In an increasingly digital world, organisations face a myriad of cyber security risks that can threaten their operations, reputation and bottom line. Understanding these risks is the first step in forming an effective defence – and Security Service Edge (SSE) plays a crucial role in this landscape.
This blog post builds on the previous introductory blog into SSE and delves into the common risks encountered by organisations today and demonstrates how SSE can be a transformative element in your cyber security strategy.
Threat-based cyber security risks – and how SSE can help
Let’s take a look at the sort of risks your organisation is up against in the current cyber security landscape, and more importantly, how can SSE help you mitigate these risks and their impact?
Ransomware attacks
Ransomware remains a dominant threat, where attackers encrypt data and demand ransom for decryption keys. In 2023, the Royal ransomware group targeted several healthcare organisations, disrupting critical services and putting patient data at risk. Threat actors employ tactics like phishing and exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities to infiltrate systems.
SSE solutions can help by providing advanced threat protection by inspecting traffic for malware signatures and anomalies. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) ensures only authenticated and authorised users can access resources, reducing the risk of ransomware spreading within the network. Additional ransomware defence strategies such as continuous monitoring and automated response mechanisms help in promptly identifying and isolating ransomware activities.
Phishing and social engineering
Phishing attacks have evolved, becoming more personalised and convincing, often using AI to create realistic fake messages. In 2023, a significant phishing campaign targeted Microsoft users using AI-generated content to bypass traditional security measures and compromise accounts. These attacks trick individuals into divulging sensitive information or installing malware.
SSE platforms incorporate secure web gateways (SWG) that block access to known phishing sites and provide real-time monitoring to detect and mitigate social engineering attacks. Tools like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and user and entity behaviour analytics (UEBA) are also integrated to identify and block suspicious activities.
Insider threats
Insider threats, whether malicious or accidental, pose significant risks to organisations. In 2023, an employee at a major financial institution was found leaking sensitive customer data for personal gain.
To mitigate this, SSE enforces strict access controls and continuous monitoring of user activities. Data loss prevention (DLP) features within SSE detect and prevent unauthorised data transfers, and behavioural analytics identify unusual patterns indicative of insider threats. Regular audits and role-based access controls further enhance security.
IoT and IIoT vulnerabilities
The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial IoT (IIoT) devices introduces numerous vulnerabilities due to often inadequate security measures. An attack on a water treatment plant in 2023 exploited IoT vulnerabilities to attempt to alter chemical levels in the water supply.
SSE solutions offer comprehensive visibility and control over IoT devices, ensuring they adhere to security policies. Network segmentation and ZTNA limit the potential impact of compromised devices. Continuous monitoring and anomaly detection help in identifying and mitigating threats to IoT infrastructure.
Legacy systems and applications
Many organisations rely on legacy systems that are no longer supported with security updates, making them prime targets for attackers. In 2023, a legacy application vulnerability led to a significant data breach at a retail company, exposing customer payment information.
Additionally, some applications are not architected for the modern hybrid working approach and require clunky methods to expose the application to where the end user might be. This exposure increases the attack surface and again makes them prime targets.
To minimise exposure to threats, SSE facilitates the isolation and secure access of legacy systems and applications through ZTNA. Continuous security monitoring and virtual patching capabilities help protect these systems without needing direct updates, ensuring they remain secure despite their outdated nature.
Supply chain attacks
Attacks targeting third-party suppliers can have cascading effects on the primary organisation, as seen in high-profile incidents like the SolarWinds breach. Recently, a supply chain attack on a major software provider compromised multiple client systems in 2023.
By applying rigorous security controls and continuous monitoring to all network traffic, SSE can detect and block malicious activities originating from compromised supply chain partners. Enhanced visibility and threat intelligence integration also aid in early detection of such attacks, enabling swift responses to mitigate impact.
State-sponsored attacks
Nation-state actors conduct sophisticated cyber attacks for espionage, sabotage, and political gain, often targeting critical infrastructure. In 2023, state-sponsored attacks targeted energy sectors in Europe, aiming to disrupt services and gather intelligence.
SSE leverages advanced threat intelligence and anomaly detection to identify and mitigate state-sponsored threats. Collaboration with government and industry partners enhances preparedness and response capabilities. Advanced encryption and secure communications channels also protect against espionage efforts.
Data privacy and compliance
Ensuring data privacy and compliance with regulations like General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a major challenge, especially with increasing data breaches. In 2023, a major tech company faced a significant GDPR fine due to a data breach that exposed user data.
SSE can mitigate this by enforcing stringent data protection policies, including encryption and access controls. Continuous monitoring and audit capabilities help maintain compliance and quickly address any breaches. Regular compliance assessments and automated reporting streamline the process of meeting regulatory requirements.
Complexity and skill gaps
The complexity of modern IT environments and the shortage of skilled cyber security professionals exacerbate security risks. Organisations often struggle to manage disparate security tools and technologies effectively. A recent study found that on average, a typical business deployed 76 cyber security tools.
SSE simplifies security management through integrated, cloud-delivered services that reduce the need for specialised skills. Automated threat detection and response alleviate the burden on IT staff, allowing them to focus on strategic security initiatives. Comprehensive training and support services further bridge the skill gap.
Cloud security misconfigurations
As organisations migrate to the cloud, misconfigurations can expose sensitive data and systems to threats. In 2023, a major financial institution suffered a data breach due to a misconfigured cloud storage bucket, exposing sensitive customer data.
SSE platforms provide consistent security policies across on-premises and cloud environments. Continuous configuration assessment and compliance checks help identify and rectify misconfigurations promptly. Automated tools for monitoring and managing cloud environments ensure ongoing security and compliance.
Strengthen your cyber security with SSE
SSE addresses a wide array of cyber security risks through comprehensive, integrated solutions that enhance visibility, control, and threat mitigation. By adopting SSE, organisations can significantly strengthen their security posture against both external and internal threats.
Make sure to follow us on LinkedIn so you don’t miss our next blog, which will explore Microsoft’s Global Secure Access product, a new highly scalable cloud-based SSE technology. Our experts will be detailing its benefits in enhancing organisational security. Stay tuned to learn how this solution can further protect your enterprise in an ever-evolving threat landscape.
