In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the persistent success of lateral movement continues to baffle many enterprises. But why does this clandestine maneuver still manage to infiltrate our defenses? Let's uncover the hidden truths.
The Open Door Policy: Many servers are left exposed to the unforgiving internet, armed only with port forwards and no Web Application Firewall (WAF) to safeguard them.
Firewalls Falling Short: Traditional firewalls, and even Unified Threat Management (UTM) systems, often lack robust Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS). Zone-to-zone leaks go unnoticed, and hasty "any/any" rules remain unaddressed.
Agent Overload: IT teams install a medley of security agents on laptops and desktops, leading to conflicts and missed detections. It's like having too many cooks in the cybersecurity kitchen.
Broken Configurations: Automated rollouts and updates become a game of chance due to broken configuration tools. Vulnerabilities linger as servers lag behind in updates.
Legacy Limbo: Outdated and vulnerable equipment populates organizations, lurking in the shadows of critical systems. Fear of breaking the unknown holds back necessary upgrades.
Default Settings Dilemma: Networking gear and IoT devices retain their default settings, including administrative credentials—music to hackers' ears.
Policy Bypasses: Employees often circumvent corporate policies by connecting devices that offer easier access to restricted content, inadvertently aiding cybercriminals.
Choke Point Assumptions: Misguided assumptions about security choke points, influenced by selective information, create blind spots that attackers exploit.
Corporate Blindfold: Lack of visibility plagues organizations, thanks to corporate politics and bureaucratic processes.
So, how can we drain this cyber swamp and combat lateral movement? The answer lies in embracing transparency and gaining visibility into network traffic. Identifying and addressing one issue at a time, following the Kaizen philosophy, will help tackle the root causes. After all, neglecting cybersecurity issues is a risky business.
CTOs and CIOs should rethink the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality. Cybercriminals thrive on exploiting complacency, and in the ever-changing digital landscape, ignoring maintenance can lead to catastrophic breaches. Just ask Eskom about the consequences of neglecting cybersecurity.
It's time to break free from the chains of vulnerability, uncover the lurking threats, and fortify our defenses. In the world of cybersecurity, proactive measures are the key to thwarting the advances of lateral movement.
Ronald connects Internet inhabiting things using SD-WAN at Fusion Broadband South Africa, the leading specialized SD-WAN provider in South Africa. 👉 Contact Fusion☕
