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πŸ›‘οΈ The ABCs of Cybersecurity Audit: Focusing on Asset Management - The Definitive Edition πŸ› οΈ

Hello Cyber Warriors! πŸ‘‹ Today, we're taking a comprehensive look at Asset Management within cybersecurity audits, enriched with references to industry standards and frameworks. Buckle up, because we're about to get technical! 🎯
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πŸ“‹ ID.AM-1: Physical Device Inventory πŸ–₯️
- Function: IDENTIFY
- Category: Asset Management
- Audit: Physical devices and systems within the organisation are inventoried.
- Guidance: The data, personnel, devices, systems, and facilities that enable the organisation to achieve business purposes are identified and managed consistently.

ID.AM-1 Checklist:
1. 🧾 Create a device registry
- Example: Use a centralised asset management system to record all servers, laptops, and mobile devices.
2. πŸ•΅οΈβ€β™€οΈ Use network scanning tools
- Example: Employ tools like Nmap to scan for devices connected to your network.
3. πŸ”„ Regularly update the inventory
- Example: Automate alerts to review the inventory every quarter.
4. 🎫 Label all devices
- Example: Use QR codes to label devices for quick scanning and identification.

πŸ“ ID.AM-2: Software Inventory πŸ“¦
- Function: IDENTIFY
- Category: Asset Management
- Audit: Software platforms and applications within the organisation are inventoried.
- Guidance: The data, personnel, devices, systems, and facilities that enable the organisation to achieve business purposes are identified and managed consistently.

ID.AM-2 Checklist:
1. πŸ“œ Create a software registry
2. πŸ›‘οΈ List all security certificates
3. ⏲️ Track expiration dates
4. πŸ› οΈ Update or remove outdated software
- Example: Use vulnerability scanners to identify software that needs updating or removal.

🌐 ID.AM-3: Data Flow Mapping πŸ—ΊοΈ
- Function: IDENTIFY
- Category: Asset Management
- Audit: Organisational communication and data flows are mapped.
- Guidance: The data, personnel, devices, systems, and facilities that enable the organisation to achieve business purposes are identified and managed consistently.

ID.AM-3 Checklist:
1. πŸ“ˆ Identify data entry and exit points
- Example: Pinpoint where customer data enters via the CRM and exits via email reports.
2. 🚦 List all data transformation processes
- Example: Document how raw sales data is transformed into actionable insights.
3. πŸ”„ Regularly review and update the map
- Example: Audit the data flow map after any significant infrastructure changes.

🌍 ID.AM-4: External Systems Catalogue πŸ“š
- Function: IDENTIFY
- Category: Asset Management
- Audit: External information systems are catalogued.
- Guidance: The data, personnel, devices, systems, and facilities that enable the organisation to achieve business purposes are identified and managed consistently.

ID.AM-4 Checklist:
1. πŸ“ List all third-party systems
- Example: Catalogue all SaaS tools like Salesforce, AWS, and Slack.
2. πŸ›‘οΈ Verify their security posture
- Example: Check if the vendors are GDPR-compliant or hold relevant security certifications.
3. 🀝 Establish security SLAs (Service Level Agreements)
- Example: Negotiate SLAs that require vendors to notify you within 24 hours of a security incident.

🎯 ID.AM-5: Resource Prioritisation βš–οΈ
- Function: IDENTIFY
- Category: Asset Management
- Audit: Resources are prioritised based on their classification, criticality, and business value.
- Guidance: The data, personnel, devices, systems, and facilities that enable the organisation to achieve business purposes are identified and managed consistently.

ID.AM-5 Checklist:
1. 🏷️ Classify all resources
2. πŸ“Š Perform a risk assessment
- Example: Use the FAIR framework to assess the financial impact of losing specific assets.
3. πŸ‘‘ Prioritise critical assets

🎭 ID.AM-6: Cybersecurity Roles and Responsibilities 🀝
- Function: IDENTIFY
- Category: Asset Management
- Audit: Cybersecurity roles and responsibilities for the entire workforce and third-party stakeholders are established.
- Guidance: The data, personnel, devices, systems, and facilities that enable the organisation to achieve business purposes are identified and managed consistently.

ID.AM-6 Checklist:
1. πŸ“œ Define cybersecurity roles
- Example: Clearly specify the roles of a Security Officer, Network Administrator, and other relevant positions.
2. 🀝 Establish responsibilities for third-party stakeholders
- Example: Outline security responsibilities for suppliers, customers, and partners in contracts and SLAs.
3. 🎯 Create a cybersecurity training program
- Example: Develop a curriculum to train employees in their respective cybersecurity roles and responsibilities.

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πŸ“š Consolidated Relevant Standards:

- CIS CSC: 1, 2, 12, 13, 14, 17, 19
- COBIT 5: APO01.02, APO02.02, APO03.03, APO03.04, APO07.06, APO10.04, APO12.01, APO13.01, BAI04.02, BAI09.01, BAI09.02, BAI09.05, DSS01.02, DSS05.02, DSS06.03
- ISA 62443: 2-1:2009 4.2.3.4, 4.2.3.6, 4.3.2.3.3; 3-3:2013 SR 7.8
- ISO/IEC 27001: A.6.1.1, A.8.1.1, A.8.1.2, A.8.2.1, A.11.2.6, A.12.5.1, A.13.2.1, A.13.2.2
- NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 4: AC-4, AC-20, CA-3, CA-9, CM-8, CP-2, PL-8, PM-5, PM-11, PS-7, RA-2, SA-9, SA-14, SC-6
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So there you have it, folks! A thorough look at Asset Management in cybersecurity audits, now complete with real-world examples and references to industry standards. Go ahead and check your current setup against these guidelines. Trust me, you'll sleep better at night! 😴

Stay secure, Cyber Warriors! πŸ›‘οΈβš”οΈ
Hello again! πŸ‘‹ Let's dive a bit deeper into each function for identifying your business environment in the realm of IT Audit and Information Security. We'll also touch on some specific guidance and controls you can implement. 🎯

Expanded Key Functions in Identifying Business Environment πŸ› οΈ

1. Know Your Role in the Supply Chain (ID.BE-1) πŸ›’
- What: Recognise your organisation's part in the supply chain.
- Why: To allocate resources effectively and manage risks.
- Guidance: Use COBIT 5 APO08.04 to manage supplier quality, and ISO 27001 A.15.1.2 to identify and assess supplier risks.

2. Spot in the Industry (ID.BE-2) 🏭
- What: Ascertain your position in your industry or critical infrastructure.
- Why: To align your cybersecurity measures with industry norms.
- Guidance: ISO 27001 Clause 4.1 outlines how to understand the organisation and its context, crucial for this function.

3. Set Priorities (ID.BE-3) 🎯
- What: Establish clear objectives for your mission and activities.
- Why: To concentrate your cybersecurity efforts effectively.
- Guidance: COBIT 5 APO02.06 is great for setting objectives, while NIST SP 800-53 PM-11 talks about mission-based information security.

4. Identify Dependencies (ID.BE-4) 🀝
- What: Recognise what functions or services are pivotal for your business.
- Why: To secure the most critical aspects of your operation.
- Guidance: ISO 27001 A.11.2.2 covers third-party service delivery management, which can be crucial for dependencies.

5. Establish Resilience Requirements (ID.BE-5) πŸ¦Έβ€β™‚οΈ
- What: Define what it takes to recover quickly from difficulties.
- Why: To maintain critical services even under adverse conditions.
- Guidance: NIST SP 800-53 CP-11 focuses on contingency and recovery planning, while ISO 27001 A.17.1.1 talks about planning for adverse events.

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Your Quick Checklist for Identifying Business Environment πŸ“‹

1️⃣ Know Your Role in the Supply Chain
- [ ] Conduct a supply chain analysis.
- [ ] Consult COBIT 5 APO08.04 for supplier quality management.
- [ ] Assess supplier risks as per ISO 27001 A.15.1.2.

2️⃣ Spot in the Industry
- [ ] Identify your industry and sub-sector.
- [ ] Follow ISO 27001 Clause 4.1 for understanding organisational context.

3️⃣ Set Priorities
- [ ] Establish clear organisational objectives.
- [ ] Use COBIT 5 APO02.06 for objective setting.
- [ ] Consult NIST SP 800-53 PM-11 for mission-based security.

4️⃣ Identify Dependencies
- [ ] Make a list of critical services and functions.
- [ ] Follow ISO 27001 A.11.2.2 for third-party service management.

5️⃣ Establish Resilience Requirements
- [ ] Develop a contingency plan.
- [ ] Follow NIST SP 800-53 CP-11 for recovery strategies.
- [ ] Use ISO 27001 A.17.1.1 for adverse event planning.

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Feel free to print this checklist or keep it handy on your digital devices. Tick off each item as you go along, and you'll be well on your way to a more secure and understood business environment. 🌟

Cheers for tuning in, and keep those eyes peeled for more cybersecurity wisdom! 🍻
Governance in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is not a one-size-fits-all venture. The unique nature of every organisation demands a tailored approach to ensure robust security. A well-rounded governance structure is the cornerstone to achieving this, and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) provides a thorough guide to making this a reality. Let’s delve into the Governance (GV) subcategory of the IDENTIFY domain, breaking down its essential components. πŸ›‘οΈ

1. Establishing and Communicating Cybersecurity Policy (ID.GV-1) πŸ“œ

The formulation of a comprehensive cybersecurity policy is a fundamental step. This policy outlines how an organisation intends to manage and monitor regulatory, legal, risk, environmental, and operational demands vis-a-vis cybersecurity. Tools like CIS CSC 19, COBIT 5, ISA 62443-2-1:2009, ISO/IEC 27001:2013, and NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 4 provide invaluable frameworks for ensuring a well-rounded policy.

The emphasis here is not just on creating a policy but ensuring it's disseminated across the organisation. An informed team is a secure team.

2. Aligning Cybersecurity Roles (ID.GV-2) 🎭

Cybersecurity isn’t a siloed responsibility but a shared endeavour. A clear delineation of roles and responsibilities, both internally and with external partners, is vital for a cohesive cybersecurity strategy. Utilising frameworks like COBIT 5 and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 can help in structuring these roles effectively.

Communication is key. Ensuring everyone understands their role and the overall cybersecurity strategy significantly bolsters the organisation's security posture.

3. Understanding Legal and Regulatory Obligations (ID.GV-3) βš–οΈ

The legal landscape surrounding cybersecurity is ever-evolving. It's crucial for organisations to stay abreast of legal and regulatory requirements, including those concerning privacy and civil liberties. Tools like CIS CSC 19 and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 can aid in understanding and managing these obligations.

Adherence to legal and regulatory mandates not only fosters compliance but also cultivates trust with stakeholders.

4. Addressing Cybersecurity Risks in Governance and Risk Management Processes (ID.GV-4) 🎯

Incorporating cybersecurity risks into the broader governance and risk management processes is imperative. It's not about if a cybersecurity incident will occur, but when. Resources like COBIT 5, ISA 62443-2-1:2009, and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 provide detailed guidance on integrating cybersecurity risks within governance structures.

In conclusion, good governance is at the heart of effective cybersecurity. Through a well-structured policy, clear role delineation, understanding legal obligations, and integrating cybersecurity into risk management, organisations are better poised to navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape. The NIST CSF IDENTIFY domain offers a robust foundation for building and enhancing an organisation’s cybersecurity governance, ensuring it is well-equipped to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.
A Comparative Case Study: Infrastructure Audit of Windows and Unix Systems πŸ–₯

In the modern technological landscape, ensuring the robustness and security of IT infrastructures is paramount. A meticulous infrastructure audit can unveil potential weaknesses and provide insights into areas for improvement. In this case study, we delve into an infrastructure audit conducted for a mid-sized company operating in a mixed environment of Windows and Unix systems.

Audit Preparation πŸ“‹:
The audit team kicked off the process by gathering pertinent documentation and comprehending the existing configurations and controls in place. They also identified key personnel, including system administrators and IT managers, for interviews to gain a deeper understanding of the operational practices.

Windows Infrastructure Audit πŸ”:

1. Authentication and Authorization πŸ”:
- The audit evaluated the implementation of Active Directory (AD) and Group Policy Objects (GPO) to ensure robust authentication and authorization processes.
- Additionally, an examination of user account settings, password policies, and privilege levels was undertaken.
2. Patch Management πŸ›‘:
- The audit scrutinised the patch management processes to confirm that systems were up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates.
3. Network Configurations 🌐:
- The network configurations were assessed to ensure a secure and optimised setup, which included reviewing firewall settings and network access controls.
4. System Monitoring and Logging πŸ“Š:
- A review of system monitoring and logging practices was conducted to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and to facilitate incident response.

Unix Infrastructure Audit πŸ”:

1. User Management πŸ”:
- The audit examined user account settings, group memberships, and sudo configurations to ensure appropriate access controls were in place.
2. File System Security πŸ“‚:
- The permissions, ownership, and security configurations of critical file systems were reviewed.
3. System Updates and Patch Management πŸ›‘:
- Similar to the Windows audit, the patch management processes were reviewed to ensure systems were updated with the latest security patches.
4. Network Services 🌐:
- An assessment of network services including SSH configurations, firewall settings, and other network-related configurations was performed.

Findings and Recommendations πŸ“ˆ:
The audit unveiled several areas for improvement in both Windows and Unix environments. Recommendations included enhancing password policies, streamlining patch management processes, and implementing a centralised logging solution to improve monitoring and incident response capabilities.

Conclusion 🎯:
This case study emphasises the importance of a thorough infrastructure audit in pinpointing potential vulnerabilities and ensuring a secure, efficient IT infrastructure. It also highlights the varying considerations when auditing different operating systems, and stresses the need for a well-rounded audit approach to cater to the unique challenges presented by mixed OS environments.
Which of the following is common attack on data "in use"?
Anonymous Quiz
26%
Eavesdropping
21%
Shoulder Surfing
44%
All the options
9%
Cryptoanalysis
Which type of data should be used for end-to-end ecnryption for chat platforms?
Anonymous Quiz
64%
Data in trasnit
7%
Data at rest
18%
Data in use
10%
None of these
Which type of authentication does fingerprint or Face ID belong to?
Anonymous Quiz
3%
Location Factor
6%
Possession Factor
3%
Knowledge Factor
89%
Biometric Factor
Which cloud service model is specifically tailored for enabling businesses and developers to host, build, and deploy consumer-facing applications?
Anonymous Quiz
11%
Hybrid Cloud
19%
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
37%
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
32%
Software as a Service (SaaS)
What type of risk pertains to the unauthorised use or dislosure of confidential information, such as passwords, financial data, or personal information?
Anonymous Quiz
21%
Compliance risk
13%
Operational risk
54%
Information risk
11%
Reputational risk
Which of these is not one of the four components of change management according to ISC2?
Anonymous Quiz
46%
Regression
14%
Change Control
21%
Baseline
19%
Identification
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ScubaGear: Your Premier M365 Tenant Assessment Tool 🌟

Attention, IT audit enthusiasts! πŸ“’ We’re thrilled to introduce ScubaGear, a state-of-the-art tool designed to revolutionise the assessment of your Microsoft 365 (M365) tenant against the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) baselines.

Courtesy of cisagov, ScubaGear isn’t just another tool; it’s a trailblazer in IT security, readily available on GitHub for public access. It’s an essential resource for IT auditors and security experts who aim to align their M365 configurations with CISA’s esteemed security benchmarks.

What Sets ScubaGear Apart:

1. Automated M365 Health Check:
πŸ€– ScubaGear simplifies the meticulous process of evaluating your M365 tenant. By automating this task, it not only saves you valuable time but also ensures a comprehensive and consistent assessment.

2. Alignment with CISA Standards:
🎯 ScubaGear is meticulously tailored to compare your M365 settings with CISA’s rigorous security benchmarks. This alignment guarantees adherence to the highest level of security protocols.

3. Open Source and Community-Driven:
🌍 Hosted on GitHub and under the CC0-1.0 license, ScubaGear embodies the spirit of collaboration. It’s not just a tool; it’s a community project, open for use, modification, and enhancement by security enthusiasts worldwide.

4. Continuously Evolving:
🌱 With contributions from the community, ScubaGear is always at the forefront, adapting to the latest in security strategies and compliance requirements.

5. A Fusion of Technologies:
πŸ’» By integrating Open Policy Agent, PowerShell, and HTML, ScubaGear offers a robust and versatile foundation. This unique combination ensures that ScubaGear is equipped to handle diverse security assessment needs effectively.

For instance, consider a scenario where an IT auditor needs to quickly verify compliance with the latest CISA guidelines. ScubaGear makes this task effortless, providing a detailed yet user-friendly report, saving hours of manual reviewing.

For the discerning IT audit professional, ScubaGear is more than just a tool; it's a beacon guiding you towards enhanced M365 tenant security compliance. It stands as a testament to our commitment to fortified digital defences in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Dive into the world of streamlined IT audits with ScubaGear today. Visit https://github.com/cisagov/ScubaGear/ and join the community in shaping the future of IT security. πŸŒπŸ’»πŸ”’
WebAppAuditFramework.pdf
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▢️ IT Audit Essentials: Securing Web Applications πŸ›‘οΈ

In the rapidly evolving landscape of cyber threats, ensuring the security and integrity of web applications is paramount. Our comprehensive audit checklist is designed to guide IT professionals through the intricate process of auditing web applications, covering critical areas such as:

Network and Application Configuration: Ensuring secure setups to block unauthorised access.
βœ”οΈ Sensitive Data Protection: Strategies for handling sensitive information and securing unreferenced files.
βœ”οΈ Access Control: Identifying admin interfaces, auditing HTTP methods, and implementing strict transport security.
βœ”οΈ Vulnerability Assessment: Delving into common vulnerabilities like SQL injection and XSS to protect against exploits.
βœ”οΈ Authentication and Session Management: Reviewing user processes and session handling for strong authentication.
βœ”οΈ Business Logic and Data Validation: Ensuring integrity and preventing misuse.

This checklist also addresses advanced areas like cloud storage security and encryption standards for comprehensive auditing.

For those responsible for web application security, this guide is invaluable. Explore the full checklist to enhance your security measures.

πŸ”— Access the Complete Checklist in the file attached.

Stay at the forefront of cybersecurity by making your web applications secure and resilient.

#ITAudit #WebSecurity #CyberSecurity
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Securing the Backbone: A Unix Server IT Audit Overview πŸ›‘

In the realm of IT Audit, Unix servers are pivotal. Their robustness, security, and efficiency are paramount, yet vulnerabilities can turn them into liabilities. Our journey πŸš€ begins with understanding the Unix environment, paving the way for a detailed work programme to strengthen your IT fortress.

1. Configuration and Compliance Checks: πŸ“‹

Start by assessing server configurations against benchmarks like CIS or NIST. Automated tools like OpenSCAP provide essential compliance insights. CIS: https://www.cisecurity.org/, NIST: https://www.nist.gov/

2. User and Access Management: πŸ‘₯

Audit user accounts and access controls. Adherence to the principle of least privilege, especially for root access, is crucial.

3. System and Network Security: πŸ”

Examine firewall configurations and SSH access. Utilise tools like iptables and Firewalld, alongside fail2ban for added security.

4. File System Integrity Monitoring: πŸ› 

Employ AIDE or Tripwire to monitor system files and directories, ensuring integrity and alerting on unauthorized changes.

5. Patch Management: πŸ†™

Stay vigilant with security patches and updates. A disciplined approach to vulnerability management is key to mitigating risks.

6. Application and Service Audits: πŸ“Š

Ensure only necessary applications are operational, minimizing potential attack surfaces.

Future Posts: Deep Dives into Each Chapter πŸ—‚

This series will expand into detailed chapters, dissecting each audit area for proactive defense strategies. Stay tuned for in-depth exploration in subsequent posts, ensuring your Unix servers are not just operational, but optimally secure and compliant.

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2024/03/28 15:42:54
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