THE SIX VULNERABILITIES
VULNERABILITY #1 - LACK OF ENDPOINT DEFENSES
Many enterprises fail to set up endpoint defense mechanisms such as antivirus tools. This means their organization is more susceptible to cyberattacks, allowing targets to easily access their servers. Another problem is inadequate endpoint defenses. Several factors can turn them into vulnerabilities, including the use of signature-based antivirus platforms. They’re no longer efficient since many tech-savvy criminals can quickly bypass them. Additionally, many programs don’t monitor unexpected or unusual behavior. They may also be unable to investigate or respond to endpoints, especially on larger scales. The best way to address these issues is to invest in cutting-edge endpoint defense tools that involve next-generation antivirus, response, and behavioral analysis capabilities. They provide a comprehensive evaluation of malicious actions and flexible prevention options. If you’re operating a traditional antivirus platform, consider upgrading it to a version with in-depth behavioral inspections. You could also use detailed compromise indicators, forensic details, and real-time response functionality.VULNERABILITY #2 - POOR ACCOUNT PRIVILEGE CONTROL
Limiting the access privileges of your software users is the tenet of controlling vulnerabilities. The less information they can access, the less harm they can do if they have a compromised account. The problem comes if your company doesn’t control your user account access, enabling practically any user to have administrator-level privileges. It gets even worse if your configuration allows unprivileged members to set up admin-level accounts. Therefore, you should grant access only to those team members who can’t carry out their duties without the access. You also need to ensure new accounts don’t have administrator-level access. This helps prevent less-privileged users from creating additional privileged accounts.VULNERABILITY #3 - COMPROMISED OR WEAK CREDENTIALS
Your password and username may be the most widely used access credential. And cybercriminals can easily compromise them, exposing your user credentials.
This usually happens when an unsuspecting team member falls victim to phishing and enters their login information on a fake website. And with compromised credentials, an intruder gains insider access.
Even though analyzing and monitoring can help identify malicious activity, these credentials can bypass security and impede detection. The consequences vary, depending on the access they provide.
For example, privileged credentials offer administrative access to systems and devices, posing a higher risk than consumer accounts.
Keep in mind that humans aren’t the only ones who own credentials.
Security tools, network devices, and servers generally have passwords to enable communication and integration between devices. Intruders can utilize them to activate movements throughout your enterprise both horizontally and vertically - their access is almost unlimited.
To avoid this scenario, you should implement stringent password controls. Another great idea is to include longer and complex passwords, as well as frequent changes. Combining these principles is another effective method to prevent compromised credentials.