Tips for Building Strong Cybersecurity Measures

Most product founders (or aspiring founders) think cybersecurity is something that can be added on as we go. In 2024, 68 % of breaches involved a non‑malicious human element, like misconfigurations or coding oversights. Security isn’t a checkbox at launch; it’s a mindset woven into every sprint, every pull request, every architectural decision. Here’s a playbook we, at GrayCyan, have developed: 1️⃣. Threat Model Upfront Before you write a single line of code, map out your attack surface. What data are you storing? Who could target it, and how? A lightweight threat model (even a few whiteboard sketches) helps you prioritize controls around your riskiest assets. 2️⃣. Secure Design Patterns Adopt proven patterns—like input validation, output encoding, and the principle of least privilege—right in your prototypes. Whether it’s microservices or monolithic apps, enforcing separation of concerns and privilege boundaries early means fewer surprises down the road. 3️⃣. Shift‑Left Testing Integrate static analysis (SAST), dependency scanning, and secret‑detection tools into your CI/CD pipeline. Automate these checks so that every pull request tells you if you’ve introduced a risky dependency or an insecure configuration—before it ever reaches production. 4️⃣. Continuous Code Reviews Encourage a culture of peer review focused on security. Build short checklists (e.g., avoid hard‑coded credentials, enforce secure defaults) and run them in review sessions. Rotate reviewers so everyone gets exposure to security pitfalls across the codebase. 5️⃣. Dynamic & Pen‑Test Cycles Complement static checks with dynamic application security testing (DAST) and periodic penetration tests. Even a quarterly or biannual pen‑test will surface issues you can’t catch with automated scans—like business‑logic flaws or subtle authentication gaps. 6️⃣. Educate & Empower Your Team Run regular “lunch‑and‑learn” workshops on topics like OWASP Top 10, secure cloud configurations, or incident response drills. When developers think like attackers, they write more resilient code—and spot risks early. 7️⃣. Plan for the Inevitable No system is 100 % immune. Build an incident response plan, practice it with tabletop exercises, and establish clear escalation paths. That way, when something does go wrong, you move from panic to precision—minimizing impact and restoring trust. At GrayCyan, we partner with founders (and upcoming founders that have amazing product ideas) to embed these practices as we build apps. If you’re ready to turn security from an afterthought into your competitive advantage, let’s connect. Drop a comment or send us a DM, and let’s bake trust into your next release. #DevSecOps #SecureByDesign #SecureDevelopment #DataProtection #TechStartups GrayCyan AI Consultants & Developers

#Cybersecurity Strategies for #Retail - Effective cybersecurity embraces basic principles. Prioritize the threats. Maximize the impact of each investment. Keep it simple. Some suggestions to consider: 1.) Implement basic cyber hygiene 2.) Protect critical systems against ransomware and zero-day 3.) Protect devices that can't protect themselves 4.) Segment your remote network 5.) Respond to alerts promptly. 6.) Restrict employees access on a "need-to-know" basis. 7.) Simplify 1.) Implement basic cyber hygiene - Conduct regular employee training to mitigate the phishing threat, keep software up-to-date, backup data, implement multi-factor authentication #MFA, etc. 2.) Protect critical systems against #ransomware and #zeroday - While the POS is often protected with P2PE encryption, the store manager's PC is often overlooked. Install Endpoint Protection (#EPP) on the store manager's PC to check every incoming file for ransomware and zero-day threats before they can threaten the business. 3.) Protect devices that can't protect themselves - As retail becomes increasingly dependent on technology, every networked device increases the threat landscape. Please pay particular attention to those devices that can't defend themselves. Video cameras, thermostats, and IoT appliances typically don't support cybersecurity software agents. Use Network Detection and Response (#NDR) to analyze network traffic to detect and identify dangerous threats. 4.) Segment your remote network - Segmentation will provide additional protection if a data breach occurs. Use a Managed Firewall to isolate systems virtually and physically, according to their impact on the business. 5.) Respond to alerts promptly. Unfortunately, all efforts to detect an intruder are wasted without an appropriate response. Employ Managed Detection and Response (#MDR) services to act immediately when a threat is detected. 6.) Restrict employees access on a "need-to-know" basis. Providing employees with unnecessary access to critical systems undermines the business's cybersecurity posture. Implement Secure Access Service Edge (#SASE) and Zero Trust Network Access (#ZTNA) to limit employees (and the cyber threats) to only what is necessary to fulfill their responsibilities. 7.) Simplify - The more vendors and technologies involved, the more complicated the infrastructure and the operations. Where possible, consolidate. The simpler the operations, the more effective and sustainable the cyber defensive posture. Make proportionate investments in cyber as your business grows. If your business's value grows beyond your cyber defenses' capability, bad actors will become increasingly motivated to monetize the gap. #TimTang Hughes #NRFBigShow #NRF2024

📌 Understanding the Small Business Cybersecurity Landscape 📌 Small businesses are often targeted because they typically have fewer security measures in place compared to larger enterprises. It's crucial to understand that the risk of cyber attacks is real and that taking proactive steps can significantly reduce these risks. 🛡️ Basic Protection Measures 1. Software Updates: Regularly update your apps, web browsers, and operating systems to close security gaps. 2. Data Backup: Back up important files offline or in the cloud to prevent data loss from cyber incidents. 3. Strong Passwords & MFA: Use complex passwords and implement multi-factor authentication to enhance access security. 4. Secure Devices: Encrypt devices and restrict physical access to sensitive data. 🔐 Securing Your Network 1. Router Security: Change default router settings and use strong encryption protocols like WPA2 or WPA3. 2. Strong Password Policies: Ensure passwords are unique and difficult to guess, and never reuse them across different platforms. 3. Employee Training: Foster a security-aware culture by regularly updating employees on new threats and security practices. 📑 NIST Cybersecurity Framework Utilize the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to build a robust security posture through the steps of Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. This framework helps prioritize cybersecurity measures and allocate resources effectively. 💻 Protecting Against Common Threats 1. Phishing: Educate employees about recognizing and avoiding phishing attempts. Always verify the authenticity of unexpected emails or messages. 2. Ransomware: Regularly back up data and have a response plan in place. Consider the risks carefully before deciding to pay a ransom. 3. Physical Security: Secure physical access to sensitive data and devices to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches. 🚀 Moving Forward: By implementing these cybersecurity measures, small businesses can significantly reduce the risk of cyber threats and ensure they are prepared to respond effectively if an attack occurs. Stay informed and proactive to protect your business and customer data. 💡Educate yourself, stay vigilant, and share to strengthen our collective defense!🔒 📥 Download the PDF from the post. 📲 Mobile device: 🔹 Tap the book image 🔹 Tap the download icon on the upper right 💻 Desktop: 🔹 Mouse over the book icon 🔹 Click in the box on the lower right 🔹 Click the download icon on the upper right #Cybersecurity #SmallBusiness #CyberManDan

Many ICS/OT networks can't afford cyber security. But they can't afford to ignore it either. True story. Many don't have the money to spend, but they need help today. Most ICS/OT sites don't have someone dedicated to ICS/OT cyber security. Most don't have anyone dedicated to IT cyber security. Many don't have anyone even dedicated to IT. If they don't have the budget for a single IT person... How can we expect them to invest in ICS/OT cyber security? So many are just trying to keep the lights on and their sites operating. -> Generating power -> Running trains on time -> Keeping the clean water flowing -> Making the manufacturing lines turn -> Bringing food from the farm to the table Most small- to medium-sized providers simply don't have the budget. They're essentially living "paycheck to paycheck." Are there large owners and operators out there that have budget to invest? Most definitely. But it is a small percentage of the overall environments out there. Thankfully, you don't need a million dollars to start an ICS/OT cyber security program. With a bit of awareness, a bit of education and a bit of support, you can start implementing the fundamentals. And addressing the fundamentals can address the majority of your risk. Not all risk. But a good portion. Doing nothing for cyber security is not an option. So where to start? Here's my Top 5 fundamentals to get started quickly... 1. Secure network architecture At a minimum, ensure you have a firewall between IT & OT to limit traffic between the two networks. Only allow authorized traffic that is required for operations. Block everything else. 2. Asset inventory Ensure you understand what you have in your environment, especially anything with an IP address that your operations relies on. 3. Incident Response Make sure to know who to call, internally and externally, when something bad happens. Because it WILL happen. 4. Backup & Recovery Always make sure you cannot only backup all of your assets that you rely on to operate, but that you can successfully restore those backups in case of emergency. 5. Secure Remote Access Almost everyone has vendors with remote access into their network. At a minimum, enable on-demand access so outside parties do not have 24x7 access to your network. Only enable as required. For those with limited to no resources, I feel your pain. And hope these help. P.S. What am I missing?

According to Aqua Security's report, fileless malware increased by 1,400% in 2023. Fileless malware is a sneaky bug that gets into your computer without you even knowing because it doesn't leave any footprints. Here's how it works: The cybercriminal tricks you into letting them in. They might use fake emails or websites or steal passwords. Once they're in, they start messing with your computer by using your own software against you. Next, they make sure they can keep coming back by creating a secret door into your system. Finally, they do all sorts of criminal stuff like stealing your data or messing with your files. It's one of the biggest business threats today, and it's hard to spot. Small businesses are especially at risk because they often don't have strong security. But there are things you can do to protect yourself: 1. 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐮𝐩 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐚: Ensure that all important business data is backed up regularly and stored securely, preferably off-site or on a cloud service with strong security measures. This way, if your systems are compromised, you can restore your data without paying a ransom or losing vital information. 2. 𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭 𝐚 𝐳𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥: Operate on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” This means not automatically trusting anything inside or outside your network. Implement strict access controls and verify the identity of every user and device before granting access to your systems and data. 3. 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐲𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭-𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬: Fileless attacks use normal processes, so watch for strange activity in these processes, like PowerShell. Look for things like changes in user rights that weren’t allowed, unknown processes running in the main memory, remote commands being run through PowerShell, and odd changes in the Windows registry. 4. 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞: Instead of looking for harmful files, watch your system for any unusual or suspicious behavior. Your vigilance, your updates, and your proactive measures are the weapons that can keep this enemy at bay. Don't just survive in this digital battlefield; thrive and conquer.

Does this work? Asking for a friend. While AV can play a role in defending an organization, it's only a part of a strong #cybersecurity program that utilizes a defense in depth methodology that implements other security measures like: 👉 Layered Security: Implement multiple layers of security controls and defenses to protect against different types of threats. This ensures that if one layer is compromised, others remain in place to provide protection. 👉 Physical Security: Secure physical access to facilities, including locks, surveillance systems, and access controls, to prevent unauthorized physical access to critical assets. 👉 Network Security: Use firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and network segmentation to protect the network infrastructure. 👉 Endpoint Security: Deploy antivirus software, endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions, and ensure that all devices are regularly updated with security patches. 👉 Application Security: Implement secure coding practices, conduct regular security assessments, and use web application firewalls (WAFs) to protect applications from vulnerabilities and attacks. 👉 Data Security: Encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit, implement access controls, and regularly back up data to prevent data breaches and loss. 👉 Identity and Access Management (IAM): Use strong authentication methods, enforce least privilege access, and implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to ensure secure access to systems and data. 👉 User Awareness Training: Educate employees about cybersecurity best practices, phishing attacks, and social engineering techniques to reduce the risk of human errors leading to security incidents. 👉 Incident Response: Develop and regularly test an incident response plan to quickly detect, respond to, and recover from security incidents.

Is your security team stuck in firefighting mode? Use this Cybersecurity Strategy Matrix to build a balanced security roadmap: 𝟭. 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 (Existing Systems + Existing Controls) → Strengthen password policies and access management → Enhance patch management processes → Conduct deeper security awareness training → Low risk, focuses on security fundamentals 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲: Strong foundation with minimal disruption 𝟮. 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (Existing Systems + New Controls) → Implement EDR/XDR solutions over traditional antivirus → Deploy AI-based threat hunting capabilities → Adopt zero-trust architecture frameworks → Moderate risk, leverages advanced protections 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲: Significantly improved protection without system overhaul 𝟯. 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 (New Systems + Existing Controls) → Extend current security monitoring to cloud workloads → Apply existing controls to newly acquired systems (M&A) → Secure shadow IT with established security baselines → Moderate risk, focuses on consistent security coverage 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲: Unified security posture across your growing environment 𝟰. 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (New Systems + New Controls) → Build security for containerized environments → Implement quantum-resistant encryption → Develop custom security for IoT/OT environments → Highest risk, prepares for emerging threat landscapes 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲: Future-proofed security ready for emerging threats Effective cybersecurity requires balancing immediate needs with long-term resilience. Where is your security program investing today?

🛡️ Essential Cybersecurity Checklist for SMBs 🛡️ Small and medium businesses are increasingly in the crosshairs of cybercriminals. It’s crucial to fortify your defenses and avoid becoming an easy target. Implement this cybersecurity checklist to safeguard your business: ✅ Mandatory Strong Passwords & 2FA: Mandate the use of strong, unique passwords for all accounts and implement two-factor authentication (2FA) as a standard security measure, not just an option. ✅ Continuous Education: Conduct regular training sessions to equip your employees with skills to recognize and thwart phishing attempts, social engineering attacks, and other prevalent scams. ✅ Update Religiously: Keep all software up-to-date, including operating systems and antivirus programs, to guard against the latest threats by applying the newest security patches. ✅ Wi-Fi Security: Strengthen your Wi-Fi with robust encryption (preferably WPA3) and change default router passwords. Additionally, isolate your main network from visitors by setting up a separate guest network. ✅ Systematic Backups: Consistently back up critical data to external sources or cloud services. Regularly test these backups to ensure they can be restored effectively in an emergency. ✅ Cyber Insurance: Essential Protection: Treat cyber insurance as a crucial part of your risk management strategy. It’s not just an option; it’s a necessity to help manage the repercussions of cyber incidents financially. 🔍 Cybersecurity is a continuous journey, not a one-time fix. By adopting these practices, your business can significantly enhance its defenses against evolving cyber threats. #cybersecurity #smb #infosec #smallbusiness

🚨 Are Small Businesses Losing the Cyber War? 🚨 Yesterday, I had the incredible opportunity to discuss the pressing issue of #cybercrime on Newsmax Media, Inc. TV. During my segment, I shared crucial insights from my Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) career—particularly how heartbreaking it is to see small businesses suffer due to inadequate cybersecurity resources. Sadly, we ran out of time before I could dive into solutions, but here I am to fill in the gaps! 🕒 Here are five #CyberSecureMindset tips to help small businesses fortify their defenses against cyber threats: 🔒 Educate Your Team: Regular training on the latest cybersecurity practices is non-negotiable. Awareness reduces risks! Are your employees aware that they are the first line of defense against cyber threats? 🔑 Enforce Strong Password Policies: Use complex passwords and multi-factor authentication to secure your accounts. Do your employees reuse passwords, and do they know how to create and remember strong passwords? 🔗 Secure Your Connections: Always use VPNs and secure Wi-Fi networks to protect sensitive data. 🛡️ Regular Updates and Backups: Keep all software up-to-date and maintain regular backups of critical data. 👀 Monitor and Respond: Implement monitoring tools to detect suspicious activities and have a response plan ready. 📢 Call to Action: Let's not let resource constraints hold us back. Share these tips with your network and follow us at CyberSecure Mindset for more actionable insights. Together, we can make the digital world a safer place for small businesses! #CyberSecurity #SmallBusiness #CyberSecureMindset #DataProtection #InfoSec

💼🔒 Bootstrapping Cybersecurity Awareness on a Budget: A Guide for SMBs 🔒💼 Good Morning Friends. A common sentiment I've encountered among small and medium-sized business (SMB) owners is that cybersecurity education is too costly to implement. However, there are practical, budget-friendly ways to educate your team and secure your business. Here are some thoughts on how SMBs can begin a cybersecurity awareness program without blowing out their budget. 💡 Why It's a Must Firstly, it’s important to recognize that cyber risks are real. SMBs account for nearly 43% of cyber-attack targets. Ignoring cyber threats and risk is not an option; it's a responsibility to your customers and your business. 🛠️ Getting Started on a Shoestring Budget 1️⃣ Free Online Resources: Organizations like the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) offer free toolkits and resources tailored for SMBs.    2️⃣ Webinars & Podcasts: There are countless free or inexpensive webinars and Podcasts (Like the CyBUr Guy and CyBUr Smart Morning News) that provide high-quality information on cybersecurity best practices.    3️⃣ Employee Handbook: Include a section on cybersecurity in your existing employee handbook. Make sure it covers basics like strong password policies and phishing scams. 🎯 Actionable Steps 1️⃣ Monthly Security Briefings: Dedicate 10-20 minutes every month to discuss cybersecurity trends and threats. Make it a standing agenda item in team meetings.    2️⃣ Quizzes and Check-ins: Utilize free platforms to create cybersecurity quizzes. Reward employees who score well with small incentives.    3️⃣ Emergency Drills: Simulate a phishing attack or data breach scenario. Evaluate the team’s response and discuss improvements. 🤝 Leveraging Internal Talent 1️⃣ Designate a Cybersecurity Champion: Nominate an employee who is tech-savvy to be the go-to person for cybersecurity queries.    2️⃣ Peer Training: Use the ‘Train the Trainer’ approach where employees become the educators. Share responsibilities and grow together. 💵 Economical Tools and Services 1️⃣ Open-Source Tools: Utilize free open-source cybersecurity tools to protect your systems. 2️⃣ Freemium Models: Many cybersecurity service providers offer freemium models that can be upgraded as your business grows. 3️⃣ Group Discounts: Partner with other SMBs to purchase cybersecurity training or tools at a discounted rate. 4️⃣ Low-cost consultants: There are consultants that can help get you started that won't blow out your whole cybersecurity budget. Find them and engage with them. Remember, cybersecurity is not about having unlimited resources; it's about being resourceful with what you have. Taking even small steps can make a significant difference in your business’s cybersecurity posture. Get CyBUr safe, and make your business CyBUr Smart! 🔒 #Cybersecurity #SMBs #BudgetFriendly #CybersecurityAwareness #Bootstrapping #BusinessSecurity #Knowledgeisprotection