Author name: Shashank BC

In these modern times when cyber warfare appears to be the order of the day, it is very important to control your organization’s passwords to protect classified data. In that regard as a Cyber Security specialist, laying down a password management strategy comes second as one of the most crucial measures to take to protect your organization from breaches. Microsoft 365 is equipped with an effective integrated tools that provides ways to create, manage and enforce password policies and features that are up to date with the current security trends. In this blog, we will outline the steps to take while setting up strong password management practices using Microsoft 365 for your organization. Why Strong Password Management is Critical Passwords are amongst the most common measures taken to protect any given account, and account takeover occurs more often due to weak passwords or reuse of the same password for multiple accounts. From the Verizon report, it was stated that over 80% of breaches related to hacking were associated with password compromises. This helps to emphasize the need for password policies within organizations as a way of dealing with the probability of brute-force attacks, phishing, and credential theft. Microsoft 365 through Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) allows organizations to manage password complexity, MFA and self-service password reset (SSPR) thereby enforcing stronger security measures to prevent account takeover. Creating Enforceable Password Policies with Microsoft 365 No matter what, users must create strong passwords which should not be easy to guess, have a regular changing frequency and can not be reused. In Microsoft 365, you can enforce the following: The above settings can be configured in Microsoft 365 without any problems. Go to the Azure AD Admin Center, look for Password Protection and change it to match the needs of your company. Provision for MFA As proven by time and experience, passwords alone are not sufficient for protecting against advances in cyber threats. Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) is designed to eliminate this lacuna in the safeguarding of the account by offering extra protection options which need validation by users like executing a phone app, sending a token via SMS or using a hardware token. MFA provides an additional protection such that for any password hack, an attacker still cannot log in to the account unless the impersonation is also taken into account that is the second step minimum verification. Allowing Users to Change Their Passwords Without IT Support – Self Service Password Reset (SSPR) Resetting password is a frequently asked problem and solutions offered for free by IT helpdesk departments in any of the Organizations. Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) feature enabled in Microsoft 365 allows users to reset their password on their own without creating additional trouble for the IT team. This is how this feature can be enabled: In Azure AD, go to Users > Password Reset and turn the feature on. Set up the ways, phone number or email, which will be needed for verification when a user requests a password change.CopyPseudonym SSPR eases the end users’ experience and at the same time highlights security measures as all password changes are done in a way where password is not changed in an arbitrary or uncontrolled interaction. Monitoring Password Activity and Security Alerts. Altering someone’s password should also come with monitoring other activities of the user such as login history, failed login attempts and password change requests. In this regard, the Microsoft 365 comprises Azure AD Sign-In Logs, which detail all login attempts pertaining users within an organization, password resets, and even MFA challenges that were issued. Also, alerts can be used with sign-ins from suspicious locations so as to establish when unauthorized personnel is making attempts to change critical login credentials. Azure AD may also be set to utilize the Identity Protection feature for sign-in events to determine the risk level of the user and implement active verification for risky accounts. Passwordless authentication (optional). Organizations seeking to completely eradicate the need for passwords in log-in, Microsoft 365 has Multiple Passwordless Authentication options. The login can be done using: Microsoft Authenticator – it is a mobile app bearing all security features that allow for login without a password. FIDO2 Security Keys: This is hardware-based but reapes the benefit of passwordless login. Windows Hello for Business. Biometric authentication or PIN assignment is integrated into windows enabled devices. The passwordless methods are not only secure but eliminate phishing scams and the practice of reusing passwords across some sites.

As the world becomes more integrated, the popularity of cyber crimes such as phishing, ransomware, and even data breaches has been increasing. It only takes a single breach to interrupt procedures, tarnish an organization’s reputation, and incur huge expenses in recoveries. Every day brings new challenges, and businesses must do more than just depend on technology. In order to remain safe and robust, they have no choice but to make cybersecurity a core aspect of the organization’s manner. Incident Response and Strategic Planning Cybersecurity enables historic production to consistently safeguard your business against cyberattacks. Each determined attempt feels like an initial step. Elevate your protection by using services from Digi9 Reach Info Systems, which focuses on cybersecurity as one of the main features of the organization. 1. Configure Advanced Firewalls and Antivirus Programs to Establish a Secure Network First, let’s start with firewalls: They serve as the first line of defense in a network. In other words, they control what enters and exits your network, preventing unwanted traffic from accessing your systems. Meanwhile, an antivirus application actively seeks and removes harmful files or materials, thereby reducing the risk of malicious activity. How Digi9 Helps: We have stringent firewall systems and, in addition, provide round-the-clock antivirus monitoring. As a result, your organization stays continuously protected from both external and internal threats. Are you careless to depend on passwords alone with no backup measure? That is a risky strategy. MFA adds an extra layer of protection, requiring users to verify their identity through a number of mediums such as a code sent to their phone. How Digi9 Helps: We embed MFA in all levels of your organization and confirm that there are no unauthorized personnel with access to your critical systems. One day you may be fortunate to be let to hack passwords; envision protecting every opening of hackers by seeking and addressing vulnerabilities before they even find, let alone leverage them. Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) is the proactive measure you take. How Digi9 Helps: Our VAPT services are compliant with the ISO 27001 standards. This guarantees you with in-depth analysis reports coupled with risk mitigation and security enhancement advice. Using aged software products grants cyber criminals a chance to mount successful attacks. Regular updates eliminate these risks and also provide a way of keeping the systems in the desired order. How Digi9 Helps: The application of automated management updates and a systematic observation of your systems to guarantee that nothing goes unobserved. One of the strongest defenses or one of the weakest links in your chain can be found in your employees. Most often, it is just a matter of one click to bring down the whole system because of a phishing email. However, teaching them to recognize such risks changes everything. How Digi9 Helps: We deliver cybersecurity training to your organization through fun and practical workshops. And making employees alert and aware of the changing landscape of cyber threats. With the right encryption, you can protect your data even if it falls into the wrong hands, rendering it useless without the key. It is like keeping your assets secured in a digital safe. How Digi9 Helps: We provide complete encryption of information and files, whether they are used or stored. Hackers sometimes use ransomware for blackmail and to lock down data. However, regular image backups ensure data is restored without paying any ransom. How Digi9 Helps: Our cloud backup services make sure your data is secure, available, and restorable when required. You cannot fight what you cannot see. Intrusion Detection and Prevention System (IDPS) helps restrict any such activities from causing major problems by alerting you to their occurrence. How Digi9 Helps: We use IDPS systems that will monitor your network at all times and notify you when something out of the ordinary happens. Despite all precautions, there are times when events occur. An Incident Response Plan (IRP) cuts your losses because you have a clear process, which reduces recovery time and losses. How Digi9 Helps: To respond to any eventuality, we help you devise an Incident Response Plan that your team is in easily trained on. Surveillance camera do not have time to sit idle as cyber threats or attacks occur at any time in the USA or Mellessa. Allowing for 24/7 monitoring means that should something not go as planned, you would be able to take action straight away. Of what assistance does Digi9 offer: Clients are made worry-free since they are provided with non-stop support and monitoring ensuring that security has been maintained on throughout the time. To Prevent Cyber Attacks Why Choose Digi9 Reach Info Systems for Cybersecurity. At Digi9 Reach Info Systems, let me emphasize that every business are confidently disparate and so the risks that you face are also unique to you. This is the reason why we do not offer one blanket cybersecurity solutions. We will do everything we can regarding firewall configurations, authorizing MFA access. And vulnerability tests and devising an in-depth incident response plan for you. So long as the focus is maintaining security in your business, ensuring that the business is always resilient and ready for any Cyber Attacks, you will find us useful. Here, you will find a variety of cybersecurity measures that we have to offer. Stay Ahead of Cyber Threat with Digi9 There’s nothing that you can do except put off the leeway time and be ready in advance to prevent your business from being a target to cyber attacks. By having a collaborative relationship with Digi9 Reach Info Systems, we are sure that each of our partners will have all necessary tools, information, and assistance to be safe and successful in the modern virtual age. How do I begin? Please reach out to Digi9 Reach Info Systems today for a consultation free of cost to understand how we can safeguard your business against cyber threats and you can concentrate on your core competencies.

Cybersecurity policies are crucial for safeguarding data and guiding employees in their role. From startups to enterprises, they help defend against hackers and threats. We discuss here the process of creating practical cybersecurity policies and procedures that help you set and meet your organization’s goals in this blog. 1. Clarify Purpose and ScopeEvery policy should have a defined purpose. It may be able to answer this simple question, “Why do I need this policy?” It may be to keep sensitive data secure or due to adherence to regulations. Having identified the purpose, define the scope. Who does this policy affect? Does it include all employees, departments, or only a few of each? Example:Purpose: To establish best practices for password creation and security to prevent leakage of sensitive information.Scope: This policy extends to all employees, contractors and vendors who have access to the corporate networks. 2. Compliance with Regulatory RequirementsIt is critical to identify the legal and industrial requirements that apply to your organization. Ensure that your policies are complaint to standards, such as GDPR, HIPAA or ISO 27001. Compliance does not only keep you from fines but also increases the credibility of your organization. 3. Define Roles and ResponsibilitiesClarity is key. Define who is going to implement and enforce the policy. This could be the IT team or the security officers or employees specifically. And what should each of them do in terms of reporting incidents or violation of policy. Example:The IT department has the task to regularly audit the password policy but it is the job of every employee that the password chosen complies with the stated rules. 4. Use Plain Language Your policy should be plain and direct, avoiding the use of jargon or technical terms unless essential, in which case define them. A well-written policy can be widely understood in the workplace. 5. Define Policy Statements and Controls Articulate clearly what behaviors and actions are expected. For example, you may declare that users must change passwords every 90 days. Describe technical controls that would be implemented to support these policies: for example, encryption methods, use of monitoring tools. Example:Policy Statement: All employees will apply MFA when accessing sensitive informationControl: Password and one-time code verification shall be enforced for access using MFA. 6. Define Procedures and GuidelinesEmployees must follow specific steps to follow the policy. They should report any security breach immediately by following the reporting process. They must also create strong passwords using recommended guidelines. Ensure that procedures are workable and straightforward. 7. Define Penalties and Enforcement Clearly explain what happens when someone breaks the policy, like disciplinary action or even termination. Outline also the monitoring and enforcement plan of the policy by regular audits, automated tools, or other techniques. Lack of compliance by the employees could lead to disciplinary action, including possible termination. 8. Establish a Review and Update CycleCybersecurity is an evolving area, and your policies should, also. Include a schedule for regular review–at least annually and after significant changes in the organization. Example:This policy will be reviewed annually or whenever major changes occur in technology or regulations. 9. Include References and Appendices Attach any documents or references to external standards that may apply. This can include references to NIST or vendor agreements, for example. Templates and forms should be attached where applicable, too. Important Considerations to Develop Good Cybersecurity Policies Conclusion Proper creation of cybersecurity policies and procedures are one of the most important aspects of defending your organization. You will be able to have effective cybersecurity policies by following these steps and thinking about these key factors that can support you with actionable policies in enhancing your cybersecurity framework. Remember that we i.e, Digi9 always ready to help you to create your organization policies and procedure. Implementation of these guidelines in your organization will give the organization an immeasurably stronger security culture: protecting your assets but also making the digital space safer for all of you in this chain.

In today’s hyper-connected world, cyber threats are always lurking just around the corner. Moreover, we’ve all read the headlines about data breaches and ransomware attacks; consequently, it’s no secret that organizations are facing increasing pressure to safeguard their information. As someone who is passionate about cybersecurity, I am proud to bring my expertise as a Certified Ethical Hacker to help protect our company from these evolving threats. What Being a Certified Ethical Hacker Means for Us So, what exactly does being a Certified Ethical Hacker involve? Well, in simple terms, I’ve been trained to think like a hacker; however, there’s a twist. Instead of exploiting weaknesses, my job is to find and fix them. It’s about getting ahead of cyber criminals by learning how they operate and making sure we’re always prepared for whatever comes our way. In my role as a Certified Ethical Hacker, I focus on: Why This Matters for Our Company We work with a lot of sensitive data whether it’s client information, internal communications, or business strategies. One security breach could result in significant losses; not only could we face financial repercussions, but we could also suffer in terms of trust and reputation. My goal is to make sure that never happens. Here’s how I contribute to keeping us safe: Looking Ahead As we continue to grow and evolve, so will the challenges we face in cybersecurity. Over the coming months, I’ll be focusing on a few key areas: Let’s Keep Our Company Safe Together At the end of the day, cybersecurity isn’t just about technology, and being a Certified Ethical Hacker isn’t merely about having a certificate; rather, it’s fundamentally about people. In fact, every single one of us plays a crucial role in keeping our company safe from cyber threats. Here in Digi9 I ensure that we’re all equipped with the knowledge, tools, and support we need to achieve that goal. Furthermore, by working together, we can stay ahead of the hackers, protect what matters most, and continue to grow with confidence in the digital world. Therefore, let’s keep our digital future secure!