The document outlines requirements for basic technical cyber protection against common cyber attacks. It details controls in five areas: 1) boundary firewalls and internet gateways, 2) secure configuration, 3) user access control, 4) malware protection, and 5) patch management. Implementing these controls will help organizations defend against the most frequent internet-based attacks using widely available tools. The document provides high-level guidance for technical cybersecurity basics, though not a comprehensive solution against all threats.
the Defense Department and General Services Administration report on improving cyber security and resilience through acquisition. This report, developed as part of the President’s Executive Order on Cyber Security, forms the baseline for a fundamental shift in federal procurement policy. In short, going forward cyber security is going to be a core consideration in federal procurements. Contractors will likely find cyber security obligations embedded in their contracts, and may even find themselves excluded from the procurement process if certain cyber security benchmarks are not met.
The report spells out six key recommendations:
1) Institute Baseline Cybersecurity Requirements as a Condition of Contract Award for Appropriate Acquisitions
2) Address Cybersecurity in Relevant Training
3) Develop Common Cybersecurity Definitions for Federal Acquisitions
4) Institute a Federal Acquisition Cyber Risk Management Strategy
5) Include a Requirement to Purchase from Original Equipment Manufacturers, Their Authorized Resellers, or Other “Trusted” Sources, Whenever Available, in Appropriate Acquisitions
6) Increase Government Accountability for Cyber Risk Management
the Defense Department and General Services Administration report on improving cyber security and resilience through acquisition. This report, developed as part of the President’s Executive Order on Cyber Security, forms the baseline for a fundamental shift in federal procurement policy. In short, going forward cyber security is going to be a core consideration in federal procurements. Contractors will likely find cyber security obligations embedded in their contracts, and may even find themselves excluded from the procurement process if certain cyber security benchmarks are not met.
The report spells out six key recommendations:
1) Institute Baseline Cybersecurity Requirements as a Condition of Contract Award for Appropriate Acquisitions
2) Address Cybersecurity in Relevant Training
3) Develop Common Cybersecurity Definitions for Federal Acquisitions
4) Institute a Federal Acquisition Cyber Risk Management Strategy
5) Include a Requirement to Purchase from Original Equipment Manufacturers, Their Authorized Resellers, or Other “Trusted” Sources, Whenever Available, in Appropriate Acquisitions
6) Increase Government Accountability for Cyber Risk Management
The Benefits of Security From a Managed Services ProviderCSI Solutions
Today’s technology users—both consumers and bankers—who don’t stay informed on the latest in security can open themselves and others to attack.
View this SlideShare to learn what to look for in a solid managed security provider and how it can benefit your financial institution.
Are existing compliance requirements sufficient to prevent data breaches? This session will provide a technical assessment of the 2019 Capital One data breach, illustrating the technical modus operandi of the attack and identify related compliance requirements based on the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Attendees will learn the unexpected impact of corporate culture on overall cyber security posture.
This talk was presented at RSA Conference 2021 (Session RMG-T15) on May 18, 2021.
Original paper available for download at SSRN: Novaes Neto, Nelson and Madnick, Stuart E. and Moraes G. de Paula, Anchises and Malara Borges, Natasha, A Case Study of the Capital One Data Breach (28/04/2020). https://ssrn.com/abstract=3570138
Incident Response Methodology is one of the popular process to investigate the incident which is unlawful, unauthorized or unacceptable action on computer system or computer network.
Top 20 Security Controls for a More Secure InfrastructureInfosec
The CIS® (Center for Internet Security, Inc.®) Controls offer 20 proven, globally recognized best practices for securing your IT systems and data against the most pervasive attacks. Join Tony Sager, CIS Senior Vice President and Chief Evangelist, to learn:
- Origin and purpose of the CIS Controls
- How to prioritize implementation
- How to make the CIS Controls a foundational part of your security program, and improve your enterprise defenses, operations, compliance and security awareness
Watch the full webinar: https://www2.infosecinstitute.com/l/12882/2018-12-06/bcbc68
Dealing with Information Security, Risk Management & Cyber ResilienceDonald Tabone
Information Security
1.Why the need to think about it?
2.What exactly are we talking about?
3.How do we go about doing something about it?
4.Is there a one-size-fits-all framework?
Do you know what brings cyber security risks to your organization? Are you ready to deal with cyber threats and the consequences of a cyber attack?
Find out what you should watch out for, no matter the size of your company!
This primary focus of study was to investigate how cyber risks in ICT infrastructures of supply chains are managed. As its theoretical base, the study used the Adaptive Security Architecture framework that has been employed by most IT security specialists. Five experienced IT experts participated in a semi-structured interview to provide practical insights on the state of cybersecurity in supply chains operations from various industries. Their responses were analyzed based on the four stages of prediction, prevention, detection and response.
This study offers a new framework that suggests cybersecurity requires anticipatory vigilance, profiling malevolence, instantaneous response and uncompromised recovery to dealing with the cyber threats posing disruptions to supply chains.
The Benefits of Security From a Managed Services ProviderCSI Solutions
Today’s technology users—both consumers and bankers—who don’t stay informed on the latest in security can open themselves and others to attack.
View this SlideShare to learn what to look for in a solid managed security provider and how it can benefit your financial institution.
Are existing compliance requirements sufficient to prevent data breaches? This session will provide a technical assessment of the 2019 Capital One data breach, illustrating the technical modus operandi of the attack and identify related compliance requirements based on the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Attendees will learn the unexpected impact of corporate culture on overall cyber security posture.
This talk was presented at RSA Conference 2021 (Session RMG-T15) on May 18, 2021.
Original paper available for download at SSRN: Novaes Neto, Nelson and Madnick, Stuart E. and Moraes G. de Paula, Anchises and Malara Borges, Natasha, A Case Study of the Capital One Data Breach (28/04/2020). https://ssrn.com/abstract=3570138
Incident Response Methodology is one of the popular process to investigate the incident which is unlawful, unauthorized or unacceptable action on computer system or computer network.
Top 20 Security Controls for a More Secure InfrastructureInfosec
The CIS® (Center for Internet Security, Inc.®) Controls offer 20 proven, globally recognized best practices for securing your IT systems and data against the most pervasive attacks. Join Tony Sager, CIS Senior Vice President and Chief Evangelist, to learn:
- Origin and purpose of the CIS Controls
- How to prioritize implementation
- How to make the CIS Controls a foundational part of your security program, and improve your enterprise defenses, operations, compliance and security awareness
Watch the full webinar: https://www2.infosecinstitute.com/l/12882/2018-12-06/bcbc68
Dealing with Information Security, Risk Management & Cyber ResilienceDonald Tabone
Information Security
1.Why the need to think about it?
2.What exactly are we talking about?
3.How do we go about doing something about it?
4.Is there a one-size-fits-all framework?
Do you know what brings cyber security risks to your organization? Are you ready to deal with cyber threats and the consequences of a cyber attack?
Find out what you should watch out for, no matter the size of your company!
This primary focus of study was to investigate how cyber risks in ICT infrastructures of supply chains are managed. As its theoretical base, the study used the Adaptive Security Architecture framework that has been employed by most IT security specialists. Five experienced IT experts participated in a semi-structured interview to provide practical insights on the state of cybersecurity in supply chains operations from various industries. Their responses were analyzed based on the four stages of prediction, prevention, detection and response.
This study offers a new framework that suggests cybersecurity requires anticipatory vigilance, profiling malevolence, instantaneous response and uncompromised recovery to dealing with the cyber threats posing disruptions to supply chains.
Secure Architecture and Incident Management for E-BusinessMarc S. Sokol
To compete in a global market companies must migrate key business processes to the Internet. Organizations are leveraging new technologies to broaden their market share globally, to enter into new or extended fields of business, to increase employee productivity, and to build and merge partnerships and joint ventures regardless of location. This paper explores the necessary security and incident response capabilities to effectively and reliably pursue these opportunities.
Running Head CYBER SECURITY IMPROVEMENT AREASCYBER SECURITY.docxsusanschei
Running Head: CYBER SECURITY IMPROVEMENT AREAS
CYBER SECURITY
Cyber Security Improvement Areas
Pureland Wastewater Treatment is a company that provides all aspects of waste water treatment especially in the areas of both biological fermentation industries as well as chemical manufacturing. However, due to the toxic nature of the chemicals this company uses, it has quite some special security concerns. However, it is good to note that this company has only put all its efforts on physical security and completely ignoring on the cyber security. The Department of Homeland Security however recently contacted both the organization’s operation folks as well as the executives in regard to the chemical they use in their operations terming it as very toxic. As much as the company knew that this chemical, ( Chlorine Dioxide) is very harmful, little did it not know that it is prone to risks such as cyber terrorism. DHS therefore needs the company to comply with not only the physical but also cyber security regulations that are related to the use of this chemical failure to which they will be subjected to heavy fines and penalties or even the closure of the company.
Personally, there are a number of ways that I would recommend the company to follow so as to ensure not only the improvement of the company’s security, but also so as to ensure compliance. To begin with, the company needs to create an internal policy. This is because one of the greatest cyber security risks in any company is usually the employees. For example, there are quite a lot of cases where criminals get through a company’s network either because an employee used a poor password or he/she clicked on a line in an email which led to the installation of a malware. Therefore, as much as the employees should be educated or rather informed of the latest scams that are going around, it is always good to check with the personnel who put the server so as to ensure that all the company’s protection rights are in place. Secondly, the company needs to ensure that all its computers are up to date. This basically means that the personnel behind the computers have to ensure that all the notifications regarding firewall, operating system or even antivirus are all up to date failure to which they may lead to the creation of cracks within the defense system.
Thirdly, the company can consider using cloud services so as to store their data as well as when it comes to handling their application needs. This is because, with the cloud services, the companies crucial information remains safe even when let’s say a malware destroys some files since the cloud services can provide backup at any time. However, the company should remember to only stick on reputable companies. Fourthly, increasing the employees’ awareness is also very necessary. Actually, it is one of the most cost effective methods of curbing cyber-attacks. Awareness can only be achieved through training. The company needs to tr ...
This
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Azstec LLC
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While
we
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Network security for automation solutions is a concept that has been getting increased attention over the last decade. In the past, security was not a major concern because automation systems utilized proprietary components and were isolated from other networks within the business.
Today, many automation systems are comprised of commercial off the shelf components, including Ethernet networking and Windows operating systems. In addition, legacy products are being updated to operate in these new network environments.
The consequence is that formerly closed systems are suddenly connected to open enterprise networks and the Internet, exposing improperly protected systems to modern IT threats.
WoMaster's new White Paper introduces Cyber Security features according to IEC62443 standard and proposes solutions for new cyber risks of industry 4.0.
How to Secure Your Enterprise Network.docxNeilStark1
With the advent of the digital age, businesses have gone digital with the help of adequate enterprise networking setup that comprises IT infrastructures that provides connectivity among users, devices, and applications.
How to Secure Your Enterprise Network.pdfNeilStark1
With the advent of the digital age, businesses have gone digital with the help of adequate enterprise networking setup that comprises IT infrastructures that provides connectivity among users, devices, and applications.
How to Secure Your Enterprise Network.docxNeilStark1
With the advent of the digital age, businesses have gone digital with the help of adequate enterprise networking setup that comprises IT infrastructures that provides connectivity among users, devices, and applications.
Running Head NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE VULNERABILITIES1NETWORK .docxtoltonkendal
Running Head: NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE VULNERABILITIES1
NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE VULNERABILITIES3
Project Paper: Network Infrastructure vulnerabilities
Name
Institutional Affiliations
Section 1: Infrastructure Document
Computer networks have increasingly become ubiquitous and synonymous especially with the organizations that thrive on excellence, as well as, those who would want to adopt cloud technology and virtualization within their companies. Today, most organizations that set up their businesses ensure that they have incorporated an efficient computer network infrastructure that will connect the business to the outside world through Internets. This is because, research has shown that the present business depend heavily on network infrastructure platforms that make communication easy, efficient, available, as well as, accessible. Consequently, despite the fact that robust computers networks have made it easier by providing a basis of interactivity and bringing a whole lot of people and businesses together, all these at one point have amounted to growing security concerns over the past years across various sectors and industries. This paper will therefore identify some of the possible network infrastructure vulnerabilities, as well as, describing a comprehensive security policy that helps in protecting the company infrastructure and assets by applying the principle of CIA.
A network consists of devices such as routers, firewalls, generic and hosts which include servers and workstations. Equally, there are thousands of network vulnerabilities; therefore, organizations should ensure that they focus on tests that will produce a good overall assessment of the network especially when they store their data in the cloud, however, there may be risk of non-compliance and regulation, due to lack of control over where data is stored. The possible network infrastructure vulnerabilities include; improper system configuration, poor firewall deployment, poor anti-virus implementation, weak password implementation, lack of efficient physical security, lack of appropriate security policies and many others. Vulnerabilities can be successfully contained by putting measure in place, for example, the Network Administrator should be in position to gather information about viruses and worms, as well as, identifying network vulnerabilities by getting information that helps in preventing security problems. Security measures for Network vulnerabilities can be accessed through three main stages which involve planning, conducting and inference (Markluec, 2010). In planning stage, there is an official agreement that is signed between the concerned parties. The document signed is important because it will contain both legal and non-disclosure causes that serve to protect the ethical hacker against possible law suit. Conducting stage involves the evaluation of technical reports prepared based on testing potential vulnerabilities. Lastly, in inference stage, the ...
Texas Cybersecurty Consulting - Blue Radius.pdfVograce
Blue Radius Cyber is a trusted name in computer networks and cybersecurity defense services, offering cutting-edge IT solutions to protect your Texas business data in Dallas, Fort Worth, Waco, and Beyond!
Scenario Overview Now that you’re super knowledgeable about se.docxtodd331
Scenario:
Overview: Now that you’re super knowledgeable about security, let's put your newfound know-how to the test. You may find yourself in a tech role someday, where you need to design and influence a culture of security within an organization. This project is your opportunity to practice these important skillsets.
Assignment: In this project, you’ll create a security infrastructure design document for a fictional organization. The security services and tools you describe in the document must be able to meet the needs of the organization. Your work will be evaluated according to how well you met the organization’s requirements.
About the organization: This fictional organization has a small, but growing, employee base, with 50 employees in one small office. The company is an online retailer of the world's finest artisanal, hand-crafted widgets. They've hired you on as a security consultant to help bring their operations into better shape.
Organization requirements: As the security consultant, the company needs you to add security measures to the following systems:
· An external website permitting users to browse and purchase widgets
· An internal intranet website for employees to use
· Secure remote access for engineering employees
· Reasonable, basic firewall rules
· Wireless coverage in the office
· Reasonably secure configurations for laptops
Since this is a retail company that will be handling customer payment data, the organization would like to be extra cautious about privacy. They don't want customer information falling into the hands of an attacker due to malware infections or lost devices.
Engineers will require access to internal websites, along with remote, command line access to their workstations.
Grading: This is a required assignment for the module.
What you'll do: You’ll create a security infrastructure design document for a fictional organization. Your plan needs to meet the organization's requirements and the following elements should be incorporated into your plan:
· Authentication system
· External website security
· Internal website security
· Remote access solution
· Firewall and basic rules recommendations
· Wireless security
· VLAN configuration recommendations
· Laptop security configuration
· Application policy recommendations
· Security and privacy policy recommendations
· Intrusion detection or prevention for systems containing customer data
**** This is an example*** I found same assignment on Chegg.com****
Introduction
This document describes how the functional and nonfunctional requirements recorded in the Requirements Document and the preliminary user-oriented functional design based on the design specifications.
Furthermore, it describes the design goals in accordance with the requirements, by providing a high-level overview of the system architecture, and describes the data design associated with the system, as well as the human-machine scenarios in terms of interaction and operation. The high-level.
A process server is a authorized person for delivering legal documents, such as summons, complaints, subpoenas, and other court papers, to peoples involved in legal proceedings.
What is the point of small housing associations.pptxPaul Smith
Given the small scale of housing associations and their relative high cost per home what is the point of them and how do we justify their continued existance
ZGB - The Role of Generative AI in Government transformation.pdfSaeed Al Dhaheri
This keynote was presented during the the 7th edition of the UAE Hackathon 2024. It highlights the role of AI and Generative AI in addressing government transformation to achieve zero government bureaucracy
Presentation by Jared Jageler, David Adler, Noelia Duchovny, and Evan Herrnstadt, analysts in CBO’s Microeconomic Studies and Health Analysis Divisions, at the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists Summer Conference.
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
Understanding the Challenges of Street ChildrenSERUDS INDIA
By raising awareness, providing support, advocating for change, and offering assistance to children in need, individuals can play a crucial role in improving the lives of street children and helping them realize their full potential
Donate Us
https://serudsindia.org/how-individuals-can-support-street-children-in-india/
#donatefororphan, #donateforhomelesschildren, #childeducation, #ngochildeducation, #donateforeducation, #donationforchildeducation, #sponsorforpoorchild, #sponsororphanage #sponsororphanchild, #donation, #education, #charity, #educationforchild, #seruds, #kurnool, #joyhome
Russian anarchist and anti-war movement in the third year of full-scale warAntti Rautiainen
Anarchist group ANA Regensburg hosted my online-presentation on 16th of May 2024, in which I discussed tactics of anti-war activism in Russia, and reasons why the anti-war movement has not been able to make an impact to change the course of events yet. Cases of anarchists repressed for anti-war activities are presented, as well as strategies of support for political prisoners, and modest successes in supporting their struggles.
Thumbnail picture is by MediaZona, you may read their report on anti-war arson attacks in Russia here: https://en.zona.media/article/2022/10/13/burn-map
Links:
Autonomous Action
http://Avtonom.org
Anarchist Black Cross Moscow
http://Avtonom.org/abc
Solidarity Zone
https://t.me/solidarity_zone
Memorial
https://memopzk.org/, https://t.me/pzk_memorial
OVD-Info
https://en.ovdinfo.org/antiwar-ovd-info-guide
RosUznik
https://rosuznik.org/
Uznik Online
http://uznikonline.tilda.ws/
Russian Reader
https://therussianreader.com/
ABC Irkutsk
https://abc38.noblogs.org/
Send mail to prisoners from abroad:
http://Prisonmail.online
YouTube: https://youtu.be/c5nSOdU48O8
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/libertarianlifecoach/episodes/Russian-anarchist-and-anti-war-movement-in-the-third-year-of-full-scale-war-e2k8ai4
This session provides a comprehensive overview of the latest updates to the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (commonly known as the Uniform Guidance) outlined in the 2 CFR 200.
With a focus on the 2024 revisions issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), participants will gain insight into the key changes affecting federal grant recipients. The session will delve into critical regulatory updates, providing attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate and comply with the evolving landscape of federal grant management.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the rationale behind the 2024 updates to the Uniform Guidance outlined in 2 CFR 200, and their implications for federal grant recipients.
- Identify the key changes and revisions introduced by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the 2024 edition of 2 CFR 200.
- Gain proficiency in applying the updated regulations to ensure compliance with federal grant requirements and avoid potential audit findings.
- Develop strategies for effectively implementing the new guidelines within the grant management processes of their respective organizations, fostering efficiency and accountability in federal grant administration.
2. Cyber Essentials Scheme: Requirements for basic technical protection from cyber attacks
2
Contents
Contents ....................................................................................................................................2
Introduction .................................................................................................................................3
Who should use this document? .............................................................................................3
What can these requirements help an organisation protect? ...................................................3
Understanding and using this requirements document............................................................3
Threats Requiring Mitigation .......................................................................................................5
Controls required for basic technical cyber protection .................................................................5
1. Boundary firewalls and internet gateways ...............................................................................5
2. Secure configuration ...........................................................................................................7
3. User access control.............................................................................................................9
4. Malware protection............................................................................................................ 10
5. Patch management ........................................................................................................... 12
Where to go for more information.............................................................................................. 13
Annex A: Where these requirements are covered in other cyber standards .............................. 15
3. Cyber Essentials Scheme: Requirements for basic technical protection from cyber attacks
3
Introduction
A primary objective of the UK Government’s National Cyber Security Strategy is to make
the UK a safer place to conduct business online. However, determining the benefits of
cyber security and knowing where to start are a significant challenge for many
organisations.
This document presents requirements for mitigating the most common Internet based
threats to cyber security. Firstly specific types of attack are identified and secondly the
most basic technical controls an organisation needs to have in place are described.
Deploying these controls will assist every UK organisation in defending against the most
common forms of cyber attack emanating from the internet using widely accessible tools
which require little skill from the attackers. Organisations implementing these controls can
benefit by gaining confidence that basic technical security measures are in place and that
important steps are being taken to protect its information and the information of its
customers.
The document was developed in collaboration with industry partners, including the
Information Security Forum (ISF), the Information Assurance for Small and Medium
Enterprises Consortium (IASME) and the British Standards Institution (BSI), and is
endorsed by Government. The technical controls within this document focus on five
essential mitigations within the context of the ‘10 Steps to Cyber Security’. They reflect
those covered in well-established and more extensive cyber standards, such as the
ISO/IEC 27000 series, the ISF’s Standard of Good Practice for Information Security and
the IASME Standard.
Who should use this document?
The control themes set out in this document are relevant to organisations of all sizes.
Large organisations would already be expected to have some knowledge or experience of
Cyber security. However, like smaller companies, many still have limited capability to
implement the full range of controls necessary to achieve robust cyber protection.
Small organisations (including single employee businesses), and even some medium-
sized organisations, may need to obtain further guidance and support to ensure the
technical controls presented in these requirements can be implemented adequately.
Further details can be found on page 13 of this document.
What can these requirements help an organisation protect?
An organisation’s exposed technology to common cyber attacks will typically include
computers that are capable of connecting to the internet, including desktop PCs, laptops,
tablets and smartphones, and internet connected servers including email, web and
application servers.
Understanding and using this requirements document
Of the basic but successful cyber attacks against UK businesses and citizens of which
Government has detailed knowledge, the large majority would have been mitigated by full
implementation of the controls under the following, selected categories:
4. Cyber Essentials Scheme: Requirements for basic technical protection from cyber attacks
4
1. Boundary firewalls and internet gateways
2. Secure configuration
3. Access control
4. Malware protection
5. Patch management
To implement these requirements, organisations will need to determine the technology in
scope, review each of the five categories and apply each control specified. Where a
particular control cannot be implemented for a sound business reason (e.g. is not practical
or possible) alternative controls should be identified and implemented.
Figure 1: Scope of the requirements for basic technical protection
Note
This document does not cover supporting detective and recovery controls or the
management of information risk. Further guidance on comprehensive approaches to
cyber security can be found in the standards referenced in Annex A.
Many organisations allow employees to use their own computers for business
purposes, often referred to as Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). As a result, such
computers that handle sensitive information are in scope of this document.
Organisations wishing to demonstrate a level of assurance by implementing these
requirements can do so using the Cyber Essentials Assurance Framework document
5. Cyber Essentials Scheme: Requirements for basic technical protection from cyber attacks
5
Threats Requiring Mitigation
By implementing Cyber Essentials, organisations are mitigating against the following
common types of cyber attack::
1. Phishing: malware infection through users clicking on malicious e-mail attachments
or website links.
2. Hacking: exploitation of known vulnerabilities in Internet connected servers and
devices using widely available tools and techniques.
Controls required for basic technical cyber protection
To mitigate the threats identified above, Cyber Essentials requires implementation of the
following controls.
1. Boundary firewalls and internet gateways
Objectives
Information, applications and computers within the organisation’s
internal networks should be protected against unauthorised access
and disclosure from the internet, using boundary firewalls, internet
gateways or equivalent network devices.
Introduction
Without a correctly configured boundary firewall, internet gateway or equivalent network
device, between the organisation’s network of computers and the internet, cyber attackers
can often gain access to these computers with ease and access the information they
contain.
A boundary firewall can protect against commodity cyber threats – that is, attacks based
on capabilities and techniques that are freely available on the internet – by restricting
inbound and outbound network traffic to authorised connections. Such restrictions are
achieved by applying configuration settings known as firewall rules.
Basic technical cyber protection for boundary firewalls and internet gateways
One or more firewalls (or equivalent network device) should be installed on the boundary
of the organisation’s internal network(s). As a minimum:
1. The default administrative password for any firewall (or equivalent network device)
should be changed to an alternative, strong password.
2. Each rule that allows network traffic to pass through the firewall (e.g. each service
on a computer that is accessible through the boundary firewall) should be subject to
6. Cyber Essentials Scheme: Requirements for basic technical protection from cyber attacks
6
approval by an authorised individual and documented (including an explanation of
business need).
3. Unapproved services, or services that are typically vulnerable to attack (such as
Server Message Block (SMB), NetBIOS, tftp, RPC, rlogin, rsh or rexec), should be
disabled (blocked) at the boundary firewall by default.
4. Firewall rules that are no longer required (e.g. because a service is no longer
required) should be removed or disabled in a timely manner.
5. The administrative interface used to manage boundary firewall configuration should
not be accessible from the internet.
Alternative controls
In situations where the administrative interface needs to be accessible from the internet
(e.g. because it is supported by a remote administrator or external service provider) the
interface should be protected by additional security arrangements, which include using a
strong password, encrypting the connection (e.g. using SSL), restricting access to a limited
number of authorised individuals and only enabling the administrative interface for the
period it is required.
A strong password is typically one that: comprises a minimum number of characters
in length (e.g. eight characters); differs from the associated username; contains no
more than two identical characters in a row; is not a dictionary word; includes a
mixture of numeric and alpha characters; has not been reused within a
predetermined period of time (e.g. six months); and has not been used for another
account.
7. Cyber Essentials Scheme: Requirements for basic technical protection from cyber attacks
7
2. Secure configuration
Objectives
Computers and network devices should be configured to reduce the level of inherent
vulnerabilities and provide only the services required to fulfil their role.
Introduction
Computers and network devices cannot be considered secure upon default installation. A
standard, ‘out-of-the-box’ configuration can often include an administrative account with a
predetermined, publicly known default password, one or more unnecessary user accounts
enabled (sometimes with special access privileges) and pre-installed but unnecessary
applications (or services).
Default installations of computers and network devices can provide cyber attackers with a
variety of opportunities to gain unauthorised access to an organisation’s sensitive
information, often with ease. By applying some simple security controls when installing
computers and network devices (a technique typically referred to as system hardening),
inherent weaknesses can be minimised, providing increased protection against commodity
cyber attacks.
Basic technical cyber protection for secure configuration
Computers and network devices (including wireless access points) should be securely
configured. As a minimum:
1. Unnecessary user accounts (e.g. Guest accounts and unnecessary administrative
accounts) should be removed or disabled.
2. Any default password for a user account should be changed to an alternative,
strong password.
3. Unnecessary software (including application, system utilities and network services)
should be removed or disabled.
4. The auto-run feature should be disabled (to prevent software programs running
automatically when removable storage media is connected to a computer or when
network folders are accessed).
5. A personal firewall (or equivalent) should be enabled on desktop PCs and laptops,
and configured to disable (block) unapproved connections by default.
A personal firewall (sometimes referred to as a host-based firewall) is software that is
8. Cyber Essentials Scheme: Requirements for basic technical protection from cyber attacks
8
typically installed on a computer (often as part of the operating system) to restrict
inbound and outbound network connections to and from authorised applications,
such as a web browser or email.
9. Cyber Essentials Scheme: Requirements for basic technical protection from cyber attacks
9
3. User access control
Objectives
User accounts, particularly those with special access privileges (e.g. administrative
accounts) should be assigned only to authorised individuals, managed effectively and
provide the minimum level of access to applications, computers and networks.
Introduction
User accounts with special access privileges (e.g. administrative accounts) typically have
the greatest level of access to information, applications and computers. When privileged
accounts are compromised their level of access can be exploited resulting in large scale
corruption of information, affected business processes and unauthorised access to other
computers across an organisation.
To protect against misuse of special access privileges, the principle of least privilege
should be applied to user accounts by limiting the privileges granted and restricting
access.
Basic technical cyber protection for secure configuration
User accounts should be managed through robust access control. As a minimum:
1. All user account creation should be subject to a provisioning and approval process.
2. Special access privileges should be restricted to a limited number of authorised
individuals.
3. Details about special access privileges (e.g. the individual and purpose) should be
documented, kept in a secure location and reviewed on a regular basis (e.g.
quarterly).
4. Administrative accounts should only be used to perform legitimate administrative
activities, and should not be granted access to email or the internet.
5. Administrative accounts should be configured to require a password change on a
regular basis (e.g. at least every 60 days).
6. Each user should authenticate using a unique username and strong password
before being granted access to applications, computers and network devices.
7. User accounts and special access privileges should be removed or disabled when
no longer required (e.g. when an individual changes role or leaves the organisation)
or after a pre-defined period of inactivity (e.g. 3 months).
10. Cyber Essentials Scheme: Requirements for basic technical protection from cyber attacks
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4. Malware protection
Objectives
Computers that are exposed to the internet
should be protected against malware infection
through the use of malware protection
software.
Malware, such as computer viruses, worms and spyware, is software that has been
written and distributed deliberately to perform unauthorised functions on one or more
computers.
Introduction
Computers are often vulnerable to malicious software, particularly those that are exposed
to the internet (e.g. desktop PCs, laptops and mobile devices, where available). When
available, dedicated software is required that will monitor for, detect and disable malware.
Computers can be infected with malware through various means often involving a user
who opens an affected email, browses a compromised website or opens an unknown file
on a removable storage media.
Basic technical cyber protection for malware
The organisation should implement robust malware protection on exposed computers. As
a minimum:
1. Malware protection software should be installed on all computers that are
connected to or capable of connecting to the internet.
2. Malware protection software (including program code and malware signature files)
should be kept up-to-date (e.g. at least daily, either by configuring it to update
automatically or through the use of centrally managed deployment).
3. Malware protection software should be configured to scan files automatically upon
access (including when downloading and opening files, accessing files on
removable storage media or a network folder) and scan web pages when being
accessed (via a web browser).
4. Malware protection software should be configured to perform regular scans of all
files (e.g. daily).
5. Malware protection software should prevent connections to malicious websites on
the internet (e.g. by using website blacklisting).
The scope of malware protection in this document covers desktop PCs, laptops and
11. Cyber Essentials Scheme: Requirements for basic technical protection from cyber attacks
11
servers that have access to or are accessible from the internet. Other computers
used in the organisation, while out of scope are likely to need protection against
malware as will some forms of tablets and smartphones.
Website blacklisting is a technique used to help prevent web browsers connecting to
unauthorised websites. The blacklist effectively contains a list of malicious or
suspicious websites that is checked each time the web browser attempts a
connection.
12. Cyber Essentials Scheme: Requirements for basic technical protection from cyber attacks
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5. Patch management
Objectives
Software running on computers and network devices should be kept up-to-date and
have the latest security patches installed.
Introduction
Any computer and network device that runs software can contain weaknesses or flaws,
typically referred to as technical vulnerabilities. Vulnerabilities are common in many types
of popular software, are frequently being discovered (e.g. daily), and once known can
quickly be deliberately misused (exploited) by malicious individuals or groups to attack an
organisation’s computers and networks.
Vendors of software will typically try to provide fixes for identified vulnerabilities as soon as
possible, in the form of software updates known as patches, and release them to their
customers (sometimes using a formal release schedule such as weekly). To help avoid
becoming a victim of cyber attacks that exploit software vulnerabilities, an organisation
needs to manage patches and the update of software effectively.
Basic technical cyber protection for patch management
Software should be kept up-to-date. As a minimum:
1. Software running on computers and network devices that are connected to or
capable of connecting to the internet should be licensed and supported (by the
software vendor or supplier of the software) to ensure security patches for known
vulnerabilities are made available.
2. Updates to software (including operating system software and firmware) running on
computers and network devices that are connected to or capable of connecting to
the internet should be installed in a timely manner (e.g. within 30 days of release or
automatically when they become available from vendors).
3. Out-of-date software (i.e. software that is no longer supported) should be removed
from computer and network devices that are connected to or capable of connecting
to the internet.
4. All security patches for software running on computers and network devices that are
connected to or capable of connecting to the internet should be installed in a timely
manner (e.g. within 14 days of release or automatically when they become available
from vendors).
13. Cyber Essentials Scheme: Requirements for basic technical protection from cyber attacks
13
Where to go for more information
The guidance provided in this document represents a small yet essential part of defending
against cyber threats. It does not present all of the security controls an organisation needs
to have in place to protect against a broad range of threats, particularly those that are
sophisticated threats (i.e. a threat with significant capability, funding and resource, typically
known as advanced persistent threats).
Responding to and managing the vast range of cyber threats that UK organisations
continue to face is a significant undertaking, involving the investment of people, money
and time. Regardless of their size, use of technology, the industry sector in which they
operate and their global presence, every organisation needs to implement a robust and
effective approach to cyber security.
To be successful, such an approach to cyber security requires direction to be set by
executive management, effective planning and decision making across the organisation
and a comprehensive programme of activities based on key principles for managing cyber
risk. These activities are covered in the supporting standards shown in the table below.
Ref Supporting standards and guidance
1 ISO/IEC 27001:2013 Information technology — Security techniques —
Information security management systems – Requirements
ISO/IEC 27002:2013 Information technology — Security techniques —
Code of practice for information security controls
2 Information Security Forum – The Standard of Good Practice for
Information Security (2013)
3 The IASME Consortium – The Standard for Information Assurance for
Small and Medium Sized Enterprises – (2013)
4 HMG 10 Steps to Cyber Security
Further advice is available through the CESG Listed Advisor Scheme detailed at
www.cesg.gov.uk/servicecatalogue/CLAS/Pages/CLAS.aspx.
Details of where corresponding controls, covered in this document, reside in supporting
standards are presented in the following table.
14. Cyber Essentials Scheme: Requirements for basic technical protection from cyber attacks
14
Standard 1. Boundary
Firewalls
and internet
Gateways
2. Secure
Configuration
3. Access
Control
4. Malware
Protection
5. Patch
Management
ISO/IEC
27001:2013
Information
technology —
Security
techniques —
Information
security
management
systems –
Requirements
ISO/IEC
27002:2013
Information
technology —
Security
techniques —
Code of
practice for
information
security
controls
A.13.1
Network
Security
Management
A.12.1
Operational
Procedures
and
Responsibilities
A.9.2 User
Access
Management
A.12.2
Protection
from Malware
A.12.6 Technical
Vulnerability
Management
Information
Security Forum
– The Standard
of Good
Practice for
Information
Security (2013)
CF9 Network
Management
CF7 System
Management
CF 9 Network
Management
CF14 Mobile
Device
Configuration
CF6 Access
Management
CF10 Threat
and
Vulnerability
Management
CF10 Threat and
Vulnerability
Management
The IASME
Consortium –
The Standard
for Information
Assurance for
Small and
Medium Sized
Enterprises –
(2013)
4.9 Malware
and
Technical
Intrusion
4.8 Access
Control
4.8 Access
Control
4.9 Malware
and
Technical
Intrusion
4.7 Operations
and Management
10 Steps to
Cyber Security
3 Network
Security
2 Secure
Configuration
4 Managing
User
Privileges
7 Malware
Prevention
9 Removable
Media
Controls
2 Secure
Configuration
15. Cyber Essentials Scheme: Requirements for basic technical protection from cyber attacks
15
Annex A: Where these requirements are covered in other cyber
standards
Organisations wishing to understand or address how these requirements fit into a broader
cyber risk framework or obtain further information about different aspects of managing
cyber risk should consult the following standards.
ISO/IEC 27001/2 ISF SOGP IASME 10 Steps
A.5 Information security
Policies
CF1 Security Policy and
Organisation
4.3 Policy and Compliance
1 Information risk
management regime
A.6 Organisation of
information security
CF1 Security Policy and
Organisation
4.1 Organisation
1 Information risk
management regime
A.7 Human resource
security
CF2 Human Resource
Security
4.5 People
5 User education and
awareness
A.8 Asset management CF3 Asset Management 4.4 Assets 2 Secure configuration
A.9 Access Control
CF5 Customer Access
CF6 Access Management
4.8 Access control 4 Managing user privileges
A.10 Cryptography
CF8 Technical Security
Infrastructure
A.11 Physical and
environmental security
CF19 Physical and
Environmental Security
4.6 Physical and
environmental protection
A.12 Operations Security
CF10 Threat and
Vulnerability management
CF7 System Management
CF 9 Network Management
CF14 Mobile Device
Configuration
4.7 Operations and
management
4.8 Access Control
4.9 Malware and technical
intrusion
4.11 Backup and Restore
4.10 Monitoring
2 Secure configuration
7 Malware prevention
8 Monitoring
9 Removable media
controls
A.13 Communications
Security
CF9 Network Management
CF15 Electronic
Communications
4.9 Malware and technical
intrusion
3 Network security
A.14 System acquisition,
development and
maintenance
CF4 Business Applications
CF13 Desktop Applications
CF17 System Development
Management
CF18 Systems
Development Lifecycle
4.7 Operations and
management
A.15 Supplier relationships
CF16 External Supplier
Management
4.7 Operations and
management
A.16 Information security
incident management
CF11 Incident Management 4.12 Incident Management 6 Incident management
A.17 Information security
aspects of business
continuity management
CF20 Business Continuity
4.13 Disaster
Recovery/Business
Continuity
16. Cyber Essentials Scheme: Requirements for basic technical protection from cyber attacks
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A.18 Compliance SR2 Compliance 4.3 Policy and Compliance
SG1 Security Governance
Approach
4.1 Organisation
1 Information risk
management regime
SG2 Security Governance
Components
4.1 Organisation
1 Information risk
management regime
SR1 Information Risk
Assessment
4.2 Assessing the risk
1 Information risk
management regime
CF7 System Management
4.7 Operations and
Management
4.11 Backup and Restore
CF12 Local Environments
CF14 Mobile Computing 4.4 Assets
9 Removable media
controls
10 Home and mobile
working
SI1 Security Audit
SI2 Security Performance 4.10 Monitoring 8 Monitoring