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CISO Job Security Worries in Cybersecurity Roles

Rising Concerns About Job Stability for CISOs in Cybersecurity

CISO job security is becoming and increasingly worrisome topic among cyber professionals as the role is evolving into the cornerstone of an organization’s defense strategy, the expectations and pressures have grown exponentially. A recent survey of 200 US CISOs at companies with a minimum annual revenue of $500m produced some interesting results on the topics. Alarmingly, 99% of CISOs fear losing their jobs if a breach occurs, highlighting the immense stakes tied to their performance. Furthermore, 77% of CISOs express being very or extremely concerned about job loss following a major breach, reflecting the high levels of anxiety that pervade the profession.

These concerns are compounded by the challenges of navigating an ever-changing landscape filled with sophisticated cyber threats and rising compliance demands. Every CISO surveyed agrees that it’s impossible for even the most agile company to keep up to date with every regulation in a rapidly changing landscape. This underscores the pressures faced by cybersecurity leaders who are expected to excel despite the seemingly insurmountable complexities of their role.

Elements Leading to Job Instability for CISOs

The role of a CISO is fraught with challenges that can significantly impact job stability. The general C-suite tenure is 4.9 years making CISO job security a growing concern. Frequent high-profile breaches and ransomware attacks exert enormous pressure on cybersecurity leaders, placing their strategies and decisions under intense scrutiny. These events not only tarnish the reputation of the company but also spotlight any shortcomings in a CISO’s approach, thereby raising questions about their effectiveness.

Moreover, the escalating regulatory pressures and compliance mandates necessitate constant vigilance and adaptability to evolving standards. The ever-changing landscape of regulations demands that CISOs remain informed and responsive, a task that can be as daunting as it is essential. This adds another layer of complexity to an already demanding role.

Balancing stringent security measures with the need for operational efficiency is another critical challenge. Cybersecurity must integrate seamlessly with business operations, yet this integration often involves trade-offs that can affect the overall security posture. Stakeholders and boards expect swift, effective responses to cyber incidents, creating an environment where the margin for error is minimal.

Additionally, the pressure to secure sensitive data and uphold the company’s reputation intensifies job insecurity. One misstep in handling a security incident can have far-reaching consequences, making the CISO’s role precarious. The combination of these factors contributes to an environment where job stability is a continual concern, compelling CISOs to prove their value through strategic acumen, technical expertise, and effective communication.

Influence on Decision-Making Processes

The pervasive job insecurity is reshaping the decision-making landscape for CISOs. A notable shift towards proactive measures, beyond the traditional detection and response, is increasingly apparent. Emphasis on fundamental practices such as identity management and access control is gaining prominence, offering a vital layer of risk mitigation. Regulatory compliance has also become a primary focus, with significant attention devoted to new standards such as NIS2. This proactive stance not only strengthens the organization’s security posture but also provides a crucial buffer against the uncertainties that come with the role.

Additionally, CISOs are investing more in advanced threat intelligence to anticipate and neutralize potential risks before they materialize. This forward-thinking approach underscores the importance of staying ahead of evolving cyber threats, ensuring that defenses are always one step ahead. Stakeholder expectations are also influencing decision-making processes, driving the need for transparent communication and swift, effective responses to incidents. This heightened level of accountability demands a balance between robust security measures and operational efficiency, a delicate dance that requires both technical expertise and strategic insight.

Furthermore, the integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, is playing a crucial role in enhancing decision-making capabilities. These technologies enable CISOs to analyze vast amounts of data in real-time, providing actionable insights that inform more precise and timely decisions. By embracing these innovative tools and methodologies, CISOs can better navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape and reinforce their indispensable value within their organizations.

Tactics for CISO Job Security

In an ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape, CISOs must deploy a range of tactics to fortify their job stability. One key strategy is to prioritize transparent and frequent communication with stakeholders, especially during security incidents. This not only builds trust but also showcases the CISO’s accountability and leadership. Another crucial element is the development and implementation of comprehensive incident response plans. Collaborating with third-party experts can offer additional perspectives and bolster the organization’s preparedness.

Investing in continuous education for both themselves and their teams is essential. This includes staying updated on emerging threats, new technologies, and evolving regulatory requirements. A proactive stance on cybersecurity through rigorous employee training programs ensures that the entire organization is aligned with the security goals.

Moreover, aligning cybersecurity initiatives with the broader business objectives can significantly enhance a CISO’s value proposition. This involves integrating security measures into the core operations of the company, making cybersecurity an integral part of the business strategy.

Utilizing cutting-edge technologies, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, can also play a vital role. These advanced tools help in analyzing vast amounts of data, providing actionable insights that enhance decision-making capabilities. By adopting these innovative solutions, CISOs can demonstrate their commitment to maintaining a robust and adaptive security framework, thereby strengthening their position within the organization.

The Importance of Cutting-Edge Security Technologies

Modern security technologies are transforming the cybersecurity landscape, offering CISOs powerful tools to tackle complex challenges. Cloud-native Network Access Control (NAC) and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) provide flexible, scalable solutions for securing today’s hybrid work environments. By implementing strict access policies based on user identity, these technologies significantly bolster an organization’s defense mechanisms. The ability to enforce granular controls ensures that only authorized users gain access to critical resources, reducing the risk of breaches.

Additionally, the rise of machine learning and artificial intelligence enhances threat detection and response capabilities. These technologies can analyze vast amounts of data in real-time, providing actionable insights that help CISOs stay ahead of emerging threats. By integrating these advanced tools, organizations can develop a more adaptive and resilient security posture. Embracing innovation is essential for maintaining robust defenses and demonstrating a proactive approach to cybersecurity. Cutting-edge technologies not only address current vulnerabilities but also future-proof the organization against evolving risks, reinforcing the pivotal role of the CISO in safeguarding the enterprise.

Approaches for Sustaining a Long-Term Career as a CISO

Navigating a long-term career as a CISO in today’s evolving cybersecurity landscape requires a blend of resilience, continuous learning, and strategic foresight. It’s essential to develop a diverse skill set that encompasses not only technical proficiency but also leadership, communication, and business acumen. This multifaceted expertise enables CISOs to engage effectively with stakeholders across the organization, promoting a culture of security and ensuring that cybersecurity is ingrained in the company’s strategic objectives.

Information security jobs are projected to grow by 32% between 2022 and 2032. Staying ahead of industry trends and emerging threats is vital. Regular participation in professional development opportunities, such as industry conferences, certifications, and workshops, keeps CISOs informed about the latest advancements and best practices. Networking with peers and thought leaders provides a platform for sharing insights and strategies, fostering a collaborative environment that can lead to innovative solutions.

Moreover, fostering a culture of security within the organization is crucial. This involves advocating for comprehensive employee training programs that emphasize the importance of cybersecurity at all levels. By doing so, CISOs can ensure that everyone within the organization is aligned with the overarching security goals, thereby creating a robust defense against potential threats.

Investing in cutting-edge technologies, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, enhances the ability to anticipate and respond to cyber threats effectively. Leveraging these tools not only strengthens the security infrastructure but also demonstrates a proactive approach, reinforcing the CISO’s indispensable role in safeguarding the enterprise.

Securing the Future: Opportunities Amidst Challenges for CISOs

The role of a CISO is both demanding and pivotal. By adopting a proactive approach that emphasizes risk mitigation, transparent stakeholder communication, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies, CISOs can effectively navigate the complexities of their position. Strategic alignment with business objectives and continuous education are also crucial for demonstrating value and ensuring job stability. Emphasizing a culture of security within the organization further solidifies the CISO’s leadership role. While challenges are ever-present, embracing these strategies enables CISOs to not only fortify their organizations but also secure their professional futures. With visionary leadership, the path ahead, though challenging, offers immense opportunities for growth and impact.

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.。

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.

Inbox Overload: How to Prevent BEC Attacks

The holidays are over, and you know what that means? Your inboxes are full of emails. 

But some of those emails might contain malicious links or files disguised to appear from trusted colleagues or even the C-suite within your organization. Can you tell the difference between a business email compromise (BEC) attack and a legitimate email from your CEO?

In this blog, we’ll dive into what a BEC is, the different types of BEC attacks, and how MSPs can spot them effectively before they reach their employees’ or clients’ inboxes. 

What is Business Email Compromise (BEC)? 

A business email compromise (BEC) is a type of social engineering attack where scammers look to defraud targeted employees. What makes a BEC unique is that the messaging and tone appear to come from legit senders, typically from the CEO or other high-ranking executives.

What makes these emails even more effective is their sense of urgency, designed to pressure employees into taking immediate action. For example, a common BEC might contain a message from the CFO asking for a wire transfer to “pay a vendor invoice.” Without proper employee training, such as routine phishing simulations, an unsuspecting employee might comply without verifying the request or sender details. BEC attacks accounted for 14% of all impersonation attack activity in corporate inboxes

The open rates for these emails are alarmingly high. A study found that 28% of BEC emails are opened by employees with 15% of those emails receiving a reply.

BEC attacks have cost organizations over $50B in losses within the past decade. 

AI Making BEC Attacks Harder to Detect

Scammers have begun leveraging Generative AI in their emails with striking accuracy and high success rates.

BEC attacks skyrocketed 20% YoY in Q2 2024 thanks to the advancements in AI-based technology. Scammers can now mimic the precise tone and writing style of C-level executives quite convincingly. 

The finance department in particular remains a prime target for BEC attacks as they have the authority to approve wire transfers, pay invoices, and handle sensitive financial information. AI-generated BEC emails use familiar language that a CFO or controller might mistake for a legitimate payment request. 

BEC emails can bypass traditional security filters as they are personalized to the recipient and appear to come from a trusted source within the organization. Attackers also leverage obfuscation techniques such as URL spoofing, HTML tag manipulation, payload encryption, and embedding links within images to evade email security filters. 

Types of BEC Attacks

Here are 5 types of BEC attacks: 

CEO Fraud: Attackers impersonate the role of a C-level executive, generally the CEO, asking for an urgent transfer of funds or sensitive information. Attackers spend a great deal of effort researching the company, even the CEO’s writing style and typical communication patterns on social media platforms and PR/media sites. This helps them craft targeted emails using the CEO’s tone, terminology, and phrasing.

Account Compromise: Attackers gain unauthorized access to a legitimate employee’s email account, typically through phishing, and leverage the information to send fraudulent requests, such as payment approvals to colleagues or partners.

Attorney Impersonation: There is almost nothing quite as intimidating as receiving a legal letter from an attorney in your inbox. One common form of BEC involves scammers posing as lawyers, requesting immediate payment for services, and sending attachments that appear to be official documents the recipient might recognize.

Data Theft: Data is pure gold to an attacker. They can resell stolen information, such as passwords, accounts, credentials, and financial data, on the dark web for quick profit returns. 

Scammers may also use the stolen information later on for identity theft or to launch more targeted spear phishing campaigns.

False Invoice Scam: Attackers leverage compromised email accounts of legitimate vendors or suppliers to send fake invoices for services. To the untrained eye, these types of BEC emails are increasingly difficult to detect, especially for a busy financial controller who is managing a large number of unpaid invoices with balances due to a variety of vendors. The billing details will go to a fraudster’s bank account and may go unnoticed until the vendor actually reports the missed payment or threatens legal action. 

4 Ways to Spot a BEC

Here are a few red flags to be aware of the next time you log into your corporate inbox:

  1. Suspicious Email Header: Look for inconsistencies in the email header, such as unusual “Reply-To” or “From” addresses or email routing anomalies. BEC emails often contain disguised headers to hide their malicious offerings. Always verify the legitimacy of the sender. Check for DKIM, SPF, and DMARC authentication to ensure that the addresses come from trusted domains.
  1. Poor Grammar & Typos: BEC emails often contain misspellings, grammatical errors, and excessive punctuation, such as multiple exclamation marks (!!!) at the end of a sentence, designed to create a sense of urgency and prompt an employee to take immediate action. Poor grammar is a classic sign of a phishing attempt. Take the time to go over the email thoroughly.
  1. Email Context: Pay close attention to the body of the email itself. Any message asking you to “re-confirm” your personal details is a huge red flag. These keywords are usually accompanied by requests for processing a wire transfer or other financial transaction, such as an “unpaid supplier invoice” or “overdue balance.” Needless to say, you should never enter any sensitive financial details or PII without approval.
  2. Timing: Scammers try to catch people off guard, and the best time to do so is during a holiday such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, when phishing attempts peak. Scammers also time BEC emails for Fridays, when employees are more relaxed heading into the weekend and less likely to report suspicious emails.

Avoid responding to “urgent” emails received on a Friday without verifying the sender. If the email appears to be from the CEO or another executive, confirm its legitimacy through a direct message on Slack or a quick phone call. That extra step can help prevent a massive breach. 

And as always, whenever in doubt, just don’t open the email. 


Prevent BEC Attacks and Bolster Email Security with Guardz 

Guardz’s unified cybersecurity platform leverages advanced machine learning and AI to monitor email activity, detect suspicious patterns through detailed email header analysis, and automatically enforce DMARC policies.

With Guardz’s auto-remediation tool, malicious emails are intercepted and either deleted or marked as safe before they can reach your employees’ or clients’ inboxes. 

Take a proactive approach to email security and BEC prevention with Guardz. 

Speak with one of our experts today.

Start Free Trial

About Guardz
Guardz is on a mission to create a safer digital world by empowering Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Their goal is to proactively secure and insure Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) against ever-evolving threats while simultaneously creating new revenue streams, all on one unified 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.

Cross-forest authentication with Thinfinity: secure multi-domain access

Introduction

In modern enterprises, IT environments often span multiple Active Directory (AD) forests, hybrid cloud platforms, and external identity providers (IDPs) such as Azure Entra ID, Okta, and PingID. Securely managing authentication across these disparate environments is a critical challenge for CIOs, CISOs, and IT administrators.

Thinfinity provides a powerful Cross-Forest Authentication solution through Global Account Mapping, ensuring seamless user authentication across multiple domains while maintaining a Zero Trust Security Model. This article explores how Thinfinity achieves secure cross-domain authentication, leveraging 2FA, external IDPs, and directory federation.

 
 

What is cross-forest authentication?

Defining active directory (AD) forests

An Active Directory forest is the highest-level security boundary in a Windows Server environment. Multiple forests can exist within an organization due to:

  • Mergers & Acquisitions: Different companies with separate AD infrastructures.
  • Security Segmentation: Isolating user groups or business units.
  • Geographic Distribution: Multiple regional offices managing separate IT infrastructures.
 

Challenges in cross-forest authentication

Cross-forest authentication becomes a challenge when users need to access resources outside their native AD forest. The main obstacles include:

  1. Credential Duplication: Users often require separate accounts for each domain.
  2. Lack of SSO (Single Sign-On): Logging into multiple domains requires multiple authentications.
  3. Security Risks: Traditional authentication mechanisms expose organizations to credential theft and privilege escalation attacks.
  4. Limited Integration with Modern IDPs: Many enterprises are moving to Azure Entra ID, Okta, and other cloud IDPs but still require legacy on-premises AD integration.

Cross-Forest Authentication Challenges

Cross-forest authentication challenges: credential duplication, lack of SSO, security risks, and limited IDP integration (Azure Entra ID, Okta)

The need for a secure cross-forest solution

To address these issues, organizations require:

  • A unified authentication mechanism that works across AD forests.
  • Seamless integration with cloud IDPs like Azure Entra ID, Okta, OneLogin, and ForgeRock.
  • Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) principles that ensure users only access authorized resources.

This is where Thinfinity’s Global Account Mapping comes into play.

Thinfinity’s global account mapping: How it works

Thinfinity simplifies cross-forest authentication by implementing Global Account Mapping, which associates external user identities with Thinfinity accounts and resource identities.

Step-by-Step Process of Thinfinity’s cross-forest authentication

1. External authentication via IDPs & Federation services

  • Thinfinity supports authentication from Google, Microsoft AD, Azure Entra ID, Okta, DUO, Auth0, ForgeRock, JumpCloud, PingID, and OneLogin. 
  • Supports SAML and OAuth 2.0 for federated authentication.
  • Thinfinity validates the user’s identity against their primary domain.

2. Global mapping of user identities

  • Thinfinity maps the authenticated user from an external domain to the internal AD forest account.
  • This ensures that external and internal users are seamlessly linked.

3. Role-based access vontrol (RBAC) enforcement

  • After authentication, Thinfinity assigns roles based on Active Directory groups or Thinfinity IDP policies.
  • Access is granted only to resources authorized for the assigned role.

4. Authorization for specific resources

  • Thinfinity ensures that only mapped identities can access Active Directory, Local Users, and Database-based User Apps (SQL, MongoDB, etc.).

5. Seamless multi-domain access

  • Thinfinity supports authentication and resource access across Corporate Domains and Secondary Domains.
  • This eliminates the need for users to manage multiple passwords across different forests.
Thinfinity cross-forest authentication: SSO, MFA, RBAC, IDP integration (Azure Entra ID, Okta), secure multi-domain access, and role-based authorization
 

Key benefits of Thinfinity’s cross-forest authentication solution

1. Secure access without VPN dependencies

Traditional VPN-based solutions struggle with cross-forest authentication, often requiring complex trust relationships. Thinfinity eliminates these issues by providing direct browser-based authentication using secure web protocols.

2. Seamless integration with Cloud IDPs & Multi-factor authentication (2FA)

Thinfinity integrates with leading identity providers like:

  • Azure Entra ID
  • Okta
  • PingID
  • OneLogin
  • Google Workspace
  • Duo Security
  • Auth0
  • ForgeRock

This ensures that users can leverage existing identity platforms while securing authentication with MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication).

3. Unified identity management with active directory & external domains

Thinfinity creates a centralized authentication layer, mapping external identities to internal AD resources. This allows:

  • Users to log in once and access resources across multiple forests.
  • RBAC (Role-Based Access Control) enforcement to restrict unauthorized access.
  • Elimination of duplicate credentials across different forests.

4. Support for hybrid and Multi-Cloud environments

Many enterprises run workloads across multiple clouds and require cross-domain authentication for:

  • On-premises Active Directory
  • Cloud-hosted Azure Entra ID
  • Hybrid cloud environments (AWS, GCP, Azure, private clouds)

Thinfinity ensures authentication is seamless across these environments, enabling secure access control.

5. Zero Trust architecture (ZTA) compliance

Thinfinity aligns with Zero Trust principles, ensuring:

  • Least Privilege Access: Users can only access authorized applications.
  • Adaptive Authentication: Based on device, location, and risk analysis.
  • Continuous Monitoring: Tracking authentication events and potential anomalies.
 
Thinfinity cross-forest authentication: SSO, MFA, IDP integration (Azure Entra ID, Okta), hybrid cloud support, and Zero Trust compliance
 

Use Cases

Use case 1: Enterprise deployment of cross-forest authentication

Scenario: Multi-Domain Organization with External IDP

A global enterprise has:
  • Corporate AD Domain (HQ)
  • Regional Active Directory Domains (Europe, APAC, Americas)
  • Cloud-based Azure Entra ID for remote users
  • Okta authentication for contractors
Thinfinity’s solution
  1. Users log in using Okta/Azure Entra ID credentials.
  2. Thinfinity maps external users to their corresponding AD accounts in the primary domain.
  3. Users authenticate once and gain access to all authorized applications.
  4. 2FA is enforced on each log in to enhance security.
  5. Access is logged for auditing and compliance.
Outcome

✓ Seamless authentication across multiple forests

✓ No password duplication or credential sprawl.

✓ Increased security via MFA and RBAC.

Achieving Seamless Enterprise Authentication

Enterprise cross-forest authentication: Thinfinity enables SSO, MFA, RBAC with Azure Entra ID, Okta, secure access, and audit logging.

Use Case 2: MSP-Hosted applications with customer-managed authentication

Scenario: Multi-Tenant MSP with Customer-Managed IDPs

A Managed Service Provider (MSP) offers hosted applications to multiple customers. Each customer:

  • Manages their own Azure Entra ID or Okta authentication.
  • Requires Single Sign-On (SSO) to access MSP-managed applications.
  • Has users in different Active Directory (AD) domains and requires seamless cross-forest authentication.

Challenges faced by the MSP

1. Multi-Tenant Identity Management
  • Customers do not want to provision separate credentials for the MSP’s environment.
  • The MSP must support authentication via each customer’s existing IDP (Azure Entra ID, Okta, etc.).
2. Secure Access Without VPN or Direct AD Trusts
  • VPN tunnels or Active Directory trust relationships with the MSP.
  • Traditional cross-domain authentication methods increase complexity and security risks.
3. Single Sign-On (SSO) to Hosted Applications
  • Users should authenticate once via their own Entra ID or Okta accounts.
  • They should get automatic access to applications hosted in the MSP’s data center or cloud.

Thinfinity’s solution: Global account mapping for MSPs

Thinfinity enables secure cross-forest authentication and SSO between:

✓ Customer-Managed Identity Providers (Azure Entra ID, Okta, PingID, etc.)

✓ MSP-Hosted Applications

Using Global Account Mapping, Thinfinity:

  1. Authenticates users via their customer-managed IDP (Azure Entra ID, Okta, etc.)
  2. Maps the authenticated identity to a corresponding Thinfinity account in the MSP’s domain.
  3. Grants access to MSP-hosted applications via SSO, enforcing Role-Based Access Control (RBAC).

How it works

  1. User logs into Thinfinity using their existing IDP (Azure Entra ID or Okta).
  2. Thinfinity validates authentication via SAML or OAuth 2.0.
  3. Global Account Mapping links the external IDP user to an internal account in the MSP’s environment.
  4. Thinfinity grants SSO access to the MSP’s hosted applications.

Outcome & business impact

✓ Customers authenticate using their existing credentials—no need to manage extra accounts.

✓ Seamless Single Sign-On (SSO) to MSP-hosted applications.

✓ No VPNs or direct AD trust relationships required, reducing security risks.

✓ Full Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) ensures users access only authorized applications.

Thinfinity’s Global Account Mapping Process

MSP cross-forest authentication: Thinfinity enables SSO, MFA, RBAC with Azure Entra ID, Okta, secure access to MSP-hosted applications

Why Thinfinity is the ideal solution for MSPs

  • Multi-Tenant Ready: Supports customer-managed authentication while centralizing access to hosted apps.
  • Cloud-First Security: Enables Zero Trust authentication across multiple identity providers.
  • Seamless Cross-Forest Authentication: Bridges customer IDPs with MSP-hosted environments.
  • Looking to enable secure SSO for MSP-hosted applications? Thinfinity’s Global Account Mapping provides the best solution for multi-tenant authentication.
 
 

Conclusion

Thinfinity’s Global Account Mapping for Cross-Forest Authentication provides enterprises with a secure, scalable, and seamless solution for managing authentication across Active Directory forests and external identity providers.

By integrating Azure Entra ID, Okta, and other IDPs, Thinfinity eliminates the complexities of cross-domain authentication while enforcing Zero Trust security and Multi-Factor Authentication.

With Thinfinity, enterprises can modernize their authentication strategy, ensuring users can securely access resources across all domains, clouds, and hybrid environments.

Key takeaways:

✓ Supports Cross-Forest Authentication without VPNs

✓ Seamless Integration with External IDPs (Azure Entra ID, Okta, DUO, etc.)

✓ Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) & MFA for Security

✓ Zero Trust & Secure Web Access Model

✓ Improves IT Efficiency by Eliminating Credential Duplication

 

About Cybele Software Inc.
We help organizations extend the life and value of their software. Whether they are looking to improve and empower remote work or turn their business-critical legacy apps into modern SaaS, our software enables customers to focus on what’s most important: expanding and evolving their business.

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.

A complete guide to Endpoint Management

 

What is Endpoint Management?

Endpoint Management is a crucial and decisive aspect of IT Service Management. Under this label are gathered the centralized management processes of all devices connected to the corporate network, from desktops to laptops, smartphones, and even IoT devices.

We are thus talking about monitoring, updating, and protecting all these endpoints, with two fundamental objectives: ensuring the highest levels of security and continuously increasing operational efficiency.

The Importance of Endpoint Management in Modern IT Environments

What we have highlighted so far makes the importance of Endpoint Management very clear. But it is essential to look even further.

In a corporate context characterized by increasing employee mobility, the expansion of remote work, and the rise of cybersecurity threats, Endpoint Management has become essential to ensure IT security and operational continuity. Put simply: it is almost indispensable.

Efficient management reduces risks associated with vulnerabilities and security breaches, improves the end-user experience, and helps maintain compliance with ever-evolving industry regulations.

Key Components of an Endpoint Management System

Devices: Desktops, Laptops, Mobile, and IoT

The IT architecture of a modern company is multi-channel and consists of a mosaic of different devices… a mosaic that must be organized and made to work optimally.

An effective Endpoint Management system must cover a wide range of devices, including desktops, laptops, smartphones, and IoT (Internet of Things) devices, which are likely to multiply in every type of company.

Managing heterogeneous devices is more necessary than ever, but it requires flexible solutions that can adapt to the various operational and security needs of each device and, of course, each company.

Software and Patch Management

It’s not just about devices. Endpoint Management also involves managing software and patches.

How? By ensuring continuous software updates (another aspect that helps prevent vulnerabilities that could be exploited for cyberattacks). All this is done with a holistic approach, where all company systems interact seamlessly.

Good centralized patch management also allows for the rapid application of critical updates to all devices, reducing the risk of exposure to threats.

Security and Compliance Controls
 

We know well: implementing robust security measures is essential to protect corporate data and ensure compliance with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA.

Tools such as multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and policy management help maintain high-security standards and address compliance challenges. All tools and solutions must be integrated harmoniously into the company’s IT services. This is also a role of Endpoint Management.

Best Practices for Effective Endpoint Management

There are many best practices for Endpoint Management, and they depend, of course, on the specific characteristics of each company, the industry in which it operates, and the context that surrounds it.

That said, some fundamental pillars can be identified, applicable in most situations; the most important are:

  • The use of standard configuration criteria to maintain consistency and uniformity.
  • Network segmentation to limit and regulate access to critical data.
  • Continuous device monitoring to detect anomalies early.
  • Last but not least, the continuous education and training of IT teams and all employees and collaborators. While we increasingly talk about technologies and automation, the human factor remains central. This must never be forgotten.

Tools for Centralized Endpoint Management

Centralizing endpoint management is crucial for security and efficiency; we’ve discussed this above. It must be done with a focus on the characteristics of the specific company but also by following best practices that are valid in general.

But what tools can make all this concrete and operational?

We are mainly talking about two major categories: Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) and Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions, which allow monitoring and control of all devices from a single platform.

These tools offer advanced and critical features such as asset inventory, application management, and the distribution of security policies.

Automation in Endpoint Management

The turning point in Endpoint Management has a clear identity: automation. In fact, automation has already brought a real paradigm shift for the entire IT sector.

Specifically, automating patch applications, configuration distribution, and incident response reduces the workload for the IT team and minimizes downtime.

This can be done with maximum simplicity today. But the future holds even more opportunities.

Challenges in Endpoint Management

Security Threats and Vulnerabilities
 

Expanding a company’s technological and digital surface also means increasing the attack surface for cybercriminals.

Put another way: the more devices connected, the more potential access points for malicious actions.

This is why endpoint protection has become an absolute priority. A proactive approach is more necessary than ever, one that includes continuous monitoring and automated threat response. This is exactly what Endpoint Management systems guarantee.

Managing Remote Workforces
 

Remote work is an increasingly leveraged opportunity for companies, particularly in more flexible and hybrid models.

As a result, managing remote devices presents a significant challenge to IT architecture. Ensuring the security and performance of devices used from home requires specific tools like remote support.

In this context, products such as EV Reach allow technicians to access user devices remotely, diagnose, and solve problems without the need for on-site intervention. With advanced features like real-time monitoring and secure system access, EV Reach allows for effective management of remote work challenges, ensuring operational continuity and reducing downtime.

Managing BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Policies
 

BYOD, or “bring your own device,” has several advantages (in terms of cost savings and convenience for employees and collaborators), but at the same time, it requires managing personal devices used for work purposes. This presents particular challenges in terms of cybersecurity since non-company devices may not meet required security standards.

Defining clear policies and using UEM tools can help mitigate risks, ensuring adequate data protection without sacrificing the benefits and conveniences of BYOD.

Conclusions

The future of Endpoint Management is already apparent in today’s developments.

In summary: a more holistic and integrated vision, the increasing adoption of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, and the constant development of automation systems with growing emphasis on real-time security management.

Maximizing Security and Efficiency with Modern Solutions
 

Implementing modern Endpoint Management solutions, such as UEM and remote support, helps companies maximize security and operational efficiency. Investing in advanced technologies and automating key processes thus allows risk reduction, improves the user experience, and ensures operational continuity.

All within a single, decisive virtuous cycle.

FAQ

What is Endpoint Management?
 

Endpoint Management is the process of managing all devices connected to the corporate network, aimed at ensuring security, compliance, and performance optimization.

What devices are included in Endpoint Management?
 

Desktops, laptops, smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices are all managed centrally to ensure uniform control, even in BYOD mode.

Why is Endpoint Management important for remote work?
 

Because it allows monitoring and protection of employee devices working outside the office, greatly reducing security risks and improving operational continuity.

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About EasyVista  
EasyVista is a leading IT software provider delivering comprehensive IT solutions, including service management, remote support, IT monitoring, and self-healing technologies. We empower companies to embrace a customer-focused, proactive, and predictive approach to IT service, support, and operations. EasyVista is dedicated to understanding and exceeding customer expectations, ensuring seamless and superior IT experiences. Today, EasyVista supports over 3,000 companies worldwide in accelerating digital transformation, enhancing employee productivity, reducing operating costs, and boosting satisfaction for both employees and customers across various industries, including financial services, healthcare, education, and manufacturing.

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.

Inside a hackers’ playbook for 2025: What to watch for

 

Summary: We spoke with Mary D’Angelo about how “moving left of the boom” in the cyber kill chain can help your business stay secure.

Why can unskilled cybercriminals now run sophisticated attacks? Will cybercriminals outpace us in an AI arms race? And what is the next big thing in cybersecurity in 2025?

We asked Mary D’Angelo, a threat intelligence and dark web expert, for her insights on emerging cyber threats and how businesses can prepare to protect themselves.

The interview’s highlights

  • AI and cybersecurity in 2025: 2025 is definitely going to be an AI arms race, with cybercriminals versus us.
  • Key industries under attack: Financial, healthcare, and manufacturing will still be the hardest-hit sectors.
  • The kill chain, cybercriminal tactics: Cybercriminals often follow the cyber kill chain, starting with gathering intel and ending with data exfiltration.
  • Moving “left of boom” with threat intelligence: Threat intelligence lets you disrupt attacks during the reconnaissance phase before they escalate.
  • The importance of proactive defense: No business is too small to be attacked, so businesses should make it more difficult for cybercriminals.

Cyber threats in 2025

Key insight #1: 2025 is going to be an AI arms race, with cybercriminals vs. us

NordLayer: As we closed 2024, what was the most common cyber threat?

Mary D’Angelo: The most common threat has been ransomware and other financially motivated attacks, a trend that is likely to continue in 2025. These attacks will become even more common because of the lower barrier to entry. Now, even relatively unskilled hackers can access different tools, like AI and malware, to run sophisticated attacks.

An example of this is the Lockbit source code leak that happened early in 2024. Many cybercriminals gained access to it, made minor tweaks to the code, and then deployed it onto their victims’ networks.

NordLayer: Gartner predicts that 25% of breaches will involve AI by 2028. What are the emerging threats in 2025 we should brace for, in your opinion?

Mary D’Angelo: I saw that stat, too, and I thought it was a really, really low number. From the research that I’ve done and the attacks that I’ve seen, most already include some level of AI. So by 2028, I think most attacks, not just 25%, will be using AI. 2025 is definitely going to be an AI arms race, with cybercriminals versus us.

Deepfakes will definitely be a huge one. Fake videos will be mostly used for social engineering tactics, and even phishing attempts will be automated by AI. For example, the content of phishing emails will seem much more authentic.

Another thing is AI-powered malware. It’s very sophisticated and can evolve based on the environment it’s in, making it harder to detect and neutralize.

There are also AI-poisoning tactics. As the name suggests, these involve manipulating AI models in security systems so that they produce incorrect results in cybersecurity operations. It’s a bit like the cat-and-mouse game, really.

 

NordLayer: These AI threats mean companies need to be more proactive. With cybercrime expected to cost $13.82 trillion by 2028, which industries will be hit hardest next year?

Mary D’Angelo: I think it’s the same as in 2024, so financial, healthcare, and manufacturing. Financial because it’s the most lucrative. Healthcare is often low-hanging fruit. Threat actors know it is stretched thin without the budget and resources to adopt better tools. However, healthcare has incredibly valuable data, which will always be a target. Manufacturing is at risk, too, mostly due to shadow IT and legacy systems. The infrastructure is often outdated, making it easier for threat actors to exploit.

However, there are attackers with a moral code. Some won’t target hospitals because of the ethics behind it. But they’ll justify attacking banks and large financial organizations. So, the financial sector will always be a top target.

Key insight #2: Bad actors typically use the cyber kill chain approach to carry out attacks

NordLayer: How do cybercriminals typically plan their attacks?

Mary D’Angelo: When you say cybercriminals plan their attacks, I think that gives them too much credit. They’re usually financially motivated, opportunistic, and sporadic. They’ll do research on who they want to target, but it’s not incredibly thorough because they look for the easiest prey and easy money.

NordLayer: And what tactics do cybercriminals use?

For their reconnaissance, they’ll go into the dark web, where many initial access brokers sell credentials at a decent price. But they follow what is called the cyber kill chain. It’s like the steps a threat actor takes to achieve their objective. The kill chain is basically six or seven stages, but it always starts with gathering intel. Then you have weaponization, where you develop the weapon you plan to use. Then, you have your command and control stage. Finally, data exfiltration or the attack.

NordLayer: The cyber kill chain is the hackers’ playbook, right?

Mary D’Angelo: Yes, the MITRE ATT&CK framework does a great job of defining the tactics a threat actor uses when trying to exfiltrate data from a network. Cybercriminals often don’t deviate from their playbook because it works. As the saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. They’ll try new approaches only when access is taken away from them, forcing them to start over.

It’s unfortunate, but organizations often fall behind because they lack the resources to implement better detection and response tools. Smaller organizations, including hospitals, don’t have those resources and hence are more vulnerable.

NordLayer: Given the threats and hacker tactics we’ve just discussed, what are the top 5 challenges businesses face this year?

Mary D’Angelo: Patching, technical debt, and legacy systems will be big challenges. Cloud security is still in its infancy for many organizations, so we’ll need to work on it collectively. Exposed and misconfigured vulnerabilities within systems also need attention.

Threat-specific responses

Key insight #3: “Moving left of boom” lets you stop attacks before they start.

NordLayer: How can threat intelligence solutions and security solutions work together to prevent cyber threats?

Mary D’Angelo: When it comes to threat intelligence, there are three buckets: tactical, operational, and strategic. If these three work alongside security operations, they can help you be more defensive rather than constantly reacting at the last minute. This way, you’re not always on the edge of your seat when threats or attacks come in.

Tactical threat intelligence helps security operations by providing background on indicators of compromise and ongoing threats. Strategic threat intelligence is about planning for the year. Executives will identify the ransomware groups more likely to target their organization and their tactics, then build a defense plan for the year to stay strong against them. Operational intelligence is about the day-to-day, ensuring your business has the right intel to respond effectively.

Most security tools don’t alert you until stages two or three of the kill chain. The advantage of dark web intelligence and threat intelligence is that you can be alerted at the very first stage—during the reconnaissance phase. This is when threat actors are doing their research to identify their next victim and how they plan to attack. By catching the threat early, you disrupt the cybercriminal, forcing them to start over with someone else.

That’s why threat intelligence is a powerful tool for organizations if done correctly and made actionable.

NordLayer: Threat intelligence has the power to break this cyber kill chain. How does it work?

Mary D’Angelo: Organizations often track their key criminal groups through strategic threat intelligence. For example, if I were in healthcare, I’d focus on the threat actors targeting the healthcare industry and understand their tactics and techniques. Once I identify these groups, I can set up systems to detect their activity.

A good analyst tracking the right dark web forums and marketplaces might come across an initial access broker selling credentials for a hospital. These brokers are very sneaky—they don’t directly name the hospital but mention the industry and the company’s revenue size. But if you’re sharp, you can identify the target hospital.

Once you know the attack is targeting you, you’re ahead of the game. The broker sells privileged access to the hospital, which could lead to a breach. By spotting this early, you can take action to mitigate the threat.

We always say “move left of boom,” a military term. It’s about getting as far left on the kill chain as possible. Instead of being alerted at stage three, when you’re panicking, you can act early and prevent the attack before it escalates.

NordLayer: So moving to the left of the kill chain also means always upgrading your security?

Mary D’Angelo: Yes, absolutely. Stressing that no business is too small to be attacked is never enough. So gear up for it and make it more difficult for cybercriminals.

NordLayer: Thank you very much for your insights.

Mary D’Angelo is a Cyber Threat Intelligence Solutions Lead at Filigran, where she focuses on democratizing threat intelligence. She started her career at Darktrace before joining Searchlight in 2021.

Outside of work, Mary is dedicated to supporting child safety initiatives through the Innocent Lives Foundation. She’s passionate about sharing her knowledge and continuing to learn as the cybersecurity field evolves.

How can NordLayer help?

Cybersecurity can feel overwhelming, but it starts with building awareness of safe digital practices. From there, focus on easy-to-deploy tools or partner with an MSP or MSSP to protect against opportunistic attacks.

NordLayer is a toggle-ready platform that offers comprehensive security to protect your business. Our solutions include:

We also recommend multi-layered Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) policies for stronger network protection. Need help? Our sales team is always ready to guide you every step of the way.

Monitoring the dark web is crucial for staying ahead of threats. This is where NordStellar comes in. It tackles vulnerabilities during the reconnaissance phase of the cyber kill chain.

The platform automates key security tasks, such as:

  • Dark web monitoring to track company-related risks
  • Leaked data management to protect employees and customers
  • Attack surface assessments to identify and mitigate potential weaknesses.

Together, NordLayer and NordStellar provide a proactive, multi-layered defense to protect your business.

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.

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.

How KPIs Help Us Monitor and Optimize Business Performance

Any IT strategist must keep in mind the business goal, so that their technology initiatives are aimed at delivering, rather than services and infrastructure, the added value of reliability and optimal performance that makes them achieve business goals and be more competitive. Read on to understand what KPIs are and how they help us with proper business management.

 

Definition of KPIs

According to Techopedia, un KPI (Key performance indicators) can be anything that an organization identifies as an important factor for the business. Under the principle that “if something is not measured, it is not improved”, a KPI measures results and, from there, if something deserves your attention, take actions to correct, improve and optimize. If your company is in retail, a KPI can be delivery times; in other companies, the sales close rate can be an extremely important KPI.
This means that even though KPI is a business-oriented term, IT strategists need to know what they are and what they are used for in business intelligence.

Examples of KPIs

Importance of KPIs in Business Management

KPIs help us measure progress, identify potential problems, and make decisions. To that end, KPIs must be defined according to a business management framework, with these features:

  • Be quantitatively and qualitatively measurable.
  • Have a goal related to the business.
  • Identify and solve variables in the organization.

To define IT KPIs, first you must understand business goals to align them with the business; then you may define business and type KPIs (financial, operational, sales, IT, etc.). With this, KPIs are written and monitored in real time and periodically.

How tools like Pandora FMS transform real-time KPI monitoring

Being able to measure the business with indicators ensures visibility on business performance, seeking to achieve objectives to be met and even exceeded. With Pandora FMS, it is possible to define custom dashboards with graphs and summaries, for monitoring KPIs in real time.

Example: User Experience (UX) Monitoring

Information centralization allows you to get the same display, streamlining communication and collaboration in your IT team. We invite you to learn about a success story in logistics by applying KPIs, by clicking on this link.

What are KPIs?

Understanding what KPIs are allows you to define them and know how to interpret them for the success of a functional area of the organization and their contribution to the overall success of the organization.

Concept of KPIs as measurable indicators

KPIs are the measures that have been selected to have visibility on organizational performance and are the basis for decision-making aimed at obtaining the expected results. KPIs are monitored and presented on dashboards to understand progress or alerts on an implemented strategy.

Difference between KPIs and general metrics

Even though KPIs and metrics measure performance, there are differences in their concept: KPIs are quantifiable measures to measure performance or progress on key goals for the organization and work as measurable benchmarks for long-term objectives. While metrics are quantifiable measures, they are used for specific business processes at operational level and in the short term.

Relationship between KPIs and the control panels offered by Pandora FMS

In Pandora FMS, from a single platform, you may have graphical interfaces that show KPIs in a visual, intuitive and organized way. You may display real-time data, analyze trends, make informed decisions, and take timely action. Each dashboard may be customized with charts, tables, and other visuals that represent KPIs. That allows KPIs to provide the essential metrics, while dashboards are an accessible and understandable way to visualize and analyze those metrics.

Pandora FMS Dashboard

Types of most common KPIs

One thing we recommend is to consider the best practices of each industry, as they help you identify the possible KPIs applicable to your organization, based on available data and constant monitoring. Some of the most common KPIs are:

  • Financial:
    • In sales, customer acquisition cost (CAC) measures the total cost of acquiring a new customer, including all expenses related to marketing and sales initiatives.
    • The profit margin is used to measure the amount of profit a company makes for each weight earned. This KPI reveals the amount of profit a business may retrieve from its total sales.
    • Cash flow evaluates the company’s ability to generate liquidity, which in turn reflects that it can pay the debts closest to expiration and also allows it to have a sufficient cash margin for possible defaults.
  • Operations:
    • The supply cycle time evaluates the average time from the generation of a purchase order to product reception.
    • Inventory turnover rate measures the number of times inventory is renewed in a defined period.
  • From IT:
    • Network uptime refers to the amount of time an IT infrastructure is operational and accessible. It is one of the most critical for IT management, as it has a direct impact on business productivity and efficiency.
    • Response time is what it takes for an IT team to respond to an incident, from the moment it is reported until it is identified and solved.

How Pandora FMS allows you to configure alerts and see these KPIs in a single dashboard

Pandora FMS platform is conceived to be able to configure alerts and display KPIs in the same dashboard efficiently and intuitively. To do so, the following steps should be followed:

    • alertswill be triggered. This may include incorrect values of a module, specific events, or

SNMP

    • .
    • Choose actions: Configures the actions that will be performed when an alert is triggered, such as sending an email, running a script, or logging an event.
    • Create commands: Defines the commands that will be run on Pandora FMS server when alerts are triggered. You may use macros to customize the parameters of these commands.
    • Assign groups: Define which commands are assigned to specific alert groups.

 

Once done, widgets (which are GUI elements, graphical user interface, or a small application that can display information and/or interact with the user) are added to the dashboard to display the KPIs you wish to monitor. You may include charts, tables, and other visuals. After adding them, widgets are customized to display the specific data you need, adjusting formatting, time intervals, and other parameters. Also, the dashboard is configured to be updated in real time, allowing KPI remote and continuous monitoring.

How to select the right KPIs

For KPIs to be effective, those that are truly aligned with the organization’s objectives must be appropriately selected. For that, implement KPIs that follow the same line as the company’s goals and strategic objectives.
As we said before, KPIs must add value to the organization, so it is important to know the strategic objectives and goals of your company (or the objectives of a strategic project) in order to define which KPIs make sense, since they must reflect progress towards that goal and its objectives. For example, if you have a manufacturing and distribution company, you should consider the KPIs we mentioned before, such as supply cycle time, inventory turnover rate, as well as production efficiency (percentage of productive time on the production line), total operating costs, delivery fulfillment, among others.

Practical example: selecting KPIs in a managed environment with Pandora FMS

The company Conferma, a provider of virtual payment technology in 193 countries, gives us an example of a selection of KPIs managed with Pandora FMS. For this company, the Confirmation Liquidation Platform (PLC) is fundamental, since it is the engine of reconciliation and liquidation. Monitoring was inefficient and time-consuming, considering multiple database servers, firewalls, load stabilizers, hardware security modules, virtual platforms, and web servers. Real-time display of data and processes was also required. By implementing Pandora FMS, it was possible to have tailor-made software and key database information to define the KPIs and dashboard to inform employees about the current performance metrics of the Conferma business platform, in addition to real-time automation of key performance statistics.

Tools to monitor and analyze KPIs

In management indicator monitoring, business intelligence and artificial intelligence turn out to be powerful tools to streamline the display and analysis of KPI performance, in addition to being able to automate corrective and even preventive tasks, which in sum makes the work of the IT team more efficient and quicker.

Importance of automation and display in KPI management

When leveraging automation for KPI management, data collection and analysis saves valuable time and avoids human error, and real-time insights are always critical in the up-to-date performance view. Automation also contributes to consistency through standardized and clear processes for everyone.
As for display, charts and dashboards are intuitive and clear knowledge material for everyone. Collaboration and communication are streamlined when we all have the same version of what is happening, allowing us to work in a more synchronized and effective way; and, of course, decision-making is done in a timely manner and is based on consistent and reliable information.

Pandora FMS-specific features

Pandora FMS has the capabilities to support your team in real-time display and monitoring of KPIs, such as:

  • Custom dashboard setup is a Pandora FMS feature that allows each user to build their own monitoring page. You may add more than one page, and in there you may add monitoring maps, graphs and status summaries, among other elements.
  • Remote and real-time monitoring, from the same platform, provides a detailed and updated real-time inventory of servers, network hardware, installed software packages, users, routers, etc. In addition, it offers real-time graphics for troubleshooting and performance monitoring. Also, APIs and remote monitoring are of great value for analyzing the state of the infrastructure and networks for a better response from your team.
  • Custom and detailed report generation to evaluate performance, and even from different areas, such as support, time management and projects. Custom reports can also be created with SQL queries. In addition, reports may be presented in different formats, such as HTML or PDF, and then automatically emailed to your customers.

Example of Pandora FMS report on SLA

Practical example of KPIs and their impact

To be clear about the impact of adopting KPIs, what better than a case study of implementing KPIs in a company that uses Pandora FMS:
At Salvesen Logística, logistics operator for food manufacturers and distributors. A tool was required that not only measured technical indicators such as performance, CPU, memory, etc., but also intelligence based on User Experience and business indicators. A probe programmed to simulate user behavior was implemented and every few minutes transactions are made on probes scheduled to emulate user behavior, at the same time transactions are made on the main global IT services for Salvesen customers. This comprehensive monitoring of key KPIs (such as order management, receptions, dispatches) allows you to maintain the expected service levels, in addition to being able to anticipate possible problems before they take place.

Obtained results: Reduced response times and improved SLAs. With Pandora FMS, transactional monitoring of the business has been implemented, reproducing the full cycle through which a message goes by, from when it leaves the customer, until it reaches our mailbox (Office 365, EDI, AS2, FTP, etc.). Pandora FMS has also been integrated with Salvesen’s WMS (Warehouse Management Service) and TMS (Transport Management System) platforms.

The main benefits have been:

  • Early alarms and proactivity management: detection of all service levels before it affects operations, allowing early reaction to tackle the issue, along with an automatic communication system with the employees or customers using template-based alarms (via email or SMS).
  • SLA management for comprehensive quality control of Salvesen Global IT Services. An executive report may be created for the management committee and senior management of the company. Also, SLA management allows you to have the information to be able to negotiate a contract renewal with a supplier.
  • Reduction of the operational load, saving 24% in the operational load of the IT area that previously had to do specific health checks, being able to focus on improvements in products and services for customers.

Conclusion

Business areas are clear about their initiatives and will be influencing decisions about IT initiatives that are aligned with the organization’s goal. You and your team must clearly define the IT KPIs that add value to the company, relying on tools with real-time information and in an intuitive way, in addition to taking advantage of business intelligence capabilities and automation that ensure the timely response of your team.
We invite you to rely on Pandora FMS to optimize monitoring, analysis and decision-making based on KPIs, by:

  • Automatic data collection from multiple sources, such as servers, applications and networks.
  • Alert and notification management, configuring automatic alerts to receive notifications in real time when problems or significant changes in KPIs are detected.
  • APIs to integrate business processes and automate configuration, notification and process management.

Reach out to our team of consultants to help you define KPIs and intuitive dashboard you and your team require.

 

 

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.

Nord Security

What is threat exposure, and how can you mitigate it?

What is threat exposure, and how can you mitigate it?

Threat exposure is a metric that every business owner should be aware of. Some might even say that it’s the most important part of maintaining business success. With that in mind, let’s explore threat exposure — specifically, what it is, what it shows, and how companies can reduce it.

Threat exposure: What is it?

Threat exposure is the combined total of cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities that threaten the company. It encompasses the weaknesses of every part of an organization’s IT environment, starting with the system and finishing with the third-party providers.

The importance of understanding threat exposure

Understanding a company’s threat exposure can provide insight into its security posture. Large threat exposure makes organizations vulnerable to cyberattacks and can lead to significant legal troubles along with major reputational and financial damage. Identifying vulnerabilities and implementing external attack surface management can help businesses curb the biggest cybersecurity weaknesses and reduce the chances of a successful cyberattack.

“Data is the new gold” — once just a catchy Salesforce campaign slogan, now strikes true more than ever. Protecting personal, company, and client information should be a top online priority for any business. Researching and defining effective threat exposure management strategies are the first steps in doing just that.

The dangers of ignoring threat exposure

Ignoring threat exposure in the organization is the same as ignoring the first symptoms of a disease. Eventually, both will cause serious problems. While you may not lose your life, disregarding a company’s threat exposure management can result in data breaches, brute-force attacks, and other cybersecurity incidents. Consequently, these can lead to lawsuits, fines, bad press, and operational disruptions.

 

How to mitigate threat exposure

Unfortunately, eradicating threat exposure is mission impossible. This leaves businesses with the second-best option — working tirelessly to mitigate it. Here are some tips on how companies can do this effectively.

Find all possible attack vectors

An attack vector is a specific path malicious actors can take to breach the company’s systems. The total of these attack vectors constitutes the organization’s attack surface, which is part of the company’s overall threat exposure. Employing security teams to find all possible attack vectors is crucial in defining and mitigating cyber risks. Regular system testing should be a norm for any business that aims to see a clear picture of its cybersecurity, review system vulnerabilities, and improve its threat exposure management.

Use cyber threat intelligence

Cyber threat intelligence is a cybersecurity field that aims to gather knowledge about all the existing and developing cyber risks, including their trends and advancements. Like the stock market, actively following updates and news in threat intelligence can provide new opportunities, enhance understanding (in this case, of potential attack paths), and reduce the risk of data breach (and, therefore, financial loss). Similar to how investors analyze trends to make informed decisions, businesses must stay ahead of emerging threats to defend against potential risks.

Implement security controls

Continuous threat exposure management requires setting up robust security controls. These include enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), network segmentation, and incident response plans. With numerous options at their disposal, businesses can and should upgrade their systems to withstand even the most ferocious brute-force cyberattacks.

Constantly monitor potential cyber threats

In cybersecurity, vigilance can be a lifesaver. Constantly monitoring the system will help security teams spot data breaches faster. Early detection provides additional time to safeguard sensitive data before hackers can exploit system vulnerabilities. Businesses can leverage NordStellar, a comprehensive threat exposure management platform, to enhance cyber threat monitoring. The platform helps security teams identify and respond to cyber threats before they escalate, reducing data leak detection times, improving compliance, and strengthening the online security of employees, clients, brands, and infrastructure.

Educate employees on workplace cybersecurity

Cyberattacks often result from human error. For example, some of the most notorious data breaches have occurred because of an employee clicking on a phishing link (Marriott data breach in 2018) or being tricked into providing login credentials through social engineering (Twitter Bitcoin scam in 2020).

Regularly training and educating employees on cyber vulnerabilities in their workplace can further reduce a company’s threat exposure. While it may initially seem challenging, this strategy could benefit not only the business but also employees’ personal online safety.

Minimize third-party access to sensitive data

Threat exposure also includes risks posed by third-party service providers, often referred to as supply chain cyberattacks. To protect themselves, businesses that rely on third-party services should avoid providing credentials to the inside platforms and, if possible, have separate systems for sharing important information. That way, if a third-party service provider suffers a data breach, the hackers won’t have direct access to the company’s data.

Keep the existing security controls up to date

Online security systems become obsolete quickly. Meanwhile, threat actors continue to improve, finding new ways to breach targets’ systems. Keeping an organization’s cybersecurity measures up to date is critical to safeguarding business or client data. Therefore, security patches and updates should be installed as soon as they are released.

 

FAQ

What is threat exposure management?

Threat exposure management is the set of cybersecurity practices companies use to identify, prioritize, and reduce the number of cyber vulnerabilities. Implementing 2FA, creating incident response plans, and even improving the firewall are all part of the threat exposure management strategy.

What are the key components of threat exposure management?

The key components of threat exposure management are digital assets (servers, networks, systems), vulnerability management (penetration testing or regular system reviews), threat intelligence, incident response planning, continuous monitoring, and education. Constantly improving digital assets is also crucial to threat exposure management.

What are the most common cyber threats for businesses?

The most common cyber threats for businesses include phishing attacks, malware, ransomware, insider threats, and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. Almost all these attacks target (or emerge from) employees, stressing the need to invest in workplace cybersecurity education. Additionally, using threat exposure management platforms such as NordStellar can help businesses gain the upper hand in vulnerability monitoring, aiding in phishing, malware, or session hijacking prevention.

About NordStellar
NordStellar is a threat exposure management platform that enables enterprises to detect and respond to network threats before they escalate. As a platform and API provider, NordStellar can provide insight into threat actors’ activities and their handling of compromised data. Designed by Nord Security, the company renowned for its globally acclaimed digital privacy tool NordVPN.

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.

Effective vulnerability and patch management: The key to strong organizational security in 2025

The gap between identifying vulnerabilities and applying patches continues to be a major bottleneck for organizations. In December 2024, the U.S. Treasury Department reported a breach attributed to a Chinese state-sponsored actor, who exploited two known vulnerabilities in BeyondTrust’s remote tech support software to gain unauthorized access[1].

vulnerability and patch management
Understanding the meaning of vulnerability and patch management

This incident makes us realize the importance of robust vulnerability and patch management strategies, especially now that we are entering the Year 2025. Both processes play crucial roles in securing IT systems, yet they serve distinct purposes and operate in tandem to safeguard organizational assets.

Let’s explore the fundamentals of vulnerability and patch management, their lifecycles, and how they complement each other to form the backbone of modern cybersecurity strategies. Read On-

Vulnerability vs. patch management: Understanding the basics

The first and most important thing to understand is that patch management is a process that comes within the broader scope of vulnerability management.

Vulnerability management is the process of identifying, assessing, categorizing, prioritizing, mitigating, and finally remediating vulnerabilities from an IT infrastructure. The aim here is to eliminate the security flaws, glitches, or weaknesses found in the system, which an attacker could exploit.

Conversely, patch management is the process of managing the action of patching the vulnerabilities. It identifies, prioritizes, tests, and deploys the patch to an operating system. Patching ensures that the devices run on the latest OS and app versions, addressing any kind of bug or vulnerability.

According to Jason Firch (CEO, PurpleSec), organizations can have vulnerability management without patch management, but they can’t have patch management without vulnerability management. One is dependent on the other[2].

Learning the mechanics of vulnerability and patch management

To understand how vulnerability and patch management work we will need to understand their lifecycles.

Patch management lifecycle

patch and vulnerability management

1. Build an inventory of production systems such as IP addresses, OS, and applications.

2. Scan the system for missing patches.

3. Create the patching policies according to your organizational needs.

4. Prioritize patches based on their severity.

5. Stage and test patches in a controlled environment.

6. Deploy patches to required devices, servers, and operating systems.

7. Verify patch deployment to ensure that they are not only installed but also working as intended.

8. Create patch reports under the company’s IT security policies and procedures documentation.

Vulnerability management lifecycle

patch and vulnerability management

1. Find and identify vulnerabilities that require patching.

2. Assess vulnerabilities and their levels of risk to the organization.

3. Prioritize vulnerabilities by identifying which ones to patch first for a relevant impact on your organization.

4. Apply a patch to remediate the vulnerability.

5. Review and assess the patched vulnerabilities.

6. Continue monitoring and reporting vulnerabilities for a better patching process.

The interplay between patch and vulnerability management

Patch management and vulnerability management are complementary processes that form the cornerstone of an organization’s cybersecurity strategy.

While vulnerability management sets the stage by highlighting security gaps that need to be addressed, patch management complements vulnerability management by addressing the identified security flaws.

Patch management reduces the attack surface and reinforces the security framework by systematically addressing vulnerabilities. The synergy between vulnerability and patch management lies in their shared objective of minimizing risk.

  • Feedback loop: Vulnerability assessments inform patch management teams about critical vulnerabilities that require immediate action. Post-patch deployment, vulnerability scans confirm whether the issues have been resolved.
  • Prioritization alignment: Vulnerability management helps prioritize which patches to apply first based on the risk level, ensuring high-risk vulnerabilities are addressed promptly.
  • Proactive defense: Continuous monitoring by vulnerability management ensures that emerging threats are detected, while patch management provides the means to neutralize them effectively.

Patch vs vulnerability management: The odds and evens

Effective cybersecurity strategies hinge on patch and vulnerability management, as these processes address critical aspects of IT security. While they share similar goals—reducing risks and maintaining system integrity—they follow distinct methodologies and scopes.

Similarities

a. Focus on reducing risks

Both patch management and vulnerability management aim to minimize security risks by addressing potential threats. Patch management achieves this by applying software updates, while vulnerability management identifies and mitigates weaknesses in the system infrastructure.

b. Lifecycle phases

Both processes share similar lifecycle stages, such as identification, prioritization, remediation, and validation. These stages ensure vulnerabilities and patches are systematically addressed to enhance security.

c. Dependency on accurate assessment

Accurate assessment is critical for both processes. Patch management relies on understanding software versions and available updates, whereas vulnerability management depends on thorough scans to detect potential weaknesses.

Key Differences

AspectPatch managementVulnerability management
ScopeAddresses software and application updates.Covers weaknesses in networks, hardware, and software.
ApproachReactive: Fixes known issues.Proactive: Finds and assesses potential risks.
ToolsPatch deployment tools, and automated update systems.Scanners, penetration testing, and risk analysis tools.
OutcomeMeasured by patches applied and compliance.Focuses on risk reduction and improved security posture.
IntegrationIT asset and change management processes.Risk management, compliance, and incident response.

a. Scope of management

  • Patch management: Focuses specifically on deploying updates to software and applications, addressing known vulnerabilities by fixing bugs or enhancing features.
  • Vulnerability management: Takes a broader approach, identifying, analyzing, and mitigating weaknesses across the entire IT environment, including network configurations, hardware, and software.

b. Proactive vs. reactive

  • Patch management: Often reactive, as it addresses vulnerabilities already identified and fixed by software vendors.
  • Vulnerability management: Proactive, involving continuous scanning and monitoring to uncover vulnerabilities that may not yet have a patch available.

c. Tools and techniques

  • Patch management: Relies on patch deployment tools and update management systems to automate and schedule updates.
  • Vulnerability management: Uses vulnerability scanners, penetration testing, and risk analysis tools to identify and assess system weaknesses.

d. Outcome and metrics

  • Patch Management: Success is measured by the number of systems patched and compliance with update schedules.
  • Vulnerability Management: Metrics focus on risk reduction, such as the number of vulnerabilities mitigated and the overall security posture improvement.

e. Integration with other processes

  • Patch management: Primarily integrates with IT asset management and change management processes.
  • Vulnerability management: Aligns more broadly with risk management, compliance, and incident response plans.

Best practices for implementing patch and vulnerability management

Effective patch and vulnerability management is essential to maintaining a strong security posture and protecting against emerging cyber threats. By adhering to best practices, organizations can reduce the risk of security breaches, improve system performance, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Following are some key best practices for implementing a patch and vulnerability management program:

1. Establish a comprehensive inventory

Begin by creating and maintaining an up-to-date inventory of all hardware and software assets. This includes operating systems, applications, and network devices. Knowing what needs to be patched or updated is the first step in managing vulnerabilities effectively. Regularly audit and update the inventory to ensure you aren’t missing any critical systems.

2. Prioritize patches based on risk

Not all vulnerabilities are created equal. Some may pose a more immediate threat to your organization than others. Prioritize patches based on risk levels, considering factors such as the severity of the vulnerability, the criticality of the system, and any known exploits. A risk-based approach ensures that you address the most critical threats first, minimizing potential damage.

3. Automate patch deployment

Manual patching can be time-consuming and error-prone. Automated patching allows for faster, more consistent updates across your environment. With automated solutions, patches can be tested, approved, and deployed to all systems efficiently, reducing the likelihood of human error and ensuring timely updates.

4. Test patches before deployment

While automation helps streamline the process, it’s crucial to test patches in a controlled environment before deploying them across your production systems. Testing patches ensure they don’t disrupt business operations or introduce new issues. A test environment will help identify any compatibility or performance issues, so you can address them before widespread implementation.

5. Maintain a patch management schedule

Consistency is key when managing patches. Implement a regular patch management schedule that includes daily, weekly, or monthly checks for new patches. Having a routine process in place ensures that patches are applied promptly and helps organizations stay on top of new security vulnerabilities as they emerge.

6. Monitor and report vulnerabilities

Regularly monitor for new vulnerabilities and threats affecting your systems. Implement vulnerability scanning tools to identify potential weaknesses and gaps in your security posture. Once a vulnerability is discovered, generate detailed reports to help track remediation efforts and assess the effectiveness of your patching strategy.

7. Establish incident response protocols

Even with a solid patch management strategy, incidents can still occur. Ensure that you have clear and well-documented incident response protocols in place. This should include steps to take if a vulnerability is exploited, such as isolating affected systems, analyzing the breach, and applying emergency patches if necessary.

Ensure consistent protection with Scalefusion’s automated patch management

If you want to upgrade to an advanced patch management solution for your Windows devices and third-party applications, look no further. With Scalefusion UEM’s automated patch management, you can schedule, delay, automate, and deploy patches on your device, keeping them updated and protected from vulnerabilities at all times.

 

About Scalefusion
Scalefusion’s company DNA is built on the foundation of providing world-class customer service and making endpoint management simple and effortless for businesses globally. We prioritize the needs and feedback of our customers, making sure that they are at the forefront of all decision-making processes. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive customer support services, and place emphasis on customer-centric thinking throughout the 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.

How to find Ivanti gateways on your network

Latest Ivanti gateway vulnerabilities

On January 8th, 2025, Ivanti disclosed vulnerabilities in their Ivanti Connect Secure, Ivanti Policy Secure, and Neurons for ZTA products. 

  • CVE-2025-0282 – is rated critical with a CVSS score of 9.0. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability would allow a remote unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code on the vulnerable system.
  • CVE-2025-0283 – is rated high with a CVSS score of 7.0. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability would allow a local authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code on the vulnerable system.

Note that the vendor has indicated that there is evidence that these vulnerabilities are being exploited in the wild.

 

What is the impact?

Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities would allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to complete system compromise.

 

Are updates or workarounds available?

Ivanti has released updates to address these vulnerabilities. Users are urged to update all systems as quickly as possible.

 

How to find potentially vulnerable systems with runZero

From the Service Inventory, use the following query to locate systems running potentially vulnerable software:

product:"Policy Secure" OR product:"Connect Secure"

 

December 2024 (Multiple CVEs)

On December 10th, 2024, Ivanti disclosed vulnerabilities in their Ivanti Connect Secure and Ivanti Policy Secure products.

  • CVE-2024-11633 and CVE-2024-11634 are rated critical with CVSS scores of 9.1. Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities would allow an authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system.
  • CVE-2024-37401 and CVE-2024-37377 are rated high with a CVSS score of 7.5 and could allow a remote, unauthenticated attacker to create a denial-of-service condition on vulnerable systems.
  • CVE-2024-9844 is rated high with a CVSS score of 7.1 and could allow a remote, authenticated attacker to bypass application restrictions.

 

What is the impact?

Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities would allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, read potentially sensitive resources, or create a denial-of-service (DoS) condition on affected devices.

 

Are updates or workarounds available?

Ivanti has released patches to address these vulnerabilities, and all users are urged to update as quickly as possible.

 

How to find potentially vulnerable systems with runZero

From the Service Inventory, use the following query to locate systems running potentially vulnerable software:

product:"Policy Secure" OR product:"Connect Secure"

 

April 2024 (Multiple CVEs)

On April 2, 2024, Ivanti disclosed multiple vulnerabilities in their Ivanti Connect Secure and Ivanti Policy Secure products.

  • CVE-2024-21894 is rated high with CVSS score of 8.2 and allows an unauthenticated attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected system.
  • CVE-2024-22052 is rated high with CVSS score of 7.5 and allows an unauthenticated attacker to create a denial-of-service (DoS) condition on affected systems.
  • CVE-2024-22053 is rated high with a CVSS score of 8.2 would allow an unauthenticated attacker to read potentially sensitive memory contents.
  • CVE-2024-22023 is rated medium with a CVSS score of 5.3 and would allow an unauthenticated attacker to create a denial-of-service (DoS) condition on affected systems.

 

What is the impact?

Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities would allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, read potentially sensitive memory, or create a denial-of-service (DoS) condition on affected devices.

 

Are updates or workarounds available?

Ivanti has released patches to address these vulnerabilities, and all users are urged to update as quickly as possible.

 

How to find potentially vulnerable systems with runZero

From the Service Inventory, use the following query to locate systems running potentially vulnerable software:

product:"Policy Secure" OR product:"Connect Secure"

Additional fingerprinting research is ongoing, and additional queries will be published as soon as possible.

 

February 2024 (CVE-2024-22024)

On February 8th, 2024, Ivanti disclosed a serious vulnerability, CVE-2024-22024, which allowed attackers to bypass authentication on the affected device to reach restricted resources. This vulnerability earned a CVSS score of 8.3 out of 10, indicating a high degree of severity.

The vendor reported that there were no indications that this vulnerability had been exploited in the wild.

 

What was the impact?

Upon successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities, attackers could access restricted resources on the vulnerable system without authentication. The vendor did not specify which resources were reachable without authentication, but did indicate that such resources were restricted.

Ivanti released an update to mitigate the issue (note that the provided link also discusses previous vulnerabilities in the same products). Users were urged to update as quickly as possible.

 

January 2024 vulnerabilities

On January 10th, 2024, Ivanti disclosed two serious vulnerabilities in the Ivanti Connect Secure and Ivanti Policy Secure products.

The first issue, CVE-2023-46805, allowed attackers to bypass authentication controls to access restricted resources without authentication. This vulnerability earned a CVSS score of 8.2 out of 10, indicating a high degree of impact.

The second issue, CVE-2024-21887, allowed attackers to inject arbitrary commands to be executed on the affected device. Attackers had to be authenticated to exploit this vulnerability, but attackers might have been able to use the authentication bypass vulnerability above to achieve this. This vulnerability had a CVSS score of 9.1 out of 10, indicating a critical vulnerability.

The vendor reported that there were indications that these vulnerabilities had been exploited in the wild.

 

What was the impact?

Upon successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities, attackers could execute arbitrary commands on the vulnerable system. This included the creation of new users, installation of additional modules or code, and, in general, system compromise.

Ivanti released an update to mitigate this issue. Users were urged to update as quickly as possible.

 

How to find potentially vulnerable products that expose a web interface

From the Services Inventory, use the following query to locate assets running the vulnerable products in your network that expose a web interface and which may need remediation or mitigation:

_asset.protocol:http AND protocol:http AND http.body:"welcome.cgi?p=logo"

 

About runZero
runZero, a network discovery and asset inventory solution, was founded in 2018 by HD Moore, the creator of Metasploit. HD envisioned a modern active discovery solution that could find and identify everything on a network–without credentials. As a security researcher and penetration tester, he often employed benign ways to get information leaks and piece them together to build device profiles. Eventually, this work led him to leverage applied research and the discovery techniques developed for security and penetration testing to create runZero.

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.

How to Build a Proactive Incident Management System (with Automation!)

Why is incident management crucial? 

“Prevention is better than cure,” as the old saying goes, and it’s true. It also applies to the digital ecosystem in which we and our companies operate, especially when it comes to security. 

In an increasingly complex digital environment, the number and variety of IT incidents are constantly growing. Consequently, organizations need advanced strategies to effectively manage these challenges. 

Proactive incident management fits into this context with a very clear goal: to prevent and mitigate incidents before they can cause significant disruptions. 

This approach not only reduces downtime but also enhances the resilience of the entire IT infrastructure.

But now, let’s take a step back to provide some context and see the differences between proactive and reactive incident management. 

Proactive vs. Reactive Incident Management 

The difference between proactive and reactive incident management is quite intuitive: reactive incident management focuses on responding to events after they have occurred, while proactive management involves identifying signals and patterns that may indicate a potential issue, allowing preventive actions to avoid or reduce the impact. 

As mentioned earlier: prevention is better than cure… so the proactive approach is certainly the one to prefer. 

However, be careful! These two types of management are not mutually exclusive—quite the opposite: they should both be implemented to get the most out of their integration. 

Automation in Incident Management

The Role of AI and Automation in Reducing Incident Response Times 

Automation is at the heart of the ongoing digital “revolution” and is also a crucial component in transforming incident management from a manual, reactive process to a proactive, automated one. 

Advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) can analyze data in real time, detect anomalies, and initiate corrective actions before incidents turn into crises. 

In other words: response times are drastically reduced, and, at the same time, the effectiveness and precision of interventions are significantly improved. 

This is why end-to-end incident resolution solutions are becoming more crucial every day: through automation, they speed up incident resolution, reduce human intervention (and consequently the workload on IT teams), and optimize operational efficiency—all at once.

Automated Ticketing and Alert Systems

Let’s get even more practical: automated ticketing systems can generate intervention requests at the first sign of anomaly, while alert systems immediately notify the responsible technicians. 

What does all this mean? It means the ability to manage each incident in a timely manner, assigning the correct priority and the appropriate escalation path if needed. 

The end result? An improvement in service quality, enhanced infrastructure security, and a reduced workload for IT teams. 

Configuring a Proactive System

Key Features of a Proactive Incident Management System

A proactive incident management system must include several key features to ensure maximum effectiveness. There are many options and possibilities, but the essential aspects can be summarized in these points: 

  • Continuous monitoring system.
  • Real-time data collection.
  • Workflow automation.
  • Integration with other ITSM tools.
  • Incident prediction capabilities via AI (a point we will return to shortly).
  • Centralized management of notifications and alerts.
  • Scalability, to adapt to a growing number of devices and services managed within the organization.
  • Advanced reporting and analytics, to trigger a continuous improvement process. 

Steps to Implement Automation in Incident Management

Implementing a proactive system requires several steps that deserve careful attention. Ultimately, these steps largely depend on the key features mentioned above. 

In short: defining objectives and requirements, selecting the right technologies, configuring monitoring systems, creating custom automated workflows, and tailoring analytics and reporting systems. 

Last but not least, it’s also important to implement effective training for the teams that will use these tools. 

Using AI for Incident Prediction and Prevention

Artificial intelligence is proving to be the engine of a significant technological breakthrough, which some compare to the introduction of the internet itself. The near future will tell if this is indeed the case. 

In the present, however, we can already use artificial intelligence by implementing it in proactive incident management systems. With what aim? To analyze large amounts of data to identify patterns that could indicate an imminent problem. A predictive approach to security that allows for extremely efficient preventive measures in a very short time. 

Best Practices for Proactive Incident Management

Automating Incident Categorization and Prioritization

Automating the classification and prioritization of incidents accelerates response mechanisms, ensuring that resources are allocated where necessary, only when necessary. 

Thus, this approach optimizes the process, reduces resolution times, and improves overall service quality. 

Integrating Incident Management with Monitoring Tools

Integrating monitoring tools like EV Observe helps quickly detect anomalies and automatically initiate incident management workflows. This integration forms a preliminary step to what we discussed earlier and promotes a holistic, coordinated approach to problem prevention. 

Reducing the Incident Volume with Shift-Left Strategies
 

Adopting a “Shift-Left” approach means moving problem resolution to earlier stages of the IT service lifecycle, involving end users in self-managing minor issues. Practically speaking, this approach aims to prevent issues from escalating by addressing them early or providing easy-access tools for the individual user. 

Shift-Left can be achieved through the implementation of self-service solutions, such as support portals with a knowledge base and guided troubleshooting tools, allowing users to independently solve common problems. 

The result is a reduced workload for specialized technicians, enabling them to focus on more complex and strategic issues, thereby improving overall IT efficiency.

The Benefits of a Proactive Approach

A proactive incident management system offers numerous interlinked and reinforcing benefits, which we have already touched on in earlier parts of this article. Here, we briefly revisit three key aspects that seem most decisive. 

  • Improved Incident Response Times
    Automated processes and the use of predictive technologies reduce response times, minimizing the impact of incidents and increasing service availability. 
  • Greater Service Availability and Uptime
    By reducing the frequency and severity of incidents, organizations can ensure higher uptime and greater operational continuity, improving end-user satisfaction. 
  • Cost and Resource Efficiency
    Automation and process optimization lead to more efficient resource management, reducing operational costs and improving the overall productivity of the IT team. 

Conclusion

Future Trends: AI-Driven Proactive Incident Management 

The future is always uncertain, but if we look closely at the present, we can see its seeds. These seeds tell us that AI technologies will continue to evolve, providing increasingly sophisticated tools for predictive analysis and automated incident management. More experience will lead to greater effectiveness—just as it does for human intelligence. 

How Automation is Shaping the Future of IT Incident Management 

Automation is no longer an option but a necessity to address the growing complexity of IT environments. Incident management, supported by end-to-end solutions like those offered by EasyVista, will become increasingly proactive, ensuring greater resilience and uninterrupted operations. 

Investing in a proactive system with these features today means preparing for tomorrow’s challenges. 

Request a demo or trial

About EasyVista  
EasyVista is a leading IT software provider delivering comprehensive IT solutions, including service management, remote support, IT monitoring, and self-healing technologies. We empower companies to embrace a customer-focused, proactive, and predictive approach to IT service, support, and operations. EasyVista is dedicated to understanding and exceeding customer expectations, ensuring seamless and superior IT experiences. Today, EasyVista supports over 3,000 companies worldwide in accelerating digital transformation, enhancing employee productivity, reducing operating costs, and boosting satisfaction for both employees and customers across various industries, including financial services, healthcare, education, and manufacturing.

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.