How to Protect your Local Assets

Just as people may use a lockbox as physical security for a prized piece of jewelry, businesses must adopt cybersecurity measures to ensure the safety of their important digital assets. These assets could include clients' personal information or a customer's tax records. It is vital to ensure a system provides robust data protection against a growing spectrum of threats, including viruses, data breaches, and more.

This article delves into the imperative task of safeguarding digital assets through unified security measures. Next, the discussion highlights the role of Next-Generation Antivirus (NGAV) solutions in countering cyber threats. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) in NGAV is especially useful for its real-time monitoring capabilities.

To enhance your security posture, consider marrying your EDR solution with Managed Detection and Response (MDR) at both the server and locally managed device levels for a more complete security solution.

Utilize a Next-Generation Antivirus

Next-Generation Antivirus (NGAV) is an advanced cybersecurity solution designed to provide enhanced protection against a wide range of malware threats and other cybersecurity risks. NGAV goes beyond the traditional signature-based detection methods used by traditional antivirus software and employs a more proactive and behavior-based approach to threat detection and prevention.

NGAV offers several advantages over traditional antivirus software. One of the main benefits is its ability to detect and prevent zero-day attacks. Zero-day attacks exploit vulnerabilities that are unknown to the software vendor. Since NGAV focuses on behavior-based analysis rather than on known signatures, it can identify and block these attacks in real time.

Many NGAV solutions also include EDR capabilities, allowing for continuous monitoring and response on endpoints (devices) within a network. This enables security teams to identify and investigate potential security incidents quickly. Additionally, NGAV solutions often leverage cloud-based infrastructure for threat intelligence updates. This ensures that the system is constantly updated with the latest threat information, enabling it to recognize emerging threats quickly.

Another advantage of NGAV is its low false positive rate. Traditional antivirus software often generates false alarms, flagging legitimate files or processes as malicious. This can be frustrating for users and can lead to unnecessary disruptions. NGAV, on the other hand, uses advanced algorithms and machine learning to accurately distinguish between normal and suspicious behavior accurately, reducing false positives and ensuring that only genuine threats are addressed.

In addition to its reduced false positive rate, NGAV also offers enhanced remediation capabilities. If a threat is detected, NGAV can automatically isolate and quarantine the affected files or processes, preventing further damage and minimizing the impact on the system. This automated response saves time and resources and reduces the risk of human error in handling security incidents.

Overall, NGAV represents a significant evolution in antivirus technology, providing businesses with more effective and dynamic protection against a rapidly evolving landscape of cyber threats. It is an essential component of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy to defend against the ever-growing sophistication of malicious software. As a result, a complete cybersecurity protection approach should consider NGAV. 

EDR + MDR = Peace of Mind

MDR is a managed cybersecurity service that provides continuous threat monitoring, detection, and response. It represents the evolution of EDR, offering comprehensive security as a service. MDR utilizes forensics-level analysis with insight data from an EDR tool to respond proactively to threats. MDR can proactively shut down a server without human intervention if a threat is detected. Because reaction times go from minutes to milliseconds, MDR ensures a rapid response to neutralize threats before they significantly impact an organization. 

CPA firms and other organizations see the benefits of MDR resources as an additional protection beyond EDR alone. While there is an overlap between EDR and MDR, they are not the same.

The latter usually leverages human cybersecurity expertise, often on top of an EDR solution. MDR enhances threat detection, incident response, and overall security posture, among other significant benefits.

A complete MDR solution should include 24/7 monitoring and analysis of the network, endpoints, cloud, and email environments, as well as rapid response and remediation capabilities to contain and eliminate attacks. If a real threat is detected, a proven MDR solution helps mitigate that threat in real time, helping clients sleep at night.

Increase Security with SSO Technology

Single Sign-On (SSO) technology is an advanced authentication solution that enhances the security of accessing digital resources. Functioning as both an Identity Provider (IdP) and OpenID Connect Provider (OP), SSO is primarily designed to enforce two-factor authentication (2FA), a robust security method.

In cybersecurity, this technology operates parallel to the concept of strengthened physical security access controls. In a physical setting, these controls involve multiple levels of authorization, such as badge access followed by a fingerprint scan. In a digital context, SSO incorporates a similar principle of dual verification methods.

Cetrom utilizes SSO technology, which mandates dual verification methods before accessing sensitive data or systems. This setup significantly mitigates risks even in the event of password compromises. Furthermore, SSO can aid in centralizing security management protocols.

Cetrom Connect extends this security approach across network landscapes. Secure cloud storage safeguards digital assets, reduces reliance on local servers, and enables consistency in security across diverse platforms. It also seamlessly integrates 2FA into all systems and ensures the secure facilitation of cloud-based printing.

Compliance Through Security Protocols

Accounting firms with over 5,000 customer records are subject to more stringent standards for safeguarding customer data and personal information per the new FTC Safeguards Rule. Paired with existing GLBA regulations, IRS regulations, and insurance mandates, firms using cloud-based services must find ways to ensure compliance with the new FTC rules.  

A comprehensive network security setup should include the following:

• Multifactor Authentication
• Conditional Access for Authorized Users
• Centralized Management of Workstations
• Secure Data Access on Mobile Devices
• Encryption at rest and in transit
• Single Sign-on Between Cloud & Local
• Eliminate Onsite Servers
• Endpoint Protection

Embracing an Integrated Approach

The guide has explored how to safeguard digital assets through unified security measures, including Next-Generation Antivirus solutions engineered to counter cyber threats. The NGAV's behavior-based approach detects emerging threats by analyzing deviations from normal behavior. Their seamless integration of EDR capabilities further enhances data security through real-time monitoring.

Intertwined with this is SSO technology, designed to establish digital access controls.SSO enforces robust two-factor authentication measuresg as an Identity Provider and OpenID Connect Provides. This process significantly reduces risk when deployed correctly in the network structure, even if passwords are compromised.

As remote work and industry standards push the evolution of cloud computing, cloud-based data security solutions become increasingly beneficial for accounting firms to protect local assets and maintain compliance. Cetrom's innovative solutions use cloud services to improve data security and unify IT processes for accounting firms. 

For more insights into Cetrom's comprehensive IT services, please contact us!