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How to use Network Visibility in Your Cybersecurity Strategy

February 15, 2024/in Events, On-Demand, Webinars/by Jon Franks

Don’t miss this webinar with Mark Sangster on ransomware prevention and mitigation. Learn how to spot ransomware techniques, evaluate real-world examples, and protect your organization against cybercrime.

MFA Bypass Attacks: How to Keep 2FA Secure

February 15, 2024/in Blog Post/by Brittany Demendi

By: Brittany Holmes, Corporate Communications Manager

One of the most widely recommended tactics to enhance security is the implementation of multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA adds a layer of protection to user accounts, requiring more than just a username and password for access. However, as cybercriminals continue to evolve their tactics, they have found ways to bypass MFA, posing a significant threat to individuals and organizations.

For example, despite MFA being implemented, Microsoft reports that 28% of users are still being targeted. This serves as a wake-up call to organizations to understand MFA’s limitations and implement additional layers of protection to safeguard their digital assets.

This blog uncovers the basics of MFA, its strengths and weaknesses, top methods cybercriminals use to bypass MFA and solutions.

What is Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)?

MFA is a security measure that adds an extra layer of protection when accessing a system, application, or resource. It requires users to provide multiple forms of identification to verify their identity. With MFA, users must go beyond just providing a username and password to prove who they are. This helps address the weaknesses of using simple passwords or reusing them across different accounts.

One form of MFA is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), which requires a second factor, such as a code sent to your phone or a fingerprint scan, to verify your identity. This additional step enhances security and ensures that only authorized individuals can access the account.

The Strengths and Weaknesses of MFA

MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access by requiring users to provide various forms of authentication, such as a password, a fingerprint, or a security token. This is especially important where data breaches and cyberattack attempts are increasingly common today.

For example, many online banking platforms now require users to input a one-time password sent to their cell phone number in addition to their regular login credentials. So, even if a cybercriminal gets ahold of a user’s password, they will still need physical access to the user’s mobile device to complete the authentication process. Similarly, popular email providers like M365 often use MFA to guard against unauthorized access to user’s accounts by requiring another form of authentication, such as a fingerprint scan or a verification code sent to a trusted device.

While MFA has proven to be an effective security measure in safeguarding sensitive information, it is important to acknowledge that cybercriminals continually adapt their strategies to bypass this system. Understanding the top methods used by these adversaries is vital in staying one step ahead in the relentless battle against cybersecurity threats.

Bypassing MFA: Top Methods Cybercriminals Use

Method #1: Phishing

Phishing has become a top method used for cybercriminals to bypass MFA and gain unauthorized access to user accounts. Cybercriminals set up fraudulent phishing websites that closely mimic the login pages from popular platforms like M365, PayPal, GitHub, and others.

To carry out this deception, they utilize tools such as EvilGinx, an open-source phishing framework. It comes with built-in “phishlets,” allowing cybercriminals to easily replicate the login pages of various websites. By hosting these phishing sites on custom domains and leveraging social engineering techniques, cybercriminals trick users into providing their login credentials and bypassing MFA.

Method #2: Social Engineering

Social engineering manipulates individuals into revealing sensitive information or performing actions that are not in their or their organization’s best interest. In the context of MFA, social engineering can be used to trick individuals into providing their MFA information, such as one-time passwords (OTPs) or biometric data.

A common method cybercriminals use is the impersonation of a trusted individual, such as a co-worker, customer support representative, or IT manager. The cybercriminal does this through phone calls, emails, and text messages to deceive the target into revealing their MFA information.

How to Strengthen MFA Security and Stay Protected

To protect against attacks like EvilGinx, it is important to implement additional security measures:

User awareness: Educate employees about the risks of phishing attacks and the importance of not clicking on suspicious links or entering credentials on untrusted websites through Security Awareness Training.

Secure session management: Implement mechanisms to protect session cookies, such as using secure cookies that are only transferred over encrypted connections (HTTPS) and regularly rotating session keys.
Behavior analysis: Implementing User Entity & Behavior Analytics (UEBA) detects abnormal behavior patterns, such as unusual login times or access from unfamiliar locations. For example, if a user typically logs in from a certain location or device and then suddenly attempts to log in from a different country or device, it could be a sign of a compromised session.

While MFA is a critical security measure, it is not foolproof. The goal is to make it more difficult for cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access, but determined and sophisticated adversaries can still find ways to compromise accounts. A cybersecurity strategy includes multiple layers of defense within your Security Operations Center, including MFA, regular security awareness training, threat monitoring, and incident response protocols.

Illuminate Threats, Eliminate Risks

Managed Detection and Response (MDR) providers play a crucial role in providing an extra layer of protection that organizations need in addition to MFA. MDR providers offer advanced threat detection and response capabilities, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to identify and respond to potential security threats. By continuously monitoring network traffic, endpoints, and user behavior, MDR providers can detect and mitigate threats that may bypass MFA, such as phishing attacks and social engineering.

Register for our Upcoming Webinar

Watch a Live EvilGinx Demonstration to See How Cybercriminals Bypass MFA

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An Overview of Microsoft 365 Security Best Practices

February 8, 2024/in Blog Post/by Brittany Demendi

By: Brittany Holmes, Corporate Communications Manager

As organizations rely on cloud-based technologies for their operations, Microsoft 365 (M365) has become popular for its integrated suite of productivity and collaboration tools. M365 offers built-in security features that aim to protect organizations from various cybersecurity threats. However, in today’s complex threat landscape, relying only on the built-in security of M365 may not be enough.

Managed Detection and Response (MDR) providers specialize in offering advanced security services that can integrate seamlessly with M365 to provide an additional layer of protection. MDR providers employ a range of technologies and techniques, such as AI-driven threat detection, real-time monitoring, and incident response, to actively identify and contain threats before they can cause significant harm within the M365 environment.

This blog details the importance of expanding M365’s security by covering the best practices MDR providers should offer.

M365 Data Security Best Practices

Train Employees on Phishing Attempts

Phishing attacks are a top method for cybercriminals to infiltrate systems, posing a significant risk to organizations using M365. These attacks have evolved in sophistication, making it harder for users to discern legitimate messages from malicious ones. As M365 is widely used for email communication, cybercriminals exploit this platform, disguising their phishing attempts as genuine correspondence. This tactic aims to trick users into exposing sensitive information or unknowingly downloading malware, posing grave security threats to organizations relying on M365 for their day-to-day operations.

By training employees in email security through a Security Training Program, you can help them understand the risks and how to identify suspicious emails. This can include training employees to spot phishing signs, such as unexpected attachments or unusual email addresses, and avoiding clicking on suspicious links.

Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for Admin Accounts

MFA is a crucial security measure that adds an extra layer of protection to user accounts. While it is commonly known that employees should be required to enable MFA, it is equally important for administrators. Admin accounts, particularly those with high-level privileges such as Global Administrators, are prime targets for attackers due to their access and control level. By compromising an admin account, an attacker can gain unauthorized control over an organization’s systems and data, wreaking havoc and causing significant damage.

However, it is important to note that while MFA is a powerful security measure, it is not foolproof. Cybercriminals have found ways to bypass MFA and gain unauthorized account access. For example, they may use sophisticated phishing techniques to trick users into providing their password credentials on a fraudulent website that will bypass the MFA.

Integrate Logs with Existing MDR Solution

Integrating your M365 logs into your existing MDR solution is crucial for achieving complete visibility into your environment. By doing so, you can ensure that all logs and events from M365 are analyzed and correlated with other security data from various sources. This helps you identify and respond to threats quickly.

Firstly, it allows you to monitor and analyze user activities, such as logins, file access, and email actions, within the M365 environment. This visibility is essential for detecting anomalous behavior which may indicate a security breach. Secondly, integrating M365 logs with your MDR solution enables better correlation and analysis of events across your entire infrastructure. You can gain valuable context and a broader perspective on potential threats by aggregating and correlating M365 logs with logs from other systems, such as firewalls, endpoints, and cloud services.

This holistic approach to monitoring identifies complex attack patterns and helps your security team make informed decisions on incident response. MDR solutions often provide specific integrations for M365, making the process of integrating logs seamless and efficient. These integrations typically include connectors or APIs facilitating the ingestion and analysis of M365 logs within the Security Operations Platform.

Investigating Alerts for Suspicious M365 Activity

Investigating alerts for suspicious M365 activity is critical for maintaining the security and integrity of your environment. According to Microsoft, these activities can include looking for unusual activities related to external user file activity, external file sharing, volume of file deletion, and more.

However, configuring and managing alerts can be a lot to handle for IT teams, especially in large and complex environments. MDR solutions can alleviate the heavy load on IT teams by sifting through and prioritizing the alerts generated by the M365 integration. These solutions can analyze the context of alerts, correlate multiple events, and provide real-time insights into the severity and priority of each alert.

One common scenario where MDR solutions provide immense value is detecting “impossible travel” from the M365 integration. Cybercriminals often attempt to log in from multiple locations across different geographical regions within a short period of time, which is humanly impossible.

User Entity & Behavior Analytics (UEBA) is a critical tool that allows MDR teams to effectively track and analyze employee behavior patterns within the M365 environment. With UEBA, organizations can identify anomalies and suspicious activities, including unauthorized logons from different locations, as cybercriminals may possess employee credentials. By leveraging UEBA, companies can establish a proactive approach to securing compromised accounts, preventing further unauthorized access, and taking immediate action. The presence of a dedicated MDR team provides organizations with extended visibility beyond their boundaries, ensuring enhanced security measures.

Strengthening Cybersecurity with MDR Providers

While M365 offers built-in security features, the evolving threat landscape requires additional layers of protection to safeguard organizations. MDR providers fill this gap by integrating seamlessly with M365 and leveraging advanced threat detection technologies, real-time monitoring, and incident response capabilities.

MDR solutions not only help manage the overwhelming number of alerts generated by M365 but also provide expertise and insights to prioritize and address these threats effectively. By partnering with MDR providers and implementing best practices within your cybersecurity strategy, organizations can enhance their security posture and mitigate the risks associated with using M365. Typically, this integration is an additional cost, but Adlumin offers it at no additional cost.

Learn more about Adlumin’s integrations and gain complete visibility across your entire enterprise. Our vendor–agnostic approach means you get the most out of your current security investments.

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4 Factors to Consider Before Building vs. Buying MDR Services

February 1, 2024/in Blog Post/by Brittany Demendi

By: Brittany Holmes, Corporate Communications Manager

When it comes to implementing a Managed Detection and Response solution, organizations often face the dilemma of choosing between building a Security Operations Center (SOC) in-house or buying a pre-existing Managed Detection and Response (MDR) solution from a vendor. The MDR market has witnessed rapid growth due to cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated. As a result, organizations recognize the need to ramp up their security operations by adopting MDR services that combine threat intelligence, advanced detection tools, and around-the-clock monitoring.

Cybercriminals are increasingly developing advanced attack strategies and techniques, making it critical for all organizations to have some form24x7 coverage. Proactive threat detection, continuous monitoring, and incident response are essential components of cybersecurity, ensuring the protection of valuable assets and maintaining customer trust.

The decision between buying and building an MDR solution should not be taken lightly, as it could significantly affect your organization’s overall cybersecurity posture and operational efficiency. There are crucial factors that need to be carefully considered before making such a decision, including the organization’s objectives and needs, budget, team expertise, technology, and availability.

4 Factors to Consider Before Building a SOC vs. Buying MDR

Cybersecurity Budget:

There is a common misconception that working with an MDR vendor is more expensive compared to building an in-house SOC. However, when evaluating the total cost, it becomes clear that building in-house is often more costly. It is important to consider the affordability of various components, such as equipment, software, staffing, and ongoing maintenance. In addition, outsourcing to a trusted MDR vendor can prove to be cost-effective in the long run. Breaking down the expenses can often reveal additional expenses that can add up to a higher total cost to build in-house.

While focusing on building your SOC, organizations may divert internal resources from core business activities, leading to potential opportunity costs. Additionally, building an in-house capability takes time and does not happen overnight, so during this time, it may be difficult to detect threats. By buying an MDR solution from a trusted MDR provider, organizations can quickly implement a robust security posture without the associated time and opportunity costs of building internally.

Ask yourself: What costs do I need to consider for buying vs. building an MDR solution?
Security Team Expertise:

When considering the implementation of an MDR, organizations should carefully assess their current team’s expertise and determine where their resources and time should be spent. Suppose your organization already has an internal team of cybersecurity professionals. In that case, it may be more beneficial for them to focus on other security operations tasks rather than constantly monitoring the environment and filtering through alerts.

Outsourcing the MDR to a trusted vendor can provide a ready-made team of experts in addition to a threat research team, to manage security operations efficiently, allowing the internal team to allocate their time and resources to other important cybersecurity tasks. This approach can help organizations optimize their resources and ensure that the expertise of their internal team is utilized effectively.

Ask yourself: What expertise is required for an SOC? Do I currently have a team? And where do they need to spend their time?
Available Cybersecurity Technology:

The cybersecurity landscape is dynamic, with threat actors constantly evolving their techniques. Organizations that choose to build an in-house SOC must allocate resources for research and development to stay updated on vulnerabilities, emerging threats, and industry best practices. This includes investing in threat intelligence feeds, attending conferences, participating in information-sharing communities, and conducting regular assessments and audits. Such ongoing investments are necessary to ensure that the in-house SOC remains effective and relevant.

In contrast to MDR vendors, they are built to help organizations take command of their security operations and compliance without the additional need for expertise. Working with an MDR vendor, you should expect consistent updates, new technologies, and innovations that evolve with the current threat landscape.

Regardless of the chosen approach, organizations must invest in technology to build and maintain an in-house SOC effectively. This investment includes maintaining and tuning rules, managing the technology, and ensuring seamless integration with existing infrastructure.

Ask yourself: What technology do I have currently, and what will I need to stay updated with current threats?
IT Stack Scalability:

Planning for scalability in your SOC should include adapting to evolving cybersecurity threats and accommodating your business’s expanding needs. This involves assessing the size and scope of your SOC and determining the necessary resources, such as the number of employees and tools, to support its growth.

When it comes to scalability, building an in-house SOC may limit your options. It requires additional investments in recruiting and training staff and acquiring new tools as the business evolves. Additionally, managing the increasing amount of data ingested can become cost prohibitive.

On the other hand, opting for MDR service providers can offer flexible pricing that allows you to adjust your security resources and requirements as needed. They can help you scale your MDR to handle more data ingestion without incurring excessive costs.

Ask yourself: What scalability and flexibility does my growing business need?

Buying vs. Building an MDR Solution?

When considering whether to buy or build an MDR solution, it is crucial to start by outlining the ideal solution and assessing the availability of resources in-house. If building is viable, evaluating the time it will take to complete the project and ensuring it aligns with the desired go-live window is important. It is also important to find an MDR solution that can grow and scale with your organization as you build it. However, if building is not feasible within the desired timeframe or at all, exploring MDR providers that can deliver a solution that closely aligns with the ideal one is advisable. The decision between building vs. buying should be seen as a flexible approach to achieving the desired outcome based on your organization’s current circumstances.

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Penetration Testing as a Service vs. PenTesting

January 25, 2024/in Blog Post/by Brittany Demendi

By: Brittany Holmes, Corporate Communications Manager

Penetration testing is a vital part of cybersecurity strategies for organizations, helping them identify vulnerabilities in their systems, networks, and applications. Organizations have relied on traditional penetration testing methods, where a team of experts conducts the tests on-site. However, with the rise of technology and cloud-based services, a new approach has emerged – Penetration Testing as a Service or PTaaS.

This blog discusses the differences between conventional penetration testing and penetration testing as a service, comparing each method. By understanding the differences, organizations can make informed decisions when choosing the right approach for their security needs.

What is Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS)? And how is it different?

Penetration testing as a service is a revolutionary cybersecurity approach that is gaining popularity. Unlike traditional penetration testing methods, penetration testing as a service takes advantage of the cloud and offers on-demand accessibility, making the entire process more efficient and seamless.

With penetration testing as a service, organizations can securely access the testing platform through the cloud, eliminating the need for manual setup and configuration of testing environments. This significantly speeds up the testing process and allows for greater scalability since the necessary resources can be easily allocated as needed.

Additionally, penetration testing as a service employs automation and machine learning technologies to enhance the testing process. These technologies can assist with scanning for vulnerabilities, analyzing results, and even suggesting remediation steps. As a result, it can offer more accurate and comprehensive testing, saving time and effort for organizations.

To further investigate what solution is best for your organization, let’s explore the differences:

Who conducts the penetration test?

Penetration Testing:

Penetration tests are typically conducted by specialized cybersecurity professionals known as ethical hackers or penetration testers. These individuals have extensive knowledge and experience in identifying and exploiting security vulnerabilities. They follow a systematic approach to test the effectiveness of an organization’s security controls and identify areas where improvements are needed.

Penetration Testing as a Service:

Many organizations choose to engage in external penetration testing services provided by third-part services, such as Managed Detection and Response (MDR) providers. These providers have specialized expertise and access to advanced tools and techniques that can comprehensively assess an organization’s security posture.

How long does a penetration test take?

Penetration Testing:

The duration of a penetration test can vary depending on the availability of resources and information, the test’s scope, or the target system’s complexity. On average, a penetration test can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to complete.

Penetration Testing as a Service:

With penetration testing as a service, the testing is run based on your convenience or when your team wants to schedule them. Moving penetration tests to ‘as a service’ eliminates needing someone to manually set up pen tests. Instead, they can be scheduled to run on a regular basis or when you want, allowing for consistent assessments and updates. This means the duration can be longer than a one-time conventional test, but it provides more comprehensive and up-to-date security coverage.

Will there be communication between an organization and the penetration testers?

Penetration Testing:

During a penetration test, the communication between the penetration testers and the internal team can vary based on the policies and procedures of the organization. In some cases, there may be little to no interaction between the two groups, with the penetration testers working independently and providing updates only to a designated point of contact, such as a project manager.

Penetration Testing as a Service:

Two options are offered: the organization runs the tests independently, or an MDR provider manages the tests through a Progressive Penetration Testing Program.

Utilizing an MDR provider allows for seamless and direct communication between internal teams and penetration testers throughout the project, resulting in a more streamlined process. By eliminating unnecessary mediators, the exchange of information becomes more efficient and effective.

The close collaboration enables any friction or misunderstanding to be promptly addressed, clarified, and resolved during the penetration test. This not only ensures a smoother workflow but also allows for quicker resolution of any issues.

Additionally, it provides a valuable opportunity for the organization’s employees to enhance their skills by working alongside penetration testers. By actively participating in the penetration testing process, they can gain valuable insights and knowledge, ultimately improving their capabilities in cybersecurity.

When can I see the results?

Penetration Testing:

One of the significant limitations of traditional penetration tests is the delayed communication of results. Typically, the findings are only conveyed at the end of the tests. Consequently, potentially crucial vulnerabilities may remain unaddressed for extended periods, ranging from days to even weeks.

Penetration Testing as a Service:

When a penetration tester detects a vulnerability, the platform immediately notifies the organization. This real-time alert allows internal teams to address the issue promptly, even before the penetration test is complete. Organizations can deploy patches and test them against cybercriminals without the need for another round of testing.

This continuous reporting system, coupled with the ability to collaborate with penetration testers, enables the organization’s IT team to gain valuable insights into the remediation of vulnerabilities.

Penetration Testing as a Service vs. PenTesting

Penetration testing as a service offers organizations an affordable and convenient solution for assessing their cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Organizations can quickly identify and mitigate potential threats with on-demand access to human-led penetration testing combined with automation. It also provides continuous monitoring and real-time reports for faster resolution. This approach ensures higher accuracy and data analytics and makes penetration testing more accessible and cost-effective compared to traditional methods. By illuminating potential risks, penetration testing as a service enables organizations to adopt effective defenses and enhance their security posture.

Ultimately, the choice between penetration testing and penetration testing as a service depends on an organization’s unique needs and financial resources. Traditional penetration testing may be ideal for certain tasks, but it is crucial to assess the areas where assistance is needed and select the most appropriate option to meet the organization’s security requirements.

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Black Hat 2024

January 5, 2024/in Events, Upcoming Events/by Adlumin Staff

Join Adlumin and industry leaders at Black Hat 2024. Discover cutting-edge research and enhance your skills through hands-on training, so your organization can stay ahead of the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.

N-able Empower Conference

January 4, 2024/in Past Events/by Adlumin Staff

Join Adlumin during the N-able Empower Conference for three days of tailored experiences designed to inspire transformation and foster innovation.

Executive Leadership: Navigate unique challenges faced by leaders seeking to enhance enterprise value for their organizations. Topics cover defining and measuring success, differentiating strategies employed by the best, identifying emerging market opportunities, optimizing go-to-market models, leveraging growth levers, and effective team building.
Service Managers & Operations: Delve into issues pertinent to those shaping service packages and ensuring top-notch delivery. Topics include exploring market opportunities, learning from industry leaders, and addressing staffing considerations during scaling.
Technicians: Deepen your understanding and utilization of key technologies and products to achieve best-in-class performance. Topics cover in-depth exploration of key use cases, staying abreast of emerging technologies such as RPA and AI, and strategies for adding value to your organization.
Sales & Business Development Professionals: Challenge conventional wisdom to boost revenue and foster growth. Topics include innovative approaches employed by top MSPs to drive growth, effective measurement of success, and insights into building a successful sales team.

Dates: March 25-28, 2024
Location: Omni PGA Frisco Resort, Frisco, TX

Contact: marketingevents@adlumin.com

View the Full Agenda