From TIPS, AND INSIGHTS TO HELP NAVIGATE THE DIGITAL WORLD SECURELY
In a previous
article (Essential Cybersecurity Tips for Beginners)1 we have
learned how understanding the basics of cybersecurity can help protect your
personal information, financial assets, and digital identity.
In this article, we'll review common attack vectors, how lateral
movement works in cyberattacks, and how advanced solutions like ARCHANGEL
2.0 Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) by PT SYDECO can
help prevent unauthorized code execution and secure your network.
I - Common Attack Vectors: Phishing, Malware, and Privilege
Escalation
1. Phishing Attacks
Phishing is
one of the most common and effective attack vectors. Hackers use deceptive
emails, messages, or websites to trick employees into revealing sensitive
information such as login credentials or financial data. Once hackers gain
access to a user’s account, they can infiltrate the network and cause
significant damage.
How to
Avoid Being a Victim:
- Employee Training: Regularly train employees to recognize phishing attempts.
Conduct simulated phishing exercises to test their awareness.
- Email Filtering: Use advanced email filtering solutions to detect and block
phishing emails before they reach employees’ inboxes.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA to add an extra layer of security, even if
credentials are compromised.
2. Malware Infections
Malware,
including ransomware, spyware, and trojans, is designed to infiltrate systems
and cause harm. Malware can be delivered through malicious email attachments,
infected websites, or even USB drives. Once inside the network, malware can
steal data, encrypt files, or provide hackers with remote access.
How to
Avoid Being a Victim:
- Endpoint Protection: Deploy robust antivirus and anti-malware solutions on all
devices connected to the network.
- Regular Updates: Keep all software and systems up to date with the latest
security patches to close vulnerabilities that malware exploits.
- Network Segmentation: Use micro-segmentation to isolate critical systems and limit
the spread of malware.
3. Privilege Escalation
Privilege
escalation occurs when hackers gain access to a low-level user account and then
exploit vulnerabilities to gain higher-level privileges, such as administrative
access. This allows them to control the network, install malicious software, or
exfiltrate sensitive data.
How to
Avoid Being a Victim:
- Least Privilege Principle: Ensure that users only have access to the resources necessary
for their roles. Limit administrative privileges to a select few.
- Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits of user accounts and permissions to
identify and rectify any unnecessary privileges.
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Implement IDS to monitor for unusual activity that could
indicate privilege escalation attempts.
II - How Lateral Movement Works in Cyberattacks
Lateral
movement refers to the techniques hackers use to move through a network after
gaining initial access. Once inside, hackers can exploit weak points to access
other systems, escalate privileges, and ultimately achieve their goals, such as
stealing data or deploying ransomware.
Steps in
Lateral Movement:
1.
Initial Compromise: Hackers gain access to a single device or user account, often
through phishing or malware.
2.
Reconnaissance: They gather information about the network, such as IP addresses,
user accounts, and shared resources.
3.
Exploitation: Hackers exploit vulnerabilities or weak credentials to move to
other devices or systems.
4.
Persistence: They establish a foothold by creating backdoors or installing
malware to maintain access.
5.
Exfiltration or Damage: Finally, hackers steal data, deploy ransomware, or cause other
forms of damage.
How to
Prevent Lateral Movement:
- Micro-Segmentation: Divide the network into smaller, isolated segments to limit
the spread of attacks. Each segment should have its own security controls.
- Zero Trust Architecture: Implement a Zero Trust model, where no user or device is
trusted by default, even if they are inside the network.
- Network Monitoring: Continuously monitor network traffic for unusual activity
that could indicate lateral movement.
III - How ARCHANGEL 2.0 NGFW Prevents Unauthorized Code Execution
ARCHANGEL
2.0 Next Generation Firewall by PT
SYDECO is a cutting-edge solution designed to protect businesses from
sophisticated cyber threats. Here’s how it addresses the challenges of
unauthorized code execution and lateral movement:
1. Zero Trust and Micro-Segmentation
ARCHANGEL
2.0 enforces a Zero Trust model, ensuring that no user or
device is trusted by default. Combined with micro-segmentation, it
isolates each part of the network, preventing hackers from moving laterally
even if they gain access to one segment.
2. Advanced Malware Detection
The
firewall includes advanced malware detection capabilities that identify and
block malicious code before it can execute. This prevents malware from
infiltrating the network and causing damage.
3. Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
ARCHANGEL
2.0’s Intrusion Prevention System monitors network traffic in
real-time, detecting and blocking suspicious activity that could indicate an
attempted exploit or lateral movement.
4. Application Control
With its
comprehensive dashboard, ARCHANGEL 2.0 allows security managers to monitor and
control applications running on the network. This ensures that only authorized
applications can execute, reducing the risk of unauthorized code execution.
5. Automatic Updates
The
firewall automatically updates its threat database and security rules, ensuring
that it is always equipped to defend against the latest threats.
6. Home Intrusion Detection Server (HIDS)
ARCHANGEL
2.0 includes a Home Intrusion Detection Server that monitors
internal network activity, providing early warning of any suspicious behavior
that could indicate a breach or lateral movement.
Conclusion
Hackers are
constantly looking for weaknesses in business networks, but with the right
strategies and tools, you can significantly reduce your risk. By understanding
common attack vectors like phishing, malware, and privilege escalation, and by
implementing advanced solutions like ARCHANGEL 2.0 NGFW, you can
protect your network from unauthorized code execution and lateral movement.
PT SYDECO’s
ARCHANGEL 2.0 offers a comprehensive defense system
that combines Zero Trust, micro-segmentation, and
advanced threat detection to keep your business secure in an increasingly
dangerous digital world. Stay vigilant, educate your employees, and invest in
robust cybersecurity solutions to safeguard your network from evolving threats.
PT SYDECO
Jl. Gabus Raya 21, Minomartani, Ngaglik, Sleman
Yogyakarta 55581, Indonesia
Tel: (+62) 274 880-827
Website | Email: sydeco.indonesia@yahoo.com | info@sydecloud.com
1.
https://patricien.blogspot.com/2025/02/essential-cybersecurity-tips-for.html
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