Reducing the attack surface area is a security measure that involves reducing the number of places where an attacker can gain access to a system. This can be done by removing unnecessary features or services, hardening systems and networks, or improving security controls. Attackers will always look for the path of least resistance, so by reducing the attack surface area you make it more difficult for them to succeed.
access control
ccess control is the selective restriction of access to a place or other resource. The act of accessing may mean consuming, entering, or using. Permission to access a resource is called authorization.
There are three types of access control: physical, logical, and administrative. Physical access control limits access to campuses, buildings, rooms, and equipment. It uses locks, keys, badge readers, turnstiles, and mantrap portals to control physical access.
Logical access control limits connections to computer networks, systems, and data. It includes firewalls, password protection, and encryption.
Administrative access control sets permissions and policies for who can access resources. It includes user IDs, role-based access controls, and least privilege.
authentication
here are many ways to authenticate a person’s identity. The most common are through the use of passwords, pins, or other secret codes. Another way to authenticate someone’s identity is through the use of biometrics, which is the use of physical characteristics, such as fingerprints, to verify someone’s identity.
One of the most important aspects of authentication is that it be done in a secure manner. This means that the process by which someone’s identity is verified should be difficult for unauthorized persons to replicate. For example, if a password is used to authenticate someone’s identity, it should be a long and complex password that would be difficult for someone to guess.
Authentication is important because it helps to ensure that only authorized persons are able to access information or perform actions. This can help to protect sensitive information from being accessed by unauthorized persons. Additionally, authentication can help to prevent fraud or other malicious activity by ensuring that only authorized persons are able to access systems or perform actions.
authorization
here are many types of authorization, but they all involve giving someone permission to do something. This could be something like giving someone permission to enter your home, or granting someone access to your computer. When you authorize someone, you are giving them the right to do something that they would not normally be able to do.
Authorization usually requires some type of proof that the person requesting access is who they say they are. For example, when you authorize someone to enter your home, you may ask for their driver’s license or passport. This is so that you can be sure that the person is who they say they are, and that they are not trying to steal anything from you.
authorizing someone to access your computer usually requires a password. This is so that only people who you have given the password to can access your files. Giving someone your password should only be done if you trust that person completely, as they will be able to see everything on your computer.
In short, authorization is the process of giving someone permission to do something that they would not normally be able to do. This could be something as simple as letting them into your home, or as complex as granting them access to your computer. Authorization usually requires some type of proof of identity, so that you can be sure that the person requesting access is who they say they are.
data security
ata security is important because it helps to protect your data from being accessed by unauthorized people. There are many ways to secure your data, including using encryption, passwords, and physical security measures.
Encryption is a process of transforming readable data into an unreadable format. This makes it difficult for unauthorized people to access your data. Passwords are another way to help protect your data. A strong password should be at least eight characters long and include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Physical security measures, such as keeping your computer in a locked room or using a security system, can also help to protect your data.
event logging
vent logging is the process of tracking and storing information about events that occur on a computer system. This information can be used to troubleshoot problems, track changes, and monitor activity. Event logs can be stored locally on a computer or remotely on a server.
firewalls
firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. A firewall typically establishes a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external network, such as the Internet.
Firewalls can be hardware-based or software-based. Hardware-based firewalls are typically installed in a dedicated appliance, while software-based firewalls can be installed on general-purpose servers, routers, or other network devices.
Firewalls use a variety of techniques to control traffic, such as packet filtering, application gateway, circuit-level gateway, and proxy server. Packet filtering is the most common form of firewall protection. It inspects each incoming and outgoing packet and compares it against a set of rules to determine whether the packet should be allowed through or blocked.
intrusion detection
n intrusion detection system (IDS) is a device or software application that monitors network or system activities for malicious or unusual activity and produces reports to a management station. Intrusion detection systems are used to detect attacks on computer networks or individual computers.
There are two main types of IDS: network-based IDS (NIDS) and host-based IDS (HIDS). NIDS monitors traffic on a network segment and looks for suspicious activity. HIDS monitors activity on a single host and can detect intrusions that NIDS might miss, such as attacks that exploit vulnerabilities in specific applications.
Most IDSs use signatures to detect known attacks. A signature is a pattern that is characteristic of a particular type of attack. When an IDS detects an attack, it generates an alert that includes information about the attack, such as the source and destination addresses, the time of the attack, and the type of attack.
intrusion prevention
ntrusion prevention is a security measure that attempts to detect and prevent malicious or unauthorized activity on a computer system. It can be implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of both. Intrusion prevention systems (IPS) are typically used to complement firewalls and other security measures by providing an additional layer of protection.
Most intrusion prevention systems work by comparing incoming data against a set of known signatures or patterns of malicious activity. If a match is found, the system can take action to prevent the activity from taking place, such as blocking the connection or quarantining the file. Some systems also have the ability to learn and adapt over time, making them more effective at detecting new or evolving threats.
patch management
hat is Patch Management?
Patch management is the process of identifying, acquiring, installing, and verifying patches for software and firmware. A patch is a piece of code designed to update a computer program or piece of software.
Why is Patch Management Important?
Patch management is important because it helps to ensure that software and firmware are up to date and free from known vulnerabilities. By keeping software and firmware up to date, patch management can help to reduce the risk of cyberattacks and other security threats.
How Does Patch Management Work?
Patch management typically involves four main steps: identification, acquisition, installation, and verification.
identification: In this step, patches are identified and categorized based on importance (e.g., security patches vs. non-security patches).
acquisition: In this step, patches are acquired from vendors or other sources.
installation: In this step, patches are installed on systems.
verification: In this step, patches are verified to ensure that they have been installed correctly and are working as intended.
security policy
Hardening systems and networks
– Reducing administrative privileges
– Minimizing the number of open ports
– Disabling unneeded services
– Using firewalls to block unwanted traffic
– Implementing intrusion detection/prevention systems
– Encrypting sensitive data
– Creating least privilege user accounts
– Training employees in security awareness