emails, your access controls have loopholes, or your incident response procedures need improvement. This comprehensive view helps organizations understand their true security posture beyond what automated scans can reveal. Why Penetration Testing Is Essential Unlike reactive measures that respond after incidents occur, pen testing takes a proactive stance. This approach delivers several key benefits that make it indispensable for modern businesses: Organizations often discover they’re more vulnerable than expected. Systems considered secure reveal exploitable flaws. Networks thought to be properly segmented show unexpected connections. These discoveries, while sometimes alarming, provide invaluable opportunities to strengthen defenses before real attackers strike. The Frequency Question: Annual or Bi-Annual Testing? Your IT environment is constantly evolving. New applications, system updates, and emerging threats continuously reshape your attack surface. What was secure six months ago may be vulnerable today. This dynamic nature of technology infrastructure drives the need for regular penetration testing. Regular testing is essential for several reasons: Many organizations find that annual testing provides a good baseline, while bi-annual testing offers better protection for rapidly changing environments or those handling particularly sensitive data. The right frequency depends on your industry, compliance requirements, and risk tolerance. DataSure24’s Five-Step Penetration Testing Methodology DataSure24’s penetration testing follows a proven five-step methodology designed to uncover vulnerabilities systematically and thoroughly: 1. Planning Define scope, boundaries, and the best approach for testing. This phase ensures testing aligns with your business objectives while avoiding disruption to normal operations. Clear communication protocols and authorization procedures protect both parties throughout the engagement. 2. Discovery & Identification Enumerate assets, ports, and services through scanning and manual information gathering. This reconnaissance phase maps your attack surface, identifying all potential entry points an attacker might exploit. Both automated tools and manual techniques ensure comprehensive coverage. 3. Vulnerability Assessment Analyze information to create an exploitation plan. Not all vulnerabilities are equal—this phase prioritizes findings based on exploitability and potential impact. The assessment considers both technical vulnerabilities and business context. 4. Exploitation Illustrate the true risk that vulnerabilities present to your network. Controlled exploitation demonstrates what attackers could accomplish, moving beyond theoretical risks to show actual impact. This phase provides concrete evidence of security gaps. 5. Reporting Provide detailed findings with executive summary and actionable recommendations. Clear documentation ensures both technical teams and business leaders understand the findings. Prioritized recommendations guide remediation efforts effectively. Common Findings Revealed Through Penetration Testing This systematic approach consistently reveals several categories of vulnerabilities across organizations: These findings often surprise organizations that believed their security was adequate. The concrete evidence from penetration testing makes the case for security improvements much more compelling than abstract risk assessments. Why Choose DataSure24? At DataSure24, we believe cybersecurity should work for you—not against you. Our mission is to simplify security, integrating robust solutions seamlessly into your operations. This philosophy drives our approach to penetration testing and all our security services. Our team understands that penetration testing isn’t just about finding vulnerabilities—it’s about helping organizations improve their security posture effectively and efficiently. Take Action Before It’s Too Late A data breach can cost millions and damage your reputation permanently. Pen testing helps you close gaps before they lead to catastrophic incidents. From customer data to financial records, your business holds valuable information—ensure it stays safe and secure. The cost of penetration testing pales in comparison to the potential losses from a successful attack. Beyond financial losses, breaches damage customer trust, trigger regulatory penalties, and disrupt operations. Investing in penetration testing now prevents these devastating consequences later. Don’t wait for an incident to reveal your vulnerabilities. Proactive testing provides the insights needed to strengthen defenses while you still have control over the timeline and approach. Start Your Security Journey Today Ready to fortify your defenses? Contact DataSure24 today to schedule your penetration test and take the first step toward cybersecurity peace of mind. Our team is ready to help you understand your current security posture and develop a plan for improvement. Book a call with our Chief Strategy Officer, Mike Byrne, to discuss your specific needs and how penetration testing fits into your overall security strategy. Every organization’s situation is unique, and we’ll work with you to develop an approach that makes sense for your business. Posted by Mark Musone
Stay Ahead of HIPAA 2025: Essential Updates & How DataSure24 Supports Your Business
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced sweeping changes to HIPAA regulations, transforming what were once flexible guidelines into concrete mandates. These HIPAA 2025 updates will reshape how healthcare organizations protect electronic protected health information (ePHI). For healthcare providers, medical billing companies, and their technology partners, these new mandatory requirements present both challenges and opportunities to strengthen their security posture. Understanding these changes now allows organizations to prepare effectively for what’s ahead. Key HIPAA 2025 Updates You Need to Know The new regulations introduce fundamental changes that every healthcare organization must understand and implement: These changes mark a significant shift in HIPAA’s approach to security. Where organizations once had flexibility in how they met security objectives, the new regulations mandate specific security measures without exception. This uniform approach ensures all healthcare entities maintain consistent security standards. The shift to mandatory requirements means organizations can no longer choose alternative security approaches or document why certain measures don’t apply to their situation. Every covered entity must implement the same security measures, creating a level playing field across the healthcare industry. Enhanced Cybersecurity Requirements HIPAA 2025 introduces specific cybersecurity mandates that will transform how organizations protect patient data: These enhanced requirements recognize the evolving threat landscape facing healthcare organizations. The mandate for twice-yearly vulnerability scans ensures organizations identify and address security gaps regularly. Annual penetration testing provides validation that security measures work effectively against real-world attack scenarios. The anti-malware requirement extends to all systems handling ePHI, not just traditional computers. This comprehensive approach ensures protection across the entire technology infrastructure, from servers to workstations to mobile devices used in patient care. Regular assessment requirements mean organizations must budget for ongoing security evaluations rather than treating them as one-time expenses. This shift from periodic to continuous security validation represents a fundamental change in how healthcare organizations must approach cybersecurity. Strengthening Resilience & Incident Response The new regulations emphasize organizational resilience through specific planning requirements: These requirements acknowledge that incidents may occur despite preventive measures. Organizations must prepare for potential disruptions by developing comprehensive plans that address various scenarios. The emphasis on testing ensures plans work when needed most. Business continuity planning under HIPAA 2025 requires more than just backing up data. Organizations must ensure they can maintain operations and protect patient information during and after incidents. This includes planning for system failures, natural disasters, and cyber attacks. The requirement for regular updates recognizes that organizations change over time. New systems, processes, and threats mean yesterday’s plans may not work tomorrow. Regular reviews and updates ensure plans remain relevant and effective. Important Dates & Next Steps Healthcare organizations must pay attention to these key milestones in the HIPAA 2025 implementation timeline: These dates represent important milestones in the regulatory process. The Tribal Consultation Meeting ensures tribal healthcare organizations have input into the final regulations. The public comment period allows all stakeholders to provide feedback on proposed rules. While the final rule and compliance deadline remain unannounced, organizations should begin preparation immediately. Waiting for final deadlines risks rushed implementation and potential non-compliance. Practical Steps for Immediate Action Healthcare organizations can’t afford to wait for final regulations before beginning preparation. Several steps can start immediately to ensure readiness for HIPAA 2025 requirements. First, assess current security measures against known HIPAA 2025 requirements. Understanding where your organization stands today helps identify gaps that need addressing. This assessment should cover technical controls, policies, procedures, and staff training. Second, begin budgeting for enhanced security measures. Twice-yearly vulnerability scanning and annual penetration testing represent new recurring expenses. Planning for these costs now prevents budget surprises later. Third, evaluate your current security partnerships. HIPAA 2025’s requirements demand expertise in both healthcare and cybersecurity. Ensure your technology partners understand healthcare compliance requirements and can support your compliance journey. Fourth, start developing or updating disaster recovery and business continuity plans. These documents take time to create properly and require input from multiple departments. Beginning now allows thoughtful development rather than rushed creation. DataSure24: Your Partner in HIPAA Compliance Ensure your healthcare clients are prepared for HIPAA 2025. Partner with DataSure24 for compliance-driven security solutions that address all new requirements. Our packaged services include everything needed for HIPAA 2025 compliance. Penetration and vulnerability testing services meet the new bi-annual and annual testing requirements. Our risk assessment and compliance audit services help identify and address gaps before they become compliance issues. Cyber threat protection and incident response services ensure organizations can detect and respond to security incidents effectively. Security awareness training helps create a culture of security throughout the organization. Our HIPAA Security Rule compliance expertise ensures all requirements are met properly. DataSure24 understands both the technical and regulatory aspects of healthcare security. We work with healthcare organizations to implement practical solutions that meet compliance requirements while supporting patient care objectives. Stay Ahead of HIPAA Changes HIPAA 2025 represents significant changes in healthcare security requirements. The shift to mandatory security standards, enhanced cybersecurity requirements, and strengthened resilience planning will impact every healthcare organization. Success requires starting preparation now rather than waiting for final deadlines. Organizations that begin early will have time to implement changes properly, spread costs over time, and ensure staff are trained on new requirements. The question isn’t whether these changes are coming—they are. The question is whether your organization will be ready when compliance becomes mandatory. Let us help you stay compliant, secure, and ahead of the curve. DataSure24 provides the expertise, services, and support needed to meet HIPAA 2025 requirements successfully. Contact DataSure24 today to build a compliant and secure future for your clients. Reach us at info@datasure24.com or call 716-600-3724 / 407-494-2885. Don’t wait until deadlines approach. Start your HIPAA 2025 compliance journey today with DataSure24 as your trusted partner. Posted by Mark Musone
A Managed Security Service Provider’s Day on the Front Lines of the Cybersecurity Battlefield
Did you ever wonder what it’s like to work on the front lines of the cybersecurity battlefield …. what the war room looks like … how battle cries and alarms are sounded … how troops are mobilized and dispatched to take on enemies at the gates and on the walls? In my last post, I discussed the differences between Managed Service Providers (MSP) and a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP). I hope that I’ve made a compelling case for why your company or organization may need both. In this post, I do a deeper dive to take you behind the scenes of a typical day in the life of a MSSP Cybersecurity Analyst to bring those differences to life in a vivid way. Inside the Managed Security Service Provider Control Center … an Alarm Goes Off Imagine, if you will, a team of contracted Tier 1 SOC Analysts sitting at their workstation, surrounded by monitors tracking internal and external movements within your IT network, when an alarm goes off that’s an indication of mischief. Immediately, the Analyst will log the alarm, use their training to do an assessment of the criticality of the alarm using a 15-step checklist to determine if a quick and aggressive response and remediation is warranted. To provide some perspective, DataSure24 sees about 150 alerts per day per Analyst over the entire scope of clients we are monitoring. Within 10 minutes, the alarm will be deemed either harmless or harmful, and if the latter, escalated immediately to our Tier 2 SOC Analyst. If it’s relatively harmless, the incident is still tracked but not treated with same urgency. Later that Morning at the Desk of the Tier 2 SOC Analyst On an average month, we see about 18,000 alarms and of those, about one out of every 100 of alarms gets escalated to a Tier 2 SOC Analyst. Within minutes, that Analyst will initiate a significantly deeper investigation, using our proprietary predictive algorithms, research, team discussions, and instinct to identify the exact nature of the intrusion and best possible responses. Companies that use an MSSP will generally have a previously developed Cybersecurity Response and Remediation Planning which is then put into play. That plan is executed coolly, professionally and swiftly by the SOC 2 Analysts in conjunction with the client’s IT team. On average, once an alarm has been escalated to a Tier 2 Analyst, the time from assessment to response and remediation is less than an hour. A Managed Security Service Provider’s Response to a Zero Day Attack Three to five times a year, every company may experience a Zero Day Attack launched by hackers and cybercriminals. The term “zero-day” refers to a newly discovered software vulnerability. Because the developer has just learned of the flaw, it also means an official patch or update to fix the issue hasn’t been released. So, “zero-day” refers to the fact that the developers have “zero days” to fix the problem that has just been exposed — and perhaps already exploited by hackers. Once the vulnerability becomes publicly known, the vendor has to work quickly to fix the issue to protect its users. But the software vendor may fail to release a patch before hackers manage to exploit the security hole. That’s known as a zero-day attack. If a zero-day attack is detected via monitoring by a Tier 1 Analyst, escalation takes on a sense of greater urgency and requires greater speed before what may be a small breech turns into a major headache, resource drain, financial loss, and reputation damage. While neither a Tier 1 or Tier 2 Analyst can patch the weakness, they can put a pre-determined Incident Response Plan into effect, and work with the client’s IT team to isolate, protect or even shut down critical servers and other hardware. As you might imagine, it’s a bit more hectic and stressful both in our Mission Control room and at the client’s site when zero-day attacks occur, but teamwork and professionalism generally go a long way to short circuit an attack of this type before a software patch is applied. The human element in place, always monitoring, can be the difference between a catastrophe and a ‘dodged a bullet’ scenario. Later That Day, It’s Time to Catch Up on a Few Reports and Do a Vulnerability Scan or Two A day in the life of a DataSure24 Tier 1 or 2 SOC analyst is a lot more than just sitting around, drinking coffee and waiting for an alarm to ping! They’re also preparing and delivering monthly reports to clients showcasing alarms caught and resolved, actions taken regarding elevated alarms and responses, zero-day attack incidents, and news or updates from the world of cybersecurity that merit a watchful eye. There are also specialists hard at work doing contracted vulnerability scanning work, trying to identify and exploit security weaknesses, including phishing employees to determine their levels of awareness and compliance with company IT security policies. Generally, these network vulnerability scans reveal hundreds of vulnerabilities, most of which are easily resolved, but it some cases a significant vulnerability will be discovered or a trend indicating a security lapse identified. At that point, Network Vulnerability Analysts and other members of the MSSP team will develop a plan and identify resources that should be directed to executing remediation strategies, policies or actions. Our team is always looking for ways to improve ourselves, from upgrading our technologies to continued and consistent training in our specialized environment. Staying globally aware of Cybersecurity current events is a linchpin of our daily routine. Meanwhile, On Your Calendar of Daily Activities I hope that this brief overview into the life of a Cybersecurity Analysts provides the additional insight and guidance you need to make an investment in MSSP services happen. At a minimum, 24/7/365 cybersecurity monitoring has become a “must” and a necessary part of doing business. Does your company have the right cybersecurity plan in place? Contact us for more information on how our customizable services may help
Security Awareness Training—The Importance of Phishing Your Users
Whether your company has ten employees or one thousand, the risk of social engineering attacks is always relevant in today’s world. Users receive hundreds of spam emails per day, and although most of these emails are filtered out by current advanced filtering, some emails still slip through the cracks and are a large threat to your users. Some users click on all links or attachments found within emails. Others never click a link unless it is confirmed to be legitimate by the sender. Phishing your users using custom phishing emails created by someone within your organization will make users more aware of what they are clicking on. Most users who click on a phishing link will never do it again. It’s better to have that one click be on an email your company created that will do no harm, than an email that could cost your company thousands of dollars. The risk associated with phishing emails has only increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. IBM reported that between March and April of this year, they saw a 6,000% increase in spam attacks, and many of these attacks leveraged the current situation around the world involving the pandemic. Now it is more important than ever to make sure that your users will not fall for these types of scams. Creating your own tests that your users can learn from is one of the best ways to do so. Source: USA Today Does your company have the right cybersecurity plan in place? Contact us for more information on how our customizable services may help protect your business. Posted by Connor Karek
Security Awareness Training—Training Your Users In Social Engineering
As a business, it’s your responsibility to provide training to your users that will aid them in completing their everyday tasks. In almost every industry, users will experience social engineering attacks while performing their duties. It is imperative that your users are trained in these attacks so that they do not fall victim to them and cause damage to your company. Here are some ways that you can train your users to aid them in recognizing these types of attacks: Conduct In-House Phishing Attacks There are many free or paid tools on the web that allow you to conduct phishing tests to users. These tools provide valuable hands-on examples that your staff will have to interact with. These are great to see what your users may be susceptible to click on, or to show you what users within your organization may require some additional training to make sure they understand these attacks and how to avoid them properly. Conduct User Training (Webinar, policy reading, interactive training, etc.) There is a large variety of information and training materials online that can be accessed for free that you can use to train your users. This training could be in a webinar format, an interactive training module that users must complete, or a simple reading that they must complete that goes through the dangers of social engineering attacks and what to look out for. Making sure your users are prepared is imperative when it comes to social engineering. Does your company have the right cybersecurity plan in place? Contact us for more information on how our customizable services may help protect your business. Posted by Connor Karek
Cybersecurity for Manufacturers—What is CMMC and What Should I Be Aware Of?
Manufacturers are under mounting scrutiny from both cybercriminals and regulators. Due to limited resources and budgets, manufacturers (especially small to medium sized) need cybersecurity guidance, solutions and training that is practical and cost-effective. Should a hacker manage to infiltrate a manufacturers’ systems and data, the cybercriminal has the potential to shut down operations and render them unable to fulfill client requests and contracted orders. This in turn leads to lost clients, lost revenue, and inability to pay employees. Not good. The Department of Defense (DoD) recently announced that contractors who provide services and products in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), will have to comply with the CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification). Lots of abbreviations – stay with us. There are 5 levels of the CMMC that have specific requirements and controls, mostly taken and modeled from the NIST SP 800-171 framework. The level that each manufacturer will have to comply with will depend on the types and size of the contracts that they are bidding on. Key dates to be aware of for CMMC: As the CMMC is still in its infancy in terms of rollout, a lot of the key dates and audit information is TBD (hence the large 5 year gap in rollout). The required controls have been released though, and it is only a matter of time until the DoD begins clamping down on the requirements in Requests for Proposals (RFPs). Next steps to take? We are suggesting that if you are a defense contractor and believe you will have CMMC requirements to comply with, that you get ahead of the game. A good first step is to perform self-assessment with the controls of the level of CMMC you are required to comply with. The next step after completing a self-assessment is to contact an RPO and perform a readiness assessment. This will get you in good shape security-wise, and let you know where the gaps currently are in terms of CMMC compliance. After meeting the criteria that the RPO states you need to fulfill to comply, you can contact a C3PAO for the audit and gain the certification. Unfortunately, the C3PAO cannot provide both a readiness assessment and an audit (and vice-versa for the RPO). Please contact DataSure24 if you have any CMMC related questions. Does your company have the right cybersecurity plan in place? Contact us for more information on how our customizable services may help protect your business. Posted by Max Winterburn
Cybersecurity—Where to Start and How
Every business, no matter the type or size, needs cybersecurity right now. When it comes to cybersecurity, businesses should be taking a proactive approach, rather than reactive approach. You do not want to be questioning your businesses’ cybersecurity capabilities during a cyber incident. By having a strong cybersecurity program in place, you will not only be able to quickly and effectively respond to a cyber incident if one were to occur, but you will also mitigate many cyber risks and attacks prior to being the target of a cyber-attack. Here is what you and your business should know in order to create a quality cybersecurity program without needing to spend a large amount of money. The first objective you want to do when building a cybersecurity program is to identify your sensitive data and where it resides. Whether it is your customer’s private information or your organization’s information, it is your responsibility to protect it. You should also determine your mission critical assets. These are assets that are critical to your businesses operations and if the system were to be compromised, it would cause irreputable loss to your business. Once you have identified your organization’s sensitive data and core assets, you then want to focus on properly securing the data and core assets through the use of policies and technical controls. But now you might be wondering what steps to take to secure your sensitive data and core assets. Below are easy, but effective steps you can take to protect your sensitive data and core assets right now: Additionally, there are many cybersecurity frameworks that your organization can adopt to provide guidance for protecting your sensitive data and core assets. The framework that we recommend you check out is the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-171 r2. This publication offers best practices for organizations in both the public and private sector. The publication also provides guidance on how to implement these best practices, so you can protect your information and organization. Does your company have the right cybersecurity plan in place? Contact us for more information on how our customizable services may help protect your business. Posted by Brendan Kenney