Cybersecurity Solutions with Two99: Best Practices and Implementation

Cyber threats pose a significant risk to businesses of all sizes. Sensitive financial data, intellectual property, patient information, and proprietary business processes all reside within complex digital ecosystems. From data breaches and ransomware attacks to phishing scams and business email compromise (BEC), cybercriminals are constantly devising new methods to exploit vulnerabilities and steal sensitive information. The contemporary threat practices are multifaceted and ever-evolving. Cybercriminals employ diverse techniques to exploit vulnerabilities and pilfer sensitive data. Here are some statistics that shows the severity and intricacy of the challenges faced by organizations today:

• The fastest recorded time for a cybercriminal to gain access within a system is a shocking 2 minutes and 7 seconds.
• Cloud environments are a growing target, with a 75% increase in cloud intrusions.
• Phishing, social engineering, and buying legitimate credentials are on the rise.
• Attackers are employing a wider range of tactics to gain initial access, including SIM swapping, MFA bypass, and exploiting stolen API keys.

A robust cybersecurity posture is no longer a competitive advantage; it has become a non-negotiable prerequisite for business continuity and success. It is critical for safeguarding an organization’s financial well-being, reputational integrity, and overall success.

A Strategic Approach to Cybersecurity

A report titled “Securing India’s Digital Future: Cybersecurity Urgency and Opportunities” highlights that 83% of organizations faced cybersecurity incidents in 2023, with 48% reporting incidents causing million-dollar damages. The CISCO Cybersecurity Readiness Index reports that as of 2022, only about 24% of companies and institutions possess the adequate tools and proficiency to tackle their cybersecurity challenges effectively. Additionally, more than 30% are at the initial phase of cybersecurity readiness.

In the face of an unyielding wave of cyber threats, the urgency for a solid cybersecurity framework is paramount. Therefore, a robust cybersecurity strategy is the cornerstone of any defense mechanism. It includes a comprehensive plan that outlines the organization’s cybersecurity posture, the imminent threats it faces, and the measures in place to protect its digital assets. Moreover, the strategy must be agile, adapting to new threats, technologies, and business processes. It should encompass not only technical measures but also governance policies and a culture of security awareness across the organization.

Beyond the Basics: A Multi-Layered Approach

An effective cybersecurity strategy goes beyond traditional perimeter defenses. A multi-layered approach that integrates people, processes, and technology is essential to create a comprehensive security posture.

• Threat Intelligence and Risk Quantification: Leveraging threat intelligence feeds and advanced vulnerability scanning tools, organizations can develop a comprehensive understanding of the evolving threat landscape. The India Cybersecurity Market, which includes threat intelligence and vulnerability scanning, was valued at USD 3.05 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to USD 7.23 billion by 2029 with a CAGR of 15.3%. Vulnerability assessments should not only identify weaknesses but also prioritize them based on exploitability and potential business impact. This risk-based approach allows for the allocation of resources to address the most critical threats first.
• Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA): Traditional perimeter-based security models struggle to effectively secure the dynamic and distributed nature of modern IT environments. ZTA presents a more robust approach by continuously authenticating and authorizing all users and devices, regardless of location. This “never trust, always verify” principle minimizes the potential damage caused by compromised credentials or unauthorized access attempts. A staggering 90% of organizations prioritize implementing a Zero Trust security model. This shift towards Zero Trust isn’t without reason — studies indicate it can potentially reduce data breach costs by an average of $1.76 million.
• Microsegmentation: Further compartmentalizing the network through microsegmentation can significantly limit the lateral movement of attackers within the IT infrastructure. By logically dividing the network into smaller, isolated segments, Microsegmentation limits the lateral movement of attackers within the IT infrastructure. A notable example of microsegmentation in action is at Bupa’s Cromwell Hospital. The hospital faced high risks of cyber attacks due to a variety of connected devices and sensitive patient data. They implemented Elisity’s Cognitive Trust Platform™, which is an identity-based microsegmentation solution. By isolating critical systems and patient data from untrusted devices and network segments, Cromwell Hospital achieved enhanced cybersecurity without compromising operational efficiency.
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Endpoint Security: Given the prevalence of sensitive data within the organization and across external platforms, robust Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solutions are essential. DLP enforces granular controls over data movement and prevents unauthorized exfiltration attempts. Endpoint security solutions with advanced threat detection and application whitelisting capabilities further bolster the defense by actively monitoring endpoint activity for malicious behavior.
• Identity and Access Management (IAM): Strong password policies coupled with multi-factor authentication (MFA) are fundamental to securing access to corporate resources. IAM solutions that leverage privileged access management (PAM) techniques further enhance security by granting users only the minimum level of access required for their specific roles. Organizations prioritizing a holistic approach to IAM — aligning it with both business and IT objectives can achieve a significant competitive advantage by 2024.
• Security Awareness Training: The human element remains a critical vulnerability in cybersecurity. Regular and comprehensive security awareness training programs can significantly reduce the risk of successful phishing attacks and social engineering attempts.
• Incident Response and Recovery: Despite best efforts, breaches can still occur. Having a well-defined incident response plan that outlines roles, responsibilities, and communication protocols allows for a swift and coordinated response to security incidents, minimizing downtime and data loss.

Translating Best Practices into Action: How Two99 Can Help?

Till now, the discussion was about the best practices for building a robust cybersecurity posture. However, translating these concepts into a practical implementation plan can be a complex task. Two99 recognizes this challenge and offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to empower organizations to implement these best practices and strengthen their security posture.

• Web Application Scanning: Two99 employs sophisticated web application scanners to meticulously scrutinize code for vulnerabilities such as SQL injection and Cross-Site Scripting (XSS). These in-depth scans provide invaluable insights for proactive remediation, bolstering the resilience of web applications against cyberattacks.
• Mobile App Scanner: Recognizing the ubiquitous nature of mobile applications, Two99 offers specialized mobile app scanners. These tools evaluate security posture, pinpointing potential risks and delivering actionable recommendations to fortify mobile applications.
• Network/Infrastructure Penetration Testing: Two99’s penetration testing services simulate real-world cyberattacks. It exposes vulnerabilities within network infrastructure. This proactive approach allows organizations to identify and address weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors.
• Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM): As cloud adoption accelerates, Two99 offers CSPM solutions. These services ensure the ongoing security and integrity of cloud-based assets motivating organizations to confidently leverage the scalability and agility of the cloud.
• Social Engineering Testing & Security Drills: Acknowledging the human element in cybersecurity, Two99’s social engineering testing and security drills assess and strengthen personnel’s preparedness against deceptive tactics employed by cybercriminals. By simulating real-world scenarios, these exercises empower employees to become a vigilant line of defense.
• Attack Surface & Brand Threat Monitoring: Two99’s continuous attack surface and brand threat monitoring services provide a constant vigil over an organization’s digital footprint. This approach allows for easy detection and mitigation of threats targeting the brand and its online presence.

Partnering with Two99 grants organizations access to a dedicated team of cybersecurity experts who offer guidance throughout the implementation process. This ensures that the chosen security measures are tailored to specific needs and threat profile, ultimately resulting in a fortified security posture that uses best practices. Two99 works closely with businesses to integrate these solutions, minimizing disruption to daily operations.