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Portnox Debuts Passwordless Zero Trust Conditional Access for Applications

Cybersecurity leader enables Unified Access Control within Portnox Cloud

 

Austin, TX – Mar. 19, 2024 – Portnox, a leading provider of cloud-native, zero trust access control solutions, today announced the availability of its Conditional Access for Applications solution. Available as part of the Portnox Cloud platform, Conditional Access for Applications delivers easy-to-implement passwordless authentication, endpoint risk posture assessment, and automated endpoint remediation for organizations seeking to harden their application security posture. This solution enables organizations to substantially improve data security through enhanced access control and risk mitigation for business-critical SaaS and on-premises applications.

“With the addition of Conditional Access for Applications, Portnox now delivers a single, unified solution for zero trust access control. Our fully cloud-native suite offers a one-stop shop for organizations looking to simplify the implementation of zero trust, make the shift to passwordless, and do it all affordably and at scale for their networks, applications, and infrastructure,” said Denny LeCompte, CEO at Portnox.

Portnox continues to expand its zero trust offerings for its cloud-native security platform for unified access, which now includes easy-to-deploy certificate-based authentication for all network access layers (wired, wireless, and VPN), as well as for applications and infrastructure. Using digital certificates and painless cloud-native public key infrastructure (PKI), Portnox is enabling organizations to do away with passwords, dramatically improve user and admin experiences, and employ a more secure approach to access control. With Conditional Access for Applications, Portnox helps resource-constrained IT teams combat the rise in device-based attacks against enterprise SaaS and on-premises applications through a risk-based approach that is in lockstep with infrastructure and network security efforts.

Research by Forrester predicts that in 2024, 90 percent of security breaches will include a human element, with traditional password compromise being a leading cause of initial access to critical data by cyber criminals.

“Passwordless authentication replaces the traditional password with a method that is more user friendly and more secure,” states another Forrester report coauthored by Andras Cser, Vice President and Principal Analyst at Forrester. “Passwordless authentication should be part of a trusted access ecosystem that is assessed continuously.”

“Employees and contractors aren’t just in the office anymore — they’re highly mobile and relying on business-critical applications from everywhere — including on networks that may not be secure,” said Portnox Chief Product Officer Jeremy Morrill. “Complete cybersecurity protection goes well beyond just controlling access; IT teams must meet ever-evolving security compliance requirements. That means they need to be able to monitor and mitigate the risk posed by every connected endpoint — including managed devices, unmanaged BYOD, and insecure IoT — 24/7/365. With Portnox, the endless list of enterprise applications no longer serves as a directory of easily targeted access attack vectors.”

Portnox’s Conditional Access for Applications is available as a standalone subscription or as a component of Portnox’s Unified Access Control subscription package, which offers all the features and functionality of the Portnox Cloud. Find more details on pricing and packaging, as well as product facts.

 

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Portnox
Portnox provides simple-to-deploy, operate and maintain network access control, security and visibility solutions. Portnox software can be deployed on-premises, as a cloud-delivered service, or in hybrid mode. It is agentless and vendor-agnostic, allowing organizations to maximize their existing network and cybersecurity investments. Hundreds of enterprises around the world rely on Portnox for network visibility, cybersecurity policy enforcement and regulatory compliance. The company has been recognized for its innovations by Info Security Products Guide, Cyber Security Excellence Awards, IoT Innovator Awards, Computing Security Awards, Best of Interop ITX and Cyber Defense Magazine. Portnox has offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia. For information visit http://www.portnox.com, and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.。

How to prevent data theft by employees

Not all cases of employee data theft come from bad intentions. Lukasz Krupski’s journey at Tesla began heroically. His quick action as he tackled a fire hazard at a Norway Tesla exhibition won him praise from Elon Musk.

But after finding monitoring software on his laptop and being dismissed, Krupski felt compelled to leak safety and data protection concerns, known as the ‘Tesla Files,’ to the media. These leaks, which revealed employee and customer data alongside issues with Tesla’s technology, sparked widespread discussion and legal scrutiny.

Krupski’s actions, motivated by a desire to highlight serious safety concerns, have highlighted the ethical challenges and accountability in technology.

While his case might be somewhat heroic due to his motivations, it’s essential to remember that not all instances of employee data theft are for noble reasons; sometimes, they’re purely for personal gain.

As we explore the topic of preventing data theft by employees, it’s critical to differentiate between the motivations behind such actions and implement robust security measures to safeguard sensitive information.

Key takeaways

  • Employee data theft involves staff taking or sharing company data without permission, posing risks to the company’s security and trust, whether done on purpose or by accident.

  • The theft of sensitive data by employees can lead to financial losses, reputational damage, legal issues, operational disruptions, erosion of trust among team members, and unauthorized access to corporate accounts.

  • To protect sensitive information and prevent data theft by employees, companies should implement robust access controls, use encryption for sensitive data, regularly conduct security training, and establish a clear data security policy.

  • Enhancing data security further involves implementing MFA, securing physical access to facilities, using updated anti-malware and anti-phishing solutions, and adopting a Zero Trust security model that requires continuous verification of all users.

  • NordLayer helps prevent employee data theft through advanced cybersecurity tools like Cloud Firewall and network access control solutions, which help achieve network segmentation and the Zero Trust framework.

What is employee data theft?

Employee data theft happens when an employee takes or shares a company’s data without permission.

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This can be intentional, as in cases where someone decides to steal sensitive information to sell or use against the company. Sometimes, it happens by mistake, like when an employee accidentally exposes information because they weren’t careful. No matter the intent, such theft is a big problem for a company’s safety and credibility.

The risk involves all sorts of sensitive data. This includes personal details about employees and customers, financial information, strategic documents, and passwords to corporate accounts.

There are many ways someone might steal corporate data, such as copying it to a personal device, sending it through unsecured emails, or using harmful software to sneak into a company’s systems.

Another well-known case that highlights the risks of employee data theft involves Anthony Levandowski. He was an engineer at Google’s Waymo, the self-driving car project. Before leaving, Levandowski took thousands of files about Google’s technology for autonomous vehicles. He then founded a self-driving truck company named Otto, which Uber bought soon after. This led to a major legal fight between Waymo and Uber, focusing on accusations that Uber benefited from the stolen secrets. This story shows why it’s so crucial to protect sensitive data.

Risks of data theft by employees

A data breach doesn’t just stop at the act of theft; it opens up a Pandora’s box of indirect risks. Here are some consequences companies can face when employees steal data.

Risks of data theft by employees

  1. Financial loss. When employees steal data, companies can face direct financial losses. This is because stolen sensitive information can lead to fraud or the loss of competitive advantage.

  2. Reputational damage. A data breach caused by employee data theft can harm a company’s reputation. Customers and partners may lose trust, which is hard to rebuild.

  3. Legal and regulatory issues. If employees take sensitive data, this can result in legal penalties for the company. This is especially true if the stolen information includes personal data protected by laws.

  4. Loss of intellectual property. Corporate data theft can lead to the loss of proprietary information. This is a serious risk as it can give competitors an unfair advantage.

  5. Operational disruptions. Data theft by employees can disrupt business operations. For example, if critical data is stolen, it might halt production or service delivery.

  6. Increased security costs. To prevent employee data theft, companies may need to invest more in data security measures. This can include adopting a Zero Trust framework, which verifies every access request.

  7. Erosion of employee trust. When corporate data theft occurs, it can create an environment of suspicion. This might reduce collaboration and trust among team members.

  8. Access to corporate accounts. Employees who steal data might gain access to corporate accounts. This risk is particularly high with sensitive information that includes login credentials.

How to prevent employee data theft

The numbers tell us that sales and customer service roles are where we often find the biggest concerns for insider risks, with sales at 48% and customer service at 47%.

But really, keeping our data safe is a job for everyone in the company, not just designated roles. So, let’s explore some clever ways to protect your company.

How to prevent data theft by employees

Implement strong access controls

Setting up strong access controls, like a hardware or cloud firewall, and dividing the network into sections makes sure employees can only get to the data they need for work. This helps in preventing data theft by employees.

It’s important to remember that not everyone needs to see everything in the company. Making it clear what’s confidential can also help stop data from getting out by mistake.

A firewall helps divide the network into sections with clear permissions. This way, you limit who can see sensitive data, helping to avoid accidental sharing.

A cloud firewall (or a Firewall-as-a-Service) makes it easy to set up these divisions, giving specific access rights to certain people or groups. This is great for data security because it helps contain potential problems if something goes wrong. Thanks to how you’ve divided it, employees can only see a small part of the network. This means threat actors can’t do as much damage even if it’s an employee.

Use encryption for sensitive data

Encrypting sensitive data protects it, making the data unreadable to unauthorized users. This is effective even if data is stolen, as the thief cannot use it without the decryption key.

The downside is that managing encryption keys requires careful security measures to prevent them from being stolen as well.

Conduct regular security training

Educating employees about the importance of data security and how to prevent data theft is crucial. Regular training can make employees aware of the risks and teach them to handle data securely. But remember that training alone cannot prevent all instances of data theft, especially if malicious intent is involved.

Deploy data loss prevention (DLP) technology

Using data loss prevention, or DLP technology, is like having a smart security guard that watches over the information being shared in and out of the company. It makes sure that only the right data goes to the right places.

Think of it as having a guard who checks the passes at the door of a secure building. The guard stops people without the right pass (unauthorized data) from leaving.

But, just like any guard might sometimes stop someone by mistake (a false positive), DLP technology can accidentally block information that was okay to share. This means it’s really good at preventing data theft by employees, but it might need a little help sometimes to make sure it doesn’t stop the right information from getting through.

Establish a clear data security policy

A clear data security policy sets out rules for handling sensitive data and the consequences of data theft. This clarity helps prevent employee data theft by setting expectations. These policies must be regularly updated to remain effective and reflect new security challenges.

Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Adding multi-factor authentication (MFA) to our security setup means we’re putting in place an extra step of verification, something more than just the usual password. This makes it much harder for someone to access data they shouldn’t.

If someone tries to sneak into an account or look at data they have no business seeing, MFA steps in. It sends a notification to either another employee or the person who owns the account, flagging that something out of the ordinary is happening.

This quick heads-up gives us a chance to act fast and stop any security problems before they grow, making MFA a really important tool in keeping our data safe.

Secure physical access to facilities

Make sure that only the right people can get into places where sensitive information or important servers are kept. This is especially important when you’ve got crucial servers in your office or when you’re dealing with sensitive data.

It’s essential to keep a close eye on who enters areas with critical data or infrastructure. Set up systems that check if someone is allowed in, like special locks or entry codes that only certain people have.

Use anti-malware and anti-phishing solutions

Adding anti-malware and anti-phishing software is a smart move to keep your data safe. But remember, these tools need to stay updated to fight off the latest cyber tricks. It’s also a good idea to teach your team how to spot those sneaky phishing emails. By keeping everything current and spreading a bit of know-how, you’re building a strong wall that keeps your data secure and out of the wrong hands.

Adopt a Zero Trust security model

The Zero Trust model operates on the principle that no one inside or outside the network is trusted by default. Implementing Zero Trust can significantly reduce the risk of data theft by requiring continuous verification of all users. However, moving to a Zero Trust architecture can be complex and requires significant adjustment for both IT departments and users.

No single method is foolproof, but a layered approach minimizes risks associated with employee data theft.

How NordLayer can protect against data theft by employees

NordLayer offers powerful cybersecurity tools, like Cloud Firewall and Network Access Control (NAC) solutions, to help your organization keep its sensitive data safe.

Network segmentation is an important part of the process. By breaking your network into smaller parts with strict access rules, you make sure only the right people can see important information. This is key to achieving the Zero Trust framework, which checks everyone’s need to access specific data, making it much harder for anyone to steal data or cause a breach. With NordLayer, setting up these secure sections in your network is straightforward and flexible.

Our Identity and Access Management (IAM) solutions add another layer of security by managing who gets access to what, beyond just passwords. The method combines Single Sign-On (SSO) with other checks to make sure every user’s sign-in is legit.

Other Network Access Control (NAC) solutions tighten security further by monitoring access based on IP addresses and device posture, allowing only compliant devices on the network. This approach offers a solid strategy on how to prevent data theft by employees.

For a tailored solution that fits your organization’s specific needs, contact our sales team. They can guide you through the offerings to find the best fit for bolstering your data security.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Nord Security
The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

About NordLayer
NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses – from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security.

The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

What is alert fatigue and its effect on IT monitoring?

Talking about too many cybersecurity alerts is not talking about the story of Peter and the Wolf and how people end up ignoring false warnings, but about its great impact on security strategies and, above all, on the stress it causes to IT teams, which we know are increasingly reduced and must fulfill multiple tasks in their day to day.

Alert Fatigue is a phenomenon in which excessive alerts desensitize the people in charge of responding to them, leading to missed or ignored alerts or, worse, delayed responses. IT security operations professionals are prone to this fatigue because systems are overloaded with data and may not classify alerts accurately.

Content:

1. Definición de Fatiga de Alertas y su impacto en la seguridad de la organización

Alert fatigue, in addition to overwhelming data to interpret, diverts attention from what is really important. To put it into perspective, deception is one of the oldest war tactics since the ancient Greeks: through deception, the enemy’s attention was diverted by giving the impression that an attack was taking place in one place, causing the enemy to concentrate its resources in that place so that it could attack on a different front. Taking this into an organization, cybercrime can actually cause and leverage IT staff fatigue to find security breaches. This cost could become considerable in business continuity and resource consumption (technology, time and human resources), as indicated by an article by Security Magazine on a survey of 800 IT professionals:

  • 85% percent of information technology (IT) professionals say more than 20% of their cloud security alerts are false positives. The more alerts, the harder it becomes to identify which things are important and which ones are not.
  • 59% of respondents receive more than 500 public cloud security alerts per day. Having to filter alerts wastes valuable time that could be used to fix or even prevent issues.
  • More than 50% of respondents spend more than 20% of their time deciding which alerts need to be addressed first. Alert overload and false positive rates not only contribute to turnover, but also to the loss of critical alerts. 55% say their team overlooked critical alerts in the past due to ineffective prioritization of alerts, often weekly and even daily.

What happens is that the team in charge of reviewing the alerts becomes desensitized. By human nature, when we get a warning of every little thing, we get used to alerts being unimportant, so it is given less and less importance. This means finding the balance: we need to be aware of the state of our environment, but too many alerts can cause more damage than actually help, because they make it difficult to prioritize problems.

2. Causes of Alert Fatigue

Alert Fatigue is due to one or more of these causes:

2.1. False positives

These are situations where a security system mistakenly identifies a benign action or event as a threat or risk. They may be due to several factors, such as outdated threat signatures, poor (or overzealous) security settings, or limitations in detection algorithms.

2.2. Lack of context

Alerts must be interpreted, so if alert notifications do not have the proper context, it can be confusing and difficult to determine the severity of an alert. This leads to delayed responses.

2.3. Several security systems

Consolidation and correlation of alerts are difficult if there are several security systems working at the same time… and this gets worse when the volume of alerts with different levels of complexity grows.

2.4. Lack of filters and customization of cybersecurity alerts

If they are not defined and filtered, it may cause endless non-threatening or irrelevant notifications.

2.5. Unclear security policies and procedures

Poorly defined procedures become very problematic because they contribute to aggravating the problem.

2.6. Shortage of resources

It is not easy to have security professionals who know how to interpret and also manage a high volume of alerts, which leads to late responses.

The above tells us that correct management and alert policies are required, along with the appropriate monitoring tools to support IT staff.

3. Most common false positives

According to the Institute of Data, false positives faced by IT and security teams are:

3.1. False positives about network anomalies

These take place when network monitoring tools identify normal or harmless network activities as suspicious or malicious, such as false alerts for network scans, legitimate file sharing, or background system activities.

3.2. False malware positives

Antivirus software often identifies benign files or applications as potentially malicious. This can happen when a file shares similarities with known malware signatures or displays suspicious behavior. A cybersecurity false positive in this context can result in the blocking or quarantine of legitimate software, causing disruptions to normal operations.

3.3. False positives about user behavior

Security systems that monitor user activities can generate a cybersecurity false positive when an individual’s actions are flagged as abnormal or potentially malicious. Example: an employee who accesses confidential documents after working hours, generating a false positive in cybersecurity, even though it may be legitimate.

False positives can also be found in email security systems. For example, spam filters can misclassify legitimate emails as spam, causing important messages to end up in the spam folder. Can you imagine the impact of a vitally important email ending up in the Spam folder?

4. Consequences of Alert Fatigue

Alert Fatigue has consequences not only on the IT staff themselves but also on the organization:

4.1. False sense of security

Too many alerts can lead the IT team to think they are false positives, leaving out the actions that could be taken.

4.2. Late Response

Too many alerts overwhelm IT teams, preventing them from reacting in time to real and critical risks. This, in turn, causes costly remediation and even the need to allocate more staff to solve the problem that could have been avoided.

4.3. Regulatory non-compliance

Security breaches can lead to fines and penalties for the organization.

4.4. Reputational damage to the organization

A breach of the company’s security gets disclosed (and we’ve seen headlines in the news) and impacts its reputation. This can lead to loss of customer trust… and consequently less revenue.

4.5. IT staff work overload

If the staff in charge of monitoring alerts feel overwhelmed with notifications, they may experience increased job stress. This has been one of the causes of lower productivity and high staff turnover in the IT area.

4.6. Deterioration of morale

Team demotivation can cause them to disengage and become less productive.

5. How to avoid these Alert Fatigue problems?

If alerts are designed before they are implemented, they become useful and efficient alerts, in addition to saving a lot of time and, consequently, reducing alert fatigue.

5.1. Prioritize

The best way to get an effective alert is to use the “less is more” strategy. You have to think about the absolutely essential things first.

  • What equipment is absolutely essential? Hardly anyone needs alerts on test equipment.
  • What is the severity if a certain service does not work properly? High impact services should have the most aggressive alert (level 1, for example).
  • What is the minimum that is needed to determine that a computer, process, or service is not working properly?
    Sometimes it is enough to monitor the connectivity of the device, some other times something more specific is needed, such as the status of a service.

Answering these questions will help us find out what the most important alerts are that we need to act on immediately.

5.2. Avoiding false positives

Sometimes it can be tricky to get alerts to only go off when there really is a problem. Setting thresholds correctly is a big part of the job, but more options are available. Pandora FMS has several tools to help avoid false positives:

Dynamic thresholds

They are very useful for adjusting the thresholds to the actual data. When you enable this feature in a module, Pandora FMS analyzes its data history, and automatically modifies the thresholds to capture data that is out of the ordinary.

  • FF Thresholds: Sometimes the problem is not that you did not correctly define the alerts or thresholds, but that the metrics you use are not entirely reliable. Let’s say we are monitoring the availability of a device, but the connection to the network on which it is located is unstable (for example, a very saturated wireless network). This can cause data packets to be lost or even there are times when a ping fails to connect to the device despite being active and performing its function correctly. For those cases, Pandora FMS has the FF Threshold. By using this option you may configure some “tolerance” to the module before changing state. Thus, for example, the agent will report two consecutive critical data for the module to change into critical status.
  • Use maintenance windows: Pandora FMS allows you to temporarily disable alerting and even event generation of a specific module or agent with the Quiet mode. With maintenance windows (Scheduled downtimes), this can be scheduled so that, for example, alerts do not trigger during X service updates in the early hours of Saturdays.

5.3. Improving alert processes

Once they have made sure that the alerts that are triggered are the necessary ones, and that they will only trigger when something really happens, you may greatly improve the process as follows:

  • Automation: Alerting is not only used to send notifications; it can also be used to automate actions. Let’s imagine that you are monitoring an old service that sometimes becomes saturated, and when that happens, the way to recover it is to just restart it. With Pandora FMS you may configure the alert that monitors that service to try to restart it automatically. To do this, you just need to configure an alert command that, for example, makes an API call to the manager of said service to restart it.
  • Alert escalation: Continuing with the previous example, with alert escalation you may make the first action performed by Pandora FMS, when the alert is triggered, to be the restart of the service. If in the next agent run, the module is still in critical state, you may configure the alert so that, for example, a ticket is created in Pandora ITSM.
  • Alert thresholds: Alerts have an internal counter that indicates when configured actions should be triggered. Just by modifying the threshold of an alert you may go from having several emails a day warning you of the same problem to receiving one every two or three days.

This alert (executed daily) has three actions: at first, it is about restarting the service. If at the next alert execution, the module has not been recovered, an email is sent to the administrator, and if it has not yet been solved, a ticket is created in Pandora ITSM. If the alert remains triggered on the fourth run, a daily message will be sent through Slack to the group of operators.

5.4. Other ways to reduce the number of alerts

  • Cascade Protection is an invaluable tool in setting up efficient alerting, by skipping triggering alerts from devices dependent on a parent device. With basic alerting, if you are monitoring a network that you access through a specific switch and this device has a problem, you will start receiving alerts for each computer on that network that you can no longer access. On the other hand, if you activate cascade protection on the agents of that network (indicating whether they depend on the switch), Pandora FMS will detect that the main equipment is down, and will skip the alert of all dependent equipment until the switch is operational again.
  • Using services can help you not only reduce the number of alerts triggered, but also the number of alerts configured. If you have a cluster of 10 machines, it may not be very efficient to have an alert for each of them. Pandora FMS allows you to group agents and modules into Services, along with hierarchical structures in which you may decide the weight of each element and alert based on the general status.

5.5. Implement an Incident Response Plan

Incident response is the process of preparing for cybersecurity threats, detecting them as they arise, responding to quell them, or mitigating them. Organizations can manage threat intelligence and mitigation through incident response planning. It should be remembered that any organization is at risk of losing money, data, and reputation due to cybersecurity threats.

Incident response requires assembling a team of people from different departments within an organization, including organizational leaders, IT staff, and other areas involved in data control and compliance. The following is recommended:

  • Plan how to analyze data and networks for potential threats and suspicious activity.
  • Decide which incidents should be responded to first.
  • Have a plan for data loss and finances.
  • Comply with all applicable laws.
  • Be prepared to submit data and documentation to the authorities after a violation.

Finally, a timely reminder: incident response became very important starting with GDPR with extremely strict rules on non-compliance reporting. If a specific breach needs to be reported, the company must be aware of it within 72 hours and report what happened to the appropriate authorities. A report of what happened should also be provided and an active plan to mitigate the damage should be presented. If a company does not have a predefined incident response plan, it will not be ready to submit such a report.

The GDPR also requires to know if the organization has adequate security measures in place. Companies can be heavily penalized if they are scrutinized after the breach and officials find that they did not have adequate security.

Conclusion

The high cost to both IT staff (constant turnover, burnout, stress, late decisions, etc.) and the organization (disruption of operations, security breaches and breaches, quite onerous penalties) is clear. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to prevent over-alerting, we do recommend prioritizing alerts, avoiding false positives (dynamic and FF thresholds, maintenance windows), improving alerting processes, and an incident response plan, along with clear policies and procedures for responding to incidents, to ensure you find the right balance for your organization.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About PandoraFMS
Pandora FMS is a flexible monitoring system, capable of monitoring devices, infrastructures, applications, services and business processes.
Of course, one of the things that Pandora FMS can control is the hard disks of your computers.

Busting MFA Fatigue: A Guide for the Cybersecurity Warriors

For some time, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) has stood as a formidable bulwark against the ceaseless tides of cyber threats. Yet, even the most stalwart defenses can falter under the strain of constant vigilance. The phenomenon of MFA fatigue, a growing concern within the cybersecurity community, jeopardizes the integrity of our defenses, making it a critical issue that demands our attention and resolve.

Unpacking MFA Fatigue: A Primer for Security Managers

MFA fatigue emerges as a formidable adversary in our ongoing quest to fortify digital defenses, presenting a nuanced challenge that demands a sophisticated understanding and strategic approach from security managers. At its core, MFA fatigue is characterized by a user’s diminishing responsiveness to authentication requests, a phenomenon that not only erodes the efficacy of MFA systems but also heightens the risk profile of the entire organization. This weariness towards authentication processes is not merely a byproduct of inconvenience; it is a symptom of systemic issues that require a comprehensive analysis to address effectively.

For security managers, grappling with MFA fatigue entails delving into the intricacies of human behavior as much as it involves understanding the technicalities of cybersecurity mechanisms. It necessitates a careful examination of the user experience, identifying friction points that could lead to security fatigue. Critical to this understanding is the recognition that the frequency and complexity of MFA requests are principal drivers of fatigue. Security protocols that demand too much of users, either in terms of the time taken or the cognitive load imposed, inevitably lead to a search for shortcuts, which in turn compromises the system’s integrity.

In essence, addressing MFA fatigue is a dual challenge that involves not only tweaking the technical aspects of MFA implementation but also reshaping the user interaction with these systems. Security managers are called upon to architect MFA solutions that are not only robust but are also intuitive and user-friendly, thereby safeguarding the organization’s assets while ensuring a seamless user experience. This intricate dance between security and usability forms the crux of the battle against MFA fatigue, a battle that demands both ingenuity and empathy from those at the helm of cybersecurity initiatives.

The Catalysts Behind MFA Fatigue: Identifying the Root Causes

The underpinnings of MFA fatigue are multifaceted, rooted in both the technological landscape and the human experience of navigating it. Chief among these catalysts is the frequency of authentication demands placed upon users. In an era where digital access is a non-negotiable aspect of daily operations, the relentless barrage of authentication requests can erode patience and resilience, leading to a critical state of fatigue. This incessant requirement for verification, while designed to protect, paradoxically becomes a vulnerability as users seek paths of least resistance, often at the expense of security.

Further compounding this issue is the complexity and perceived intrusiveness of some authentication methods. Processes that demand considerable cognitive effort or those that significantly disrupt user workflow not only degrade the user experience but also invite resistance. Such complexities inadvertently encourage the pursuit of convenience over compliance, nurturing an environment ripe for security oversights.

Moreover, the psychological aspect of MFA fatigue cannot be overlooked. The constant state of alertness required by rigorous authentication protocols can induce a sense of skepticism or even nihilism towards the efficacy of such measures. This psychological weariness, when left unaddressed, fosters a culture of indifference towards security protocols, undermining the very foundation of cybersecurity efforts.

In dissecting these root causes, it becomes evident that MFA fatigue is not merely a symptom to be treated but a signal pointing towards deeper issues within the cybersecurity infrastructure and organizational culture. Recognizing and understanding these catalysts is the first step in devising more effective, empathetic, and enduring solutions to this pervasive challenge.

The Ramifications of MFA Fatigue on Security Posture

The fallout from MFA fatigue infiltrates the very sinews of an organization’s security framework, compromising its strength from within. As users, beleaguered by incessant authentication requests, begin to seek the path of least resistance, the carefully constructed defenses start to show cracks. This degradation is not merely a matter of inconvenience but a significant strategic vulnerability. Errant behaviors such as the dismissal of security notifications, the recycling of passwords, or resorting to simplistic authentication methods become alarmingly common. Each of these actions, while seemingly trivial in isolation, collectively undermines the organization’s security posture, transforming it into a target ripe for exploitation.

The consequences are far-reaching and multifaceted. An organization, once fortified by rigorous authentication protocols, finds itself exposed to an array of cyber threats. The potential for data breaches escalates, carrying with it the twin specters of financial loss and reputational damage. The breach of customer data not only erodes trust but also invites scrutiny from regulators, leading to potential legal repercussions. Moreover, the operational disruption, the diversion of resources to mitigate breaches, and the long road to restoring integrity and trust are challenges that can set an organization back significantly.

In this light, MFA fatigue represents not just a technical hurdle, but a profound risk to the organization’s security landscape. Its implications extend beyond the immediate inconvenience to users, threatening the very foundation upon which trust and reliability are built. Recognizing the gravity of this issue is the first step toward fortifying defenses and reasserting control over the organization’s digital domain.

Engineering Solutions to Counter MFA Fatigue

Crafting an effective strategy to mitigate MFA fatigue transcends basic adjustments, weaving together innovative technologies and user-centered design principles to strike a harmonious balance between unwavering security and optimal user experience. A pivotal component of this strategy involves the deployment of adaptive authentication mechanisms. These systems intelligently calibrate the rigor of authentication protocols to the context of each access request, minimizing unnecessary friction for users under low-risk conditions while tightening security for higher-risk scenarios. This nuanced approach not only enhances security but also respects the user’s time and mental bandwidth, thereby reducing the potential for fatigue.

Further amplifying the effectiveness of this strategy is the integration of biometric verification methods. By leveraging characteristics that are inherently unique to each individual, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, we can offer a seamless yet secure authentication experience. These methods, inherently less intrusive and quicker than traditional password-based systems, can significantly alleviate the cognitive load on users, curtailing the onset of fatigue.

In parallel, the judicious application of machine learning algorithms stands as a testament to the power of data-driven insights in the fight against MFA fatigue. These advanced systems can predict when users are most likely to experience fatigue and adjust authentication requirements in real-time, ensuring a dynamic and responsive security posture.

Together, these engineered solutions represent a sophisticated blend of technology and empathy, a testament to our commitment to not only protect but also to empower the digital citizenry in an age where security and usability are paramount.

A Call to Arms: The Role of Visionary Leadership in Overcoming MFA Fatigue

Addressing the challenge of MFA fatigue transcends the realms of technological fixes and user-centric designs, elevating the discourse to the pivotal role of visionary leadership. The leaders within our digital fortresses are not merely strategists or decision-makers; they are the harbingers of a culture that marries security with seamlessness, and resilience with responsiveness. To surmount the hurdles posed by MFA fatigue, it necessitates a leadership ethos that embodies and imparts a profound appreciation for the intricacies of cybersecurity and the human element intertwined within it.

Visionary leaders in this context act as catalysts for change, instigating a shift in perspective from viewing MFA as a mere procedural necessity to recognizing it as a cornerstone of our collective digital well-being. This shift is paramount in cultivating an environment where the principles of security are not seen as impediments but as essential enablers of digital freedom and trust. It is through the articulation of this vision and the demonstration of an unwavering commitment to both security and user experience that leaders can galvanize their teams and user communities.

The true measure of success in this endeavor lies in fostering a pervasive culture of security mindfulness—one where every member understands the role they play in the cybersecurity ecosystem and is equipped to navigate its challenges with knowledge and resolve. Visionary leadership, therefore, is not just about making decisions; it’s about inspiring a shared commitment to a secure digital future, thereby transforming the battle against MFA fatigue from a technical skirmish into a collective crusade for a safer cyber world.

Charting the Course Forward: Strategies for Sustainable MFA Implementation

Navigating the journey towards a sustainable MFA framework mandates an ethos of perpetual vigilance and adaptability. It compels security managers to adopt a proactive posture, one that prioritizes continuous assessment and iterative improvement of authentication processes. A crucial aspect of this dynamic approach involves the strategic collection and analysis of user feedback, which serves as a compass guiding the refinement of MFA systems. This feedback, rich with insights into user experience and potential friction points, allows for the customization of authentication mechanisms, ensuring they are not only secure but also aligned with user needs and expectations.

To further enhance the efficacy and resilience of MFA strategies, the integration of predictive analytics and machine learning technologies stands as a beacon of innovation. These sophisticated tools have the capacity to delve into vast datasets, identifying patterns and trends that may signal the onset of MFA fatigue. By harnessing these predictive capabilities, security teams can anticipate challenges and automate adjustments to authentication requirements, ensuring a responsive and fluid security posture that adapts to the evolving landscape.

At its core, the pursuit of sustainable MFA implementation is anchored in cultivating a culture where security is perceived not merely as a technical requirement but as a collective endeavor. It involves enlightening and engaging the entire organizational ecosystem, from the top echelons of leadership down to every individual user, in a shared mission to protect digital realms. This holistic approach underscores the belief that the strength of our cyber defenses is intricately tied to the awareness, engagement, and empowerment of all stakeholders in the digital security equation.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Portnox
Portnox provides simple-to-deploy, operate and maintain network access control, security and visibility solutions. Portnox software can be deployed on-premises, as a cloud-delivered service, or in hybrid mode. It is agentless and vendor-agnostic, allowing organizations to maximize their existing network and cybersecurity investments. Hundreds of enterprises around the world rely on Portnox for network visibility, cybersecurity policy enforcement and regulatory compliance. The company has been recognized for its innovations by Info Security Products Guide, Cyber Security Excellence Awards, IoT Innovator Awards, Computing Security Awards, Best of Interop ITX and Cyber Defense Magazine. Portnox has offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia. For information visit http://www.portnox.com, and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.。

Shift left: Proactive security, embedded early in development

Deepfakes are back in the news. With widespread social and geopolitical instability and a pivotal election looming in the US, these AI-powered hoax videos are injecting some extra chaos into affairs. Blurring the lines between fact, fiction, politics, technology, and showbiz, deepfakes are an unprecedented wildcard to keep an eye on this year. Cyberview dives in.

What are deepfakes?

Definitions first: Deepfakes are highly realistic synthetic video or audio created with AI models. These deep learning (hence “deepfake”) models are trained on huge quantities of data to mimic a person’s facial expressions, lip movements, and vocal patterns.

Deepfakes are created with Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), where two models work together (or more accurately, against each other) for optimum results. One model, the generator, creates the fake content, while its partner model, the discriminator, acts as a judge. Low quality fake content is rejected, the convincing material is accepted, and the discriminator constantly pushes the generator to improve across iterations. The result? Convincing videos of people saying or doing things they never did.


The cybersecurity challenge

Deepfakes, unsurprisingly, pose significant cybersecurity risks. Identity theft, fraud, and authentication exploits are all made easier with this technology. A Hong Kong finance worker was fooled into transferring $25 million to fraudsters due to a deepfake impersonation of the company’s CFO.

In another high-tech heist, a company director’s voice was cloned. The cyber conmen got away with $35 million. Vishing (voice phishing) and other social engineering techniques have just received the equivalent of a supercharged power-up with deepfakes.

In the political sphere, deepfakes are being used to influence public opinion. Thousands of citizens in New Hampshire received calls that appeared to use AI to impersonate President Joe Biden’s voice, who urged them to skip voting in the January Democratic primary election. The calls were traced back to a company in Texas with suspicious motives and funding.

Soon after this event, fake videos of megastar Taylor Swift announcing her support for Donald Trump circulated online. In an election year balanced on a knife edge, further devious use of deepfakes could do a lot of damage.


Battling against the fakes

Efforts are underway to combat the deepfake threat. Social media and content platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Meta, and Twitter are implementing policies and features to detect, label, or remove misleading AI-generated content.

OpenAI’s DALL-E generated images now include digital watermarks in image metadata. Google has gone a step further with SynthID, which embeds a watermark directly into the pixels of the image. But none of these methods are infallible. A recent study by University of Maryland students found that “our attacks are able to break every existing watermark that we have encountered.”

On the legislative and regulatory side, the FCC promptly banned AI in robocalls following the election interference calls. Currently only about ten states target deepfake content, and these have generally prioritized non-consensual pornographic material. There’s no overarching federal legislation yet, but the No AI FRAUD Act, if enacted, would “provide individual property rights in likeness and voice.” The EU’s AI Act, which will demand transparency from creators of synthetic content, is currently being finalized.

How you can detect deepfakes

Here are a few tips to spot deepfakes:

  • Unnatural movements, poor lip syncing

  • Shadows in the wrong places

  • Vocal inconsistencies, unusual tone/inflection

A good rule of thumb is to verify information from multiple sources before believing it (or sharing it further). And some timeless advice that applies always and forever: Be skeptical of anything that seems too good (or bad) to be true, especially online.

Check out the new Cyberview episode on your favorite platform:

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Nord Security
The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

About NordLayer
NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses – from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security.

The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

Keep control of your cloud journey

Over the past decade, there has been an undoubted shift towards companies adopting and efficiently managing their applications and data in the cloud. However, this rush towards the cloud has left many companies with more complexity within their IT environments and unexpected costs. In reality, most customers today are operating in a hybrid environment for a variety of reasons. We’ll take a look at a number of those reasons below. 

Even those companies that rushed their customers to the cloud are now offering those same customers more options to take a step back from the cloud; including hybrid and on-premises options for their IT environments. However, these options come at a higher price to the customer.

At Parallels, we have always believed in offering choice and flexibility for customers, as they should be able to take their cloud journey at a pace that best suits their needs. Customers vary in their requirements for public cloud services. For some, it is a fundamental requirement to realize the benefits that public cloud services bring, such as agility and ever-green architecture. For others, it’s not a core part of their IT strategy at all, at least not today. There are many in between, as surveys continue to show.

Why hybrid cloud deployments?

The options for deploying your IT environment are diverse, ranging from on-premises, single-cloud and multi-cloud configurations and various combinations of these. In July 2023, the Parallels team conducted a survey aimed at gaining deeper insights into businesses’ choices of IT environments, the infrastructure types they employ, and the motivations driving these decisions.

Of the 805 IT professionals we surveyed, 64% were actively using a hybrid cloud approach within 2023. Of the respondents spanning North America and Europe, 38% intended to increase their hybrid approach throughout 2024. This suggests there is a clear understanding of the benefits of making use of both on-premises and cloud deployments. Within the same survey, 89% believed that the public cloud offers significant value for their business.

Furthermore, many of our respondents cited flexibility, security, and cost savings as their primary reasons for choosing the hybrid cloud over 100% public and 100% private clouds. Of this group, 49% chose the hybrid cloud because of increased flexibility, 46% for improved security, 45% for cost savings, 44% for increased reliability, and 40% for more scalability.

For businesses using a hybrid approach, flexibility is important because it offers them the time needed to navigate their cloud journey at their own pace.

The emphasis on security in choosing hybrid cloud solutions is understandable. With cyberattacks on the rise, security concerns weigh heavily on IT leaders, causing significant worry. Sensitive data or information subject to regulations is best-kept on-premises rather than in the cloud, reflecting a cautious approach.

Cost considerations also drive organizations toward hybrid cloud solutions. While cloud adoption promises lower initial costs by eliminating the need for physical infrastructure like data centers, long-term operating expenses (OpEx) must be carefully evaluated.

The study also explored the primary cost benefits expected from a hybrid approach. Among participants, 31% noted that a hybrid strategy helps manage expenses associated with transitioning to the cloud by implementing the shift gradually.

Based on the findings from this survey, it’s clear that the value of the cloud is almost unanimous, offering near-instant access to key resources and the ability to scale up or down depending on the business needs. However, it’s clear that many IT organizations also intend to retain an on-premises environment to combat concerns with data security and cost predictability. Furthermore, the hybrid model offers many businesses flexibility in when and how they transition to the cloud.

A gold rush…to the cloud

Several years back, a plethora of companies advocated for a significant shift among businesses, urging them to abandon their VDI and on-premises setups in favor of embracing a cloud-first strategy. The rationale behind this push was that these advocating companies stood to gain the most from such a transition. By leveraging the vast array of cloud resources and enjoying the flexibility of accessing cutting-edge technologies, businesses were promised a multitude of benefits. However, for many, this migration came at a hefty cost.

Citrix was a keen advocate of this move as well as Microsoft and Amazon Web Services. These companies made significant investments in products and solutions to support businesses moving to the cloud and had reason to encourage them to completely move to a public cloud model.

Many businesses that eagerly embraced the call for a cloud-first approach found themselves grappling with unexpected challenges. The transition unfolded at a pace that often outpaced their accustomed rate of change, causing significant struggles. Some of the hurdles these businesses faced in the transition to a cloud-first approach included effectively managing IT costs, skills, and the organizational culture changes that came with it.

Additionally, some businesses hesitated to fully commit to a single delivery model, recognizing the potential drawbacks of locking themselves into one approach. Nevertheless, they still felt pressured to follow the prevailing trend towards cloud adoption.

The cost of moving at a pace different from your own

Moving towards a public cloud approach at a speed that is not befitting to your competencies can have a significant impact on the performance of your business. Here are some concerns to be aware of:

Costs

Embracing the public cloud is often seen as the most financially savvy approach to establishing an IT infrastructure, as it eliminates the need for substantial upfront capital expenditures on hardware such as servers. Instead, it necessitates only lightweight client and endpoint devices to access applications and data from the cloud.

However, over time, the costs associated with configuring, deploying, and managing public cloud instances can escalate compared to the predictable costs of owning and managing servers over a 5–10-year lifecycle. These costs are contingent upon usage, and any usage spikes result in additional expenses. Furthermore, price increases contribute to additional costs. Without meticulous management, automation, and analytics, businesses may find themselves paying for resources that remain underutilized.

Skill shortage

Skill shortage emerges as a critical, albeit potentially short-term, concern for numerous businesses transitioning entirely to the public cloud. This shortage often stems from hasty migrations undertaken without adequate preparation. Shifting applications and data across platforms essentially entails a full reset, introducing new processes, software, and systems that demand a heightened level of understanding. This understanding can only be cultivated through extensive training of existing staff.

In instances where businesses rush their migration to the cloud, the existing team may not have sufficient time to undergo training and formulate a comprehensive migration plan. Consequently, companies may resort to recruiting individuals with the requisite skills to expedite the migration process, albeit at inflated costs.

While this skill shortage may self-correct over the next five years, it remains a critical consideration in the present landscape. Organizations must carefully assess their readiness for cloud migration, ensuring adequate preparation and resource allocation to mitigate the impact of skill shortages on their transition to the public cloud.

Limited control

The public cloud serves to relieve businesses from the burden of configuring and maintaining the infrastructure needed for a virtualized IT environment. However, this transfer of responsibility can lead to a loss of control. Public cloud services often provide standardized configurations and services, which may not fully align with your specific needs. This limitation can hamper your ability to customize the environment to suit your exact requirements and may result in reduced visibility into the underlying infrastructure supporting your applications and data. Consequently, troubleshooting issues, optimizing performance and ensuring compliance with internal policies or regulatory requirements may become more challenging.

Additionally, despite public cloud providers typically offering high availability and reliability, service disruptions can still occur due to factors beyond your control, such as outages or maintenance activities. These disruptions may limit your ability to mitigate their impact on your IT operations.

Vendor lock-in

Transitioning to the public cloud can lead to vendor lock-in, where your applications and data become closely tied to specific cloud provider services or technologies. This entanglement can complicate and raise the cost of switching providers later on, exacerbating the limitations on your control over your IT environment.

Moreover, migrating to the public cloud means relying on the cloud provider for many facets of your IT infrastructure, such as hardware provisioning, network configuration, and software updates. This dependency diminishes your direct control over these crucial components.

Back peddling from cloud to on-premises

Even companies that initially encouraged the move to the wholesale cloud have started to recognize this was not the best course of action for many customers or that these customers want more flexibility in their own cloud journey.

Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI)

Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI) is a software-defined IT infrastructure framework that integrates compute, storage, networking, and virtualization resources into a single, unified system. In traditional data center architectures, these components are often managed separately, leading to complexity and inefficiency.

Leading companies like Nutanix and Scale Computing have been offering this type of framework to customers for many years, which in essence, offers the advantages of a cloud model but within your own data center. This integrated approach not only simplifies infrastructure management but also provides scalability and agility, helping organizations meet their evolving IT needs with ease.

Microsoft is now following this type of framework with its own HCI offering, which hosts Windows and Linux VMs or containerized workloads and their storage. It’s a hybrid product that connects the on-premises system to Azure for cloud-based services, monitoring, and management. Microsoft Azure Stack HCI offers the security of an on-premises server located within your company’s office walls but is managed through the Azure subscription and based on virtualization principles.

The key difference here is that the business is not purchasing the initial hardware. Microsoft is providing it as part of the service at a monthly cost, which includes the flexibility of both cloud and on-premises, loaning of hardware and cloud resources, and the management and analytics of the environment.

Universal licensing

Another example is Citrix and its Universal Licensing model. Before the introduction of Universal Licensing, Citrix offered two main pathways for delivering its digital workspace solutions. Firstly, customers could opt for Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (CVAD) to run on virtual resources in a location of their choice, traditionally purchased as a perpetual license with annual maintenance, but now available solely through a subscription model for new customers.

Furthermore, customers seeking the flexibility to operate across both public cloud and on-premises environments require Universal Licenses. This newfound flexibility, however, comes at a higher cost for customers and depends on the size of the organization. Therefore, limiting this option to organizations with more than 250 user licenses and to those customers wanting to stay away from the more costly Universal Licensing model and remain on their existing afraid cannot. Learn more in our blog post that asks: “Does Citrix Universal Licensing provide simplicity — or not?”

Many leading cloud-centric companies are acknowledging the importance of allowing customers to transition to the cloud at their own speed, with hybrid solutions emerging as a valuable option for many on this migration journey. However, these companies have also effectively leveraged this gradual transition and customer preference for hybrid environments to develop more profitable business models for themselves. So, what is the solution? Find out how Parallels® RAS can help.

Parallels RAS: A simplified hybrid deployment for app and desktop delivery

Parallels RAS has always offered a universally licensed approach, with a simple subscription model eliminating complexity for businesses. Parallels RAS grants access to all features, including secure gateway access, across various deployment options such as on-premises, public cloud, or hybrid environments.

This flexibility extends to optimized Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), VDI desktops in the public cloud or data center, and remote access to physical workstations. Parallels RAS emphasizes avoiding vendor lock-in, prioritizing customer choice, and maintaining simplicity in its offerings.

With a focus on meeting customer needs, Parallels RAS continues to deliver on its promise of simplicity, empowering users to consume resources where they are most effective. Consider evaluating your current or potential virtual apps and desktops vendor to ensure alignment with your requirements and preferences.

Making your move to the cloud

A scenario for many customers could involve retaining the current on-premises infrastructure while transitioning away from Citrix to Parallels RAS or adopting a hybrid model. Many organizations have said it is easier to migrate to Parallels RAS rather than moving to the next version of Citrix. With this approach, organizations can utilize Parallels RAS to manage Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) deployments alongside their existing on-premises systems. This strategy offers the flexibility to carefully plan and execute change management strategies at a pace that suits the organization’s needs.

It allows for thorough testing and gradual migration of specific workloads or departments to the cloud while maintaining stability and continuity with the on-premises infrastructure. This method enables organizations to leverage the benefits of cloud technology while mitigating risks and ensuring a smooth transition for users and IT operations.

Final words

The cloud presents tangible benefits that many companies can swiftly access. An on-premises infrastructure remains essential for providing security and cost predictability to businesses. By embracing a hybrid approach, companies can leverage the strengths of both environments. Contrary to common belief, achieving a hybrid deployment doesn’t necessitate an increase in costs; instead, it allows organizations to tailor their cloud journey according to their unique pace and requirements.

Parallels champions choice and flexibility through its universally licensed Parallels RAS, empowering organizations to seamlessly manage virtual desktop deployments across on-premises, public cloud, or hybrid environments. This approach ensures a gradual transition to the cloud while preserving stability and control over IT operations.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About SafeDNS
SafeDNS breathes to make the internet safer for people all over the world with solutions ranging from AI & ML-powered web filtering, cybersecurity to threat intelligence. Moreover, we strive to create the next generation of safer and more affordable web filtering products. Endlessly working to improve our users’ online protection, SafeDNS has also launched an innovative system powered by continuous machine learning and user behavior analytics to detect botnets and malicious websites.

24.3.3 Voyager released

Changes compared to 24.3.2

New Features

  • Added new SMB Storage Vault type

Enhancements

  • Refreshed the UI for the Protected Item wizard in the Comet Backup desktop app
  • “After” tasks will now run even for jobs which have been cancelled
  • Changed “Job History” on the Comet Server web interface to “Job Logs”
  • Added an option to the IAM-Compatible Storage Template to choose between creating buckets or subfolders
  • Added an option to the IAM-Compatible Storage Template to support Object Lock
  • Added an option to the IAM-Compatible Storage Template to support creating buckets in non-default S3 regions

Bug Fixes

  • Fixed an issue causing File and Folder restores to sometimes hang when cancelled
  • Fixed an issue with Comet reporting the incorrect uploaded total in the backup job report if uploading to an S3 Storage Vault with Object Lock enabled
  • Fixed an issue with missing Comet Storage options in the Constellation dialog in the Comet Server settings page
  • Fixed an issue with “Internal Error” messages when viewing the Constellation Bucket Users report page early after Comet Server starts up
  • Fixed an issue with the Recent Activity page if a job started at precisely midnight
  • Fixed an issue with Comet Server stalling user profile operations if there is a high load of live connected devices

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Comet
We are a team of dedicated professionals committed to developing reliable and secure backup solutions for MSP’s, Businesses and IT professionals. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, we understand the importance of having a reliable backup solution in place to protect your valuable data. That’s why we’ve developed a comprehensive suite of backup solutions that are easy to use, scalable and highly secure.

The Advantages of Passwordless Certificate-Based Authentication in Conditional Access

As cyber attacks evolve and become more sophisticated, adopting and implementing robust security measures is not just a recommendation; it’s an imperative. Among these measures, the implementation of a conditional access policy stands out as a foundational element in safeguarding enterprise SaaS and on-premises applications across your organization. A strategic approach to conditional access not only fortifies your defenses but also ensures that your access protocols are seamless and user-friendly. A particularly innovative method in enhancing these protocols is through passwordless certificate-based authentication, which when integrated into your conditional access strategy, can significantly uplift your security posture.

Unpacking the Essentials of Conditional Access Policies

Conditional access policies serve as the sophisticated sentinels at the vanguard of protecting your organization’s enterprise applications. These dynamic frameworks are pivotal in contemporary cybersecurity tactics, intelligently determining the veracity and compliance of every access request to your data and applications. By scrutinizing a variety of parameters, including the user’s identity, the integrity of the device in use, geographical location, and behavioral patterns, conditional access policies adeptly manage who gets access to what, under which circumstances. This meticulous evaluation process ensures that access is judiciously granted, effectively minimizing the likelihood of unauthorized entry into your network.

Embracing a conditional access policy is about striking a delicate equilibrium between unyielding security and operational fluidity. It’s about fostering an environment where security protocols do not become a bottleneck to productivity but rather enhance it by ensuring seamless and secure access to necessary resources. This paradigm shift towards adaptive security measures necessitates a keen understanding of conditional access best practices. These practices advocate for a judicious application of security measures, tailored to align with the unique needs of your organization and the evolving landscape of cyber threats. Through this lens, conditional access policies emerge not just as a barrier, but as a catalyst for secure, efficient, and resilient organizational operations.

Passwordless Certificate-Based Authentication & Conditional Access

Within the ambit of conditional access, the shift towards passwordless certificate-based authentication heralds a transformative phase in cybersecurity defense mechanisms. This avant-garde approach effectively addresses the inherent vulnerabilities associated with traditional password systems by supplanting them with a more secure and resilient authentication model. By deploying digital certificates as a means of verifying user identity, organizations can substantially diminish the avenues for cyber adversaries to exploit. This method capitalizes on the unique attributes and possession of certificates, making unauthorized access exponentially more challenging for attackers.

Passwordless authentication, when seamlessly integrated into conditional access frameworks, does more than just elevate security measures; it revolutionizes the user experience. It eradicates the hassles of password management — the constant cycle of updates, the risks of weak passwords, and the specter of phishing attacks — thereby streamlining access processes. This synergy of convenience and security is pivotal in crafting a digital environment where productivity and protection are not mutually exclusive but are instead complementary forces.

By adopting passwordless certificate-based authentication, organizations are not merely adapting to the current trends in cybersecurity. They are proactively setting a standard, marking a departure from reactive security measures to a more deliberate, calculated approach that places them at the forefront of technological innovation and security excellence. This strategic pivot not only fortifies their defenses but also aligns with the broader objective of creating a more secure, efficient, and user-centric digital landscape.

Employing a Risk-Based Approach with Conditional Access

Embracing a risk-based approach within your conditional access policies is akin to navigating the complex cybersecurity landscape with a finely tuned compass. This strategy is predicated on a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted nature of risk, treating each access request as unique and subject to its own set of potential threats and vulnerabilities. At the heart of this approach lies the capacity to discriminate between varying degrees of risk, applying a calibrated set of authentication protocols that are directly proportionate to the assessed level of threat.

In this dynamic framework, passwordless certificate-based authentication emerges as a pivotal element, offering a robust yet flexible solution that can be adapted based on the real-time assessment of risk. This method enables a seamless authentication process for users, minimizing disruption while maintaining an ironclad security posture. The agility of passwordless authentication, underpinned by the solidity of certificate-based credentials, provides a potent defense mechanism that can be modulated in accordance with the risk landscape.

This risk-based approach is not static; it evolves in concert with emerging threats and shifting user behaviors. By continuously analyzing and adjusting to the risk profiles of access requests, conditional access policies remain both relevant and resilient. Through this judicious blend of flexibility and security, organizations can safeguard their digital assets while promoting a secure, user-centric environment that prioritizes both efficiency and protection.

Implementing Advanced Conditional Access Strategies

To fully capitalize on the transformative potential of passwordless certificate-based authentication within your organization’s conditional access framework, integrating cutting-edge strategies becomes imperative. This encompasses a holistic view that extends beyond mere authentication to include sophisticated device and user behavior analytics. Constructing policies that dynamically adjust to the fluctuating threat landscape, and leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms for nuanced anomaly detection, represents the zenith of conditional access sophistication. By automating responses to detected irregularities, your organization can ensure a proactive stance towards potential security threats, significantly reducing the window of opportunity for malicious actors to exploit vulnerabilities.

This forward-thinking approach mandates a seamless marriage of technology and strategy, where adaptive security measures are continuously refined to address the latest security challenges. The inclusion of real-time threat intelligence and automated policy adjustments enhances the robustness of your security framework, ensuring that your defenses evolve in tandem with the cyber threat environment. Such a strategy not only elevates the security posture of your organization but also underscores its commitment to pioneering a safer digital future. By adopting these advanced conditional access strategies, your organization not only secures its digital assets and user data but also establishes itself as a vanguard in the realm of cybersecurity innovation, ready to face the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and resilience.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Portnox
Portnox provides simple-to-deploy, operate and maintain network access control, security and visibility solutions. Portnox software can be deployed on-premises, as a cloud-delivered service, or in hybrid mode. It is agentless and vendor-agnostic, allowing organizations to maximize their existing network and cybersecurity investments. Hundreds of enterprises around the world rely on Portnox for network visibility, cybersecurity policy enforcement and regulatory compliance. The company has been recognized for its innovations by Info Security Products Guide, Cyber Security Excellence Awards, IoT Innovator Awards, Computing Security Awards, Best of Interop ITX and Cyber Defense Magazine. Portnox has offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia. For information visit http://www.portnox.com, and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.。

Outcome-Driven Cybersecurity Metrics: The New Language of the CISO

CISOs are constantly challenged to not only protect their organizations from cyber threats but also effectively communicate the importance of their work to other C-Level executives. One emerging trend that is revolutionizing this communication is the use of cybersecurity outcome-driven metrics. These metrics not only provide a clearer picture of the effectiveness of cybersecurity efforts but also serve as a common language that bridges the boardroom communication gap between the CISO and other executives.

The Evolution of Cybersecurity Metrics: From Technical to Strategic

The journey of cybersecurity metrics from a narrow technical focus to a strategic breadth signifies a pivotal shift in the cybersecurity domain. Initially centered around granular, technical indicators such as incident counts or patch levels, these metrics provided a myopic view, often isolating cybersecurity initiatives from broader business objectives. This siloed approach, while instrumental in understanding the immediate efficacy of specific security measures, obscured the holistic impact of cybersecurity on organizational resilience and strategic goals.

The evolution toward outcome-driven metrics reflects a profound transformation in how cybersecurity’s role within the enterprise is perceived and valued. As organizations navigate the complexities of digital transformation, the interdependencies between cybersecurity and business success have become unmistakably clear. Cybersecurity is no longer an IT concern; it’s a cornerstone of business continuity, brand reputation, and customer trust. Recognizing this, the transition to strategic metrics represents a maturation of the cybersecurity function, underscoring its integral role in achieving business objectives. CISOs need to regularly gather and communicate cybersecurity metrics that answer board questions in a language that senior leaders understand.

This paradigm shift necessitates a departure from exclusively quantifying cybersecurity in terms of threat vectors, attack surfaces, or compliance checkboxes. Instead, the focus has broadened to encompass metrics that articulate cybersecurity’s contribution to business vitality. These include indicators of risk reduction, financial impact mitigation, and strategic alignment, which illuminate the tangible benefits of cybersecurity investments. By quantifying the value of cybersecurity in this manner, the conversation extends beyond the confines of technical jargon into the realm of business impact and competitive advantage.

Strategic cybersecurity metrics facilitate a more informed dialogue with stakeholders across the organization, fostering a shared understanding of cybersecurity’s pivotal role in safeguarding and enabling business operations. This holistic perspective empowers CISOs to advocate for cybersecurity not merely as a defensive necessity but as a strategic enabler that drives organizational agility, resilience, and growth.

In navigating this transition, the imperative for cybersecurity leaders is to select and refine metrics that resonate with the strategic priorities of the organization. This alignment ensures that cybersecurity initiatives are recognized, not as isolated technical endeavors, but as pivotal contributors to the organization’s strategic success, fostering a cybersecurity culture that is both vigilant and value-driven.

Identifying Outcome-Driven Metrics that Lead to Success

In the quest to fortify organizations against cyber threats, identifying the correct outcome-driven metrics is paramount. These metrics transcend traditional, often insular security measures, focusing instead on how cybersecurity initiatives bolster the broader business strategy and objectives. It is a meticulous process, requiring a discerning eye for metrics that encapsulate the true essence of cybersecurity’s value proposition.

Key to this endeavor is the alignment of cybersecurity efforts with the organization’s overarching goals. Outcome-driven metrics might include the quantifiable reduction in cybersecurity incidents that result in operational disruptions, a metric that speaks volumes to the board about the cybersecurity team’s effectiveness in maintaining business continuity. Equally important might be metrics that track the organization’s improvement in compliance with regulatory standards, thereby reducing legal liabilities and fostering a culture of accountability and trust.

Furthermore, the measurement of the return on investment (ROI) of cybersecurity initiatives is a compelling metric. This involves not only the cost savings from averting potential security breaches but also the preservation and potential enhancement of the organization’s market position through robust cybersecurity practices. Such metrics not only quantify the financial impact of cybersecurity efforts but also underscore the strategic role of cybersecurity in safeguarding the organization’s reputation and customer trust.

Advancing this strategic discourse requires CISOs to harness metrics that reflect the efficacy of cybersecurity training programs, measured perhaps by a decrease in employee-induced security incidents. This aligns with the strategic goal of fostering a security-aware culture, underpinning the organization’s resilience to evolving cyber threats.

The selection of these metrics is not static; it demands ongoing refinement in response to the dynamic cybersecurity landscape and the strategic evolution of the organization. It entails a collaborative approach, engaging stakeholders across the organization to ensure these metrics resonate with the varied perspectives and priorities within the executive suite.

Embracing outcome-driven metrics is thus not merely an exercise in measurement; it is a strategic endeavor that positions cybersecurity as an indispensable pillar of organizational success. In this light, CISOs champion a forward-thinking perspective, articulating the value of cybersecurity in terms that are both compelling and congruent with the strategic vision of the organization. This strategic alignment is the linchpin in transforming cybersecurity from a perceived cost center to a strategic asset, integral to the organization’s resilience and competitive advantage.

How CISOs Can Bridge the Boardroom Communication Gap

In an era where the language of cybersecurity is increasingly becoming a critical dialect in the boardroom, CISOs face the significant challenge of translating intricate technical concepts into strategic insights that resonate with other C-level executives. This communication gap, if left unbridged, can isolate cybersecurity from core business discussions, undermining its importance in guiding strategic decisions. However, the introduction of cybersecurity outcome-driven metrics offers a groundbreaking solution to this conundrum, equipping CISOs with the tools needed to articulate the value of cybersecurity initiatives in terms that are meaningful and impactful to their peers.

The essence of these metrics lies in their ability to quantify the effectiveness of cybersecurity efforts in achieving strategic business objectives. For instance, by correlating cybersecurity initiatives with a reduction in the risk exposure of the organization, CISOs can highlight the direct impact of their work on enhancing the organization’s resilience and operational stability. This approach shifts the narrative of cybersecurity from a cost-centric to a value-driven perspective, emphasizing its role as a strategic enabler rather than a mere compliance requirement or technical hurdle.

Moreover, by adopting these outcome-driven metrics, CISOs can pave the way for a more collaborative and informed dialogue with fellow executives. This dialogue is not about delving into the minutiae of cybersecurity tactics but about presenting a holistic view of how cybersecurity underpins and propels the strategic ambitions of the organization. It involves discussing the ROI of cybersecurity investments in the context of risk mitigation, brand protection, and customer trust, thereby demonstrating how cybersecurity is intrinsically linked to the organization’s growth and competitive edge.

The transition to utilizing cybersecurity outcome-driven metrics demands a nuanced understanding of both the cyber landscape and the strategic business environment. It calls for CISOs to step beyond the traditional confines of their role, advocating for cybersecurity initiatives through a lens that aligns closely with the strategic priorities and risk appetites of their organizations. By effectively leveraging these metrics, CISOs not only bridge the communication gap with other C-level executives but also position themselves as indispensable strategic partners in steering the organization towards a secure and prosperous future.

Embracing the Challenge: A Call to Action for Aspiring CISOs

In a landscape where cybersecurity threats loom with increasing complexity and sophistication, the mantle of leadership within this domain carries with it a responsibility that extends far beyond the confines of traditional IT security measures. For those aspiring to ascend to the role of Chief Information Security Officer, the future beckons with a challenge that is both daunting and exhilarating. The gauntlet has been thrown down, not just to safeguard the digital fortresses of our organizations but to redefine the very essence of what it means to be a CISO in the modern enterprise.

The cornerstone of this transformation lies in the adept utilization of cybersecurity outcome-driven metrics. These metrics, nuanced and aligned with the broader strategic objectives of the organization, are your arsenal in demonstrating the indispensable value of cybersecurity initiatives. They serve not merely as a beacon guiding defensive strategies but as a bridge connecting the intricate world of cybersecurity with the overarching goals of business growth, resilience, and innovation.

The imperative now is for aspiring CISOs to cultivate a dual fluency: one in the language of cybersecurity and the other in the vernacular of strategic business leadership. This dual fluency enables the articulation of cybersecurity’s role not as a peripheral concern but as a central pillar underpinning the organization’s strategic vision. It’s about elevating the conversation from the operational to the strategic, showcasing how cybersecurity initiatives contribute to reducing risk, enhancing operational efficiency, and fostering trust among stakeholders.

This journey demands a proactive stance, a willingness to engage with and educate fellow executives on the strategic benefits of cybersecurity, leveraging outcome-driven metrics as the narrative framework. It requires a vision that sees beyond the immediate horizon of threats to the vast potential of cybersecurity as a driver of business value.

Therefore, to those poised to step into the realm of CISO leadership, the path ahead is clear. Embrace the challenge, champion the strategic value of cybersecurity through outcome-driven metrics, and position yourself not just as a defender against threats but as a visionary leader propelling your organization towards a secure and thriving future.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Portnox
Portnox provides simple-to-deploy, operate and maintain network access control, security and visibility solutions. Portnox software can be deployed on-premises, as a cloud-delivered service, or in hybrid mode. It is agentless and vendor-agnostic, allowing organizations to maximize their existing network and cybersecurity investments. Hundreds of enterprises around the world rely on Portnox for network visibility, cybersecurity policy enforcement and regulatory compliance. The company has been recognized for its innovations by Info Security Products Guide, Cyber Security Excellence Awards, IoT Innovator Awards, Computing Security Awards, Best of Interop ITX and Cyber Defense Magazine. Portnox has offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia. For information visit http://www.portnox.com, and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.。

NordLayer Partner Program: Klavan Security Services on how one partner supports two different partnership models

A discussion with Andrew Amaro, the Founder and Chief Security Officer at Klavan Security Services, about adapting to client needs, taking different roles, the benefits of the NordLayer Partner Program, and what perspectives are anticipated for different industries.

Highlights

  • About the company. Through its holistic approach, Klavan Security Services merges physical and cybersecurity to offer comprehensive services across industries.

  • Business case. Klavan Security Services serves a diverse clientele, from startups to the military. They focus on vulnerability identification and mitigation for effective defense, especially for SMBs enhancing digital security.

  • NordLayer adoption. By integrating NordLayer’s VPN and secure access tools, Klavan Security Services strengthens its commitment to providing a unified defense strategy against cyber threats.

  • Benefits of NordLayer Partner Program. The partnership enhances Klavan’s security offerings, streamlines client onboarding, and supports complex compliance needs with NordLayer’s easy administration and insightful dashboard.

  • Future industry projections. Andrew Amaro highlights the criticality of addressing social engineering, human vulnerabilities, and supply chain risks with a strong security culture and layered strategies in the evolving cybersecurity landscape.

About the company

Klavan Security Services, nestled in the vibrant city of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, is a beacon of innovation in the security industry. It’s a boutique firm that distinguishes itself by addressing physical and cyber security challenges, offering a full spectrum of protective services.

Klavan Security Services tailors its services to address the most pressing risks first, laying a robust foundation for a scalable security infrastructure from card access systems to ransomware protection. It works with every possible industry, focusing on challenge type rather than a customer profile.

Andrew Amaro, a Chief Security Officer and the Founder of Klavan Security Services, embodies a holistic perspective on safety. He talks about how he navigates the stormy waters of cybersecurity and how NordLayer helps find the right direction.

The business case: addressing diverse client needs via flexibility and holistic approach

With a clientele ranging from startups to military organizations, Klavan Security Services demonstrates versatility. The company’s agility allows it to serve various industries. Its focus is primarily on small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) seeking to enhance their digital hygiene or shield themselves against sophisticated threats.

“Suppose a threat or a risk is coming towards a person, organization, or facility. In that case, you need to look at which gaps a malicious actor will take advantage of to get in, which could be from any angle depending on their motivation.”

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Klavan Security Services identifies and mitigates vulnerabilities using an attacker’s perspective, ensuring a fortified defense against potential breaches.

According to Andrew Amaro, when it comes to security, you have to look at it from start to finish in a holistic fashion. You can’t examine the physical and cyber subjects separately. You have to view it together.

“It doesn’t matter what a company does but what category of threats it faces based on how an organization operates.”

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When assessing the risks, the Klavan Security Services approach follows a deduction model. First, they define the approach of needed support. Then, by identifying the type of company, how it functions, and what it does, the company can follow up on the common risks and vulnerabilities in that regard.

Different circumstances, the same ultimate goal to secure a business with a helping hand

Various industries, work models, and processed data indicate diverse security strategies and targets when protecting a business. Not only client security needs but a type of needed support urges for flexibility and trust-based partnership to adapt to particular client scenarios:

Reseller and MSP strategies for assessing and adapting to client needs

An organization that wants to be a bit more digitally hygienic and a facility that is protecting itself from state-sponsored attackers require different applications of security solutions. On the other hand, some organizations need support in the procurement processes of a selected solution.

Depending on the risks and threats, Klavan Security Services takes an attacker’s perspective of the highest risk and provides a solution, says Andrew Amaro.

How to identify risks

Bringing together all aspects of the security industry, Klavan Security Services stands out from most security service providers by employing a unique approach to solving a problem with a one-dimensional solution.

Seeing in-depth and handling challenges by layers helps Klavan Security Services identify and tackle the full scope of risks. Implementing bad actor perception and tools of wide spectrum capabilities enables a successful collaboration that brings desired results.

Close-up on the solution

Klavan Security’s collaboration with NordLayer is a testament to its comprehensive security model.

“NordLayer’s solution is a piece of the puzzle providing a much-needed shield. If I want to provide a complete security solution for an organization that includes a VPN, secure access and encryption becomes part of the build of their Batman tool belt to protect them.”

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NordLayer’s suite of services, including VPNs and secure access solutions, integrates seamlessly into Klavan Security Services’s offerings, enhancing its clients’ security postures.

Opposite client profiles, one solution

Klavan Security Services has two clients that use NordLayer for different reasons. One is a governmental institution that needs to secure its connections and data. The other one is a startup that needs to achieve SOC2 compliance requirements.

Securing government or startup with NordLayer

Klavan Security Services looks at challenges methodically. Traditional ransomware gangs and different types of malicious actors will probably target organizations on the web. If a company has to deal with sensitive information or government contracts, they’re opening new doors to different types of risks.

Solutions for handling such threats must adapt to fluctuating risks. It’s important to acknowledge that risks are multi-dimensional. They depend on a company type and cybersecurity landscape changes thus, the tools must be available to adapt quickly.

Through cases like a governmental institution and a Canadian startup, Klavan Security Services showcases the flexibility and effectiveness of NordLayer’s tools in supporting diverse operational needs and compliance goals.

Why join the NordLayer Partner Program?

The NordLayer and Klavan Security partnership isn’t a typical partner story. First, NordLayer started collaborating with Klavan as an MSP for its current client. After some time, Klavan Security Services took a reseller role since NordLayer sought a locally managed security service provider (MSSP) to support our client-to-be in a procurement process.

NordLayer benefits for partners

NordLayer team constantly looks for solutions that fit their client’s best interests, from cybersecurity solutions to procurement processes. In this case, a governmental institution needed a partner who could be trusted in the process and provide support. Thus, NordLayer contacted Klavan to introduce them as a fitting middleman for the situation.

The partnership with NordLayer opened a new opportunity and a gateway to advanced security solutions that complement Klavan Security’s holistic approach.

“NordLayer dashboard provides a proper way of controlling and seeing who comes in and out of the network. History information helps if credentials get stolen or misused by providing insights from the start of an attack.”

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The ease of administration, the diversity of network options, and the detailed usage insights NordLayer provides empower Klavan Security to deliver top-tier security solutions.

Besides the technicalities, the partnership with NordLayer led Klavan Security Services to acquire a new client. In instances when clients cannot proceed with direct tenders themselves due to regulations and approved processes, the collaboration between a service provider and a partner becomes a merging point.

Acting not only as an MSP but also as a reseller, Klavan Security Services filled the gap between a client and a service provider. It’s typical for governmental institutions to follow complex and prolonged processes, and collaborations like Klavan Security and NordLayer simplify such procedures by eliminating bureaucratic obstacles.

Thank you, Andrew, for sharing your journey with NordLayer, building trust and resilience in a dynamic cybersecurity landscape.

Future projections: an in-depth look into a multitude of cybersecurity threats

From the subtle art of social engineering to the intricate web of supply chain dependencies, Andrew Amaro offers a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of cybersecurity. Understanding these challenges is the first step toward fortifying defenses and ensuring a safer future for businesses in an increasingly interconnected world:Cybersecurity industry future trends by Klavan Security Services

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About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Nord Security
The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

About NordLayer
NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses – from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security.

The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.