Security Outcomes Study Report by Cisco: Key takeaways & how to improve cloud security

The latest Security Outcomes Study Report published by Cisco, comprised of answers obtained from over 5100 active IT, security, and privacy professionals from 27 countries. 

Here are some key findings:

• 39% of the security technologies used by organizations are considered outdated.

• Tech refresh capabilities: 82% of organizations with modern, consolidated, cloud-based architectures showcase strong tech refresh capabilities. 

• Procurement: 75% of organizations would prefer buying integrated solutions rather than building them.

• Organizations with highly integrated systems had a 41% stronger capability of threat detection

• Firms with a highly skilled workforce, processes and technologies achieve 3.5 times better performance in threat detection.

• Organizations using Threat Intelligence extensively are Twice more likely to detect & respond to threats.

• Companies regularly engaging in all five types of Disaster Recovery activities are 2.5 times more likely to maintain Business Continuity.

• Automation more than doubles the performance of less experienced people, and makes strong teams near certain (95%) to achieve SecOps success.

Richard Archdeacon, Advisory CISO, Cisco enunciated, “The issue of security debt is significant. For the CISO, the way forward is to develop a ‘Buy, Hold, Sell’ strategy. Recognize what you have, define an adaptable architecture, reduce dependency risk, and implement a review loop for future refresh cycles.”

Cloud.in is an AWS Advanced Consulting Partner offering Managed Security Services. As an AWS Advanced Consulting Partner and having expertise in security, we at Cloud.in adopt security practices as per AWS standards for all our customers. Considering the AWS environment and offerings there are a lot of services that enhance and improve the security posture of your applications. 

Some of the key characteristics of our security service offerings include:

• PCI DSS & HIPAA Compliance

• Security integrations with Applications

• Protection against Web Attacks

Reach out to us to learn more about how you can protect your websites, applications and data from numerous types of cyberattacks. Mail your cybersecurity concerns to us at: sales@cloud.in

About Cloud.in:

Cloud.in is an AWS Advanced Consulting Partner that delivers AWS managed services that cater to every business need and aims in simplifying the AWS Cloud Journey. Our Team is the driving force behind Cloud.in with the experience, knowledge, and skills that they behold in making cloud computing and AWS Cloud a pleasant experience. 

Cybersecurity industry in India growing at 40% CAGR: DSCI & MeitY study report

In the latest study published by DSCI (Data Security Council of India) & Meity, the Cybersecurity services & product industry is reported to have grown with a massive CAGR of around 40% over the last couple of years and has reached a revenue of $9.85 Billion in 2021. 

As per the report titled "India Cybersecurity Industry- Services and Product Growth Story", Indian Cybersecurity services industry grew from $4.3 Billion in 2019 to $8.5 Billion in 2021 whereas Indian cybersecurity products developed from USD 740 Million in 2019 to reach USD 1.37 Billion in 2021. Some of the key trends contributing to the growth of cybersecurity sector are 

• Remote working
• Need for cybersecurity workforce
• Increase in adoption of IoT, Cloud and other advanced technologies  

Mr. Ajay Sawhney, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India commented, "Government of India and MeitY have a comprehensive Digital India program and the Pandemic has provided a further push to digitalization and taking Government services online. India's Cyber Security Industry was in the forefront supporting Government and all critical sectors to manage the heightened cyber security risk last two years. The `India Cybersecurity Industry Landscape", showcases the capabilities of the Indian cybersecurity Services and Start-ups and the continuous innovation in products and services to serve customers in India and globally. Ministry of IT & Electronics is committed to partnering with DSCI to scale up our innovation in emerging areas like 5G, Hardware, IoT Security, and through our flagship ISEA and Future Skills Programmes meet the talent demand of the Industry."

Managed Security Services offerings are the leading the services segment with 63%, followed by cloud security at 58%. The report summarises revenue insights, technology landscape, offerings, talent, innovation and key investment priorities. 

Cloud.in is an AWS Advanced Consulting Partner offering Managed Security Services. Some of the key characteristics of our security service offerings include:

• PCI DSS & HIPAA Compliance

• Security integrations with Applications

• Protection against Web Attacks

Reach out to us to learn more about how you can protect your websites, applications and data from numerous types of cyberattacks. Mail your cybersecurity concerns to us at: sales@cloud.in

Source: India Cybersecurity Industry- Services and Product Growth Story

 

Log4j software bug: how the internet is responding and how to secure your applications?

 
Log4j, a software used by millions of web servers, was found with a major security flaw last week. Hackers are trying to take advantage of this bug (attacks are termed as Log4shell attacks) as this library is being used extensively over the globe by millions of apps. 

Detected first within the game "Minecraft", this vulnerability was soon brought to light by the media worldwide. 

It is easier for attackers to deceive the Log4j using the malicious code that contains a recursive lookup, resulting in a StackOverflowError and thereby forcing the software to store the log entry in form of a particular text that will terminate the process. Popularly known as a DDOS attack.

Soon, the cybersecurity agencies worldwide have raised alerts over Log4j. CyberSec experts are calling it "one of the worst in years, if not decades".

Companies have advised their customers to update to version 2.17.0 to cope up with the vulnerability. The update is said to be able to fix most of the issues. 

Companies can use a combination of multiple AWS services to help limit their risk/exposure from the Log4j vulnerability. Services like AWS WAF, Amazon Route 53 Resolver DNS Firewall, AWS Network Firewall, Inspector, Guard Duty, Security hub, etc. could prove to be useful when maximizing the security against cyberattacks carried out as a result of exploiting such vulnerabilities.

As an AWS Advanced Consulting Partner and having expertise in security, we at Cloud.in adopt security practices as per AWS standards for all our customers. Considering the AWS environment and offerings there are a lot of services that enhance and improve the security posture of your applications. 

Reach out to us to secure your applications at sales@cloud.in

How Cloud Computing Helps You Run the Business Remotely

In the wake of the ongoing pandemic, remote working has become our savior. Saving millions of jobs, remote working is gradually becoming a norm.

The concept of remote working is not new especially for small businesses. It has lurked in a threadbare cloak for ages. According to a recent study by Buffer, 99% of the employees are willing to work remotely at some point in their careers. Given the current scenarios, this concept is becoming the norm. But is that even possible? Is remote working a new work culture? If so how will the company grow? There are a plethora of questions that come along with remote work policy.

However, owing to the benefits it comes with, remote working is establishing itself as an effective business policy. Let’s gain some more insight regarding remote working and how cloud computing can aid in the new norm.

1. Why Do People Prefer Remote Working?
   We all have realized the value of time and prefer to be flexible in managing it. People wish to have a better handle on their personal and professional lives. They need some flexibility, be it a wish to go to the doctor or pick their kids from school along with managing their work hours.
   Entrepreneurs feel the need to access their data from any location. They can save a substantial amount of time and can be more productive if they don’t have to come to office. Not only businessmen but employers too can benefit from work from home policy. Employees have shown to be more productive when allowed to work remotely. Increased employee satisfaction rates mean better retaining rates. Keeping the fact in mind that new joiners take some time to reach the desired satisfaction rate, remote working policy proves itself to be useful.
2. Testing the Waters
   The COVID-19 pandemic is testing the waters across the globe with everyone working from their homes. This is the perfect opportunity for small businesses to introduce a remote working policy.
   Not only employers but it is also a great time for employers to ascertain whether they are cut out for remote working. Some employees may feel that they are more productive when they are in the office. Of course, this too shall pass and hopefully, everything will be back to normal soon.
3. How Cloud Computing Empowers Remote Working
   Ever wondered how MNCs function with teams scattered across different parts of the world? Thankfully cloud computing has allowed employees to access their data through their mobile phones, attend video conferences from the comfort of their homes, and manage their ongoing projects even from Timbuktoo. The days when employees had to be glued to their systems to be productive are behind us.

Cloud computing is becoming a valuable asset to increase employee productivity while not having to burn a hole in the pocket. Few entrepreneurs are aware of cloud computing and its benefits, the others may analyze its pros and cons before arriving at any conclusion.

Furthermore, the statistics by Gartner shows that cloud hosting is gaining popularity among businesses as they can have the best of bost worlds---cloud computing and have to work remotely with their favorite applications. Let’s have a look at the benefits of cloud computing.

• Enhanced Accessibility :
  Remote working is not a new concept for entrepreneurs. They have been at it for a long time since they spend more time with their clients than in the office. On the contrary, working from office would have resulted in loss of valuable office hours when traveling or out for a meeting with a client.
  With cloud computing here to save the day, entrepreneurs can access their data from any part of the globe and keep track of their business even while meeting a client.
• Save Space :
  Space can often be a problem especially small businesses that are often out of funds to deploy physical servers. And even those who do, face issues with finding adequate space for the server room. With cloud services, they can store their data and applications on the provider’s remote cloud infrastructure.
  Therefore, this saves the cost of deploying on-premise servers, air conditioning, bulky cables, and power supplies that are needed to ensure a smooth-running server room.
• Multiple Device Compatibility :
  Employees can work on any device for instance (laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc.) and operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS, etc.) if the business applications and data are hosted on the cloud. This allows employers to provide flexibility to their employees.
• Better Data Security :
  There have been multiple occasions where the local hardware has crashed with crucial information in it. But if the data is not stored on the on-premise hardware but is stored in a remote data center, the chances of data loss or theft are low.
  Furthermore, the risk of physical data breaches is also eliminated as the service providers have a dedicated cyber security team that looks over the factors like data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and the latest firewalls.
• Scalability :
  Small and medium enterprises are always in search of that one project that will boost the reputation of their firm. Regardless of the company scale, the current situation has affected each and every business to some extent. Let’s take an example where the sales team was on the verge of sealing the deal, and the whole country goes under a lockdown? If the company lacks a stable cloud computing platform they won’t have to struggle with their remote working employees.

Cloud computing enables companies to spread their operations and data storage with ease. So irrespective of the market conditions, they can move all their data to the cloud, and keep growing.

Conclusion :
Cloud computing is a great way to provide your employees with the flexibility to work from the comfort of their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are many companies that are trying their hands at remote working for the first time and are hesitant about this step; the cloud can prove to be their knight in shining armor in the current crisis.