Warning Message

By cliangNo Comments
We are more cautious about warning messages in physical world to keep ourselves safe from risk of fatality. In cyber world, we should use the same attitude. If there are system warning messages (e.g. malicious files or threats detected), we have to be vigilant or refer to persons with sufficient knowledge what's about. However, be also cautious about fake messages to lure victim installing unnecessary ad-ware or even malware. It's important to maintain your computing platform with: Latest version with security patchesAnti-malware protection from known sources with sound rating from the cyber communityHost-based firewallNon-administrative rights in logon session Further, have home router to act as certain network perimeter between your computer and the untrusted Internet; if you are using mobile device, consider to subscribe cloud based proxy for protection. ...
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Perimeter #2

By cliangNo Comments
Perimeter is intended to control and scrutinize access. Now, systems are interconnected and standalone system is no longer considered effective. This will then expose the attack surface. Example is port 80. You have web site for point of presence in the market. Web site needs to allow anonymous access, or the Internet surfer. Though firewall is deployed, the web port (TCP 80, 443 or whatever is required) must be opened. Attack then shifts to application like injecting malicious contents passing thru the network layer, submitting large amount of requests to slow down or corrupt the system, manipulating client side data and resubmit to back-end. Counter-measures will then require Software Secure Development LifecycleSecure configurationRegular security patches and upgradesPeriodic comprehensive assessment (indeed, some industries mandate this)Situation awareness for different types of roles involved ...
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Big Picture

By cliangNo Comments
Common pitfalls in conducting risk assessment are Controls in place are not explicitly stated as assumptionLack of big picture A holistic view on the target of evaluation (ToE) as well as its surrounding is vital. We should not just look at the ToE only. We need to think and assess Risks due to compromised components around ToESimilarly risks affecting them due to insecure ToE ...
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Protocol

By cliangNo Comments
The road is clear and why are these pedestrians waiting for? This is because all road users need to observe the protocol in the road system to keep alive. Similarly, we need to observe protocol in the cyber world to keep secure. Examples are: Maintain access credential secret and renew regularlyActivate 2-step authentication if identity provider supportsBeware of emails that appear legitimate requesting for sensitive or personal informationBe alert for too good to be true rewardsAvoid using shared computers in the public that anyone can accessAvoid plugging into USB power ports in public to charge your portable devices (cell phone, tablet)etc. ...
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Policies #3 (From Directive to Enforcement)

By cliangNo Comments
1. Use case Authenticate the user of parking is "Aliens" status, a yes/no decisionGrant usage durationDisclaim loss/damage responsibilities 2. Enforcement If yes: allowIf not: rejectIf violate: consequence 3. Somehow, vulnerabilities exist: Identity provider is compromised Method of authentication is circumventedResult of authentication is manipulatedBarrier to the authorized resource (parking lot) fails and being bypassed without authentication 4. Consequence: False negative: non-alien is mistaken as alien for fraudulent useFalse positive: genuine alien is mistaken as non-alien resulting into denial of service 5. Counter-measure: Protect identity providerSecure communication from end point to identity providerEnsure authentication result integrityConduct periodic system health-checkPerform regular patrol of parking lotPost terms of use and consequence of violation (e.g. tow away at vehicle owner's expense) ...
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Foundation

By cliangNo Comments
Proper cybersecurity in an organization must have a foundation. The effective approach is driven from the top to mandate integration of cybersecurity in the business process. This is in the form of Policies and enforced via corporate governance. Underneath the policies, various domains in risk management, policies exceptions, technology standardization, secure architecture, secure system deployment, procurement specification, incident respond, recovery, business continuity and workforce development are the pillars. Without a sound foundation, the object in the air will fall, just a matter of when. ...
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Insider

By cliang1 Comment
This is a popular topic in Board Room too.  No matter how much cyber protection technologies are invested and deployed, controls always have insufficient coverage to deal with insider. According to PNNL Predictive Adaptive Classification Model for Analysis and Notification, it involves substantial data sources and derivatives to identify insider threats. This may be possible with big data but after all, who will watch the watcher? Source: PNNL - Predictive Adaptive Classification Model for Analysis and Notification: Internal Threat The line of defence shall be: Preventive controls as barrier (where technology is available and investment is justified)Detective controls as digital evidence (when events are reviewed effectively to identify offender)Administrative controls as management directives (when productive activities have higher preference over prohibitive measures)Corporate disciplinary process or contractual undertaking enforcement for offenderLaws & regulations as the ultimate deterrent ...
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Insecurity

By cliangNo Comments
Road system in physical world is designed for safe (secure) use - sign board, speed limit, road shoulder, proper lane separation. There is occasion insecurity taking place.  There are many contributing factors such as: Adverse weather (low visibility, slippy road, hurricane) Malfunctioned equipment (vehicle) Collateral damage due to other road accidents Body condition of driver, under medical or drug influence Inexperienced or negligence drivers Similar principles apply in cyber world Untrained user or human error Failure to handle exception situation properly Unpatched system components exposing to known vulnerabilities Attack from peers nodes of connected system There is one more contributing factor: if security hasn't been integrated into design and deployment of the target system, it won't be secure....
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