Tips

Tips

• Pre-audit planning: Four keys to a successful IT security audit

  One QSA offers pre-audit planning advice to ensure a smooth, successful enterprise IT security audit for both the organization and the auditor.  Continue Reading

• Improve disaster preparedness with the National Mitigation Framework

  Businesses can use FEMA's National Mitigation Framework to improve disaster preparedness planning. Expert Joseph Granneman explains how.  Continue Reading

• Locking the backdoor: Reducing the risk of unauthorized system access

  Rampant backdoors in enterprise IT products too often provide unauthorized access to attackers and governments. Learn how to defend against the risks.  Continue Reading

• Identifying and preventing router, switch and firewall vulnerabilities

  Routers, switches and firewalls are easy targets for hackers. Network security expert Brad Casey offers advice on keeping network devices secure.  Continue Reading

• PCI DSS version 3.0: The five most important changes for merchants

  PCI DSS version 3.0 isn't a wholesale revision, but longtime PCI expert Ed Moyle says merchants' transitions must start now to avoid problems later.  Continue Reading

• Web browser extension security: Mitigating browser plug-in threats

  Application security expert Michael Cobb discusses the risks of Web browser extensions and what enterprises can do to counter browser plug-in threats.  Continue Reading

• Inside the BREACH attack: How to avoid HTTPS traffic exploits

  Enterprise threats expert Nick Lewis examines how the BREACH attack exploits HTTPS traffic and what enterprises can do to mitigate the attack risk.  Continue Reading

• CRM, ERP security best practices: How to secure aging software

  Enterprises rely on ERP and CRM systems, but they pose a risk if left unpatched. Michael Cobb reviews enterprise application security best practices.  Continue Reading

• Adaptive authentication: An introduction to risk-based authentication

  Enterprise use of adaptive authentication is growing internally and for Web applications. Brad Causey details the allure of risk-based authentication.  Continue Reading

• Social media regulations and compliance: What enterprises should know

  Nick Hayes of Forrester Research details social media regulations and compliance issues, including five compliance areas that enterprises must manage.  Continue Reading

• Data governance 2.0: Adapting to a new data governance framework

  Data governance 2.0, an updated enterprise data governance framework, brings challenges and opportunities. Henry Peyret of Forrester Research details.  Continue Reading

• How threat intelligence can give enterprise security the upper hand

  Expert Nick Lewis covers the benefits of threat intelligence for enterprises, plus how to integrate intel feeds with existing security programs.  Continue Reading

• VDI security: The benefits and pitfalls of virtualizing endpoints

  With the rise of endpoint virtualization, enterprises need to grasp the positives and manage the negatives of VDI security. Expert Brad Casey details.  Continue Reading

• Use SIEM technology to identify unauthorized access attempts

  Analyst Anton Chuvakin explains how to use SIEM technology to identify unauthorized access attempts that can lead to data theft.  Continue Reading

• Keys to a successful network-based malware detection deployment

  Network-based malware detection is an attractive alternative to traditional AV, but deployment challenges loom large. Expert Michael Cobb advises.  Continue Reading

• IT compliance planning: How to maintain IT compliance documentation

  Documentation is a key requirement for many IT security regulations. Expert Mike Chapple offers tips for maintaining documentation the right way.  Continue Reading

• A decade later: SOX program management best practices

  After 11 years of Sarbanes-Oxley and other mandates, enterprises have finally embraced holistic compliance program management as a best practice.  Continue Reading

• TPM security overview: Defining the benefits of TPM devices

  The nearly ubiquitous TPM device is an often-overlooked tool in an infosec pro's arsenal. Expert Michael Cobb details the benefits of TPM security.  Continue Reading

• Security incident response procedures: When to do a system shutdown

  At times, security incident response procedures require drastic measures. Expert Nick Lewis explains when and how to perform a system shutdown.  Continue Reading

• Open source code management: How to safely use open source libraries

  Expert Michael Cobb explains why enterprises need better open source code management to negate the security risks posed by open source libraries.  Continue Reading

• Advanced threat-detection products emerge: Benefits and challenges

  Traditional security tools are no longer sufficient for defending against new breeds of attacks, forcing advanced threat-detection products to emerge.  Continue Reading

• CASP certification: Does CompTIA's security certification offer value?

  The new CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner certification won't replace the CISSP, but it may offer critical value to one specific group.  Continue Reading

• Whistleblower policy: Preventing insider information leak incidents

  NSA-level incidents are rare, but they do happen. Learn how to prevent a whistleblower scenario and limit the risk of insider information leaks.  Continue Reading

• Two-factor authentication options, use cases and best practices

  It may seem daunting, but two-factor authentication options are manageable for nearly all enterprises. Learn how to get started in this 2FA primer.  Continue Reading

• How to enact Apache security best practices for Web server security

  With Apache Web servers becoming ever more popular with attackers, organizations should follow Apache security best practices to avoid compromise.  Continue Reading

• Unmanaged endpoints? Rethink the defense-in-depth security model

  Today's endpoint security model is failing. What's next? Learn why endpoint defense-in-depth controls must assume the endpoint is compromised.  Continue Reading

• No firewall? How disabling the firewall can improve network security

  Having no perimeter firewall may seem ludicrous, but Joel Snyder explains why disabling the firewall can actually improve enterprise network security.  Continue Reading

• Understanding logic bomb attacks: Examples and countermeasures

  In light of the attacks on South Korean organizations, expert Nick Lewis defines logic bomb attacks and offers other examples and countermeasures.  Continue Reading

• PCI e-commerce compliance guidelines for third-party payment processors

  Expert Mike Chapple details the PCI SSC's third-party processor rules and how to outsource card processing and stay PCI DSS compliant.  Continue Reading

• How key MDM features affect mobile security policy management

  As MDM features become more robust, enterprises must not only look for mature products, but also evolve mobile security policies accordingly.  Continue Reading

• Intro to two-factor authentication in Web authentication scenarios

  The Web's top brands are implementing two-factor authentication for consumer Web authentication. Learn 2FA benefits, burdens and how to get started.  Continue Reading

• How to reduce IT security risk with IT asset management

  IT asset management expert Barb Rembiesa explains how ITAM best practices like IT asset standardization and rationalization reduce IT security risk.  Continue Reading

• Using network flow analysis to improve network security visibility

  To overcome network security issues from advanced attackers and BYOD, security professionals are turning to network flow analysis to gain improved network security visibility.  Continue Reading

• Exploit kits evolved: How to defend against the latest attack toolkits

  Expert Nick Lewis details how automated exploit kits are evolving and offers mitigations for the latest methods employed by these attack toolkits.  Continue Reading

• A HIPAA compliance checklist for corporate mergers and acquisitions

  Learn about the important HIPAA compliance best practices that can help maintain compliance before and after a corporate merger or acquisition.  Continue Reading

• SIEM best practices for advanced attack detection

  SIEM struggles are common, but Mike Rothman explains why SIEM products are critical for advanced attack detection, and offers a SIEM tuning step-by-step.  Continue Reading

• How to use compliance automation to reduce compliance risk

  Tony UcedaVelez offers tips for automating compliance tasks to reduce IT security and compliance risk while easing the pain of arduous compliance audits.  Continue Reading

• The evolution of threat detection and management

  Enterprises must understand the latest threat detection options to keep up with advanced cybercriminals who can bypass enterprise security defenses.  Continue Reading

• Antimalware software introduction: Business benefits and drawbacks

  Mike Rothman discusses how antimalware software has evolved to develop various business and technology issues, but also still holds many benefits.  Continue Reading

• How to configure a VLAN to achieve the benefits of VLAN security

  Expert Brad Casey explains how to configure a VLAN in order to achieve the benefits of VLAN security, including protection against insider attacks.  Continue Reading

• Stopping privilege creep: Limiting user privileges with access reviews

  Most enterprises suffer from privilege creep among long-time employees. Peter Gregory explains how to limit user privileges with access reviews and automation.  Continue Reading

• NoSQL security: Do NoSQL database security features stack up to RDBMS?

  With NoSQL databases increasingly being used to tackle big data challenges, expert Michael Cobb examines NoSQL security in comparison to RDBMS.  Continue Reading

• DLP management tools and reporting: Key considerations

  When it comes to DLP management tools, installation and maintenance of a single centralized management console to house all rules and alerts are key.  Continue Reading

• Using DLP tools for data leakage alerting and preventive actions

  When evaluating DLP tools, it's important to determine data leakage alerting and preventive action needs for potential violations and blocking.  Continue Reading

• DLP monitoring: Defining policies to monitor data

  DLP monitoring policies help define what data to evaluate, how data monitoring processes should occur, and what enforcement and alerting actions to take.  Continue Reading

• Effective DLP products need data discovery and data fingerprinting

  Effective DLP products must be able to handle data discovery to identify and monitor sensitive data. Learn why these features matter.  Continue Reading

• Assumption of breach: How a new mindset can help protect critical data

  By adopting the assumption-of-breach security model, CISOs and security pros can better protect critical data. Expert Ernie Hayden explains.  Continue Reading

• Cyberwar calls for software and system investment, not hacking back

  Hacking back isn't the way to win the cyberwar. Gary McGraw says building software and systems with fewer vulnerabilities is stronger protection.  Continue Reading

• Defending against watering hole attacks: Consider using a secure VM

  Expert Nick Lewis analyzes the techniques employed by watering hole attacks and discusses how to use a secure VM to defend enterprises against them.  Continue Reading

• Low-cost methods for secure, large file transfer

  Transferring large files safely can be a costly process. Matt Pascucci offers low-cost options for secure, large file transfers in the enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Analysis: Inside the new PCI DSS risk assessment

  Mike Chapple outlines the recommendations in the PCI DSS Risk Assessment Guidelines and explains how they can make a compliance program stronger.  Continue Reading

• Gigabit Wi-Fi security: Is the new 802.11ac standard worth an upgrade?

  Will Gigabit Wi-Fi significantly alter network security, or will it mean business as usual? Expert Brad Casey discusses the new 802.11ac standard.  Continue Reading

• Software patching 2.0: Cutting costs with virtual patching, automation

  Struggling to bring the cost of the patch management process down? Expert Michael Cobb suggests virtual patching and automated tools can play a role.  Continue Reading

• How to negate business logic attack risk: Improve security in the SDLC

  Expert Nick Lewis details the threat posed by business logic attacks and how stressing the importance of security in the SDLC can reduce that threat.  Continue Reading

• Defense-in-depth security: How to establish an ultra-redundant network

  Matthew Pascucci discusses layered security, explaining how to apply defense-in-depth principles toward an ultra-redundant network security posture.  Continue Reading

• SSL certificate management: Avoiding common mistakes

  Errors are bound to occur when SSL certificate management is handled manually. Learn how to avoid these common mistakes.  Continue Reading

• BYOD platform support: Why an iOS and Android strategy makes sense

  All BYOD platform options come with cost and risk. Craig Mathias explains why an iOS and Android BYOD program is viable for most organizations.  Continue Reading

• How a next-generation firewall prevents application-layer attacks

  Next-generation firewalls can block common yet dangerous SQL-injection and buffer-overflow attacks. Learn how an NGFW stops application-layer attacks.  Continue Reading

• BYOD security: How to remotely wipe iPhone and Android devices

  Remote data wipe is key to any BYOD security policy, but each OS handles it differently. Lisa Phifer covers how to use it with other controls to protect data.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2012 security: Is it time to upgrade?

  Expert Michael Cobb wades through the security features of Windows Server 2012 to find out what's new and beneficial in Microsoft's latest release.  Continue Reading

• Overview: New PCI mobile application development guidelines

  The PCI SSC recently released mobile application development security guidelines. Mike Chapple outlines the document and highlights key takeaways.  Continue Reading

• How to avoid security issues with VPN leaks on dual-stack networks

  The ongoing transition to IPv6 has revealed security issues with VPN leaks on dual-stack networks. Fernando Gont explains and offers mitigations.  Continue Reading

• How to secure Java amid growing Java security vulnerabilities

  Constant Java security vulnerabilities plague Oracle and enterprises alike. Expert Nick Lewis offers tips on how to use Java and the JRE securely.  Continue Reading

• PCI validation: Requirements for merchants covered by PCI DSS

  Mike Chapple details the PCI validation requirements for merchants covered by PCI DSS.  Continue Reading

• Secure Web gateway overview: Implementation best practices

  In this secure Web gateway overview, learn how to implement, configure and maintain a Web security gateway to support other security devices.  Continue Reading

• Aligning enterprise identity and access management with CIO priorities

  Randall Gamby says aligning enterprise identity and access management with business and CIO priorities demands a more strategic approach to IAM.  Continue Reading

• How to begin corporate security awareness training for executives

  Expert Ernie Hayden provides advice for enterprises that are establishing security awareness training for their security-unaware executives.  Continue Reading

• Security big data: Preparing for a big data collection implementation

  Learn how security big data initiatives support enterprise information security and how to prepare for a big data collection implementation.  Continue Reading

• Options for mitigating digital security certificate problems

  Is your enterprise struggling with digital security certificate problems? Expert Nick Lewis discusses mitigations for digital certificate attacks.  Continue Reading

• Under the Surface: How Windows tablet security meets BYOD challenges

  Expert Michael Cobb says the forthcoming Windows tablet security features on Microsoft's Surface could help meet enterprise BYOD challenges.  Continue Reading

• Software-defined networking: Exploring SDN security pros and cons

  Matthew Pascucci offers an intro to software-defined networking and explains why SDN security relies on securing the SDN controller at all costs.  Continue Reading

• Five tips to improve a threat and vulnerability management program

  Utilize these five simple tips from expert Diana Kelley to improve your enterprise's threat and vulnerability management program.  Continue Reading

• Forrester's GRC framework: Using three lines of defense

  Chris McClean of Forrester Research provides a GRC framework. It offers three lines of defense to boost participation rates and define clear roles.  Continue Reading

• Network log management on a budget: How to streamline log analysis

  Expert Matt Pascucci examines free tools and offers simple tactics that organizations can use to streamline the network log analysis and management process.  Continue Reading

• Why focus on SIEM integration, coverage maximizes anomaly detection

  Reliable anomaly detection using a SIEM hinges on collecting a wide range of security events. Andrew Hutchison covers SIEM integration best practices.  Continue Reading

• Firewall vs. IPS: Will next-generation firewalls nix stand-alone IPS?

  News analysis: Will the evolution of next-generation firewalls eliminate the stand-alone IPS market? Sean Martin discusses firewalls vs. IPS.  Continue Reading

• Essential enterprise mobile device security controls

  Learn about the mobile security controls you should consider when formulating an enterprise mobile security strategy.  Continue Reading

• Web application firewalls: Patching, SDLC key for security, compliance

  Mike Chapple on improving defense-in-depth security with Web application firewalls (WAFs) and a strong software development lifecycle (SDLC) process.  Continue Reading

• The case for using anomaly-based monitoring in zero-day detection

  Expert Char Sample explains how anomaly-based monitoring may be a key step forward in uncovering zero-day vulnerabilities.  Continue Reading

• Antivirus alternatives: Evolving enterprise endpoint security strategy

  Do any viable antivirus alternatives exist? Security expert Matt Pascucci offers an endpoint security strategy that looks beyond AV to fight malware.  Continue Reading

• Information security controls for data exfiltration prevention

  Enterprises may be amazed to discover how valuable their data is to attackers. Learn five information security controls to prevent data exfiltration.  Continue Reading

• Exploring new features, uses for secure Web gateway appliances

  Expert Michael Cobb reviews secure Web gateway appliance features that can better shield endpoints, plus SWG deployment options.  Continue Reading

• Surviving cyberwar: Preparing for APTs, Stuxnet malware-style attacks

  Surviving cyberwar is now a priority for enterprises, with more Stuxnet malware-style attacks sure to come. Expert Nick Lewis has a defensive primer.  Continue Reading

• Using the network to prevent an Oracle TNS Listener poison attack

  Expert Michael Cobb details the Oracle TNS Listener poison attack and tells how enterprises can use the network to defend vulnerable applications.  Continue Reading

• IPS/IDS technologies: Innovations and changes

  Haven’t shopped for an IDS/IPS in a while? Karen Scarfone details important recent innovations to IDS/IPS technologies.  Continue Reading

• Social engineering penetration testing: Four effective techniques

  Social engineering penetration testing is now a must for enterprises. Learn about the four methods your pen tests should use.  Continue Reading

• Visa's PCI compliance policy change: The end of the PCI assessment?

  Does Visa's PCI compliance policy change mean the end of the PCI assessment? Mike Chapple discusses what it means for security professionals.  Continue Reading

• Remote Desktop Protocol security: How to secure RDP network endpoints

  What is RDP and why does it pose a security threat? Expert Matt Pascucci explains why it’s needed and how best to secure RDP it in the enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Comparing enterprise data anonymization techniques

  Compare data anonymization techniques including encryption, substitution, shuffing, number and data variance and nulling out data.  Continue Reading

• With JOBS Act, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance likely won't get easier

  While SMBs may benefit from the JOBS Act, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance for enterprises may remain largely unchanged. Expert Mike Chapple explains why.  Continue Reading

• Analysis: Vast IPv6 address space actually enables IPv6 attacks

  For World IPv6 Launch Day 2012, Fernando Gont covers why common ways of generating IPv6 addresses actually make an attacker’s job easier.  Continue Reading

• HIPAA compliance: How to prepare for upcoming KPMG HIPAA audits

  KPMG HIPAA audits will hit 150 companies this year. What if yours is one of them? Mike Chapple explains how to handle the HIPAA compliance hot seat.  Continue Reading

• Examining Kindle Fire security, Silk browser security in the enterprise

  Do Kindle Fire security issues, combined with weak Silk browser security, make the red-hot consumer device too risky for enterprises? Michael Cobb explains.  Continue Reading

• How to prevent a WPS flaw from damaging enterprise wireless security

  The recent WPS flaw isn't just a consumer issue. Nick Lewis explains the effect on enterprise wireless security and how to avoid security issues.  Continue Reading

• DNS attack prevention: Inside DNS components vulnerable to attack

  DNS attack prevention demands an understanding of the four core DNS components attackers often target. Expert Char Sample explains.  Continue Reading

• Types of DNS attacks reveal DNS defense tactics

  A thorough understanding of the types of DNS attacks, including DoS, reflector attacks and DNS cache poisoning, reveal key DNS defense tactics.  Continue Reading

• DoS attack responses demand better business continuity plans

  Expert Nick Lewis says an effective DoS attack responses demand better business continuity plans, including pre-negotiating with providers.  Continue Reading

• How to test a firewall: A three-step guide for testing firewalls

  There are three steps when testing firewalls for your organization. Expert Joel Snyder explains how to test a firewall.  Continue Reading

• Web-facing applications: Mitigating likely Web application threats

  New, interactive Web-facing applications are popping up all the time, but expert Nick Lewis advises enterprises on how to be vigilant against Web application threats.  Continue Reading

• How to set up your own secure enterprise Android app store

  Reduce the risk posed by smartphones and mobile applications by setting up a corporate app store for users that helps ensure Android application security.  Continue Reading