Tag: Threat Intelligence

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AWS Web Application Firewall Blog

Ensure advanced security for Web Apps and API through effective implementation of AWS WAF services

AWS WAF (Web Application Firewall) is a robust security tool that helps protect web applications and API from external threats like SQL injection and cross site scripting attacks. It consists of a set of rules that control access to the applications based on the IP addresses, geographic location, or user-agent strings.

AWS WAF helps in the effective monitoring of HTTP and HTTPS requests that are forwarded to the web application infrastructure. 

AWS WAF also provides logging and monitoring capabilities, allowing customers to review and analyze traffic patterns and security events to identify potential security threats and take appropriate actions.

Common threats faced by API and web applications.

Web applications and API are vulnerable to various kinds of attacks that lead to unprecedented downtime, privacy intrusion, or high bandwidth usage. The most common web attacks include:

  • DDoS attacks: This involves flooding a web application or API with traffic leading to application crashing or becoming unresponsive.
  • SQL injection: The process of inserting malicious SQL statements into a web application’s input fields by attackers to gain access to sensitive information stored in the database is known as SQL injection. 
  • Cross-site scripting: This involves injecting malicious scripts into a web page or API response which is then executed by the victim’s browser. These scripts can rewrite the content of the HTML pages.   

AWS helps protect web applications and API from typical vulnerabilities by allowing the users to set rules to monitor web traffic and help minimize web attacks. 

Steps to configure AWS WAF to protect web resources

  • Start by defining your security requirements, determine which resources you need to protect and the type of attacks that you want to secure your applications from.
  • Create a web ACL (Access Control List) which consists of a set of rules to block traffic from accessing the web application. 
  • The next step involves configuring a set of rules to protect web applications. AWS WAF consists of pre-configured rules that protect web applications against common attacks. This set of rules can be customized according to specific needs. 
  • Next define the conditions when the rule needs to be triggered. These conditions comprise of expressions that specify the attributes of the web requests, such as the IP address of the client or the type of the browser being used.
  • Finally, by integrating the Web ACL with the CloudFront distribution, API Gateway, or Application Load Balancer, you can deploy it to your web application.

Benefits of AWS WAF:

AWS WAF plays a major role in protecting your website against web attacks based on your specific criteria. The characteristics of web requests such as the following can be used to define specific criteria:

  • Requests originating from IP addresses.
  • The country from where the requests originate.
  • Header value of the requests.
  • The strings are included in requests, either specifically or by matching regular expression (regex) patterns.
  • Length of requests.
  • SQL injection that implies malicious SQL code.
  • Cross-site scripting that includes malicious script.
  • Rules that allow, block, or count web requests that meet certain criteria. A rule can also be configured to block or count web requests that meet the specified criteria but exceed a specified number of requests in a 5-minute period as well.
  • Rules that can be reused for multiple web applications.
  • A set of managed rule groups from AWS and AWS Marketplace sellers.
  • An analysis of real-time metrics and sample web requests.
  • Implementation of AWS WAF API for Automated administration.

Features of AWS WAF for robust protection against web attacks

  • Protection against common web exploits: AWS WAF allows you to protect your web applications against common web exploits such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other types of attacks.
  • Customizable rules: You can customize rules in AWS WAF to match your specific needs. This allows you to create rules that are tailored to your application and protect against the most common threats.
  • Scalability: AWS WAF is designed to be scalable, which means it can handle large volumes of traffic without impacting application performance.
  • Integration with other AWS services: AWS WAF can be integrated with other AWS services, such as Amazon CloudFront, AWS Elastic Load Balancing, and AWS Application Load Balancer. This allows you to protect your entire application stack, from the front-end to the back end.
  • Real-time monitoring and logging: AWS WAF provide real-time monitoring and logging capabilities, which allows you to detect and respond to threats in real-time.
  • Cost-effective: AWS WAF is a cost-effective solution for protecting your web applications. Resources are only charged based on usage, with no upfront costs or long-term contracts.

How to optimize performance through effective use of AWS WAF?

AWS WAF services lead to performance implications such as latency, higher processing overheads, and increased costs when not implemented in the right way. To avoid such implications, it is suggested to follow the below methods and optimize performance.

  • Customized use of AWS WAF: Not all web applications require a web application firewall. If your web application is not vulnerable to common web-based attacks, you may not need to use AWS WAF.
  • Use caching: Caching can help to reduce the number of requests that need to be inspected by AWS WAF. You can use caching solutions like Amazon CloudFront or Amazon Elasticache to cache frequently accessed content.
  • Use Amazon API Gateway: Amazon API Gateway can help to reduce the number of requests that need to be inspected by AWS WAF. You can use API Gateway to route requests to specific endpoints, reducing the number of requests that need to be inspected.
  • Optimize your AWS WAF rules: AWS WAF allows you to create custom rules to block or allow traffic. You can optimize these rules to reduce the processing overhead of AWS WAF.
  • Monitor your AWS WAF usage: Monitoring your AWS WAF usage can help you identify any performance bottlenecks. You can use Amazon CloudWatch to monitor your AWS WAF usage and identify any issues.

Best practices for implementing AWS WAF

AWS WAF best practices ensure the web applications are well protected from common threats and vulnerabilities. 

Some of the best practices for AWS WAF include:

  • Using managed rules
  • Create rules based on the security requirements to filter traffic.
  • Monitor AWS WAF logs to identify potential threats.
  • Regularly update AWS WAF rules to ensure the application is protected against the latest threats.
  • Use AWS WAF with other security services to provide a more comprehensive security solution for web applications.
  • Test the WAF rules for proper working and maximize performance.
  • AWS security automation provides a dashboard that is customized to provide insights into potential threats and the protection that AWS WAF provides.

Case Study

AWS WAF is a robust security solution helping companies to improve their overall security posture and protect their web applications and API from external threats. Below mentioned are two case studies of organizations that have successfully implemented AWS WAF and achieved complete protection of their resources.

  1. Oricred: Oricred is a financial services organization that offers loans and financial services to all sectors of society. They used AWS WAF to protect their web applications from security threats such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS). By using AWS WAF, they were able to monitor their traffic, block malicious requests, and respond to threats in real-time. The effective implementation of AWS WAF included custom managed security rules to protect web applications and APIs against potential threats.
  2. Property Adviser: Property Adviser, a real estate giant, implemented a comprehensive security solution to ensure the security of customer data. They implemented AWS WAF through a set of rules and achieved complete protection for the customer-facing applications. AWS WAF helped secure the customer information and protect web applications against common web exploits and bots facilitating its growth strategy.

GoDgtl by Prutech, an Advance AWS partner, has successfully implemented AWS WAF and achieved complete protection for the applications through a set of managed rules for both Oricred and Property Adviser.

Conclusion

AWS WAF is a comprehensive security solution for organizations looking to secure their crucial web applications and API from cyber-attacks and external threats.

AWS WAF provides logging and monitoring capabilities, allowing customers to review and analyze traffic patterns and security events to identify potential security threats and take appropriate actions.

GoDgtl by Prutech, an Advanced Consulting Partner of AWS offers the latest security solutions for customers across the world. Our expertise team of cloud engineers have successfully implemented customized AWS WAF solution for organizations of various business verticals.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your business thrive in the cloud era. Contact 24/7 – GoDgtl (go-dgtl.in).

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Blog Security as a Service

Endpoint Protection: How Sophos Services Secure Your Devices

Organizations of all sizes face significant risks in the modern digital landscape due to the constantly evolving threat landscape. Endpoint devices, including laptops, desktops, and mobile devices, have become prime targets for cybercriminals.

Organizations face an array of threats that can jeopardize their operations and compromise their valuable information. With the rapid advancement of digital platforms, cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in endpoint devices. 

Sophos services empower organizations with robust endpoint protection, guaranteeing the security of their devices and sensitive data.

  • Understanding Endpoint Security: Endpoint security refers to the protection of individual devices or endpoints within a network. It involves safeguarding against malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and unauthorized access. Sophos, a leading provider in the cybersecurity industry, offers a comprehensive suite of services meticulously designed to fortify endpoint security and effectively mitigate risks. By leveraging our cutting-edge solutions, organizations can ensure the utmost protection for their valuable assets and sensitive data.
  • Endpoint Protection Platforms: Sophos Endpoint Protection Platforms serve as the foundation of device security. These platforms offer cutting-edge capabilities for detecting and preventing advanced threats, ensuring the safety of devices. With features like behavior-based analysis, machine learning, and real-time threat intelligence, these platforms effectively identify and thwart malicious activities before they can inflict any damage.
  • Anti-Malware and Anti-Ransomware: Malware and ransomware present substantial risks to endpoint devices. Sophos offers cutting-edge anti-malware and anti-ransomware solutions that deliver real-time scanning and protection against both known and unknown threats. Through the utilization of advanced algorithms and cloud-based threat intelligence, Sophos services promptly detect and block malware, guaranteeing that devices remain safeguarded from malicious software.
  • Web and Email Protection: Web and email are frequently targeted by cybercriminals as avenues for attacks. To counter these threats, Sophos offers highly effective web and email protection services. These services are designed to provide robust defenses against phishing attempts, malicious websites, and threats transmitted through email. By utilizing advanced URL filtering, reputation-based analysis, and content scanning, we proactively identify and block potential threats before they can reach your endpoints. With Sophos web and email protection services, you can rest assured that your digital environment is safeguarded against cyber threats.
  • Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Ensuring the safety of sensitive data is of utmost importance for organizations. Sophos DLP solutions play a pivotal role in enabling organizations to effectively enforce data protection policies by identifying and controlling the movement of sensitive information. Equipped with advanced features such as content classification, data encryption, and data discovery, these solutions empower organizations to proactively prevent data leakage and maintain compliance with stringent data protection regulations. By leveraging these cutting-edge tools, organizations can effectively mitigate the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data, thereby safeguarding their reputation and maintaining the trust of their stakeholders.
  • Device and Application Control: Sophos’ device and application control services empower organizations to establish precise control over endpoints. IT administrators can define and enforce policies to effectively manage device access, restrict unauthorized applications, and prevent the execution of malicious files. This capability plays a crucial role in helping organizations maintain a secure and controlled computing environment.
  • Centralized Management and Reporting: Sophos offers a centralized management console that provides a comprehensive overview of endpoint security throughout the entire organization. This console allows IT administrators to effortlessly deploy, configure, and monitor security policies, while also receiving real-time alerts regarding potential security incidents. Additionally, the centralized reporting feature offers valuable insights into the security status of devices, enabling proactive threat management.

Conclusion:

Sophos’ endpoint protection services empower organizations to defend against a wide range of cyber threats targeting their devices. By utilizing sophisticated technologies, such as machine learning, behavior-based analysis, and real-time threat intelligence, Sophos ensures that endpoints are fortified against evolving threats. 

From anti-malware and anti-ransomware to web and email protection, data loss prevention, and device control, Sophos offers a comprehensive suite of services that enhance the security posture of organizations and safeguard their valuable data.

With Sophos’ endpoint protection services, organizations can embrace the digital world with confidence, knowing that their devices and sensitive information are protected by cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions.

GoDgtl by Prutech has strategic partnership with Sophos. Our primary objective is to assist organizations in bolstering their security posture by providing cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions.

At GoDgtl, we understand the importance of safeguarding critical assets, systems, and information. Therefore, our cybersecurity solutions are meticulously tailored to meet the unique needs of each organization. We employ robust security measures, including comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation strategies, to ensure maximum protection.

By leveraging our partnership with Sophos, we are able to offer our clients the most advanced and effective cybersecurity solutions available in the market.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your business thrive in the cloud era. Contact 24/7 – GoDgtl (go-dgtl.in).

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AWS Cloud Security Blog

Ways to improve Cloud Security in the Healthcare Sector

As healthcare organizations continue to embrace cloud computing technology, the issue of cloud security has become increasingly important. Cloud security refers to a set of policies, technologies, and controls that are implemented to safeguard data, applications, and infrastructure hosted in the cloud from unauthorized access, theft, and cyberattacks. Given the highly confidential and sensitive nature of the data that the healthcare sector handles, cloud security is of particular concern.

Before transitioning to the cloud, healthcare organizations must understand the significance of cloud security in healthcare, the potential risks associated with cloud computing in healthcare, and the best practices for ensuring cloud security in the healthcare sector. By doing so, they can ensure that their data is protected and that they follow relevant regulations and standards.

In today’s digital age, it is essential for healthcare organizations to prioritize cloud security to safeguard their patients’ sensitive information. By implementing robust cloud security measures, healthcare organizations can ensure that their data is secure and that they are providing the highest level of care to their patients.

Why is Cloud Security Important in Healthcare?

Healthcare organizations are among the top targets for cybercriminals because of the high value of the data they hold. Medical records, patient information, and personal data are vital resources. The move towards digitalization has made it easier for hackers to access this data, and the use of cloud computing has only increased this risk. A breach of patient data can lead to identity theft, medical identity theft, financial loss, and even legal action against the healthcare organization.

Furthermore, healthcare organizations face a regulatory environment that requires them to ensure the privacy and security of patient data. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act set out strict regulations for the handling of patient data. Healthcare organizations that fail to meet these regulations face significant fines and legal penalties.

Risks Associated with Cloud Computing in Healthcare

The primary risks associated with cloud computing for the healthcare industry include availability, confidentiality, data integrity, network security, control, real-time information sharing, and robust backup.

The common challenges healthcare sector faces due to cloud adoption include: 

  • Data Breaches – Cloud computing increases the risk of data breaches because of the increased number of access points and the potential for weak security controls.
  • Data Loss – Cloud computing providers can experience outages or data loss, leading to the loss of critical patient data.
  • Insider Threats – Cloud computing providers have access to the healthcare organization’s data, creating a risk of insider threats.
  • Compliance Violations – Healthcare organizations must comply with HIPAA and HITECH regulations, and any failure to do so can result in significant fines.

Best Practices for Ensuring Cloud Security in Healthcare

Choose a Cloud Provider with a Strong Security Record: – Healthcare organizations should work with cloud providers that have a strong security record and can provide evidence of their security measures.

Use Encryption: – All data transmitted between the healthcare organization and the cloud provider should be encrypted to prevent unauthorized access.

Implement Access Controls: – Healthcare organizations should implement access controls to ensure that only authorized users can access patient data.

Regularly Monitor for Threats: – Healthcare organizations should continuously monitor for potential security threats and take proactive measures to mitigate them.

Ensure Compliance: – Healthcare organizations should work with their cloud provider to ensure that they are meeting all regulatory requirements for the handling of patient data. They should comply with HIPAA and HITECH regulations to avoid legal penalties.

Conduct Regular Security Audits: – Healthcare organizations should conduct regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities and ensure that security measures are effective.

Conclusion

Cloud security is crucial in the healthcare sector, where patient data is highly sensitive and subject to strict regulations. Healthcare organizations must ensure that their cloud computing providers have strong security measures in place, and that they are meeting all regulatory requirements for the handling of patient data. By following best practices for cloud security, healthcare organizations can reduce the risk of data breaches, protect patient data, and avoid significant fines and legal penalties.

GoDgtl by Prutech is your reliable cloud solution provider offering end-to-end services through a secure and scalable environment. Our experienced security experts follow a strategic security approach and ensure the highest standards in cloud security services.  

We help organizations to identify potential risks and address vulnerabilities in their systems.  

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your business thrive in the cloud era. Contact 24/7 – GoDgtl (go-dgtl.in).

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AWS Cloud Security Blog

Fortinet: Your Ultimate Network Security Guardian

The latest technology developments have enabled professionals to work from any location, the flexibility of using the devices according to their convenience, and the ability to access multiple resources.

The pandemic has forced businesses to adopt a hybrid work model with smarter endpoint devices and LTE/5G connectivity, and transformed businesses, allowing them to compete more effectively in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Organizations need to deploy solutions that can follow and protect users working from remote locations. These systems need Zero Trust Network Access and secured connectivity.

Most organizations deploy more than one security solution for various levels of protection, for example: one vendor for endpoint protection, another for EDR, a different vendor for identity, and so on. This leads to complex workarounds. It takes up significant IT overhead for maintaining those systems.

Fortinet as a unified security solution

Fortinet offers a complete security solution that fully supports today’s work from anywhere environment. The Fortinet solution includes a broad portfolio of zero trust, endpoint, and network security solution that helps in securing and connecting remote workforce.

Fortinet provides fully integrated security, services, and threat intelligence that seamlessly follow users working from any location and allows enterprise-grade protection and productivity across the extended network.

Fortinet offers simplified security solutions for various working scenarios that include office, work-from-home, and travel. Fortinet delivers an integrated combination of essential tools, including:

  • Zero Trust Access: FortiClient, Fort iOS, FortiGate for ZTNA, and Forti Authenticator to control and secure access to applications and other resources.
  • Endpoint Security: FortiXDR is used to identify zero-day anomalies and live threat response, it will be complimentary for the SIEM.
  • Network Security: FortiGate and FortiGate-VM security platforms provide advanced and consistent security at the campus, data center, branch, and cloud environments. For the home network, HomeWRK for business isolates the home network and provides secure access to the corporate network as well as the cloud resources. For professionals working on the go Fortinet offers FortiSASE Remote for enabling network security.

Enhanced security with AI/ML driven Threat intelligence

Fortinet uses the latest technology tools to provide organizations with critical protection and actionable threat intelligence. Using these tools Fortinet offers enhanced threat identification and protection information available by continuously monitoring networks through the effective use of sensors.

Fortinet offers a simplified and unified licensing model that can seamlessly follow users across any environment or form factor. Fortinet provides the flexibility to work from any location and address the challenges faced such as shifting connectivity needs, hybrid workers, or resources without the need to adjust licensing schemes.

Conclusion:

Fortinet offers a complete security solution that supports a work-from-anywhere environment. The pandemic has led to a hybrid work model, and businesses need to deploy solutions that protect remote users with secured connectivity and Zero Trust Network Access.

Many organizations use multiple security solutions, which can be complex, costly, and time-consuming to maintain. Fortinet provides a unified security solution that includes zero trust, endpoint, and network security, delivering fully integrated security, services, and threat intelligence that follow users working from any location.

They offer simplified security solutions for various working scenarios that include office, work-from-home, and travel, with essential tools such as FortiClient, FortiGate for ZTNA, FortiXDR, and FortiGate-VM security platforms. Fortinet uses AI/ML to enhance threat identification and offers a simplified and unified licensing model that follows users across any environment or form factor.

GoDgtl provides a comprehensive cloud security and application security solution through the effective use of Fortinet security solution that delivers broad, integrated, and automated protection across an organization’s entire digital attack surface.   

Our team of experts would be happy to help you assess your current security posture and recommend the right Fortinet solution that aligns with your organization’s specific requirements.

To learn more, contact us Contact 24/7 – GoDgtl (go-dgtl.in).

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AWS Cloud Security Blog

Resolve Cyber security challenges in BFSI industry with AWS Cloud Security Services

BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) is a highly regulated industry that deals with sensitive and confidential customer data. Major players in this segment are looking towards AWS Cloud security services to achieve their regulatory compliances. These services offer a range of benefits, including cost savings, scalability, flexibility, and improved efficiency. However, they also present a number of challenges that must be addressed in order to ensure the security of sensitive data.

A major challenge in the BFSI domain is to comply with strict regulations and standards specified by the regulatory authorities such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), etc… To comply with these standards organizations, are required to implement a wide range of security measures, including data encryption, access controls, and audit trails.

Another challenge is the risk of data breaches and cyber-attacks. Financial institutions are prime targets for cybercriminals, who are constantly developing new techniques and tactics to exploit vulnerabilities in cloud infrastructure. This can result in the theft of sensitive data, financial fraud, and reputational damage.

To address these challenges, financial institutions must implement a comprehensive security strategy that includes a range of cloud security services offered by AWS . These services may include:

  • Identity and Access Management (IAM): This service ensures that only authorized users have access to sensitive data and applications.
  • Data Encryption: This service encrypts sensitive data both in transit and at rest, ensuring that it cannot be intercepted or accessed by unauthorized parties.
  • Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): This service collects and analyses security event data from across the cloud infrastructure, providing early warning of potential security threats.
  • Threat Intelligence: This service provides real-time intelligence on emerging threats and vulnerabilities, allowing financial institutions to proactively protect against attacks.
  • Network Security: This service provides firewalls and intrusion prevention systems to protect against external attacks.
  • Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs): These services act as a gateway between cloud applications and users, providing visibility and control over cloud usage.

Overall, while cloud security services offer many benefits to the BFSI domain, financial institutions must carefully evaluate their security needs and implement a comprehensive strategy that addresses the unique challenges of the industry.

Conclusion

AWS Cloud Security Services allows organizations to secure their cloud-based services and applications with industry best practices, such as defense-in-depth and security automation.

GoDgtl by Prutech offers robust security solutions to strengthen the security posture of your organization. We help organizations increase their business efficiency by implementing the latest technologies that offer cutting-edge solutions. Our leading-edge security experts are committed to providing excellence and the highest standards in cloud security services.

We have the right solution for your organization. Our client-centric approach helps you build a more secure, reliable, and efficient business infrastructure that keeps your information safe.

To learn more, contact us Contact 24/7 – GoDgtl (go-dgtl.in).