Mitigation Techniques - GuidesDigest Training PDF

Mitigation Techniques - GuidesDigest Training Chapter 2: Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations Mitigations refer to actions taken to reduce the severity or impact of threats and vulnerabilities. These actions might involve procedural, technical, or management-based controls, and aim to lower t...

Mitigation Techniques - GuidesDigest Training Chapter 2: Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations Mitigations refer to actions taken to reduce the severity or impact of threats and vulnerabilities. These actions might involve procedural, technical, or management-based controls, and aim to lower the risk to an acceptable level. Why Mitigations Are Necessary Mitigations are essential because threats and vulnerabilities are constantly evolving. Without them, organizations are susceptible to data breaches, service disruption, and reputational damage. Note: Knowing the common mitigation techniques and their effectiveness against various kinds of threats will better equip you for real-world challenges. Segmentation Segmentation involves dividing a network into smaller parts to isolate different types of traffic and make it harder for attackers to move laterally within the network. For example, you can separate accounting and R&D into different subnets. Note: Familiarize yourself with VLANs, Subnets, and Firewalls for effective network segmentation. Access Control Access control ensures that only authorized users have access to specific resources. Implementing roles and permissions is key. For instance, not everyone should have admin access to a database. Note: Learn the principles of RBAC (Role-Based Access Control) and how to configure it in various systems. Application Allow List Creating an application allow list involves specifying which applications are permitted to run on a system. This helps to prevent unapproved applications, including malware, from executing. Note: Practically experiment with application allow listing on a test machine to understand its strengths and limitations. Isolation Isolating systems or processes means separating them from others to minimize the risk of unauthorized access or lateral movement. For instance, deploying a DMZ to isolate publicly accessible servers from the internal network. Patching Patching is the process of applying updates to software to fix security vulnerabilities. Timely patching can save a network from attacks like WannaCry. Note: Use a patch management system and keep a schedule for regular updates. Encryption Encryption protects the confidentiality of data by converting it into an unreadable format unless decrypted. Use it for sensitive data in transit and at rest. Note: Know the difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption and when to use each. Monitoring Constantly monitoring systems helps in early detection of anomalies or threats. Various tools and systems can be used for this, including SIEM solutions. Note: Get hands-on experience with SIEM tools like Splunk or ELK Stack for practical understanding. Least Privilege The principle of least privilege implies giving users and systems only the permissions they need to perform their duties, and no more. Configuration Enforcement Automated tools can enforce specific configurations across multiple systems, ensuring uniformity and compliance with security policies. Note: Learn to use configuration management tools like Ansible or Puppet for automating this process. Decommissioning Properly decommissioning hardware and software ensures that they do not pose a lingering security risk. This involves securely erasing data and revoking access. Note: Understand the standards for secure data deletion and decommissioning, such as NIST guidelines. Hardening Techniques Hardening involves configuring systems to eliminate unnecessary functions and secure remaining functionalities. This can involve disabling unnecessary ports or services. Summary Mitigation techniques are multi-faceted, involving a range of strategies to decrease the risks posed by various threats and vulnerabilities. Mastering these techniques is crucial for maintaining a robust cybersecurity posture. Review Questions 1. What is the principle of least privilege and why is it important? 2. How does network segmentation improve security? 3. What is the role of monitoring in mitigations? Key Points Mitigations are crucial for reducing risks. Techniques range from segmentation to hardening, each with its unique advantages. Practical Exercises 1. Implement a basic network segmentation scheme in a lab environment. 2. Try configuring Role-Based Access Control on a test server. Understanding and applying these mitigation techniques will put you well ahead in your cybersecurity career.