#Introduction to Cyber Threats: Part 3
In the previous parts, we defined some key terms and concepts related to cyber threats, such as vulnerability, exploit, attack vector, threat actor, and threat intelligence. We also discussed the main motivations and goals of cyber attackers, and the different types of cyber threats, such as malware, denial-of-service, phishing, spoofing, identity-based attacks, code injection attacks, supply chain attacks, and insider threats.
In this part, we will explore some best practices for preventing or mitigating cyber threats. We will also look at some examples of real-world cyber attacks and their impacts.
## Best Practices for Cyber Threat Prevention and Mitigation
Cyber threats are constantly evolving and becoming more sophisticated. Therefore, organizations need to adopt a proactive and comprehensive approach to cybersecurity that covers people, processes, and technology. Some of the best practices for cyber threat prevention and mitigation are:
- **Incorporate zero trust and SSL inspection**:
Zero trust is a security model that assumes no trust for any entity inside or outside the network perimeter. Zero trust requires verifying the identity and integrity of every user, device, application, and data before granting access or allowing communication. SSL inspection is a technique that decrypts and inspects encrypted traffic to detect and block malicious content or activity. Both zero trust and SSL inspection can help prevent or mitigate cyber threats such as phishing, malware, spoofing, or man-in-the-middle attacks.
- **Examine key components of frequently used apps**:
Applications are often the target or the vector of cyber attacks. Therefore, organizations need to examine the key components of frequently used apps, such as web servers, databases, APIs, frameworks, libraries, etc., and ensure they are secure and up to date. Organizations should also perform regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and fix any weaknesses or flaws in their applications.
- **Invest in email-specific security tools**:
Email is one of the most common attack vectors for cyber threats such as phishing, malware, or ransomware. Therefore, organizations need to invest in email-specific security tools that can filter out spam and malicious emails, scan attachments and links for malware or exploits, authenticate senders and domains, encrypt sensitive messages, and educate users on how to spot and report suspicious emails.
- **Create a mobile device management plan**:
Mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops are increasingly used by employees to access corporate networks and data. However, mobile devices also pose significant security risks as they can be lost, stolen, compromised, or infected by cyber threats. Therefore,
- organizations need to create a mobile device management plan that can enforce security policies,
- monitor device activity,
- remotely wipe data,
- or quarantine devices in case of an incident.
- **Go passwordless and use UEBA**:
Passwords are often the weakest link in cybersecurity as they can be easily guessed,stolen, or reused by cyber attackers. Therefore, organizations should consider going passwordless
and using alternative authentication methods such as biometrics, tokens, or certificates. Additionally, organizations should use user and entity behavior analytics (UEBA) to detect
and respond to anomalous or malicious user activity that may indicate a cyber threat.
- **Update your incident response plan**: An incident response plan is a set of procedures
and guidelines.
that define how an organization will respond to a cyberattack or breach.
An incident response plan should include roles and responsibilities, communication channels,
escalation processes, recovery steps, and lessons learned.
An incident response plan should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the threat landscape,
organizational structure, or business objectives.
- **Regularly monitor
and audit your network**: Monitoring and auditing your network is essential for detecting and preventing cyber threats.
Organizations should use tools such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS),
security information and event management (SIEM), or network traffic analysis (NTA) to collect
and analyze network data and identify any signs of compromise, attack, or anomaly. Organizations should also conduct periodic audits to ensure compliance with security standards and regulations.
