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Stopping the WiFi Password Hacker with NAC

In the digital age, where businesses rely on seamless connectivity and data exchange, corporate WiFi networks have become the backbone of modern operations. However, a growing concern looms over these networks: the alarming ease with which their passwords can be hacked. In this article, we explore the vulnerabilities that make corporate Wi-Fi networks susceptible to breaches, as well as the far-reaching consequences that such hacks have on businesses.

Unveiling the Vulnerabilities of Wireless Networks

The ease with which corporate WiFi network passwords can be hacked poses a dire threat to businesses, yet they continue to persist. Here are some of the reasons why WiFi passwords are so easy to hack:

  • Password Weakness: The Achilles’ heel of corporate WiFi networks often lies in weak passwords. Surprisingly, many organizations still employ generic or easily guessable passwords, providing hackers with a convenient entry point. Cybercriminals employ sophisticated tools capable of deciphering these passwords through brute-force attacks, exploiting the negligence of network administrators.
  • Flawed Network Configurations: Misconfigurations within WiFi networks often leave unintended openings for hackers. Despite advancements in security technologies, network administrators occasionally overlook crucial settings, unknowingly leaving the door ajar for malicious actors. For instance, obsolete authentication protocols like WEP, notorious for their vulnerabilities, can be exploited by skilled hackers to intercept and decrypt network traffic.
  • Human Factors: Internal personnel can inadvertently or deliberately facilitate unauthorized access to corporate WiFi networks. Employees with inadequate security awareness may fall victim to social engineering attacks, disclosing passwords or inadvertently introducing malware into the network. Furthermore, disgruntled employees or ex-staff members with malicious intent can leverage their insider knowledge to breach network security, causing significant harm to their former employers.

The Far-Reaching Consequences of a WiFi Hack

The consequences of a WiFi password hacker gaining access to a corporate wireless network extend beyond mere financial losses, potentially devastating an organization’s reputation and eroding customer trust. These consequences include:

  • Breach of Sensitive Data: Successful intrusions into corporate WiFi networks grant hackers unrestricted access to a treasure trove of sensitive business data. Confidential customer information, proprietary intellectual property, and critical financial records become vulnerable to exploitation. The repercussions can be devastating, including reputational damage, regulatory non-compliance penalties, and a loss of customer trust. Competitors may capitalize on stolen information, resulting in financial losses and compromised market position.
  • Misuse of Network Resources: Once infiltrated, hackers exploit the compromised corporate WiFi network for their nefarious activities. They may launch attacks on internal systems, infect devices with malware, or engage in illegal practices, such as distributing pirated content. The consequences are dire, ranging from compromised network performance and disrupted business operations to potential legal consequences for facilitating illegal activities.
  • Financial Burdens: The financial implications of WiFi network breaches are profound. Remediation efforts, including incident response, forensic investigations, legal services, and potential regulatory fines, can exact a heavy toll. Moreover, organizations may face indirect financial losses due to diminished business opportunities, decreased productivity, and customer attrition resulting from damaged reputation and eroded trust.
  • Operational Disruptions: A successful hack of a corporate WiFi network triggers significant operational disruptions. While IT teams work tirelessly to contain the breach, investigate the incident, and restore network integrity, the organization’s daily operations grind to a halt. The ensuing downtime leads to missed deadlines, dissatisfied customers, and severe financial ramifications.

Stopping the WiFi Password Hacker with NAC

To mitigate risks posed by a WiFi password hacker, businesses must prioritize robust security measures, including regular network audits, encryption standards, user access controls, and ongoing employee training. When it comes to user access controls in particular, a network access control (NAC) solution can help prevent someone from hacking the password for a corporate WiFi network through several mechanisms. Here are some ways NAC can enhance security:

  • User Authentication: NAC solutions can enforce strong user authentication methods, such as two-factor authentication (2FA) or certificate-based authentication. This ensures that only authorized users with valid credentials can connect to the network.
  • Access Policies: NAC solutions allow network administrators to define and enforce access policies. These policies can restrict access based on user roles, devices, or locations. By implementing granular access controls, the NAC solution can prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to the network, ultimately thwarting any WiFi password hacker.
  • Device Profiling and Security Checks: NAC solutions can perform device profiling, which involves collecting information about connected devices, such as device type, operating system, and security posture. The solution can then compare this information against predefined security policies and assess the risk level of the device. If a device is deemed insecure or non-compliant, the NAC solution can restrict or deny network access.
  • Network Segmentation: NAC solutions often include network segmentation capabilities. By dividing the network into separate segments or VLANs, the solution can isolate critical assets and restrict access between different segments. This way, even if an unauthorized user gains access to the network, they will face additional barriers when attempting to move laterally or escalate privileges.
  • Continuous Monitoring: NAC solutions provide ongoing monitoring of connected devices. They can detect anomalies, such as multiple failed login attempts, unusual network traffic patterns, or unauthorized devices connecting to the network. If suspicious behavior is detected, the NAC solution can trigger alerts or take automated actions, such as blocking the device or initiating additional security measures.
  • Integration with other Security Tools: NAC solutions often integrate with other security tools, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), or security information and event management (SIEM) systems. This integration allows for more comprehensive threat detection and response capabilities. For example, if the NAC solution detects a suspicious login attempt, it can communicate with the firewall to block the source IP address.

Proactively fortifying corporate WiFi networks allows organizations to safeguard their valuable assets, maintain business continuity, and thrive amidst the escalating cybersecurity challenges of the digital era. By implementing a robust NAC solution with these features, an organization can significantly reduce the risk of password hacking attempts and enhance the overall security of their corporate WiFi network.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Portnox
Portnox provides simple-to-deploy, operate and maintain network access control, security and visibility solutions. Portnox software can be deployed on-premises, as a cloud-delivered service, or in hybrid mode. It is agentless and vendor-agnostic, allowing organizations to maximize their existing network and cybersecurity investments. Hundreds of enterprises around the world rely on Portnox for network visibility, cybersecurity policy enforcement and regulatory compliance. The company has been recognized for its innovations by Info Security Products Guide, Cyber Security Excellence Awards, IoT Innovator Awards, Computing Security Awards, Best of Interop ITX and Cyber Defense Magazine. Portnox has offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia. For information visit http://www.portnox.com, and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.。

The evolution of cyber threats: looking back over the past 10 years

Over the past decade, the world has witnessed a dramatic increase in cyber threats. The digital age has brought about new opportunities for innovation and growth but has also created new avenues for cybercriminals to exploit. The rise of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, has enabled attackers to become more sophisticated in their methods.

In this blog, we will look back at the evolution of cyber threats over the past decade and explore how businesses can adapt to these changes. We will also discuss how NordLayer protects your data and resources ahead of the curve.

Upsurge of cyber threats

The past decade has seen a rise in various types of cyber threats, from ransomware attacks to social engineering tactics. One of the most notable threats is ransomware, where attackers encrypt a victim’s files and demand a ransom payment to restore access.

In 2020, ransomware attacks rose by 150% compared to the previous year, according to The Harvard Business Review. Another common threat is phishing, where attackers use social engineering tactics to trick victims into revealing sensitive information. Phishing is an effective and dangerous cybercrime because it relies on people’s inherent trust in the internet. The idea that criminals would be able to fool you into giving up private information is hard for most people to believe, which makes it easy for even well-meaning people to fall victim to a phishing attack.

Impact on businesses

The impact of cyber threats on businesses cannot be overstated. Cyber attacks can result in significant financial losses, reputational damage, and legal consequences. According to a study by IBM, the average data breach cost in 2020 was $3.86 million.

According to Forbes, small and medium-sized businesses are especially vulnerable. The impact of cyber attacks on businesses extends beyond financial losses, with reputational damage and loss of trust among customers also being significant concerns.

2009-2012: rise of advanced persistent threats (APTs)

The period between 2009 and 2012 saw a rise in advanced persistent threats (APTs). APTs are long-term attacks that focus on stealing data from a specific target and are highly sophisticated. The attackers would spend months or even years gathering information about their target before launching an attack. The goal was to steal sensitive information without being detected.

One of the biggest examples of this type of threat during this timeframe occurred in 2010, where Google and other companies were targeted in a series of APT attacks known as Operation Aurora. Attackers gained access to sensitive data and intellectual property by exploiting company software systems vulnerabilities.

Some ways to protect against APTs include:

  1. Secure VPN: A secure virtual private network (VPN) that encrypts all data transmitted between the user and the internet. This ensures that sensitive information is kept confidential and protected from cyber attackers.

  2. Next-generation firewall: A next-generation firewall can detect and block malicious traffic, including APTs. It also allows for granular control over network traffic, enabling administrators to restrict access to sensitive resources.

  3. Intrusion Prevention System (IPS): IPS uses advanced techniques to detect and prevent APTs from infiltrating the network. This includes detecting and blocking attempts to exploit network and software vulnerabilities.

  4. Threat intelligence: Ideally, a threat intelligence platform continuously monitors global threat activity and automatically updates security policies and rules to protect against new and emerging threats.

  5. User behavior analytics (UBA): A UBA solution can identify and flag abnormal user behavior that may indicate a security threat, such as an APT. This helps administrators quickly detect and respond to potential attacks.

2013-2016: ransomware and business email compromise (BEC)

Between 2013 and 2016, ransomware and Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks rose. Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s files and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key. On the other hand, BEC attacks involve impersonating a senior executive and tricking employees into transferring money to a fraudulent account.

These attacks proved to be highly profitable for cybercriminals, with ransomware payments reaching billions of dollars annually. BEC attacks have also been on the rise, with the FBI reporting losses of over $1.7 billion in 2019 alone.

The WannaCry ransomware attack affected hundreds of thousands of computers in over 150 countries. The attackers demanded ransom payments in exchange for unlocking the affected systems. Another good example of these threats during this timeframe was the CEO Fraud in 2015, where tech company Ubiquiti Networks fell victim to a BEC attack that cost the company $46.7 million. The attackers posed as Ubiquiti executives and convinced employees to transfer funds to overseas accounts.

Some ways to protect against ransomware and BEC attacks include:

  1. Email filtering: This service can help protect against BEC attacks by blocking suspicious emails that may contain phishing or malware links. This helps prevent employees from falling for social engineering tactics and inadvertently giving hackers access to sensitive information.

  2. Anti-malware: A solution to detect and block ransomware before encrypting files on a company’s network. This helps prevent data loss and minimize the impact of a ransomware attack.

  3. Backup and recovery: Automated backup and recovery services can help restore data and systems during a ransomware attack. This helps minimize the damage caused by an attack and reduces the likelihood of paying a ransom to recover data.

  4. User awareness training: Employee training and awareness programs help educate staff on recognizing and reporting potential security threats such as BEC attacks. This helps employees understand how to protect themselves and the company from cyber threats.

  5. Access control: This feature allows administrators to restrict access to sensitive data and systems, helping prevent unauthorized access and reducing the risk of a successful ransomware attack.

2017-2020: Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) threats

The period between 2017 and 2020 saw the rise of Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) threats. This time frame saw the first cases of this type of attacks.

IoT devices are becoming increasingly popular for on-site and remote businesses, making them a prime target for cybercriminals. These devices often lack proper security measures, making them vulnerable to attacks.

Artificial intelligence plays an increasingly significant role in the evolution of cyber threats. On the one hand, AI is being used by businesses to improve security measures, such as detecting anomalous behavior and identifying potential threats. On the other hand, cybercriminals are also using AI to create more sophisticated attacks.

For example, cyber-criminals can use AI to generate realistic phishing emails that are more likely to trick victims into revealing sensitive information. AI is also being used to create deep fake videos and audio, which can be used for social engineering attacks.

The Mirai Botnet was a massive cyberattack in 2017 that compromised hundreds of thousands of IoT devices, turning them into a network of bots used to launch DDoS attacks on various websites. The botnet primarily targeted vulnerable IoT devices such as security cameras, routers, and DVRs that had weak or default login credentials.

According to a report from Wired, “Mirai was responsible for the largest DDoS attack in history, which peaked at 1.1 terabits per second and brought down the DNS provider Dyn, taking down popular websites including Twitter, Netflix, and Reddit in the process.”

Another example was the 2018 DeepLocker; a type of AI-powered malware that is designed to evade traditional cybersecurity measures by using AI algorithms to hide and remain undetected until it reaches its target.

The malware is designed only to activate when it detects a specific target, such as a particular person’s face or voice. The malware was created as a proof-of-concept by IBM’s X-Force Red team to demonstrate the potential risks of AI-powered attacks.

Some ways to protect against AI attacks include:

  1. Network segmentation: This feature can segment the company’s network, separating IoT devices from other devices and systems on the network. This can help prevent an attacker from using an IoT device as a backdoor to access the company’s sensitive data and systems.

  2. Device management: This service ensures IoT devices are configured with the proper security settings and updated with the latest firmware and security patches. This helps prevent IoT devices from becoming a vulnerability and potential targets for attackers.

  3. Behavioral analysis: Behavioral analysis detects abnormal activity in the network, which can help detect and prevent AI-based attacks. This includes monitoring the behavior of IoT devices and detecting anomalies that may indicate a potential attack.

  4. Machine learning: Machine learning utilizes algorithms to analyze network traffic and identify potential threats. This includes the ability to detect anomalies in the behavior of IoT devices, which can help identify potential AI-based attacks.

  5. Threat intelligence: Ideally, a threat intelligence platform continuously monitors global threat activity and automatically updates security policies and rules to protect against new and emerging threats, including those targeting IoT and AI systems.

2021-2022: supply chain attacks and Ransomware-as-a-Service

In 2021 and 2022, there has been a significant increase in supply chain attacks and Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) attacks. Supply chain attacks involve targeting a third-party vendor to gain access to their customers’ networks. These attacks have been highly successful, with cybercriminals targeting software providers, IT companies, and cloud service providers.

RaaS attacks involve renting out ransomware to other cybercriminals for a percentage of the profits. This business model has made it easier for cybercriminals to launch attacks, resulting in a surge of ransomware attacks worldwide. According to a report by SonicWall, there were over 304.7 million ransomware attacks in the first half of 2021, a 151% increase from the same period in 2020.

One of the biggest related incidents took place In 2020. The SolarWinds supply chain attack affected multiple U.S. government agencies and corporations. The attackers compromised SolarWinds’ software updates and used them to distribute malware to their customers.

Another case worth studying is the Colonial Pipeline, a ransomware attack in 2021 that shut down a major fuel pipeline in the United States. The attackers demanded a ransom payment in exchange for restoring access to the company’s systems.

Some ways to protect against Supply Chain Attacks and Ransomware-as-a-Service attacks include:

  1. Vulnerability scanning: This service can detect vulnerabilities in software and systems that may be exploited in a supply chain attack. This includes identifying outdated software, unpatched systems, and other potential vulnerabilities.

  2. Access control: This feature allows administrators to restrict access to sensitive data and systems, helping prevent unauthorized access and reducing the risk of a supply chain attack.

  3. User awareness training: Employee training and awareness programs help educate staff on recognizing and reporting potential security threats, including supply chain attacks and ransomware-as-a-service. This helps employees understand how to protect themselves and the company from cyber threats.

  4. Anti-malware: This solution can detect and block ransomware before encrypting files on a company’s network. This helps prevent data loss and minimize the impact of a ransomware attack, including those delivered as a service.

  5. Backup and recovery: Automated backup and recovery services can help restore data and systems during a ransomware attack. This helps minimize the damage caused by an attack and reduces the likelihood of paying a ransom to recover data.

2022-present: deepfake and synthetic identity fraud

In 2022, deep fake and synthetic identity fraud attacks became increasingly prevalent. Deepfake technology involves creating realistic videos or audio recordings that can be used to spread misinformation or conduct social engineering attacks. On the other hand, synthetic identity fraud involves creating fake identities using real and fake information.

These attacks have proven to be highly effective, with cybercriminals using deep fake technology to impersonate high-level executives or political leaders to spread false information. Synthetic identity fraud has also been on the rise, with losses estimated to reach $1 billion in 2022, according to the 2022 Internet Crime Report of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

In the article TOP 5 cyber attacks of 2022, the best examples of this type of threat can be further analyzed.

How can NordLayer help?

Cybercriminals constantly evolve their tactics, making it essential for businesses to stay up-to-date with the latest threats. Cybercriminals use fileless attacks, which do not leave a footprint on the system, and supply chain attacks, where attackers target third-party vendors to gain access to a network. By understanding these tactics, businesses can take steps to protect themselves.

The past decade has seen a rapid evolution in cyber threats, with attackers becoming more sophisticated and their tactics becoming more advanced. Businesses must adapt to these changes by implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect their data and resources. NordLayer remains committed to providing top-notch security solutions that evolve with the changing cyber threat landscape.

Our Zero Trust Network Access solution provides secure access to resources and data, while our ML-powered (machine learning) threat detection system prevents end users from accessing potentially harmful websites that may affect business operations.

As the cybercrime landscape develops, NordLayer continues to evolve its products to protect access to data and resources. Our security solutions include access control features, network segmentation, and secure VPN.

We continuously monitor the latest threats and adapt our products to provide the most robust protection possible.

Contact NordLayer and learn how we can help you secure your business.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About NordLayer
NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses – from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security.

The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

How to integrate Jumpcloud and Awingu

Cloud access management has become increasingly important for businesses of all sizes, as an increasing number of employees work remotely and rely on cloud-based tools to stay connected and productive. Azure AD is the most popular solution, but more companies are also looking at solutions like JumpCloud for managing cloud access. In this article, we will explore how easy it is to integrate Awingu and JumpCloud by using the custom SAML app.

Step 1: Create Awingu in JumpCloud via the Custom SAML App

The first step in integrating Awingu and JumpCloud is to create a custom SAML app in JumpCloud. SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) is a protocol used for single sign-on (SSO) authentication, which allows users to log in to multiple applications with a single set of credentials. Awingu supports SAML 2.0, which means that it can be integrated with JumpCloud using SAML.

To create a custom SAML app in JumpCloud, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your JumpCloud admin console and navigate to Applications.

2. Click the “+ Add New Application” button and select the “Custom SAML App”

3.  Enter a name for the app (e.g., Awingu) and on the SSO page set following parameters:

As Awingu only supports Service Provider initiated authentication, the following settings are also mandatory:

The last step is to create two attributes that can be passed on as claims to Awingu. The first one needs to correspond with the UPN of the user in Awingu’s local AD, and the second one will be used as the user display name in the Awingu user interface.

In this example, the UPN matches the email address of the user. If this is the case, you can also create a custom attribute for the user and pass this custom attribute to Awingu:

4. Before saving the application, make sure you assign the right group of users to this application and click “Save” to finish the creation of the SAML app in JumpCloud.

5. Once the app is created, select the app in the list of applications and download the XML metadata file by clicking on the “Export Metadata” button.

Once this is done, you are ready to configure the Awingu side.

Step 2: Enable Federation on Awingu

The second step in integrating Awingu and JumpCloud is to enable federation on Awingu. Federation is the process of establishing trust between two identity providers (in this case, JumpCloud and Awingu) so that users can log in to Awingu using their JumpCloud credentials.

Before you start the Awingu configuration part, make sure you know the username and password of the built-in management user. This is the user account that was created during the initial installation of Awingu. If you have activated pre-authentication or single sign-on within Awingu and you have a problem with the configuration, this is the only account that still allows you to login. All other (admin) users will no longer work as they will be forced to go over to the IdP, JumpCloud in this case.

To enable federation on Awingu, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your Awingu appliance with an admin user and open the system settings.
  1. Go to “Configure” -> “User Connector” -> “Federated Authentication” and set the Type to “Pre-authentication” and the Protocol to SAML”.
  1. Set the Entity ID to “Awingu” and upload the Metadata XML file downloaded earlier onto the Awingu appliance after switching the Metadata Type from “URL” to “XML”.
  1. Set the Username & Display Name claim to the same names as set on the Jumpcloud side, in this example “username” and “displayname”.
  1. Set the Workspace URL to your public Awingu DNS name.
  1. Click Apply.

Once this is done, test your configuration by opening an incognito web browser window and go to your Awingu URL. If all is correct, you will be redirected to JumpCloud.  After a successful login to JumpCloud, you will be redirected to Awingu, and Awingu will ask you to type in your password. This will be your local Windows AD password. No need to panic, this is normal behavior as we only have activated so far in the “pre-authentication” and not yet the full single sign-on.

In case something goes wrong, and the pre-authentication is not working you can still login to the Awingu appliance with the built-in management user. To do this, open a new incognito window and go to https://your.awingu.url/login?noPreAuth (be careful, this is case sensitive). This will allow you to login and make modifications to the configuration.

Step 3: Go full Single Sign-On in Awingu

Once you have a working pre-authentication and know the integration with JumpCloud is done correctly,  you can go to the last step, which is switching the Federation Authentication type from “Pre-Authentication” to “Single sign-on”.

This last step is independent from the IdP that is used (JumpCloud in this case) and will remove that popup for the local AD Windows password. You’ll need to make Awingu a sub-CA of your Active Directory. By doing so, Awingu can generate user certificates and then via Kerberos and other standard Windows protocols, Awingu can let the user login to the applications and drives without the need of a Windows password or without the need to install any Awingu software onto the Windows environment.

Have a look at this video: https://youtu.be/8343EIAVHns or to the admin guide to learn more about how to generate those certificates. Be careful, because certificates and Kerberos are sensitive to DNS and other details. Follow the instructions to the letter to make it work.

Once you have uploaded the certificates to your appliance, your users can log in to Awingu with their JumpCloud credentials. This means that you can manage cloud access for your entire organization using a single platform (JumpCloud), while still providing your users with a seamless login experience.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Parallels 
Parallels® is a global leader in cross-platform solutions, enabling businesses and individuals to access and use the applications and files they need on any device or operating system. Parallels helps customers leverage the best technology available, whether it’s Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android or the cloud.

Concepts of Federated Identity Management

Federated Identity Management

Federated identity management enables authorized users to access multiple platforms using a single set of credentials. To learn more about it, read our text.

In the past, each website or application required a set of credentials. This meant every time you wanted to access a service, you had to create a username and password, which were stored on that platform.

Thus, when accessing the website again, it was necessary to re-enter the credentials because the users did not remain connected, even if the websites were managed by the same organization.

Also, when companies wanted to transfer user credentials from one domain to another, they had to use a new authentication system.

As the internet became more complex, developers realized this authentication system was not scalable and federated identity management would be the best solution in this regard.

In this article, we discuss federated identity management and its different concepts. To facilitate your reading, we divided the text into the following topics:

1. What Is a Federated Identity System?

2. What Is the Difference Between SSO and Federated Identity?

3. What Is SAML Federated Identity?

4. What Are the Two Components of a Federated Identity System?

5. Advantages of Federated Identity

6. senhasegura and AuthID Integration

7. About senhasegura

8. Conclusion

 

Enjoy the read!

 

1. What Is a Federated Identity System?

A federated identity is a system that enables authorized users to access different services using a single set of credentials securely and efficiently.

In practice, when a company implements this solution, its users can access Active Directory, partner websites, and web applications, among other services without logging in separately.

 

2. What Is the Difference Between SSO and Federated Identity?

Single sign-on (SSO) is a solution that allows users to access multiple platforms through a single set of credentials. In practice, when the user logs into an SSO service, they have access to connected websites and applications, without having to log in again.

That is, SSO is a feature of federated identity management and makes it possible to provide secure logins to users, while federated identity management itself provides access to resources from various organizations.

 

3. What Is SAML?

SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) is a protocol used to enable identity providers (IdP) to pass authorization credentials to service providers (SP). With this, one can use a single set of credentials to access different services.

For standardized communications between the identity provider and service providers, SAML transactions use Extensible Markup Language (XML). SAML connects the authentication of a user’s identity to the authorization for using a service.

 

4. What Are the Two Components of a Federated Identity System?

The federated identity covers two concepts: Identity Provider (IdP) and Service Provider (SP).

The first consists of an entity that creates and manages user identities and authenticates them for other applications where IdP is required.

The second refers to an entity that provides web services. In practice, SPs do not authenticate users on their own, but need the IdP to authenticate them.

5. Advantages of Federated Identity

Federated identity management brings several advantages to users. Among them, we can highlight:

  • Improved security: In traditional authentication systems, users need to log in to each platform they access, using a set of credentials.
    In contrast, the federated option allows the user to securely authenticate across multiple websites and applications. With the reduction in the number of logins, the risks of invasion also decrease;
  • Secure resource sharing: With federated identity management, one can share resources and data without risking security. Moreover, by storing user data with an IdP, companies simplify their data management process;
  • Improved user experience: With federated identity management, users need to authenticate themselves once to have access to various services, which provides convenience in their work routine;
  • Single-point provisioning: Federated identity management also enables single-point provisioning, which facilitates user access, even if the user is outside the company area; and
  • Cost reduction: Organizations don’t need to create their own SSO solutions or manage multiple user identities, which reduces their costs.

 

6. senhasegura and AuthID Integration

senhasegura has developed integration with several identity providers. One of these providers is AuthID, a federated identity management solution that allows you to use the same login to access various services, in addition to the following benefits:

  • Integration with existing IAM in the solution in minutes ? through OpenID or API options;
  • Interruption of cyber threats;
  • Recovery and biometric MFA;
  • Elimination of password costs and risks with portable identity; and
  • Federated identity ? SaaS, cloud, and legacy applications.

 

7. About senhasegura

We, from senhasegura, are part of MT4 Tecnologia, a group of companies specializing in digital security founded in 2001 and operating in more than 50 countries.

Our main objective is to provide our public with digital sovereignty and cybersecurity, granting control over privileged actions and data and avoiding breaches and leaks of information.

For this, we follow the lifecycle of privileged access management through machine automation, before, during, and after accesses. We also:

  • Avoid interruption of companies’ activities, which may impair their performance;
  • Offer advanced PAM solutions;
  • Automatically audit privileged changes in order to identify privilege abuses;
  • Automatically audit the use of privileges;
  • Reduce cyber threats;
  • Bring organizations into compliance with audit criteria and standards such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, and Sarbanes-Oxley.

 

8. Conclusion

In this article, we shared concepts related to federated identity management. If you liked our content, share it with someone who might be interested in the topic.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Segura®
Segura® strive to ensure the sovereignty of companies over actions and privileged information. To this end, we work against data theft through traceability of administrator actions on networks, servers, databases and a multitude of devices. In addition, we pursue compliance with auditing requirements and the most demanding standards, including PCI DSS, Sarbanes-Oxley, ISO 27001 and HIPAA.

How to Write a Zero Trust Proposal

Fish or chicken? Organic or regular? Tartar control or whitening? 

Sources estimate the average adult makes around 35,000 decisions every day. For those working in leadership positions, the number may be even higher. The more uncertain the risk-to-reward ratio, the longer we tend to postpone decision-making. 

Unfortunately, misunderstandings among executives regarding the current state of cybersecurity are rampant. Even tech-savvy CEOs may not grasp why their legacy networks became vulnerable after the recent shift toward remote workers using cloud-based services. 

Low angle shot of a group of businesspeople high fiving while standing in their office

CIOs, IT admins, and managed service providers (MSPs) are charged with implementing security provisions to safeguard stakeholder data as effectively as possible. Translation: IT leaders must educate executive leadership on why Zero Trust security frameworks are now essential to long-term success. 

The best way to ensure the suits truly understand what’s at stake in this wild-wild-west world of data breaching is to draft a compelling proposal. A good Zero Trust proposal will translate ambiguous, technical concepts into clear comprehension that invokes action! 

Are you on the brink of switching your organization’s ol’ “castle-and-moat” security system for Zero Trust Network Architecture (ZTNA)? If so, this article is for you.

Why Create a Zero Trust Proposal? 

Corporate executives are notorious for delaying major budgetary decisions. The bigger and more established the organization, the more likely its CEO will resist change. 

According to a 2019 McKinsey Global Survey, only 20% of corporate managers consistently make “quick decisions” that generate “high-quality” returns. 

The study found that leaders who make decisions quickly are twice as likely to achieve successful results than their laggard counterparts. 

What did their decision-making process look like? The study didn’t reveal the details, but we suspect the top decision-makers had one element in common: gut feelings validated by relevant data points with comprehensive analysis.

how to write a zero trust proposal

In recent years, numerous studies have proven data-driven decision-making to reduce risk, increase agility, and decrease wasteful spending. It’s why startups and small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) alike are increasingly hiring data scientists. 

With this in mind, most executives would appreciate an effective Zero Trust proposal that outlines why a security overhaul is an essential action item — not a “nice to have.” Besides helping gain buy-in from key stakeholders, your proposal should provide your IT team with a summarized roadmap to success. 

A solid Zero Trust proposal will summarize the initiative’s objectives, expected benefits, and estimated resources.

6 Elements to Include in Your Zero Trust Proposal 

Before getting started, it’s worth emphasizing that there is no definitive way to write a proposal. Project proposals can range from exceedingly detailed binder presentations (including comprehensive Scope of Works) to simplistic, bullet-point emails. 

However, there are some essential elements worth including. After reading your zero-trust proposal, executive leadership should fully understand:

  • The particular cybersecurity challenges that must be addressed
  • How Zero Trust can solve each of these challenges 
  • Why the organization should take action now (or sooner rather than later)

Here’s what to include to make sure everyone is on board:

1. Define Zero Trust

Zero Trust is becoming the industry-standard security solution, but not everyone knows what it entails. For many CEOs, Zero Trust is nothing more than a buzzword similar to “big data.” Is it a product? A service? Or some type of security toolkit?

For this reason, it’s essential to clarify that Zero Trust is a security framework that utilizes several technologies for limiting network access and safeguarding data.

When an organization’s security network relies on the premise of “trust nothing, verify everything,” employees work only on trusted devices and networks. It also prioritizes mobile device management (MDM), multi-factor authentication (MFA), single sign-on (SSO), microsegmentation, and other attack surface-reduction functionalities. 

Use precise language when defining Zero Trust tools, elements, and concepts. Avoid technical jargon that leadership won’t easily understand and doesn’t need to know. Executives don’t need lessons in software engineering; they require high-level overviews. 

2. Summarize the Benefits 

Unlike other initiatives competing for attention, the rewards of Zero Trust implementation most often outweigh any perceived risks. Not only will Zero Trust tighten security for the entire organization — by limiting access to data with privileged access management and heightened security measures — but it will also enhance threat response times. 

Identity and access management (IAM) solutions allow admins to lock down devices, user identities, and access to company resources at the push of a button. Quick troubleshooting combined with limited permissions reduces the likelihood of attackers moving laterally within the organization. 

So, the IT department won’t need to implement additional on-premises infrastructure to ensure everyone is working on trusted devices and networks. Alternatively, if your organization already uses an on-prem network, emphasize the benefits of shifting to cloud infrastructure over time.

zero trust security implementation

3. Discuss the State of Cybercrime

According to Interpol, cybercrime is growing at a breakneck pace. New trends keep emerging, and cyber criminals keep becoming more agile. They exploit new technologies, customize their attacks, and cooperate to the peril of organizations of all sizes. 

Recently, cybercriminal gangs like REvil have accessed, encrypted, and held sensitive data for hundreds of thousands of dollars in ransom. Many gangs have moved beyond two-factor authentication to focus on remote access technology. This makes ransomware attackers a real threat to any company that, for instance, relies on remote workers.

Others are creating ransomware software and distributing it to criminals in what is referred to as ransomware-as-a-service, affecting 42% of large organizations and 33% of SMEs globally. Paint a picture of a familiar scenario that needs immediate attention. Once leaders see how your plan fits into the big picture, they’ll be more willing to devote resources. 

4. Calculate Your Organization’s Risk (Cost of Breach)

The average cost of a cybersecurity breach is $4.24 million. The most affected industries are healthcare, finance, pharmaceutical, technology, and energy, respectively. 

Business leaders need to know what’s at stake should a breach occur. To determine the potential costs of a data breach for your specific organization, consider:

  • Direct costs: What actions would the organization take post-breach? Outsourced forensic investigation, possible fines, and victim compensation are all possibilities. 
  • Indirect costs: Indirect costs relate to the time it takes to cover losses from the breach. Organizations may incur revenue loss due to system downtime and even the revenue consequences of reputational damage.

Essentially, illustrate that it’s cheaper to prevent a cyberattack than repair its damages with real numbers relevant to your organization.

writing a zero trust proposal

5. Outline the Project Scope

This section of the proposal lists the goals you plan to achieve. The step-by-step process can enlist objectives such as adopting MFA and SSO as upgrades.

Fun fact: it takes 2 to 3 years to transition to a complete Zero Trust framework, on average. So, don’t bite off more than your department can chew. 

Break the project objectives into smaller timeline milestones with an emphasis on the ones that will provide the most bang for your buck. 

Your project schedule will pave the way for allocating necessary resources, making hiring decisions, and more. It will also provide information about your executive’s roles in the continuous rollout of Zero Trust elements and infrastructure updates. 

6. Include a Competitor Analysis 

According to a recent study of more than 1,000 IT professionals, more than 50% of SMEs are planning or already working on a Zero Trust security program. 

They want to ensure their organizations remain safe amid the growth of trends such as remote work and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). Discuss what your competitors are doing in terms of security. If they are already working on a Zero Trust approach, highlight the competitive edge they have over your organization.  

The Ideal Approach to Zero Trust

Adopting Zero Trust involves considerable mindset shifts amongst IT team members, executive leadership, and key stakeholders. A strongly written proposal is the perfect first step to getting everyone on board. 

After reading your document, leadership should be able to explain Zero Trust in a casual conversation, recall its risk-to-reward ratio, and understand what needs to happen first.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About JumpCloud
At JumpCloud, our mission is to build a world-class cloud directory. Not just the evolution of Active Directory to the cloud, but a reinvention of how modern IT teams get work done. The JumpCloud Directory Platform is a directory for your users, their IT resources, your fleet of devices, and the secure connections between them with full control, security, and visibility.

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