INTRODUCTION TO IDENTITY AND ACCESS MANAGEMENT (IAM)

What is identity and access management (IAM): Identity and access management provides

control over user validation and resource access. Commonly known as IAM, this technology

ensures that the right people access the right digital resources at the right time and for the

right reasons.

Problems of Identity and access management

1. Lack of centralized view as companies switch from storing their data on-site to

storing it in the cloud, centralized on-site data has become decentralized. This gives

different departments more freedom but makes IAM more dangerous. 

2. In a centralized system, all organization's users share the same username. This gives

the admin control over who can access company data, but it also means that they are

in charge of managing user identities, user credentials, user profiles, and user

identification (ID) attributes

3. Difficulties in User Lifecycle Management: User lifecycle management is a strategic

and tactical plan for on boarding new users, setting up a procedure that enables each

user to work smoothly across multiple devices and services on the network and

remove the access promptly during off boarding.

4. Keeping Application Integrations Updated: To centralize Single-sign-on and user

management, you need to build integrations with different applications and keep track

of the maintenance needs for each application's new versions. Most businesses cannot

afford to have their IT departments handle their own set of 'connectors' across that

ever-evolving ecosystem.

5. Compliance Visibility into Third Party SaaS Tools: When it comes to cloud services,

it's important to know who has access to applications and data, where they access it,
 and what they do with it. For auditing, there should be a central place where you can

see and control all of your systems.

AIMS OF IDENTITY AND ACCESS MANAGEMENT

The purpose of access management is to provide the right for users to be able to use a service

or group of services. It is therefore the execution of policies and actions that are defined in

the information security management.

OBJECTIVES OF IDENTITY AND ACCESS MANAGEMENT

The objectives of the access management process are to:

i. Manage access to services based on policies and actions defined in information

security management (see ITIL Service Design)

ii. Efficiently respond to requests for granting access to services, changing access rights

or restricting access, ensuring that the rights being provided or changed are properly

granted Grant access to services, service groups, data or functions, only if they are

entitled to that access

iii. Oversee access to services and ensure rights being provided are not improperly used,

access when people change roles or jobs

Scope of Identity and access management

Access management is effectively the execution of the policies in information security

management. In that it enables the organization to manage the confidentiality, availability and

integrity of the organization’s data and intellectual property. Access management ensures that

users are given the right to use a service, but it does not ensure that this access is available at

all agreed times this is provided by availability management.

Access management is a process that is executed by all technical and application

management functions, and is usually not a separate function. However, there is likely to be a

single control point of coordination, usually in IT operations management or on the service

desk.

Significance of Identity and access management: Besides employees in your company,

IAM systems provide secure access for business partners and contractors, mobile and remote

users and customers. A well-established IAM system enhances productivity and the smooth

operation of the business’s digital system. Employees can work seamlessly regardless of their

locations with the centralized management granting them access to necessary tools.

Contractors, consumers and suppliers also benefit from the improved efficiency and reduced

expenses.

Identity and access management systems appeal to companies that plan on expanding their

staff. Gradually grant permissions to new hires as they climb the corporate ladder with

updated titles and qualifications. Utilizing IAM reduces risks of sudden changes in the

workplace and sets you up for success in the following areas:

Stopping the spread of malware

Opening the company portal to potential clients

Monitoring employee productivity

Improving the overall user experience — single-sign-on or multi-factor credentials

Different Types of User Authentication

The primary purpose of IAM systems is to authenticate that an entity is what it says it is.

Modern authentication solutions offer complex methods to better secure your assets.

The three main approaches to user authentication are:

Multifactor authentication (MFA): This approach creates an additional layer of protection

by directing users to provide two or more verification factors besides the username before

they gain access. It’s a core component of a strong IAM policy. Typically, the system will ask

you to enter extra information such as a temporary code sent to your phone as a text or an

email.

Single sign-on (SSO): This method enables users to secure or authenticate multiple websites

and applications with just one set of credentials. The one-time verification of the username

and password gives the individual access to multiple applications and allows them to switch

between the applications seamlessly. The SSO solution increases productivity for users.

Risk-based authentication (RBA): RBA applies varying stringent levels to the

authentication depending on the perceived risk. It prompts the MFA user only when it detects

higher risks. For example, when the user’s IP address shows a different location than the one

that is expected, the system will prompt the user to verify immediately.

3 Ways to Use IAM to Protect Your Data: As discussed in our whitepaper “Beyond The

Password: Identity and Access,” there are three ways to use identity and access

management to protect your data: 

Centralized IAM, where all access decisions are concentrated in one location, whether a

physical location or a virtual identity server.

Decentralized, where various regional entities make access decisions.

Federated, where every organization agrees on a common set of procedures and standards

for user management.

Many entities prefer the federated model because it offers the benefits of a centralized system

without putting too much control in one place.

 What Are the Benefits of IAM?

The benefits of identity and access management include the following:

1. Improves Data Security: IAM is a critical cybersecurity function that organizes all sizes of

privileged access management. It boosts security and provides greater control of user access to your

system. This helps organizations mitigate data breaches, identity theft and illegal access to sensitive

corporate information.

2. Helps With Compliance: Embedding IAM security strategies into your business operations helps you

keep up with regulatory compliance. Your IAM plan must accommodate user authentication methods, user

access reviews and user access to resource locations.

3. Reduces the Chance of Human Error: Identity and access management tools eliminate manual privileges and

permission settings that sometimes lead to errors. It frees the IT team from the burden of manually managing acc

rights to data, which can be tedious. IAM is a fully automated management solution that reduces cost and stream

operations, reducing the chance of human error.

4. Provides Data Confidentiality: Confidentiality is an integral part of every business. The relationship between parti

other legal requirements directs people to keep certain information private, regardless of how delicate or sensitive th

IAM tools are the most secure way to grant access to selected persons to use and view certain applications or files w

limiting or completely restricting others.

5. Streamlines IT Workloads

Identity and access management allows your IT team to change all access privileges across
the organization at the same time when security policies get updated. As a result, IAM cuts
down the number of tickets workers send to IT for password resets.
Introduction to Data Encryption techniques

What is Data Encryption?

Data encryption is a method of protecting data by encoding it in such a way that it can only
be decrypted or accessed by an individual who holds the correct encryption key. When a
person or entity accesses encrypted data without permission, it appears scrambled or
unreadable.
Data encryption is the process of converting data from a readable format to a scrambled piece
of information. This is done to prevent prying eyes from reading confidential data in transit.
Encryption can be applied to documents, files, messages, or any other form of
communication over a network.
Problems of Data Encryption techniques
Six Reasons why Encryption isn’t working
Close to 95% of all enterprise networks have already been compromised by external
attackers. Only 3 percent of U.S. organizations felt safe against insider threats. 

The loss of intellectual property from Fortune 500 firms alone has been described as the
largest wealth transfer in history. Hundreds of millions of consumers have had their identity
information compromised. Losses, both financial and reputational, to businesses and
shareholders stretches into the tens of billions of dollars annually.

Silicon Valley’s mantra to deal with these threats: encrypt everything. It isn’t

working. Integrity must come first. Here are 6 reasons why.

1. You can’t encrypt systems

If you are operating a network the applications and configurations that define that network
need to be decrypted to run. Look at the Target compromise. It was caused not by a lack
of encryption, what caused the breach which was an attack on integrity – a compromise of the
credit card database configuration(s), machine reader software, and security layer
components) that led to the loss of credit card information. Malware and viruses are integrity
attacks – and if you don’t have integrity you are left with no choice but to search for
vulnerabilities, equivalent to looking for needles in a haystack.

2. You can’t audit encryption

Ebay’s announcement last week is fascinating to read:

“After conducting extensive tests on its networks, the company said it has no evidence of the
compromise resulting in unauthorized activity for eBay users, and no evidence of any
unauthorized access to financial or credit card information, which is stored separately in
encrypted formats.”

3. Encryption gives you a false sense of security

On May-30th 2011 it was reported in the press that Lockheed Martin, the U.S. government’s
top information technology services provider, was hacked. The attack has been characterized
as a “fairly subtle”, yet “significant and tenacious” attack on servers at its massive
Gaithersburg, Maryland data center, located not far from the company headquarters in
Bethesda. Reports from the press indicate that the hackers appeared to have gained entry
using information stolen in a separate, even more audacious attack on one of the world’s
highest profile security firms: RSA

4. Encryption doesn’t work against the Insider Threat

Encryption as security is only as good as the security of the credentials used to access the
data. Let’s look at the activities of Edward Snowden. Encrypting the data didn’t work. He
didn’t need to defeat the encryption, he simply needed to compromise the credentials of the
administrators who had access to the encrypted data, which he did with great gusto.

5. Data Integrity is the biggest threat in cyberspace

Don’t take our word for it:

“The most serious national security threat looming in cyberspace may be the potential for
vital data to be altered by cybermarauders, according to a cyber expert with the Office of the
Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).
6. You can’t prove encryption security is working

As we’ve mentioned encryption just means you are one credential compromise away from
the data. Let’s take patient records as an example. A sophisticated state actor could
compromise an administrator’s credentials, access (decrypt) the data, change your blood type,
encrypt it again and delete the evidence of their activity. Then boom, you’re dead and nobody
has a clue what happened.

Aims of Data Encryption techniques

The Primary Function of Data Encryption

The purpose of data encryption is to protect digital data confidentiality as it is stored on
computer systems and transmitted using the internet or other computer networks.
Objectives of Data Encryption techniques Encryption is the process by which a
readable message is converted to an unreadable form to prevent unauthorized parties from
reading it.
Methodology of Data Encryption techniques
There are several data encryption approaches available to choose from. Most internet security
(IS) professionals break down encryption into three distinct methods: symmetric, asymmetric,
and hashing. These, in turn, are broken down into different types. We’ll explore each one
separately.

What is the Symmetric Encryption Method?

Also called private-key cryptography or a secret key algorithm, this method requires the
sender and the receiver to have access to the same key. So, the recipient needs to have the key
before the message is decrypted. This method works best for closed systems, which have less
risk of a third-party intrusion.
On the positive side, symmetric encryption is faster than asymmetric encryption. However,
on the negative side, both parties need to make sure the key is stored securely and available
only to the software that needs to use it.

What is the Asymmetric Encryption Method?

Also called public-key cryptography, this method uses two keys for the encryption process, a
public and a private key, which are mathematically linked. The user employs one key for
encryption and the other for decryption, though it doesn’t matter which you choose first.
Significance of Data Encryption techniques
Even with a few challenges, data encryption is a critical and foundational component of data
security and privacy in today's digital age. It helps protect sensitive information from
unauthorized access, theft and other security threats. Encrypting data ensures that even if it
falls into the wrong hands, it cannot be easily read or understood.
Introduction to Crypto steganur techniques
What is Cryptocurrency?
A cryptocurrency is a coded string of data representing a currency unit. Peer-to-peer networks
called blockchains monitor and organize cryptocurrency transactions, such as buying, selling,
and transferring, and also serve as secure ledgers of transactions. By utilizing encryption
technology, cryptocurrencies can serve as both a currency and an accounting system.
Problems of Crypto Steganar techniques
1. Cryptocurrency payments do not come with legal protections. Credit cards
and debit cards have legal protections if something goes wrong. For example, if
you need to dispute a purchase, your credit card company has a process to help
you get your money back. Cryptocurrencies typically do not come with any such
protections.
2. Cryptocurrency payments typically are not reversible. Once you pay with
cryptocurrency, you can usually only get your money back if the person you paid
sends it back. Before you buy something with cryptocurrency, know the seller’s
reputation, by doing some research before you pay.
3. Some information about your transactions will likely be public. People talk
about cryptocurrency transactions as anonymous. But the truth is not that simple.
Cryptocurrency transactions will typically be recorded on a public ledger, called
a “blockchain.
Aim of crypto steganar techniques
To pay for the security and services rendered by a decentralized network. The
underlying purpose of cryptocurrencies is to pay for the security and services
(such as smart-contract execution) rendered by a decentralized network
Objectives of Crypto steganar techniques
Examine the present landscape of how value is exchanged in the digital age. Comprehend
what blockchain technology is, its limitations, and how it is used. Define what cryptocurrency
is and how it is similar to and differs from fiat money.
Methodology of Crypto steganar techniques
The first one is Symmetric Encryption Cryptography. It uses the same secret key to
encrypt the raw message at the source, transmit the encrypted message to the recipient, and
then decrypt the message at the destination.
The second method is Asymmetric Encryption Cryptography, which uses two different
keys —public and private—to encrypt and decrypt data. The public key can be disseminated
openly, like the address of the fund receiver, while the private key is known only to the
owner. In this method, a person can encrypt a message using the receiver’s public key, but it
can be decrypted only by the receiver's private key.
Significance of Crypto steganar techniques
Image source: Getty Images.

8 benefits of cryptocurrency

 Transaction speed
 Transaction costs
 Accessibility
 Security
 Privacy
 Transparency
 Diversification
 Inflation protection

1. Transaction speed

If you want to send someone money in the United States, there are few ways to move money
or assets from one account to another faster than you can with cryptocurrency. Most
transactions at U.S. financial institutions settle in three to five days. A wire transfer usually
takes at least 24 hours. Stock trades settle in three days.

But one of the advantages of cryptocurrency transactions is that they can be completed in a
matter of minutes. Once the block with your transaction in it is confirmed by the network, it's
fully settled and the funds are available to use.

2. Transaction costs

The cost of transacting in cryptocurrency is relatively low compared to other financial

services. For example, it's not uncommon for a domestic wire transfer to cost $25 or $30.
Sending money internationally can be even more expensive.

Cryptocurrency transactions are usually less expensive. However, you should note that
demand on the blockchain can increase transaction costs. Even so, median transaction fees
remain lower than wire transfer fees even on the most congested blockchains.

3. Accessibility

Anyone can use cryptocurrency. All you need is a computer or smartphone and an internet
connection. The process of setting up a cryptocurrency wallet is extremely fast compared to
opening an account at a traditional financial institution. There's no ID verification. There's no
background or credit check.

Cryptocurrency offers a way for the unbanked to access financial services without having to
go through a centralized authority. There are many reasons a person may be unable or
unwilling to get a traditional bank account. Using cryptocurrency can allow people who don't
use traditional banking services to easily make online transactions or send money to loved
ones.

4. Security

Unless someone gains access to the private key for your crypto wallet, they cannot sign
transactions or access your funds. However, if you lose your private key, there's also no way
to recover your funds.

Furthermore, transactions are secured by the nature of the blockchain system and the
distributed network of computers verifying transactions. As more computing power is added
to the network, it becomes even more secure.

Any attack on the network and attempt to modify the blockchain would require enough
computing power to confirm multiple blocks before the rest of the network can verify the
ledger's accuracy. For popular blockchains such as Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC)
or Ethereum (CRYPTO:ETH), that kind of attack is prohibitively expensive.

Instances of hacked cryptocurrency accounts are usually tied to poor security at a centralized
exchange. If you keep your crypto assets in your own wallet, it's far more secure.
Image source: Getty Images.

5. Privacy

Since you don't have to register for an account at a financial institution to transact with
cryptocurrency, you can maintain a level of privacy. Transactions are pseudonymous, which
means you have an identifier on the blockchain -- your wallet address -- but it doesn't include
any specific information about you.

This level of privacy can be desirable in many cases (both innocent and illicit). That said, if
someone connects a wallet address with an identity, all of the transaction data is public. There
are several ways to further mask transactions, as well as several coins that are privacy-
focused to enhance the private nature of cryptocurrency.

6. Transparency

All cryptocurrency transactions take place on the publicly distributed blockchain ledger.
There are tools that allow anyone to look up transaction data, including where, when, and
how much of a cryptocurrency someone sent from a wallet address. Anyone can also see how
much crypto is stored in a wallet.

This level of transparency can reduce fraudulent transactions. Someone can prove they sent
money and that it was received or they can prove they have the funds available for a
transaction. 

7. Diversification

Cryptocurrency can offer investors diversification from traditional financial assets such as
stocks and bonds. While there's limited history on the price action of the crypto markets
relative to stocks or bonds, so far the prices appear uncorrelated with other markets. That can
make them a good source of portfolio diversification.

8. Inflation protection

Many see Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as offering protection against inflation. Bitcoin
has a hard cap on the total number of coins that will ever be minted. So, as the growth of the
money supply outpaces the growth in the Bitcoin supply, the price of Bitcoin ought to
increase. There are numerous other cryptocurrencies that use mechanisms to cap supply and
can act as a hedge against inflation.

Scope of Crypto steganar techniques

Currently, there are two major categories of cryptocurrencies: those utilized for the purchase
of goods and services and those that allow for the creation of “smart contracts,” which are
agreements that enforce themselves via code rather than courts. We’ll discuss both in this
section.

According to experts in the industry, “There won’t be one supreme digital currency…A
kind of crypto-pluralism is taking hold.”

Introduction to Disaster recovery and business continuity

1. Business continuity focuses on keeping business operational during a disaster, while

disaster recovery focuses on restoring data access and IT infrastructure after a
disaster. In other words, the former is concerned with keeping the shop open even in
unusual or unfavorable circumstances, while the latter focuses on returning it to
normal as expediently as possible.
 2. Unlike business continuity plans, disaster recovery strategies may involve creating
additional employee safety measures, such as conducting fire drills or purchasing
emergency supplies. Combining the two allows a business to place equal focus on
maintaining operations and ensuring that employees are safe.

3. Business continuity and disaster recovery have different goals. Effective business
continuity plans limit operational downtime, whereas effective disaster recovery plans
limit abnormal or inefficient system function. Only by combining the two plans can
businesses comprehensively prepare for disastrous events.

4. A business continuity strategy can ensure communication methods such as phones

and network servers continue operating in the midst of a crisis. Meanwhile, a disaster
recovery strategy helps to ensure an organization’s ability to return to full
functionality after a disaster occurs. To put it differently, business continuity focuses
on keeping the lights on and the business open in some capacity, while disaster
recovery focuses on getting operations back to normal.

5. Some businesses may incorporate disaster recovery strategies as part of their overall
business continuity plans. Disaster recovery is one step in the broader process of
safeguarding a company against all contingencies

Problems of Disaster recovery and business continuity

The DRP must address each type of downtime and disaster with a step-by-step plan,
including data loss, flooding, natural disasters, power outages, ransomware, server failure,
site-wide outages, and other issues. Be sure to enrich any IT disaster recovery plan template
with these critical details.
Typically, these include fractured command and control structures, communication
systems failures, delayed or inefficient deployment of resources.
 Leadership Challenges. ...
 Ineffective Communications. ...
 Dynamic and Widespread Incidents. ...
 Ideal Emergency Response Management Software.
Aims of disaster recovery and business continuity
A business continuity strategy can ensure communication methods such as phones and
network servers continue operating in the midst of a crisis. Meanwhile, a disaster recovery
strategy helps to ensure an organization's ability to return to full functionality after a disaster
occurs
A business continuity and disaster recovery plan helps organizations prepare for potentially
disruptive events. It enhances an organization's ability to continue business operations with
little or no disruption and minimizes the risk in the event of a natural or man-made disaster.
Objectives of Disaster recovery and business continuity
The objective of a disaster recovery (DR) plan is to ensure that an organization can respond
to a disaster or other emergency that affects information systems –and minimize the effect on
business operations.
Reduce the risk of disasters caused by human error, deliberate destruction, and building or
equipment failures. Be better prepared to recover from a major natural catastrophe. Ensure
the organization's ability to continue operating after a disaster. Recover lost or damaged
records or information after a disaster.
The objectives of disaster management are:
 Supply of essential commodities.
 Rehabilitation of disaster victims.
 Protective measures to reduce the intensity of future disasters.
 Rescue of victims by the event and disposal of losses suffered.

Methodology of Disaster recovery and business continuity

Business Continuity Planning (BCP) indicates how well an organization prepares itself to
survive in unexpected disasters, disruptions or changes, assuring that the critical business
processes will continue to function in most adverse circumstances with acceptable
limitations.
What are disaster recovery methods?
Main Disaster Recovery techniques are three: synchronous replication, asynchronous
replication and mixed technique. In the following lines we will shortly describe each of them,
highlighting the differences among the available solutions.
Significance of Disaster recovery and business continuity
Having business continuity and disaster recovery plans in place can help companies minimize
the consequences of a catastrophic event. They can also provide peace of mind; employees
and business owners alike may feel more comfortable in a work setting where there are clear
policies for how to respond to disasters.

1. Business continuity focuses on keeping business operational during a disaster, while

disaster recovery focuses on restoring data access and IT infrastructure after a
disaster. In other words, the former is concerned with keeping the shop open even in
unusual or unfavorable circumstances, while the latter focuses on returning it to
normal as expediently as possible.

2. Unlike business continuity plans, disaster recovery strategies may involve creating
additional employee safety measures, such as conducting fire drills or purchasing
emergency supplies. Combining the two allows a business to place equal focus on
maintaining operations and ensuring that employees are safe.

3. Business continuity and disaster recovery have different goals. Effective business
continuity plans limit operational downtime, whereas effective disaster recovery plans
limit abnormal or inefficient system function. Only by combining the two plans can
businesses comprehensively prepare for disastrous events.

4. A business continuity strategy can ensure communication methods such as phones

and network servers continue operating in the midst of a crisis. Meanwhile, a disaster
recovery strategy helps to ensure an organization’s ability to return to full
functionality after a disaster occurs. To put it differently, business continuity focuses
 on keeping the lights on and the business open in some capacity, while disaster
recovery focuses on getting operations back to normal.

5. Some businesses may incorporate disaster recovery strategies as part of their overall
business continuity plans. Disaster recovery is one step in the broader process of
safeguarding a company against all contingencies

Scope of Disaster recovery and business continuity

Business management continuity deals with the analysis, design, and implementation of
policies, plans, and procedures that address all aspects of a company’s ability to survive and
continue operations during a crisis.

Business continuity management’s scope and components includes disaster recovery

planning, cyber security incidents, personnel and customer service disruptions, and physical
or technical infrastructure failures.

Business continuity management involves identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks

associated with a business’s different components, from IT systems to people resources.
Through understanding these risks, organizations can affect operations in critical times, and
companies can plan for prevention and a quick response when faced with an emergency.

When designing business continuity plans, it is important to consider not only the current
capabilities of an organization but also its long-term objectives. The scope should include the
following:

Business impact analysis

An effective business continuity program begins with a thorough review to determine

potential impacts from disasters involving key areas such as production facilities or IT
networks.

Risk assessment

A process that identifies threats related to their probability and severity helps assess
overall risk levels throughout the organization.

Detailed steps on how the company will react in case of a disruption incident, such as
customer service recovery or financial losses due to downtime.

Training

Employees need to be briefed on safety protocols and trained on any new procedures enacted
by business continuity plans to ensure operational efficiency during times of crisis.

Testing
Regular testing helps evaluate if plans are working properly or require improvements &
adjustments before an actual emergency arises.

Documentation

All measures taken by the organization – from risk assessment results to test results – should
be documented for reference purposes. Recovery time objective and recovery point objective
timelines need to be recorded in the planning process.

Are you a business continuity professional looking for ways to ensure the continuity of your
business operations? A Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) can be a valuable
asset to help companies stay resilient during business disruption and catastrophes.

By having insight into potential risks, businesses can protect their data, profits, and services
from unexpected events that threaten their success. In today’s blog post, we’ll be exploring
the scope of BCMS in detail – what it includes, why it matters and how organizations can
benefit from its implementation. Dive in with us as we uncover the power of this critical
system.

Into to Cyber threat intelligence

Threat intelligence, also known as cyber threat intelligence (CTI), is information gathered
from a range of sources about current or potential attacks against an organization. The
information is analyzed, refined and organized and then used to minimize and mitigate
cybersecurity risks.
What is threat intelligence?

Threat intelligence, also known as cyber threat intelligence (CTI), is information gathered
from a range of sources about current or potential attacks against an organization. The
information is analyzed, refined and organized and then used to minimize and mitigate
cybersecurity risks.

Problems of cyber threat intelligence

The 3 Challenges of Targeted Threat Intelligence
 Leveraging Human Expertise to Interpret Threat Data. ...
 Measuring the Value of Threat Intelligence. ...
 Collecting Information from the Right

Aim of Cyber threat to

Cyber threat intelligence aims to create and share knowledge about the current state
of the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape and provide users and cybersecurity
solutions with the information and context required to identify current threats and
make strategic decisions for the future.
Objectives of Cyber threat intelligence
 Threat intelligence enables us to make faster, more informed, data-backed security
decisions and change their behavior from reactive to proactive in the fight against
threat actors.
Methodology of Cyber threat intelligence
This practice is known as Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI), which is defined as knowledge
based on evidence, which includes context, mechanisms, indicators, implications, and
practical advice, about an existing or emerging threat to information assets of organizations
that can be used to inform decisions regarding the
Significance of Cyber threat intelligence
Threat intelligence benefits organizations of all shapes and sizes by helping process threat
data to better understand their attackers, respond faster to incidents, and proactively get ahead
of a threat actor's next move. For SMBs, this data helps them achieve a level of protection
that would otherwise be out of reach.

Top 10 Cybersecurity Threats:

1. Social Engineering
Social engineering remains one of the most dangerous hacking techniques employed by
cybercriminals, largely because it relies on human error rather than technical
vulnerabilities. This makes these attacks all the more dangerous—it’s a lot easier to trick a
human than it is to breach a security system. And it’s clear that hackers know this:
according to Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations report , 85% of all data breaches involve
human interaction.

2. Third-Party Exposure
Cybercriminals can get around security systems by hacking less-protected networks
belonging to third parties that have privileged access to the hacker’s primary target.  

3. Configuration Mistakes
Even professional security systems more than likely contain at least one error in how the
software is installed and set up. In a series of 268 trials conducted by cybersecurity
software company Rapid7 , 80% of external penetration tests encountered an exploitable
misconfiguration. In tests where the attacker had internal system access (i.e., trials
mimicking access via a third party or infiltration of a physical office), the amount of
exploitable configuration errors rose to 96

4. Poor Cyber Hygiene

“Cyber hygiene” refers to regular habits and practices regarding technology use, like
avoiding unprotected WiFi networks and implementing safeguards like a VPN or multi-
factor authentication. Unfortunately, research shows that Americans’ cyber hygiene habits
leave a lot to be desired. 

5. Cloud Vulnerabilities
One might think the cloud would become more secure over time, but in fact, the opposite
is true: IBM reports that cloud vulnerabilities have increased 150% in the last five
years. Verizon’s DBIR  found that over 90% of the 29,000 breaches analyzed in the report
were caused by web app breaches

6. Mobile Device Vulnerabilities

Another pattern caused by the COVID-19 pandemic was an uptick in mobile device usage.
Not only do remote users rely more heavily on mobile devices, but pandemic experts also
encouraged large-scale adoption of mobile wallets and touchless payment technology in
order to limit germ transmission.

7. Internet of Things
The pandemic-induced shift away from the office led over a quarter of the American
workforce to bring their work into the home, where 70% of households  have at least one
smart device. Unsurprisingly, attacks on smart or “Internet of Things (IoT) ” devices
spiked as a result, with over 1.5 billion breaches  occurring between January and June of
2021.

8. Ransomware
While ransomware attacks  are by no means a new threat, they’ve become significantly
more expensive  in recent years: between 2018 and 2020, the average ransom
fee skyrocketed from $5,000 to $200,000. Ransomware attacks also cost companies in the
form of income lost while hackers hold system access for ransom. (The average length
of system downtime  after a ransomware attack is 21 days.)

9. Poor Data Management

Data management is about more than just keeping your storage and organization systems
tidy. To put things in perspective, the amount of data created by consumers doubles every
four years, but more than half of that new data is never used or analyzed . Piles of surplus
data leads to confusion, which leaves data vulnerable to cyber attacks.

10. Inadequate Post-Attack Procedures

Holes in security must be patched immediately following a cybersecurity attack . In a 2021
survey of 1,263 companies that had been targeted in a cybersecurity breach, 80% of
victims who submitted a ransom payment said they experienced another attack  soon after.
In fact, 60% of cyber attacks  could have been prevented if an available patch had been
applied, and 39% of organizations say they were aware they were vulnerable before the
cyber attack occurred. 

Scope of Cyber threat intelligence

What is the job scope of cyber threat intelligence?
What Does a Cyber Intelligence Analyst Do? Cyber intelligence analysts conduct “all-source
analysis, digital forensics and targeting to identify, monitor, assess and counter the threat
posed by [criminal] cyber actors.” This is the definition found on the website of the U.S.
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).