How NetworkSecurity can Change your Business Perspective?

Network security is becoming crucial part of IT security and it is playing a major role in reducing vulnerabilities of a system and helping companies to increase their potential. Here are some very important moves that are taken during network security assessment.

Security Policy Document

The important part of security assessment policy is that it must be documented well and one of the important parts is considered as security policy document for every organization. The security policy document describes almost every policy which is implemented in an enterprise network. It describes the duties of an employee and what they can do with the resources. The policy document also includes non-employees such as consultants, clients, business partners and even terminated employees. Moreover, these security policies are defined for internet e-mail and virus detection. It also covers complete cyclical processes to further assess the security system.

Perimeter Security

The second phase of this assessment is performing perimeter security; it explains a first line of defense that external users must deal with before authenticating to the network. It is a security for traffic whose destination is an external network. There are several components that are used to secure the perimeter of a network. During the process of assessment, all perimeter devices are utilized such as firewalls, TACACS servers, dial servers, external routers, modems and VPN concentrators.

Network Security

Network security assessment, a vital part of security assessment in which all of the servers and legacy host security are assessed. A security process implemented for authorizing and authenticating internal and external employees. In perimeter security, when a user is authenticated through perimeter security, it is that security that should be dealt with before starting any applications. The network carries traffic between workstations and network applications (while network applications are implemented on a shared server that could be running on different operating systems such as Mainframe MVS or UNIX).

Here are some important features of network that can be distributed as:

• Non-Repudiation /RSA Digital Signatures
• MD5 Route Authentication and integrity
• Authentication along with Digital Certificates
• Confidentiality holding IPSec/IKE/3DES
• Virus Detection using antiviruses and continuous monitoring of security

Transaction Security

Transaction security works in a dynamic domain of functionality and cover five primary activities to boost network security. These five elements are

• Non-repudiation
• Authentication
• Integrity
• Confidentiality
• Virus detection

Transaction security ensures that session data is protected before being transported across the enterprise communication channel or on the internet. This is important when dealing with the internet channel since data becomes vulnerable to those that would use the important information without permission. E-commerce employs some industry standards such as SSL and SET which describe a set of protocols that provide non-repudiation and CIA (confidentiality, integrity and authentication). Network security must be kept as the top preference because it is the only way to keep the security system healthy and defensible.

How data centers works?

What are Data Centers?

What are data centers and why they are often called as "central nervous system" of a company?

This happens because most organizations rely completely on smooth operations of their information system in order to run all kind of business functions. No company can bear the catastrophe caused by the failure of such systems as they often lead to unbearable loss. So what these data centers contain exactly.

There are many components that can make up an organization’s data center. These can include:

1. A data center can be telecommunication and storage systems. 
2. A data centercan be uninterruptible power supply system. 
3. A data center can be redundant data communication connections.
4. A data center can be form of security device.
5. A data center can be controls for the environment such as air conditioning.

All of these components usually housed together and it is vital to ensure that the design and infrastructure is logical and implemented in a way to ensure that these elements can perform their required function correctly.

How they work?

After understanding what actually data Centre design is, it is really important to know that, “How are data center’s design and infrastructure planned?"

                                    

These centers can be of many types usually depends on the size and need of the organization; they can be fit in a room or may take a broad space of a building or even an entire building. However, the bigger a data center of an organization is the comprehensive planning it will need. It is however clear that large data centers need much more planning in terms of design and infrastructure.

Some basic planning:

Some of the basic planning principles for the process of designing a center, whether they are large or small, are as follows:

Modeling Configurations –

This is the initial planning principle whereby it is important to create a plan for all of the required elements within the data center and costing. This can include sizing, power supply issues, spacing issues, data center location requirements and much more.

Mechanical Engineering –

It comes after modeling phase with the focus on the ability to maintain the information systems by ensuring their environment is suitably designed for them to function correctly. This encompasses temperature control and de-humidifiers as well ventilation control.

Flexibility and Adaptability –

The company or organization’s requirements are often ever evolving which has a direct effect on the requirements of the center. Keeping this in mind, it must be flexible enough to adjust in the changing needs of an organization.

The importance of ISO27001 in Qatar

The ISO27001 Qatar is an international standard which acts as a framework for the ISMS (Information Security Management System). Those companies who receive this certification can show it as a proof that they are following the best security practices for their private data. There are many changes in the newer version of this software as compared to its older counterpart.

What is the ISO27001 Qatar?

The ISO27001 Qatar is established by the ISO/IEC Joint Technical Committee. The latest version of this standard released on 25th September 2013, which succeeded its older version which was established in 2005. ISO27002 is a companion of this standard. The latest version in the ISO family can be used by all sorts of organizations, irrespective of the sectors they may belong to. Companies who wish to prevent risks related to the loss or theft of vital data can get this certification. Nowadays, it is eminent for all organizations, whether large or small, to get them certified. This serves as a verification that their systems are protected and there is no risk of losing data.

Importance of this certification:

In Qatar, majority of the companies are getting themselves ISO27001 certified as they understand the

importance of ISO27001 certification. Through this certification, they are able to make their reputation better in their market. This is because of the international standard of the certification. It acts as a competitive edge in the market and companies who aren’t certified may feel as if they are losing customers. Also, with the help of this certification, companies can win the trust of third parties and customers. Because this certification ensures that the company has all the security standards which will help in the prevention of losing data, customers are ready to trust the firm without any doubts.

Difference from the ISO27001:2005:

The ISO27001:2013 introduced new regulations which did not exist in its previous version. Some of them are listed as follows:

• The PDCA (plan-do-check-act) model does not exist in the older version. Organizations can now apply through any sort of continual improvement method.
• The clauses mentioned in annex A have been changed.
• The structure of the new standard has changed.
• The roles of the upper level management have been clearly described in the standard.
• The standard is more flexible for the organization.
• The newer version integrates better with the other ISO standards.

ISO27001 Qatar– Domains, Objectives and Controls

ISO27001 Qatar is used commonly because all companies understand the need of keeping their information safe and secure from others. That is why they prefer achieving this certification to increase the level of trust of their potential customers and interested parties. ISO27001 refers to an international standard which helps in maintaining certain security controls for the organization.

Introduction:

ISO27001 is used by many companies in Qatar to ensure the safety of their information systems. Many companies consider it a risk to keep data in their devices without proper security controls and consider security the first priority of their business. They are well aware of the fact that competitive companies can steal their private data and use it for their own advantage.

ISO27001 Qatar acts like a framework for the information security management system and helps in the establishment, management and implementation of security controls. Many businessmen prefer being ISO27001 certified as it is an international standard. This will help them in expanding their business as well as in trading internationally. This standard has many other benefits as well. It helps in compliance with other security controls and helps businessmen in maintaining a good image of their company in the market. Customers and interested parties are more likely to trust those companies in Qatar which are ISO27001 certified.

Domains objectives and controls:

The domains and control objectives of ISO27001 are given as follows:

1. Security policy:

The objective of this policy is to help in the management of security controls in accordance with the laws related to information security. This also assists the management in making important decisions related to security.

2. Organization of Information Security:

The objective is to manage information security within the workplace i.e to assist managers with security controls. Another objective is to maintain the organization’s information which is managed by third parties.

3. Asset management:

The objective of this control is to manage the assets of the company and to protect it from risk.

4. Human resource security:

The main objective of this security is to ensure that all the employees and interest parties are capable and understand their job responsibilities. After getting the job, the objective is to ensure that they understand the risks and threats involved in managing information security.

5. Physical environment and security:

The objective of this control is to prevent physical access to the information.

The Controls of Information Security

Information security Dubai means the proper protection and safeguard of information from getting into the wrong hands. These days’ companies must be very prudent regarding their private data and keep it protected. Almost all companies consider security as their top most priority and do all they can to protect their data.

In this fast track world, companies have advanced from being small entrepreneurial businesses to large business hubs. Competition exists amongst all levels, even amongst the smallest companies. This competition can also be unhealthy and companies may want to reach the maximum heights to achieve more profit than others. For this, they might also need to steal the company’s private data. Through this, they can unveil the company’s future plans and use it for their own benefit. The leakage of data is now possible through various software products and computer hackers. As companies now prefer to transfer all their vital data on their systems rather than on files and physical documents, a pathway for computer hackers has been created to leak this data. To avoid this situation, information security is now a necessity for every firm, no matter how small it may be.  Information security Dubai refers to the protection of vital data present in computer systems of the company. It must be ensured that this data does not get to the wrong hands and information security assists’ company on this matter.

Information security controls:

The company must select proper controls to minimize the risk of leakage of data. These controls may vary in nature but their fundamental aim is to protect the data from getting stolen. The controls are listed as follows:

 

1.    Administrative:

This consists of written policies, procedures, standards and guidelines. They form a model for the proper management of the business. These procedures are used in guiding the employees on how to manage and run the business properly and with ease.

 

2.    Logical:

Logical controls refer to the usage of software and data to monitor the access to information in computers. Examples of this control are passwords, firewall and access control lists.

 

3.    Physical:

These controls are used for the proper monitoring and controlling of the environment of the work place. This control also helps in monitoring access to the computer systems of the workplace. Examples of this control include locks, doors, smoke and fire alarms, cameras, fencing, security guards, cable locks etc.

Why Managers are an Important Actor of Information Security Schema

Why managers must be involved in planning a thorough information security plan for the company, why? This is one of the most common questions we have been answering since long, but still this exists in many minds. Why managers are given so much importance, the reason is that managers are the one who is managing everything in a working culture OR simply he is responsible for maintaining Confidentiality, availability, and integrity of information assets.

Have you ever thought or experience workflow of an organization when there is no manager, there is hardly one person who will take the responsibility of protecting the digital assets. There is only one person who is then held responsible for data leakage, “the manager”. And a manager who fails to accept the responsibility of data leakage will out his/her organization’s survival at risk.

Why managers must know about information security?

There are many organizations that are still working without any kind of security policies and they are considered as “rudderless” when it comes to providing information security. The technical IT people are responsible for creating a master plan for information security and they simply fight with any kind of mitigation attack (also they have limited control or authority of the overall system). At this point, manager’s role starts as he/she is responsible for keeping check on any data leakage by ensuring every team member follow set guidelines. A manager will act as a backbone and help the company to achieve its goal of information security.

Companies which are operating in GULF especially in Qatar are still lacking such practices that are why there is a big loophole exists for hackers.

Many information security companies in Qatar must understand that managers have direct authority to supervise information policies for an organization. And to do this job a manager do not even need to be a computer nerd, basic training and responsible role can help him/her achieve their goals. There is a need of realizing that organizations must undergo with some kind of the systematic approach to assuring information security in their organization.

Manager’s responsibility:

The following items are included in the manager's responsibility for computer security:

1. Vital assets of an organization must be identified, described and itemized.

It is really important to identify all information assets in order to provide an appropriate level of security for each set of information. In addition to that an organization without explicit knowledge of what information assets it owns cannot provide information security.

2. Each of the information assets must be classified as to its level of criticality.

What “critical” means must be described in terms of an information asset, what are they and why they must be protected? For example, financial accounts are more critical than a backup copy of a public website. Policies and procedures must be developed on how information is to be processed in the organization.

Why Information Security is a Management Issue

Mike Gillespie a principal information security consultant, he says that many people even the experts or business owners think that information security is an IT problem, but this is actually a management issue.

He adds that if anyone needed any evidences he/she may look deep inside the current wave of data loss incidents, (how can we forget the recent Apple cloud hack), where companies as well as users are paying the fee of such loss.

He says, only few were caused by an IT practice, instead many are because of business or human errors. However, there are a list of moves Governments are taking to ensure information security in KSA, Europe, and other parts, but still there are vulnerabilities that exist in the system.

Why do we need revolutionary moves in policies?

There are a number of information security moves that have been addressed and clarify information security professionals gathered at one forum and see here what they added in the further discussion.

Lack of integration:

Where are the physical security guys in the information security plan? Where are the people who are expert in dealing with personnel-related risks? Who is the co-ordinated response?

These information security professional added that it is true that IT security does not have its part to play, it does, but where are these guys who are also important in securing the system as guardians, and they must be part of the team too.

And this negligence must be tackled by the senior management as these guys are equally important in securing the information of any IT infrastructure.

These guys also added that there is no such standard to help us out at the individual company level and there is no single guideline exists in the whole information security world.

However, they added that information security standard ISO 27001 is still in the process of development and improvement, but still it builds on 11 key blocks clearly stating that information security is a combination of set of policies and procedures involving HR, business continuity, compliance, and physical security and so on. This clearly states that information security is just not an IT thing in fact it is a complete organization process which must be handled by the management itself.

Why we need accountability?

One thing we must understand that and that is ISO 27001 standard is on the rise and organization who really want to get it right must have to create an overarching security function, but only few business do this.

In most cases, large companies from KSA set up a separate department with highly trained Information security, while companies who cannot afford big team, invest in hiring one to two individuals with Information security knowledge.  But experts say, that this approach must be added into the overall organizational structure to protect the overall system and business integrity. No company can get the desired success unless they rotate its wheel continuously and adopt the new moves as quickly as possible.

Security Consulting UK – Why Cyber Security is so Important?

Who are security consultants?

Information security specialists or InfoSec professionals or Security Consulting UK professionals are IT professionals with cyber security or computer security credentials. These professionals not have years of experience, but skill set that only comes with deep knowledge and brain faster than computer. According to experts, information security is a field that cannot be learnt through certifications or degree instead it is something you are born with. Cyber- security is part of information security domain that covers physical and virtual assets and threats and people related issues. Cyber security is just one part of the wider field of information security, which also covers physical assets and threats, and people-related factors. However, in the current context of growing threats to critical national infrastructure (such as power plants) in certain countries, it is the "cyber" part of the term that is taking an increasingly high profile. But nature of growing threats on ‘critical infrastructure’ in certain countries, cyber part of InfoSec is becoming top concern of companies, enterprises and Governmental bodies. It is also true that many organizations are not at risk from state-sponsored agents, but there are many amateur hackers who can take benefit.

It is time when a company will need help from security consulting UK professionals. An information security consultant can reshape the overall enterprise security posture by preventing the system and mitigating future incursions.

What do they offer?

A cyber security consultant can audit enterprise existing system, verify the level of current IT security, point out vulnerable areas in a system (for instance, webpages ask for credentials such as user name and password encryption pages).

They check software for updates as a software not updated to the latest patch becomes ineffective against many threats and make system vulnerable. In such case, an update can solve the problem, however in other cases where software is update a re-configuration may be needed. Security consulting service provider’s professionals will do the penetration testing and vulnerability scans to unearth vulnerabilities. They ensure that all vulnerabilities are fixed before hackers can identify to take benefit.

Why they are crucial?

Cyber security consultants are pivotal for a company and they can offer much more than just vulnerability assessment. Security consulting UK is expert in offering customized security services to develop a comprehensive security plan for an enterprise. They believe in offering fully tailored solutions rather installing one-fits-all solution and methodologies. Most security consulting firms not only offer security paradigm to ensure information security, but they also offer proper training to employees to keep security vulnerabilities at bay. Without employee training, no company can survive no matter how complex and comprehensive security measures are implemented.

This is not just it as many security consulting service providers help companies in achieving international certifications such as ISO 27001 etc. It is a fact that security consulting UK can bring a lot of benefits to an enterprise culture so keep financial concerns aside and invest in hiring a good service provider.

Top 3 Threats to Cloud Security Services

Cloud computing is grabbing its vital place after RSA Conference 2013, among organizations and vendors involved in comprehensive IT solutions. These companies are offering quick controls to companies in order to avoid threats, but first it is an important way for companies to identify their cloud related threats. To avoid such threats companies need reliable cloud security services.

 

10 Best Practices for Integrating Data

Even now in corporate world data integration is often underestimated and poorly implemented. To help companies in identifying cloud computing threats by mentioning nine cloud computing threat for 2013.

The first threat is data breaches.  To point out the importance of this type of threat, CSA pointed to a research paper describing how a virtual machine can be used as side-channel timing information to extract private cryptographic keys in use by other connected virtual machines on the same server. In fact, with such strong connectivity a malicious hacker wouldn’t go to that depth in order to extract important information. In short, if a cloud computing network is not designed properly, even a single flaw in one single machine can leave the whole cloud just like a piece of cake for the hacker. Hackers can steal easily not only information from one node, but from all computers connected to that cloud.

 

Challenge:

The challenge is addressing is eradicating this threat from cloud networks in order to save people from any kind of important data loss. Encryption of data can be used to eradicate the data breach risk using certain encryption technique, but what if you lose your encryption key, you will lose your data.

However, if you are someone ready to keep backups of your data to reduce data loss, but at the same time you will expose your system for more data breaches.

Second threat in a cloud computing environment is disappearing of data to some other place without leaving a single trace.  Hacker might delete a target’s data out of spite, but still this is a situation in which you can leave your data to an unsecure cloud or a careless cloud service provider for bigger disaster such as a flood, earthquake and fire. Summarizing the challenge, encryption of your data in such a way that you can retain it in case of such incidents using your encryption key.

Data loss is not only one threat that is challenging in cloud computing, but also it is really difficult for people who want to store important data in order to get compliance with Government agencies such as HIPPA.

The third cloud computing risk could be service or account hijacking – we are almost familiar with such kind of threat, but in case of cloud computing it will be really hard.  For instance if an hacker can get access to your credentials, he or she can easily monitor, hijack or even mitigate it according to his/her needs by leaving hopeless.