Insights

Cybersecurity – Building a Secure Software Platform

July 3, 2023

Introduction

In today’s digital landscape, where data breaches and cyber threats are prevalent, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures is crucial for protecting sensitive information. We will explore the approach to cybersecurity, delve into the seven layers of cybersecurity, discuss an effective approach to building a secure software platform, and present case studies to highlight real-life scenarios and solutions.

How Cybersecurity is Approached?

Cybersecurity is a multi-faceted discipline that encompasses a range of strategies and practices to protect against unauthorized access, data breaches, and other cyber threats. The approach to cybersecurity for data centers involves a comprehensive strategy to protect against cyber threats and ensure the security of sensitive data. This approach includes conducting risk assessments, implementing physical and network security measures, addressing endpoint security, securing applications, protecting data through encryption and access controls, managing user identities and access, establishing robust security monitoring and incident response capabilities, providing employee training, and managing third-party vendor risks. By following this multi-layered approach, data centers can strengthen their security defenses, mitigate risks, and safeguard critical information against evolving cyber threats.

The 7 Layers of Cybersecurity

The 7-layers of security model is a comprehensive approach to cyber-security that addresses different layers of protection to ensure the overall security of an organization. Each layer provides a different type of protection and serves a specific purpose in the design, development, and operationalizing of cyber-security in an organization. Here is an overview of each layer:

This is the innermost layer where an organization’s most important and sensitive assets reside. This includes critical data, intellectual property, and financial information. Organizations need to establish and enforce policies to secure these assets by implementing physical security measures, access controls, data encryption, and monitoring. Client need to classify their mission-critical assets based on their level of importance and sensitivity. This allows them to allocate resources and prioritize protection efforts accordingly.

Key Measures

To establish a robust cybersecurity framework for mission-critical assets, organizations should implement key measures. These include performing an asset inventory and classification to identify and assign risk levels to critical assets, implementing access controls such as biometric and multi-factor authentication to restrict unauthorized access, encrypting mission-critical data at rest and in transit to maintain its security, defining a comprehensive data backup and recovery plan to ensure data availability in case of disasters, conducting regular security assessments to identify vulnerabilities, and developing an incident response plan that outlines the steps to be taken during security breaches or cyber-attacks. By implementing these measures, organizations can enhance the security of their mission-critical assets and mitigate potential risks.

Data Security

This layer involves securing the data-at-rest, in-transit, and in-use. A guideline shall be developed that includes encryption, access control, and authentication to ensure that data is protected from unauthorized access and theft. A data backup and recovery mechanisms shall be implemented to ensure that data is available in case of any disaster or data loss

Key Measures

To ensure the security and protection of sensitive data, organizations should implement various measures. This includes data classification, encryption techniques, access controls, data retention policies, and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solutions. Compliance with data privacy regulations, such as GDPR, is essential. By implementing these measures, organizations can enhance data security, protect sensitive information, and meet regulatory requirements.

Application Security

This layer involves securing applications, web portals, and software from vulnerabilities and cyber-attacks.

Key Measures

To ensure the development of secure applications, organizations should adopt various practices and guidelines. This includes implementing secure coding practices, such as adhering to coding standards, using secure libraries and APIs, and validating all input to prevent vulnerabilities. The use of software security tools, such as static code analysis and dynamic application security testing, helps identify and remediate vulnerabilities. Secure deployment and configuration guidelines should be established, ensuring up-to-date software, patched systems, and access controls for sensitive data. Secure communication protocols, like HTTPS with SSL/TLS encryption, protect data during transit. Vulnerability management through regular scans and penetration testing helps address weaknesses, while following a Secure Development Life Cycle (SDLC) ensures security is integrated from the early stages of development. By incorporating these measures, organizations can enhance the security posture of their applications and minimize the risk of vulnerabilities and cyber-attacks.

Endpoint Security

This layer involves securing endpoints, such as laptops, desktops, and mobile devices, from cyber threats. It includes implementing security software, endpoint encryption, access controls, and monitoring to protect endpoints from malware, phishing attacks, and other cyber threats. Endpoints are often the weakest link in the security chain as they are more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Endpoints can be compromised through malware, phishing attacks, or other methods, which can lead to data breaches or other security incidents.

Key Measures

To enhance endpoint security, organizations should implement several measures. Antivirus software should be used to detect and remove malware from endpoints, preventing potential damage. Endpoint encryption ensures that data stored on endpoints remains protected even if the device is lost or stolen. Access controls restrict unauthorized access to endpoints and the data they contain. Endpoint monitoring tracks activity to identify security threats, including unusual network behavior and unauthorized access attempts. Patch management ensures that endpoint software is up-to-date with the latest security patches, minimizing vulnerabilities. Employee training plays a crucial role, educating staff about best practices for endpoint security, such as recognizing phishing scams and avoiding unauthorized software downloads. By implementing these measures, organizations can strengthen their endpoint security and reduce the risk of data breaches and cyber-attacks.

Network Security

This layer involves securing the organization’s network infrastructure, such as switches, routers, and firewalls, from cyber threats. This shall include implementing access controls, encryption, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and continuous monitoring to protect the network from cyber-attacks.

Key Measures

To ensure network security, organizations deploy various tools and technologies. Firewalls monitor and control network traffic based on security rules. Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS) detect and prevent network attacks, such as DoS and DDoS attacks. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) establish secure connections for remote users and protect data during transmission. Network Access Control (NAC) enforces access control policies to permit only authorized devices on the network. Antivirus/Antimalware software detects and removes malicious software from the network. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) identifies and protects sensitive data from unauthorized access. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems centralize and analyze security logs to identify potential threats. By implementing these tools, organizations can enhance their network security and protect against various cyber threats.

Perimeter Security

This layer involves securing the organization’s physical perimeter, such as buildings and datacenters, from unauthorized access. It includes implementing physical access controls, surveillance systems, and intrusion detection and prevention systems to protect the organization’s assets from physical threats.

Key Measures

To ensure physical security, organizations implement various measures. Physical access controls, such as locked doors, access cards, and biometric scanners, restrict access to sensitive areas. Surveillance systems, including cameras and motion detectors, monitor and record activity. Intrusion detection and prevention systems identify and prevent unauthorized access using sensors, alarms, and automated responses. Visitor management systems track and manage visitors through visitor logs, access controls, and background checks. Physical security assessments, involving inspections and risk assessments, identify vulnerabilities. Incident response plans, including emergency procedures and recovery strategies, address security incidents. By implementing these measures, organizations can enhance their physical security and mitigate risks to their physical perimeters.

Human Layer

The human layer of security is an often overlooked but critical component of the 7-layers of cyber-security. It refers to the role that people, both employees and external parties, play in maintaining the security of an organization’s information assets. This layer is considered the weakest link in the cyber-security chain since humans are vulnerable to manipulation, errors, and mistakes.

Key Measures

Implementing comprehensive cybersecurity measures is essential to protect against cyber threats. Regular training and awareness programs educate employees about common cyber threats and reinforce existing cybersecurity policies. Access control policies restrict data and system access to authorized personnel only. An incident response plan outlines steps to address cyber-attacks, assigning specific roles and responsibilities. Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies ensure employee-owned devices are secure and do not pose risks. Continuous monitoring of employee activity detects potential security breaches. Reporting and incident response procedures encourage prompt reporting of suspicious activity and facilitate timely corrective actions. Strong password policies, frequent password changes, and multi-factor authentication enhance password management. By implementing these measures, organizations can strengthen their cybersecurity posture and mitigate the risks associated with cyber-attacks.

Building a Secure Software Platform

To build a secure software platform for data centers, organizations should consider the following recommendations:

• Implement Defense-in-Depth – Adopt a layered security approach that incorporates multiple security measures across different levels of the software platform.
• Conduct Regular Security Assessments – Perform comprehensive security assessments, including vulnerability scanning and penetration testing, to identify and address potential weaknesses.
• Follow Security Best Practices – Adhere to established security frameworks and best practices, such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework or ISO 27001, to ensure a systematic approach to security.
• Continuous Monitoring and Patch Management – Implement real-time monitoring of the software platform, apply regular security patches and updates, and proactively address emerging threats.
• Encryption and Data Protection – Utilize encryption technologies to protect sensitive data at rest and in transit, and establish robust data backup and disaster recovery mechanisms.
• Employee Awareness and Training – Educate employees on cybersecurity best practices, conduct regular training sessions, and establish clear guidelines for handling sensitive information.
• Third-Party Vendor Risk Management – Assess and manage the security risks associated with third-party vendors and service providers who have access to the data center environment.

Governance

Governance refers to the overall structure and processes that guide the decision-making and oversight within an organization. It involves defining the strategic objectives, setting policies and procedures, and establishing accountability mechanisms. The components of governance within GRC are as follows:

Risk Management

Risk management focuses on identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that could impact the achievement of organizational objectives. It involves developing strategies to handle potential threats and opportunities. The components of risk management within GRC are as follows:

Compliance

Compliance ensures that an organization operates within the legal and regulatory frameworks relevant to its industry. It involves adhering to laws, regulations, industry standards, and internal policies. The components of compliance within GRC are as follows:

The GRC framework is established to determine the risk tolerance of the organization and the tools were configured to monitor the various parameters accordingly.

Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing (VPAT)

VPAT plan is developed consisting of Internal VA, External VAPT, Web Application penetration testing, mobile application penetration testing, Red Team assessments and phishing simulations, source code reviews and configuration & architecture review. A tailor-made approach was developed to address the following:

• Perform External Penetration Test on CLIENTs Public IPs and Public hosted Web sites
• Network Architecture Design Review
• Configuration Review of Firewalls, Routers, Switches, UTM, F5 (LB and WAF)
• Social Engineering Assessment
• VAPT for Server operating system, applications, databases, desktop systems, network, Wifi, VoIP infrastructure, Simulate and Test DDoS on the external facing Websites / Information Assets and retest of critical and high findings.

The vulnerabilities identified will be benchmarked with CLIENT policies, CIS, SANS, NIST Cyber Security Framework, NIST SP 800-82, NESA, PCIS and other applicable security best practices and standards.

Network Architecture Security Review

The network is divided into untrusted, trusted and semi-trusted zones. The right test strategies and tools are employed to assess the vulnerabilities in each of the zones.

Security Devices Configuration Review

Critical components are selected in conjunction with client representative to ensure relevant, meaningful measurement of IT components that reflects the priorities and classification according to importance of client management.  The configuration settings of the selected devices are selected depending on the nature of the target system.  The following methods were used:

• Manual configuration inspection
• Extraction of system configuration for offline analysis
• Execution of system utilities (with administrative access) and extracting output for offline analysis
• Installation and execution of scripted or binary programs (with administrative access) and extracting output for offline analysis

OS checks such as software versions and patch levels, password controls and policies, open filtered and closed ports and Network Time Protocol NTP were synchronized. The configuration checks included user & group security, authentication settings, user & environment variables settings, network security & protocol security, audit log management, default configurations and unused services. Administration check included physical security considerations, remote management application, remote access security service, encrypted & clear text protocols, account lockout and session timeout policies. Failover and recover checks included documenting the provisioning, enforcement & administrative processes and diagrammatic summary of the assets and access points.

Social Engineering

The following activities were performed as part of the social engineering activity:

• Acquire open source Intelligence (OSINT) data sets and information
• Conduct active scanning
• Conduct passive scanning
• Determine 3rd party infrastructure services
• Determine domain and IP address space
• Determine external network trust dependencies
• Determine firmware version
• Discover target logon/email address format
• Enumerate client configurations
• Enumerate externally facing software applications technologies, languages, and dependencies
• Identify job postings and needs/gaps
• Identify security defensive capabilities
• Identify supply chains
• Identify technology usage patterns
• Identify web defensive services
• Map network topology
• Mine technical blogs/forums
• Obtain domain/IP registration information

Application Security Assessment

The application security assessment is performed using the following test cases:

• Input Validation
• Software Tampering
• Authentication
• Authorization
• Configuration management
• Sensitive information
• Session management
• Cryptography
• Parameter manipulation
• Exception management
• Auditing and logging

Network Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing

The network vulnerability assessment and penetration testing is performed on these lines:

• Intelligence Gathering — Discovery of all the accessible systems and their respective services to obtain as much information as possible.
• Threat Modeling — Identification of the vulnerabilities within systems via automated scans and deep-dive manual testing techniques.
• Vulnerability Analysis — Documenting and analyzing vulnerabilities to develop the plan of attack.
• Exploitation — performing an attempt to exploit.
• Reporting — Ranking, and prioritizing findings to generate an actionable report, complete with evidence, for the project stakeholders.

Desktop Vulnerability assessment and Penetration testing

Cybercriminals mostly focus on PC or MAC workstation environments as they offer the easiest and most dynamic exploitation weaknesses. Computer desktops are constantly changing. They use business applications, file documentation, data manipulation, and installing new programs. They are also the main interface for accessing website portals through your browser software and internet connection. All these different types of dynamic media changes help attackers easily find holes on your workstation device.

Virtual Workstation Testing – It uses the similar scanning mechanisms as of physical desktop system which supports a consistent methodology to scan all virtual machines at every layer.

Holistic Penetration Testing – The validation methodology scans all applications and operating system versions for the latest patching versions. All port traffic activity coming from the workstation is scanned to ensure port communication is as optimal as possible. Anti-virus programs are also validated, so the systems are protected from the most current virus signatures, malware or possible rootkit attacks.

Conclusion

Building a secure software platform is essential to protect against cyber threats and safeguard sensitive information. By approaching cybersecurity strategically, following the seven layers of cybersecurity, and implementing best practices, organizations can establish a robust security framework. Through continuous monitoring, employee training, and proactive measures, the SecOps personnel can stay one step ahead of evolving threats and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical data. Contact Grep Digital to help assess and implement a secure software platform.