In today's dynamic business landscape, internal audit plays an even more critical role due to the complexities and the increased emphasis on cybersecurity. It goes beyond mere compliance and extends to strategic contributions for enhancing governance, risk management, and security. This comprehensive guide delves into the realm of internal audit, covering its definition, objectives, scope, procedures, best practices, and its impact on information security (infosec) and overall organizational performance.
What Is Internal Audit?
Internal audit is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization's operations. It helps organizations accomplish their objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes. Internal auditors are responsible for providing insights, recommendations, and assurance on the organization's operations.
Objectives of Internal Audit
The primary objectives of internal audit are as follows:
Risk Management: To assess and manage the risks that an organization faces and ensure that risk mitigation strategies are effective.
Control and Compliance: To evaluate internal controls and ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and organizational policies.
Operational Efficiency: To identify inefficiencies and recommend process improvements, cost savings, and operational enhancements.
Governance: To examine the governance structures, decision-making processes, and policies related to cybersecurity to ensure they align with organizational goals.
Fraud Detection: To detect and prevent fraud, cyberattacks, and misconduct that may compromise information security.
Scope of Internal Audit
Information Security Audit: Assessing the effectiveness of information security measures, including data protection, access controls, encryption, and incident response plans.
Cybersecurity Compliance Audit: Ensuring that the organization complies with relevant cybersecurity laws, regulations, and industry standards.
Security Awareness and Training Audit: Evaluating the organization's efforts to raise awareness and provide training on cybersecurity best practices to employees.
Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing Audit: Identifying vulnerabilities and assessing the organization's ability to withstand cyberattacks through simulated tests.
Incident Response Audit: Assessing the organization's preparedness and effectiveness in responding to cybersecurity incidents, such as data breaches.
Financial Audit: This involves reviewing financial statements, transactions, and accounting practices to ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.
Operational Audit: Focused on improving operational efficiency, this type of audit assesses various business processes, such as supply chain management, production, and distribution.
Compliance Audit: Ensuring adherence to laws, regulations, and internal policies is a key part of internal audit, helping organizations avoid legal and regulatory penalties.
Information Technology (IT) Audit: IT audits assess the organization's information systems, cybersecurity measures, and data integrity to identify vulnerabilities and ensure data protection.
Important Internal Audit Procedures
Organizing: Understanding the objectives and hazards of the company is the first step for internal auditors. After that, they draft an audit strategy including the necessary resources, goals, and scope.
Fieldwork: This stage involves gathering data. Auditors evaluate controls and compliance by gathering data, running tests, and examining procedures.
Reporting: Following the fieldwork, the auditors provide management with a thorough report that includes their findings, conclusions, and suggestions. These suggestions may result in process enhancements or remedial measures.
Follow-up: Auditors can check in to make sure that the suggested courses of action have been followed and that the problems found during the audit have been fixed.
Risk Assessment: Identify and assess cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities, considering the potential impact and likelihood of security incidents.
Security Controls Evaluation: Evaluate the effectiveness of security controls, including access management, network security, and data protection measures.
Compliance Review: Ensure compliance with cybersecurity laws, regulations, and industry standards, such as GDPR, HIPAA, or ISO 27001.
Security Incident Review: Assess how the organization handles security incidents, including incident response plans, communication strategies, and mitigation efforts.
Security Awareness and Training Assessment: Review the organization's efforts to educate employees about cybersecurity threats and best practices.
Third-Party Vendor Security Audit: Examine the security practices of third-party vendors to ensure they meet cybersecurity standards and do not pose risks to the organization.
Best Practices in Internal Audit
To conduct effective internal audits, consider the following best practices:
Independence: To preserve objectivity, internal audit services should be separate from the sectors they examine.
Risk-Based Approach: To efficiently deploy resources, rank audit areas according to risk.
Constant Learning: Internal auditors should keep abreast of market developments, legal requirements, and new threats.
Data Analytics: To improve the audit process and spot patterns and abnormalities, use data analytics technologies.
Collaboration: Foster collaboration between internal audit, IT, and cybersecurity teams to ensure a holistic approach to security.
Continuous Learning: Keep internal auditors updated on the latest cybersecurity threats, trends, and regulatory changes.
Data Analytics: Utilize data analytics tools to identify anomalies and patterns in security data, aiding in the detection of security breaches and vulnerabilities.
Clear Communication: Ensure that findings and recommendations from security audits are communicated clearly to management for prompt action.
How can COMPASS help?
COMPASS, a specialized lightweight platform, enhances your Internal Audit and external audit processes and user experience. Some of the benefits of using COMPASS include:
Built-in library of more than 30 international and domestic standards, plus the ability to create and upload custom standards for internal assessments.
Dedicated modules for risk and standard assessment.
Centralized data storage and access for easy review and collaboration.
Enhanced communication and collaboration tools between auditors and auditees.
Instant report generation for real-time risk and compliance insights.
Issue and exception tracking for identified issues during internal audits.
Customizable reminders for tracking and closure of issues.
Continuous monitoring for real-time visibility into security risks and compliance status.
Interactive dashboards and analytics for data-driven decision-making.
Provides an auditor’s perspective to users and helps understand the process of audits better.
Conclusion
Internal audit is a crucial function that contributes to an organization's success by ensuring effective governance, risk management, and compliance. By following best practices, adopting a risk-based approach, and using data analytics, internal auditors can provide valuable insights and recommendations for process improvements. Whether you are an internal auditor, a member of senior management, or simply interested in understanding the inner workings of organizations, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the significance and processes involved in internal audit. Embracing internal audit as a strategic asset can lead to better governance and ultimately improved organizational performance.
One of the key reasons for vulnerabilities in the applications are lack of secure design,
development, implementation, and operations. Insecure application development is a primary cause of cyberinfrastructure vulnerabilities. Relying solely on post-development audits for security is insufficient. Security should be an integral part of the application's design and development process, with built-in measures to guard against security breaches and exploitation.
Once secure application design and development guidelines are implemented, the application can undergo source-code reviews and black-box testing by a CERT-In empaneled auditing organization to detect any shortcomings or vulnerabilities in security practices.
As per the guidelines issued by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), organizations involved in application development, especially government entities, need to establish a strong and secure application security foundation during the development process.
Applications lacking secure design and development practices are not suitable for assessments and audits. Both auditee and auditor organizations must ensure that the application adheres to secure practices before starting any assessments.
This method is essential for guaranteeing the security of the application from the very beginning and progressively enhancing each stage of the application development lifecycle.
The guidelines have been divided into four phases
Phase 1: Establish the Context of the Security in Designing of Application
The main aim is to create systems that are inherently secure, resilient, and resistant to security
threats, vulnerabilities, and attacks. Organizations should incorporate security as a key component of the development process ensuring compliance with global standards. This reduces the likelihood of security breaches by protecting sensitive data and delivering secure and reliable software.
The secure software development life cycle (SDLC), an approach that integrates security practices throughout the life cycle, encompasses various models and frameworks, including -
"Microsoft Secure Development Lifecycle (SDL)" is a widely known and adopted SDLC framework with seven phases.
"Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) Software Assurance Maturity Model (SAMM)" helps build mature software security programs with four levels and multiple security practices.
"Agile Secure Development Lifecycle" integrates security practices within agile methodologies, including security grooming, security testing, continuous integration & deployment, security feedback loop.
"NIST Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF)" is a comprehensive guide for developing secure software.
Designers and developers involved in application development must possess a comprehensive understanding of the cyber security fundamentals and practical knowledge of the security principles governing secure application development.
Phase 2: Implement and Ensure Secure Development Practices
Effective data protection and privacy require a comprehensive strategy. This includes integrating -
Secure authentication, authorization, and session management
Cryptographic practices
Version control and change management
Secure coding methods
File and memory management
Software technology specific security checklist
Security Test Driven Development (STDD)
Threat modeling in application development
Secure environment for application development
Secure use of environment variables
Stored procedures over SQL statements
Handling of error messages, commented code and exceptions
Linear data structure and multiple inheritances
Third party and open-source libraries, components and APIs
Build trust boundaries
Principle of least privileges
Enhancing maturity of software security
Phase 3: Provision of Detection of Errors and Vulnerability in Application Design and Development
Source Code Review: It's a procedure that reviews the source code of an application to detect security issues or weaknesses.
Conduct Security Vulnerability Assessment: Organizations should hire CERT-In empanelled auditors for security assessments of the developed application and its components.
Penetration Testing: It replicates real cyberattacks to reveal potential vulnerabilities.
Logging and Audit Trails: The application should incorporate logging and audit trail features to address troubleshooting needs and meet compliance standards
Precondition for Assessment and Audit: Applications lacking secure design and development should not undergo assessment without confirmation of secure practices by both auditee and auditor organizations.
Phase 4: Ensure Secure Application Deployment and Operations
Secure Deployment and Configuration: No alterations should occur in the audited application's code or configurations, and the application must be hosted within a secure and thoroughly tested environment.
Provision for Patch and Update: Thorough documentation outlining the security features incorporated within the application's architecture, codebase, APIs, and data interactions should be compiled.
Secure Development of Update, Patch and Release to Mitigate Against Supply Chain Risk from Developers: Ensuring secure development of updates, patches, and releases is crucial for safeguarding against supply chain risks that may originate from developers.
Conclusion
Adhering to these guidelines is paramount in our ever-evolving digital landscape. They fortify our applications against cyber threats by embedding security from project inception to the application's lifecycle. This commitment safeguards data, upholds user trust, and enhances digital security. Let these guidelines lead us to a safer digital future, laying the foundation for secure and resilient applications in a security-conscious world.
Application Programming Interface or API serves as a data connection that facilitates the sharing of data with other applications. In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) are pivotal in connecting various software applications, enabling seamless data exchange, and powering countless online services.
While APIs offer unparalleled efficiency and flexibility, they also introduce a significant security challenge. The importance of securing APIs cannot be overstated, as they serve as gateways to your digital assets and sensitive information.
API Landscape
APIs can simplify app development and integration of multiple product functionalities, saving time and money while providing a seamless user experience. While designing new tools and products, APIs provide flexibility, ease of usage and they play a central role in both mobile commerce and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Usage of APIs has increased significantly in the past few years. Akamai estimates that roughly 83% of internet traffic is being driven by APIs. Further, according to the Slashdata survey, which offers several granular insights into how developers use APIs, nearly 90% of developers are using APIs in some capacity.
With an exponential growth in the number of API calls, there is an aggressive increase in abuse of these APIs. Gartner predicts that 90% of web-enabled applications will have broader attack surfaces due to exposed APIs. The latest study from Imperva claims that vulnerable APIs are costing organizations between $40 and $70 billion annually.
Due to their direct access to extremely sensitive data and functionality, APIs are frequently cited as one of the primary security concerns that organizations face. APIs are changing the landscape of financial services and playing a critical role in the rise of Fintech and Open Banking. banks are in a position to provide better customer experience and develop new revenue streams by relying on banking APIs. APIs have opened doors to technologies such as P2P payments and cryptocurrency exchanges. However, with this rise of digitization and API usage in the financial sector along with the availability of sensitive customer information, the financial industry is also becoming a preferred target for API attacks. Indian Financial Sector since 2021 has observed a consistent rise in API attacks.
API Attacks and Its Various Kinds
The most common API attacks can be listed as follows:
Broken Access Control: It is a security vulnerability that occurs when an application does not properly enforce access controls. The attack involves an attacker bypassing or manipulating access controls within an API to gain unauthorized access to data or functionality.
Cross Site Scripting: This security vulnerability occurs when an attacker injects malicious scripts into web content that is then viewed by other users. The attack is associated with web applications and can affect APIs when they return or display user-generated content.
SQL Injection Attacks: A malicious technique that uses SQL code to manipulate the backend database to exploit vulnerabilities in APIs, allowing attackers to manipulate an application's database queries. It leads to unauthorized data access, data manipulation, and potentially even complete database compromise.
Excessive Data Exposure: This occurs when sensitive or excessive information is inadvertently exposed through an API response. An API provides more data than necessary, potentially revealing sensitive information like user credentials, personal data, or system details to unauthorized users.
DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) Attack: It is a malicious assault on an application's API infrastructure with the goal of overwhelming it with an excessive volume of traffic. They are intended to disrupt the availability and functionality of the API, rendering it inaccessible to legitimate users.
Man in the middle (MITM): Here, the attacker intercepts and potentially manipulates the communication between two parties. This attacker secretly sits between the communicating entities, eavesdropping on the data exchange or altering it without the knowledge of either party.
Security Misconfiguration: It occurs when an API or its components are not configured securely, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. Security misconfigurations can range from default passwords and open ports to excessive permissions on resources.
Conclusion
With the exponential growth in API usage, there has been a corresponding rise in API abuse. The transition from monolithic architectures to cloud-based microservices and containers has brought about a paradigm shift in development cycles but has also expanded the surface area of vulnerabilities exposed to the internet.
In the present day, APIs grant access to functionalities that were once confined within monolithic structures, resulting in a greater number of potential vulnerabilities to exploit. Additionally, the proliferation of endpoints available for interaction has amplified the attack surface. By following best practices for web application security and API security, you can significantly reduce the risk of attacks and enhance the overall security of your systems.
Lok Sabha passed theDigital Personal Data Protection Act – India (DPDP Act) - August 2023, India’s 2nd attempt in framing privacy legislation.
The Journey of the Bill
Aug 2017: Privacy as a fundamental right reaffirmed in Justice KS Puttaswamy vs Union of India by SC Justice Srikrishna Committee constituted to examine data protection issue
July 2018: Committee released a draft of the DPDP Bill and report
Dec 2017: The Joint Parliament Committee (JPC) released its report and new version of the law as the Data Protection Bill
Dec 2019: Revised draft bill sent to JPC
Aug 2022: Draft DPB Withdrawn
Nov 2022 Meity released a draft DPDP Bill for Public Consultation
July 2023: Union Cabinet approves the draft
Aug 2023: The Digital Personal Data Protection Act – India (DPDP Act) was passed and a law was initiated
Introduction to DPDP Act – August 2023
🔒 Introducing the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP) – Safeguarding Privacy in India 🇮🇳
In a significant stride towards bolstering digital privacy, India has unveiled the groundbreaking Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP) in August 2023. This landmark legislation aims to empower individuals with greater control over their personal data while establishing stringent regulations for its collection, storage, and utilization by businesses and organizations.
Under the DPDP Act, entities collecting personal data are mandated to obtain explicit consent from users, outlining the purpose and duration of data usage. The Act also encompasses provisions for data localization, ensuring that critical personal data remains within Indian borders.
Furthermore, the DPDP Act introduces a Data Protection Authority (DPA) responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance with the law. Non-compliance could result in substantial fines, emphasizing the government's commitment to fostering a responsible data ecosystem.
As the DPDP Act comes into effect, it heralds a new era of digital privacy, giving citizens greater control and confidence in their online interactions.
What are the key features of the bill?
Applicability- The Bill applies to the processing of digital personal data within India where such data is
Collected online, or
Collected offline and is digitised.
It will also apply to the processing of personal data outside India if it is for offering goods or services in India.
Consent- Personal data may be processed only for a lawful purpose after obtaining the consent of the individual.
For individuals below 18 years of age, consent will be provided by the parent or the legal guardian.
Consent may be withdrawn at any point in time.
Rights of data principal- Data principal is an individual whose data is being processed. He/She will have the right
To obtain information about processing
To seek correction and erasure of personal data
To nominate another person to exercise rights in the event of death or incapacity and
Grievance redressal
Duties of Data Principals- Data Principals must not
Register a false or frivolous complaint.
Furnish any false particulars or impersonate another person in specified cases
Violation of duties will be punishable with a penalty of up to Rs 10,000.
Obligations of data fiduciaries- Data fiduciary is the entity determining the purpose and means of processing.
Data fiduciary must
Make reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy and completeness of data
Build reasonable security safeguards to prevent a data breach
Inform the Data Protection Board of India and affected persons in the event of a breach
Erase personal data as soon as the purpose has been met and retention is not necessary for legal purposes
In case of government entities, storage limitation and the right of the data principal to erasure will not apply.
Personal data outside India- It allows the transfer of personal data outside India, except to countries restricted by the central government through notification.
Exemptions- Rights of the data principal and obligations of data fiduciaries will not apply in specified cases such as
Prevention and investigation of offences
Enforcement of legal rights or claims
The Central government may exempt certain activities
In the interest of the security of the state and public order
Research, archiving, or statistical purposes
Data Protection Board of India- It is established by the Central Government. Key functions of the Board include
Monitoring compliance and imposing penalties
Directing data fiduciaries to take necessary measures in the event of a data breach
Grievance redressal
Appeal- The decisions of the board can be appealed to Telecom Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal.
Penalty
Reason
Rs 200 crore
Non fulfilment of obligations for children
Rs 250 crore
Failure to take security measures to prevent data breaches
India's digital payment ecosystem has witnessed exponential growth in recent years, providing convenience and accessibility to millions of users. However, as the digital landscape expands, so does the need for robust cybersecurity measures. To address this critical aspect, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a draft master direction that covers various domains of cyber resilience and digital payment security. This blog explores the key areas emphasized in the draft and the significance they hold in developing a secure digital payment ecosystem in India.
Applicability:
Regulated Entity
Entities applicable for
Timeline for implementation
Large non-bank PSOs
Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL), National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), NPCI Bharat Bill Pay Limited, Card Payment Networks, Non-bank ATM Networks, White Label ATM Operators (WLAOs), Large PPI Issuers, Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) Operators, Bharat Bill Payment Operating Units (BBPOUs) and Payment Aggregators (PAs)
1st April 2024
Medium non-bank PSOs
Cross-border (in-bound) Money Transfer Operators under Money Transfer Service Scheme (MTSS) and Medium PPI Issuers
1st April 2026
Small non-bank PSOs
Small PPI Issuers and Instant Money Transfer Operators
1st April 2028
The draft directions aim to provide a comprehensive framework for the governance, risk management, security controls, incident response, audit and compliance of the PSOs with respect to cyber resilience and digital payment security. They also specify baseline security measures for ensuring safe and secure digital payment transactions, such as encryption, authentication, access control, monitoring and reporting.
Governance:
To effectively manage information security risks, PSOs must establish a proactive approach at the highest level of governance. The Board of Directors assumes the responsibility of overseeing information security risks, including cyber risk and cyber resilience. A board-approved Information Security (IS) policy should be formulated, covering all applications and products related to payment systems. This policy will serve as a roadmap for managing potential risks and addressing any materialized threats.
Risk Management:
PSOs need to develop a robust risk management framework to identify, assess, monitor, and manage cybersecurity risks. Periodic risk assessments should be conducted to identify the sources and magnitude of cyber threats and vulnerabilities. These assessments will enable PSOs to implement appropriate risk mitigation measures, thereby reducing the potential impact of security incidents.
Security Controls:
Implementing adequate security controls is crucial for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information assets and payment systems. PSOs must establish a comprehensive set of security controls covering various aspects, such as physical security, network security, application security, data security, endpoint security, cloud security, cryptography, identity and access management, malware protection, patch management, backup and recovery. These controls work in tandem to create multiple layers of defense against potential threats.
Incident Response:
PSOs should establish an effective incident response mechanism to detect, contain, analyze, respond to, and recover from cyber incidents. Swift detection and containment of incidents can help minimize their impact. PSOs must also adhere to prescribed timelines and formats to report cyber incidents to regulatory authorities, such as the RBI. Conducting thorough root cause analysis enables PSOs to identify vulnerabilities and implement corrective and preventive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Audit:
Regular internal and external audits are essential to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of a PSO's cyber resilience and digital payment security framework. Audits should encompass all aspects of the framework, including policies, procedures, processes, systems, controls, and compliance. The findings and recommendations from these audits serve as valuable inputs for the Board and senior management to take necessary actions and strengthen the security posture further.
Compliance:
Adhering to applicable laws, regulations, standards, and guidelines is a fundamental aspect of cyber resilience and digital payment security. PSOs must ensure compliance and proactively monitor changes in the regulatory landscape. Regular updates to the framework based on evolving requirements will help maintain a robust security posture. PSOs should submit periodic compliance reports to regulatory authorities, such as the RBI, as per the prescribed frequency and format.
RBI aims to mitigate cyber risks and promote a culture of cyber resilience among PSOs. Implementing these measures will help safeguard customer data, prevent cyber incidents, and foster trust in digital payment systems, contributing to the nation's digital transformation journey.
Establishing a strong cybersecurity framework is imperative for Payment System Operators to ensure cyber resilience and protect digital payment systems. By implementing effective governance, robust risk management practices, comprehensive security controls, efficient incident response mechanisms, thorough audits, and strict compliance measures, PSOs can mitigate risks and enhance the security of payment systems. This comprehensive approach strengthens the trust of customers and stakeholders in the digital payment ecosystem, paving the way for secure and seamless transactions in the digital era.
Passkey is a new way to sign in to websites and apps that are secure and easier to use than passwords.
Passkeys use public-key cryptography to create a unique key pair for each user.
One key is stored on the user's device and the other key is stored on the service's servers.
When the user signs in, the two keys are compared and if they match, the user is logged in.
Passkeys can be unlocked using the user’s device built-in biometrics or other authentication methods.
Passkeys are a promising new technology that has the potential to make online security much stronger and user experience simpler.
Benefits of Passkey:
No need to remember anything: Passkeys are very long sequences compared to passwords, which gives them robust security. Your device and the web server keep the passkey pair safe and match them up when necessary with a quick handshake protocol. Then, you'll use biometrics or a similar security to log in to your authentication device.
More Secure than passwords: Passkeys are never stored on a server. Even if a hacker is able to gain access to a server, they will not be able to steal your Passkeys.
Resistant to Brute Force Attacks: Passkeys are so long and complex that they are resistant to brute force attacks (would take billions of years to guess them).
Resilient to Hacking attempts: Passkeys are resistant to hacking attempts because they are stored locally on your device and are not shared with the server. The server challenges your device with a unique code, and your device uses its private key to generate a response. The server then verifies that the response is correct. This process is called a "challenge-response" protocol.
Protect from Phishing Attacks: A user cannot be tricked into authenticating on a deceptive site because the browser or OS handles verification.
Reduce Costs: Passkeys reduce costs for sending SMS, making them a safer and more cost-effective means for two-factor authentication
Passkeys are a significant improvement over passwords. They are faster, more secure, and more convenient. Many brands will follow in supporting passkeys. I expect passkeys to become the standard for login security in the near future like how 2FA was adopted in the past.
Designate a specific mobile device with good biometrics as your go-to authenticator using passkeys. Also, you can easily transfer your passkeys to the new device (whenever you upgrade).
Overall, Passkeys are a much more secure and convenient way to sign in to websites and apps. Looks like the future of password-less authentication.
Will passkeys be the future? Let us know: Contact us. We are a CERT-IN Empanelled cyber security company based out of Bangalore. We are a CERT-IN Empanelled cyber security company based out of Bangalore.
The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, and CISOs need to be prepared to defend against increasingly sophisticated attacks.
Here are five top priorities for CISOs in 2023:
1. Safeguard critical infrastructure from advanced attacks: CISOs must prioritize the protection of vital systems such as power grids, water networks, and transportation infrastructures, which face an escalating risk of cyber attacks.
2. Minimize the attack surface: CISOs should focus on reducing vulnerabilities within their organization by identifying and resolving potential entry points that can be exploited by attackers.
3. Enhance security awareness and training: Recognizing that employees are often the weakest link in security, CISOs need to concentrate on improving security awareness and providing comprehensive training programs to empower employees in identifying and mitigating security threats.
4. Embrace security automation: CISOs can enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness by implementing automation solutions for tasks like vulnerability scanning and incident response. This allows CISOs to dedicate more time to strategic initiatives.
5. Foster a robust security culture: Establishing a strong security culture is imperative for organizations to defend against cyber threats. CISOs should collaborate with leadership and employees to cultivate an environment of heightened security awareness and individual responsibility.
In addition to these five focal areas, CISOs should also remain cognizant of the following trends shaping the cybersecurity landscape in 2023:
a) The increasing prominence of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies.
b) The growing adoption of cloud computing services.
c) The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
d) The escalating frequency of cyber attacks targeting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
By effectively addressing these challenges, CISOs can position their organizations to successfully mitigate cyber threats in 2023 and beyond.
What are your top cybersecurity priorities for 2023? Let us know: Contact us
RBI/2023-24/102
DoS.CO.CSITEG/SEC.1/31.01.015/2023-24 10th April 2023
Summary of the Circular:
Regulated Entities (REs) outsource a substantial portion of their IT activities to third parties, which exposes them to various risks. In order to ensure effective management of such risks, RBI issued a draft Master Direction on Outsourcing IT Services in June 2022. Based on the feedback received, RBI released a finalized version of Master Direction on Outsourcing of Information Technology Services on April 10, 2023.
Applicability of the Circular:
These Directions shall be applicable to the following entities, collectively referred to as ‘regulated entities’ or ’REs’:
All India Financial Institutions (EXIM Bank, NABARD, NaBFID, NHB and SIDBI)
Implementation Schedule for the Circular:
The master directions shall be effective from 1st October 2023.
Key Pointers from the Master Direction:
The Master Direction defines 22 controls which are segregated into 10 chapters:
Preliminary
Role of the Regulated Entity
Governance Framework
Evaluation and Engagement of Service Providers
Outsourcing Agreement
Risk Management
Monitoring and Control of Outsourced Activities
Outsourcing within a Group / Conglomerate
Cross-Border Outsourcing
Exit Strategy
Chapter I:
With respect to existing outsourcing arrangements that are already in force, REs must ensure that the agreements due for renewal before October 1, 2023, must comply with the provisions of these Directions as on the renewal date or 12 months from the date of issuance of this Master Direction. The agreements that are due for renewal on or after October 1, 2023, must comply with the provisions of these Directions as on the renewal date or 36 months from the date of issuance of this Master Direction, whichever is earlier.
With respect to new outsourcing arrangements, REs must ensure that the agreements that come into force before October 1, 2023, must comply with the provisions of this Direction as on the renewal date or 12 months from the date of issuance of this Master Direction and the agreements that come into force on or after October 1, 2023, must comply with the provisions of these Directions from the date of the agreement itself.
Outsourcing of IT Services includes outsourcing the following activities:
IT infrastructure management, maintenance, and support (hardware, software, or firmware)
Network and security solutions, maintenance (hardware, software, or firmware).
Application Development, Maintenance, and Testing; Application Service Providers (ASPs) including ATM Switch ASPs
Services and operations related to Data Centres
Cloud Computing Services
Managed Security Services
Management of IT infrastructure and technology services associated with the payment system ecosystem.
Chapter II:
Board and Senior Management shall be ultimately responsible for the outsourced activity.
REs shall evaluate the need for Outsourcing of IT Services based on comprehensive assessment of attendant benefits, risks and availability of commensurate processes to manage those risks.
REs shall ensure that the service provider shall not be owned or controlled by any director, or key managerial personnel, or approver of the outsourcing arrangement of the RE, or their relatives
All relevant laws, regulations, rules, guidelines and conditions of approval, licensing or registration, shall be considered when performing due diligence in relation to outsourcing of IT services
Responsibility for the redressal of customers’ grievances related to outsourced services shall rest with the RE.
Outsourcing arrangements shall not affect the rights of a customer against the RE, including the ability of the customer to obtain redressal as applicable under relevant laws
REs shall create an inventory of services provided by the service providers (including key entities involved in their supply chains) and map their dependency on third parties and periodically evaluate the information received from the service providers.
Chapter III:
REs shall put in place a comprehensive Board approved IT outsourcing policy that includes the roles and responsibilities of the Board, the Senior Management, and the IT function as well as the criteria for the selection of such activities and the service providers.
Chapter IV:
Appropriate due diligence shall be performed to assess the capability of the service provider to comply with obligations in the outsourcing agreement on an ongoing basis and a risk-based approach shall be adopted in conducting such due diligence activities.
Due diligence shall involve evaluation of all available information, as applicable, about the service provider, including but not limited to past experience and demonstrated competence, financial soundness, business reputation, conflict of interest, external factors, details of the technology, infrastructure stability, capability to comply with the regulatory and legal requirements, information/ cyber security risk assessment.
Chapter V:
The terms and conditions governing the contract shall be carefully defined and vetted by the RE’s legal counsel for their legal effect and enforceability.
The agreement at a minimum should include:
details of the activity being outsourced
effective access by the RE to all data, books, records, information, logs, alerts and business premises relevant to the outsourced activity
regular monitoring and assessment of the service provider
type of adverse events and incidents required to be reported
compliance with the provisions of Information Technology Act, 2000
the deliverables and Service-Level Agreements (SLAs)
storage of data only in India
service provider to provide details of data captured, processed and stored
controls for maintaining confidentiality of data
types of data that the service provider is permitted to share with RE’s customer or any other party
specifying the resolution process, events of default, indemnities, remedies and recourse available
contingency plans
right to conduct audit of the service provider
right to seek information from the service provider about the third parties in their supply chain
allow RBI or person(s) authorised by it to access the RE's IT infrastructure, applications, data, documents, and other necessary information
the service provider is contractually liable for the performance and risk management practices of its sub-contractors
obligation of the service provider to comply with directions issued by the RBI
requirement of prior approval/ consent of the RE for use of subcontractors by the service provider
termination rights of the RE
obligation of the service provider to co-operate with the relevant authorities in case of insolvency/ resolution of the RE
provision to consider skilled resources of service provider
suitable back-to-back arrangements between service providers and the OEMs
non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
Chapter VI:
REs shall put in place a Risk Management framework for Outsourcing of IT Services that shall comprehensively deal with the processes and responsibilities for identification, measurement, mitigation, management, and reporting of risks associated with Outsourcing of IT Services arrangements
The risk assessments carried out by the REs shall be documented with necessary approvals in line with the roles and responsibilities as determined by the Board-approved policy.
REs shall be responsible for the confidentiality and integrity of data.
Access to data at RE’s location / data centre by service providers shall be on need-to-know basis, with appropriate controls to prevent security breaches and/or data misuse
Access to data at RE’s location / data centre by service providers shall be on need-to-know basis, with appropriate controls to prevent security breaches and/or data misuse.
REs shall seek to ensure the preservation and protection of the security and confidentiality of customer information in the custody or possession of the service provider. Access to customer information by staff of the service provider shall be on need-to-know basis.
In the event of multiple service provider relationships where two or more service providers collaborate to deliver an end-to-end solution, the RE remains responsible for understanding and monitoring the control environment of all service providers that have access to the RE’s data, systems, records or resources
Cyber incidents must be reported to the RE by the service provider without undue delay, so that the incident is reported by the RE to the RBI within 6 hours of detection by the TPSP
The REs shall review and monitor the control processes and security practices of the service provider to disclose security breaches.
REs shall adhere to the extant instructions issued by RBI from time to time on Incident Response and Recovery Management.
REs shall effectively assess the impact of concentration risk posed by multiple outsourcings to the same service provider
REs shall require their service providers to develop and establish a robust framework for documenting, maintaining and testing Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP).
REs shall consider the availability of alternative service providers or the possibility of bringing the outsourced activity back in an emergency.
Chapter VII:
REs shall have in place a management structure to monitor and control its Outsourced IT activities.
RE shall conduct regular audits of service providers as applicable to the scope of Outsourced IT Services.
In scenarios where more than one RE may be availing services from the same third-party service provider, they may adopt pooled (shared) audit.
The frequency of the audit shall be determined based on the nature and extent of risk and impact to the RE from the outsourcing arrangements.
REs, depending upon the risk assessment, may also rely upon globally recognised third-party certifications made available by the service provider in lieu of conducting independent audits
The RE shall periodically review the financial and operational condition of the service provider to assess its ability to continue to meet its Outsourcing of IT Services obligations
In the event of termination of the outsourcing agreement for any reason in cases where the service provider deals with the customers of the RE, the same shall be given due publicity by the RE so as to ensure that the customers stop dealing with the concerned service provider.
Chapter VIII:
A RE may outsource any IT activity/ IT enabled service within its business group/ conglomerate, provided that such an arrangement is backed by the Board-approved policy and appropriate service level arrangements/ agreements with its group entities are in place.
Chapter IX:
The engagement of a service provider based in a different jurisdiction exposes the RE to country risk. To manage such risk, the RE shall closely monitor government policies of the jurisdiction in which the service provider is based and the political, social, economic and legal conditions on a continuous basis.
The right of the RE and the RBI to direct and conduct audit or inspection of the service provider based in a foreign jurisdiction shall be ensured.
Chapter X:
The Outsourcing of IT Services policy shall contain a clear exit strategy regarding outsourced IT activities/ IT enabled services, while ensuring business continuity during and after exit.
REs shall ensure that the agreement has necessary clauses on safe removal/ destruction of data, hardware and all records (digital and physical), as applicable.
The service provider is prohibited from erasing, purging, revoking, altering or changing any data during the transition period, unless specifically advised by the regulator/ concerned RE.
The Master Direction also includes three appendices regarding:
Usage of Cloud Computing Services
Outsourcing of Security Operations Centre (SOC)
Services not considered under Outsourcing of IT Services
Appendix – I (Usage of Cloud Computing Services):
The business strategy and goals adopted to the current IT applications footprint and associated costs must be analysed
The Outsourcing of IT Services policy must address the entire lifecycle of data from generation of the data, its entry into the cloud, till the data is permanently erased/ deleted
REs shall consider the factors of multi-tenancy, multi-location storing / processing of data, etc., and attendant risks, while establishing appropriate risk management framework
REs shall adopt and demonstrate a well-established and documented cloud adoption policy that provide for appropriate due diligence to manage and continually monitor the risks associated with CSPs
REs shall prefer a technology architecture that provides for secure container-based data management, where encryption keys and Hardware Security Modules are under the control of the RE.
IAM shall be agreed upon with the CSP and ensured for providing role-based access to the cloud hosted applications
Implementation of security controls in the cloud-based application must achieve similar or higher degree of control objectives than those achieved by on-premise application
REs shall accurately define minimum monitoring requirements in the cloud environment.
Integration of logs, events from the CSP into the RE’s SOC, wherever applicable and retention of relevant logs in cloud shall be ensured for incident reporting
REs shall ensure that CSPs have a well-governed and structured approach to manage threats and vulnerabilities
Robust incident response and recovery practices including conduct of Disaster Recovery (DR) drills at various levels of cloud services including necessary stakeholders.
Appendix – II (Outsourcing of Security Operations Centre (SOC)):
Unambiguously identify the owner of assets used in providing the services
Ensure that the RE has adequate oversight and ownership over the rule definition, customisation and related data/ logs, meta-data and analytics
Assess periodically all physical facilities involved in service delivery, such as the SOC and areas where client data is stored / processed
Integrate the outsourced SOC reporting and escalation process with the RE’s incident response process
Appendix – III (Services not considered under Outsourcing of IT Services):
Services / Activities not considered under “Outsourcing of IT Services” for the purpose of this Master Direction:
Corporate Internet Banking services
External audit such as Vulnerability Assessment/ Penetration Testing (VA/PT), Information Systems Audit, security review
SMS gateways
Procurement of IT hardware/ appliances
Acquisition of IT software/ product/ application on a licence or subscription basis
Any maintenance service for IT Infra or licensed products, provided by the OEM
Applications provided by financial sector regulators or institutions like CCIL, NSE, BSE, etc.
Services obtained by a RE as a sub-member of a Centralised Payment Systems (CPS) from another RE
Business Correspondent (BC) services, payroll processing, statement printing
Vendors / Entities who are not considered as Third-Party Service Provider for the purpose of this Master Direction:
Vendors providing business services using IT
Payment System Operators authorised by the RBI
Partnership based Fintech firms providing co-branded applications, service, products
Services of Fintech firms for data retrieval, data validation and verification services such as Bank statement analysis, GST returns analysis, Fetching of vehicle information, Digital document execution, Data entry and Call centre service
Telecom Service Providers from whom leased lines or other similar kind of infrastructure are availed and used for transmission of the data
Security/ Audit Consultants appointed for certification/ audit/ VA-PT related to IT infra/ IT services/ Information Security services.
The detailed control requirements for each of the chapters and appendices are described in the Master Directions Circular.
What do you mean by a portfolio manager
Portfolio managers are professionals/ entities responsible for managing investment portfolios on behalf of clients or organizations. They make investment decisions based on market research, risk assessment, and the client's objectives. Their goal is to maximize returns while minimizing risk by diversifying the portfolio across various asset classes.
Portfolio managers work closely with their clients to understand their financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment preferences. Then, they use this information to construct a customized portfolio that meets the client's specific needs. Depending on the size of the portfolio and the complexity of the investments involved, portfolio managers may work independently or as part of a larger team of investment professionals. Overall, the role of a portfolio manager is to help clients achieve their financial goals through a carefully constructed and diversified investment portfolio that balances risk and return.
Applicability of the Circular
It applies to all the portfolio managers with assets under management of INR 3000 crore or more under discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management services taken together, as on the last date of the previous calendar month should comply with the provisions of Cyber Security and Cyber Resilience.
What is discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management service?
Discretionary portfolio management is where the portfolio manager has full authority to buy and sell securities on behalf of the client without needing their approval for each transaction. The manager creates a customized portfolio based on the client's objectives, risk tolerance, and preferences, using their own analysis of market conditions and economic trends.
Non-discretionary portfolio management service, on the other hand, is a type of investment management service where the portfolio manager makes investment recommendations to the client, but the client retains ultimate decision-making authority for each transaction. In this type of service, the portfolio manager provides investment advice and suggestions to the client, but the client must approve each transaction before it is executed.
Need for Cyber Security and Cyber Resilience Framework for Portfolio Managers
The rapid advancement of technology in the securities market highlights the importance of maintaining strong cyber security measures and implementing a cyber-resilience framework to safeguard data integrity and prevent privacy breaches. Robust cyber security and resilience are crucial components of operational risk management, especially for Portfolio Managers who must provide essential services and perform critical functions in the securities market.
Implementation Schedule for the Circular
The guidelines annexed in the circular shall be effective from 1st October 2023.
Key pointers from the ANNEXURE – 1
Governance:
The portfolio managers should articulate a comprehensive cyber security and cyber resilience policy document based on the guidelines listed in the annexure.
The cyber security and cyber resilience policy should involve identifying, assessing, and managing cyber risks associated with information, processes, networks, and systems. This includes identifying critical IT assets and associated risks, protecting assets through suitable controls, detecting incidents and anomalies through monitoring tools, responding promptly to incidents, and recovering through incident management, disaster recovery, and business continuity framework.
In case of any deviations from the suggested framework, reasons/ justifications/ compensatory controls should be defined within the policy.
Best practices from standards such as ISO 27001, ISO 27002, COBIT 5, etc., should be defined in the policy level, as applicable.
Senior official in the organization, should be designated as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
The Board of the entity should appoint/ constitute a Technology Committee (based on technical expertise available within the organization).
The cyber security and cyber resilience policy should be approved by the Board/equivalent body of the entity.
The Technology Committee should assess and review the implementation of the controls implemented as per the cyber security and cyber resilience policy.
Roles and responsibilities of the employees, outsourced staff and employees, or other entities having access to the Portfolio Manager’s systems should be defined in the policy.
Identify:
The entity should identify and classify the critical assets based on the sensitivity and criticality of the asset with respect to business operations, services, and data management. This should include the supporting assets used for accessing/ communicating with the critical systems.
An asset inventory for the hardware and systems, software, and information assets (internal/ external) should be maintained and updated consistently.
The portfolio managers should encourage the third parties/ suppliers to have similar standards of Information Security as laid out in the circular.
Access Control:
Access should not be provisioned/ granted based on the ranks or position of the personnel.
Access should be provisioned/ granted on a time-bound basis and for a defined purpose.
Strong password controls should be implemented for all systems with a maximum validity period.
Records for user access should be identified, logged for audit and review purposes.
The entity should restrict the number of privileged users, conduct periodic reviews of the privileged user activities and strong controls should be implemented for remote access by the privileged users.
Account lock policies after specific failure attempts should be implemented.
Two-factor authentication mechanisms should be implemented for all users connecting through online/ internet facility.
Internet access policy to regulate internet usage should be defined and documented.
Network Security Management:
The portfolio managers should define and establish baseline standards of security configurations to operating systems, databases, network devices and enterprise mobile devices within the IT environment of the entity.
Assessment of the configuration’s implementation, as per the baseline standards, should be conducted periodically.
Firewalls, IDS and IPS should be implemented.
Anti-virus should be implemented on servers and endpoints of the organization.
Security of Data:
Data-in-motion and data-at-rest should be encrypted using AES, RSA, SHA-2, etc.
Portfolio Managers should allow only authorized data storage devices through appropriate validation processes.
Hardening of Hardware and Software:
Only hardened hardware/ software should be deployed by the Portfolio managers.
Open ports should be minimized by blocking and the ports which are required to be open should be monitored.
Application Security and testing:
Regression testing should be conducted prior to the implementation of new or modified systems. The testing should cover stress load scenarios and recovery conditions
Portfolio Managers must establish patch management procedures that identify, categorize, and prioritize security patches. They should also set implementation timeframes for each category of a security patch to ensure timely implementation.
Patch Management:
Patching calendar including the timelines, based on the categorization and prioritization of security patches should be established.
The patches should be tested before deployment into the production systems.
Disposal of systems and storage devices:
Policy for disposal of systems and storage devices should be defined
The data/information on such devices and systems should be removed by using methods viz. wiping / cleaning / overwrite, degauss and physical destruction, as applicable.
VAPT:
Periodic VAPT of the critical assets and infrastructure components like servers, networking system, security devices, load balancers, other IT systems should be conducted, once a year, at least.
The VAPT should be conducted by CERT-In empaneled entities.
The final VAPT report should be submitted to SEBI within 1 month of completion of VAPT activity.
Gaps identified from the VAPT should be remediated and submit it to SEBI within 3 months post submission pf final VAPT report.
VAPT should be done prior to the commissioning of a new system in the environment.
Monitoring and detection
Appropriate security monitoring systems and process should be implemented to facilitate monitoring of security events and timely detection.
Attacks on systems and networks should be detected timely.
Mechanism to monitor capacity utilization should be implemented.
Response and recover
Response and recover plan of the portfolio Manager should aim at the timely restoration of the system affected by incidents of cyber-attacks.
RTO and RPO of the systems should not be more than 4 hrs and 30 mins, respectively.
Suitable periodic drills to test the adequacy and effectiveness of the response and recovery plan should be conducted.
If Cyber-attacks, threats, cyber-incidents, and breaches are experienced then it should be reported to SEBI within 6 hours of noticing/detecting the incident.
Training
Security awareness training programs comprising the information security policies and standards should be conducted.
The training programs should be reviewed and updated as per the current and relevant standards.
Periodic audit
Systems audits by an independent CISA/CISM qualified or CERT-IN empaneled auditor, should be conducted on an annual basis.
Vendor or services providers
Ownership of those outsourced activities lies primarily with portfolio manager.
Portfolio manager should have an appropriate monitoring mechanism through a clearly defined framework to ensure that all the requirements as specified in this circular is complied with.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued a circular requiring portfolio manager with assets under management of INR 3000 crore or more under discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management services to comply with the provisions of Cyber Security and Cyber Resilience. Portfolio managers play a crucial role in managing investment portfolios on behalf of clients, and their goal is to maximize returns while minimizing risk by diversifying the portfolio across various asset classes. Discretionary portfolio management is where the portfolio manager has full authority to buy and sell securities on behalf of the client without needing their approval for each transaction. Non-discretionary portfolio management service, on the other hand, is a type of investment management service where the portfolio manager makes investment recommendations to the client, but the client retains ultimate decision-making authority for each transaction.
The circular emphasizes the need for a strong cybersecurity and cyber resilience framework to safeguard data integrity and prevent privacy breaches, given the rapid advancement of technology in the securities market. The circular also provides guidelines for portfolio managers to articulate a comprehensive cybersecurity and cyber resilience policy document based on the guidelines listed in the annexure. The key pointers from the annexure include governance, identification, access control, network security management, and security of data. The circular will be effective from 1st October 2023.
In summary, the circular is a significant step in ensuring that portfolio managers have a robust cybersecurity and cyber resilience framework in place to manage their clients' investment portfolios. The guidelines provided in the annexure will help portfolio managers to identify and classify critical assets, establish strong access controls, implement network security management, and ensure the security of data. By complying with the provisions of Cyber Security and Cyber Resilience, portfolio managers can provide essential services and perform critical functions in the securities market while minimizing risks and maximizing returns.
GISEC 2023 is one of the largest cybersecurity events in the world, set to take place in Dubai on March 14, 2023 to March 16, 2023. This event is significant in the field of cybersecurity because it brings together cybersecurity experts, industry leaders, and innovators from around the world to discuss the latest cybersecurity threats, challenges, and solutions. GISEC 2023 is an opportunity for attendees to learn about emerging cybersecurity technologies, network with industry leaders, and gain insights into the future of cybersecurity. The event provides a platform for organizations to showcase their innovative cybersecurity solutions, collaborate with peers, and develop strategies to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses.
The GISEC 2023 event is scheduled to be held in Dubai World Trade Center, United Arab Emirates, on 14, 2023 to March 16, 2023.
The Need for Innovative Cybersecurity Solutions
Cybersecurity threats and challenges faced by organizations have been on the rise in recent years. With the increasing digitization of businesses and the growing number of devices connected to the internet, cybercriminals have more opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities and steal sensitive data.
Some of the common cybersecurity threats and challenges faced by organizations include:
Phishing and social engineering attacks: Cybercriminals use social engineering tactics to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information such as passwords or credit card details.
Malware attacks: Malware is malicious software that can infect computers and other devices, compromising their security and allowing cybercriminals to steal sensitive data.
Ransomware attacks: Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts the victim's data, making it inaccessible, and then demands payment in exchange for the decryption key.
Insider threats: Employees or other insiders may intentionally or unintentionally compromise organizational security by accessing sensitive data or sharing confidential information.
Third-party risks: Organizations are increasingly reliant on third-party vendors and partners for various services, and these relationships can introduce cybersecurity risks.
Advanced persistent threats: Advanced persistent threats (APTs) are complex, targeted attacks that can go undetected for long periods, allowing cybercriminals to steal sensitive information or cause significant damage.
These and other cybersecurity threats and challenges make it essential for organizations to have effective cybersecurity defenses in place. Traditional security measures such as firewalls and antivirus software are no longer enough, and organizations must adopt innovative solutions to keep up with evolving cyber threats.
The limitations of traditional cybersecurity solutions and why innovative solutions are needed
Traditional cybersecurity solutions, such as firewalls and antivirus software, have been the standard approach to protect organizations from cyber threats for many years. However, they have limitations that make them insufficient for dealing with today's sophisticated cyber-attacks. Some of these limitations include:
Inability to detect and prevent new and advanced threats: Traditional security solutions are designed to detect known threats, but they often fail to detect new and advanced threats that use sophisticated techniques such as polymorphism and obfuscation.
Limited visibility: Traditional security solutions often lack visibility into the entire network, including endpoints, servers, and cloud environments, making it difficult to detect and respond to threats across the entire attack surface.
Reactive approach: Traditional security solutions are often reactive, meaning they identify and respond to threats after they have already infiltrated the system. This can result in significant damage and data loss before the threat is detected and contained.
Lack of integration and automation: Traditional security solutions may not be integrated with each other or other IT systems, making it difficult to manage and respond to threats in a timely manner. Additionally, the lack of automation can lead to delays in threat detection and response.
Innovative cybersecurity solutions are needed to overcome these limitations and effectively protect organizations from today's sophisticated cyber threats. Innovative solutions such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation can improve threat detection and response times, provide greater visibility into the entire network, and enable proactive threat prevention. For example, advanced threat detection systems that use machine learning algorithms can analyze large amounts of data to identify patterns and anomalies that may indicate a threat, enabling security teams to respond quickly and effectively.
Furthermore, cloud-based security solutions and identity and access management solutions can provide greater visibility and control over the entire network, including cloud environments and mobile devices. By adopting innovative cybersecurity solutions, organizations can stay ahead of evolving threats and protect their critical assets and data.
The potential benefits of innovative cybersecurity solutions
Innovative cybersecurity solutions have the potential to offer a range of benefits for organizations, including:
Improved threat detection and response times: Innovative solutions such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation can help organizations detect and respond to threats more quickly and effectively than traditional security solutions.
Greater visibility and control over the entire network: Cloud-based security solutions and identity and access management solutions can provide greater visibility and control over the entire network, including cloud environments and mobile devices.
Proactive threat prevention: Innovative solutions can enable proactive threat prevention by identifying and remediating vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by cybercriminals.
Better compliance with regulations and standards: Innovative solutions can help organizations comply with regulations and standards such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
Reduced costs: Innovative solutions can help organizations reduce costs associated with cybersecurity by automating manual processes and reducing the need for human intervention.
Increased scalability and flexibility: Cloud-based security solutions can provide organizations with increased scalability and flexibility by allowing them to easily scale their security infrastructure up or down as needed.
Overall, innovative cybersecurity solutions can help organizations improve their security posture, reduce risk, and protect their critical assets and data from cyber threats.
2: GISEC 2023: Shaping the Future of Cybersecurity
Overview of GISEC 2023, including its theme and goals
GISEC 2023 is a major cybersecurity event scheduled to take place in Dubai on March 14, 2023 to 16 2023. The theme of the event is "Shaping the Future of Cybersecurity with Innovative Solutions", and its goal is to explore the latest trends and best practices in cybersecurity, with a focus on innovative solutions that can help organizations stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.
The event aims to bring together leading cybersecurity experts, thought leaders, and solution providers from around the world to share their insights, experiences, and ideas. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the latest cybersecurity technologies and solutions, network with peers, and attend keynote speeches, panel discussions, and other sessions focused on cybersecurity topics.
GISEC 2023 will cover a range of topics related to cybersecurity, including cloud security, data protection, threat intelligence, identity and access management, and incident response. The event will also feature sessions on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain, and how they can be used to improve cybersecurity.
Overall, the goal of GISEC 2023 is to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the latest cybersecurity trends and best practices, as well as the opportunity to connect with peers and solution providers to help them enhance their cybersecurity posture and protect their organizations from cyber threats.
Discuss the various sessions, workshops, and exhibitions at the event
GISEC 2023 will offer a wide range of sessions, workshops, and exhibitions focused on various aspects of cybersecurity. Some of the key sessions and workshops that attendees can expect to see at the event include:
Keynote speeches: The event will feature keynote speeches from leading cybersecurity experts, offering insights into the latest trends and best practices in the field.
Panel discussions: Panel discussions will cover a variety of topics related to cybersecurity, such as cloud security, data protection, threat intelligence, and incident response. These sessions will offer attendees the opportunity to learn from experts and ask questions.
Technical workshops: Technical workshops will provide attendees with hands-on training on specific cybersecurity technologies and solutions, such as threat detection and response, identity and access management, and cloud security.
Product demonstrations: Exhibitors at the event will showcase their latest cybersecurity products and solutions, giving attendees the opportunity to see these products in action and learn more about their features and capabilities.
Networking events: GISEC 2023 will offer several networking events, such as receptions and coffee breaks, providing attendees with the opportunity to connect with peers and solution providers and discuss cybersecurity issues and trends.
Start-up pavilion: A dedicated pavilion will showcase innovative cybersecurity start-ups, allowing attendees to discover new and emerging technologies and solutions.
Overall, GISEC 2023 will provide attendees with a comprehensive view of the latest cybersecurity trends and best practices, as well as the opportunity to connect with peers and solution providers, learn about the latest cybersecurity products and solutions, and participate in hands-on training and technical workshops.
Highlight the keynote speakers and their areas of expertise
As GISEC 2023 is still a future event, the information about keynote speakers and their areas of expertise is not yet available. However, it is expected that the event will feature some of the world's leading cybersecurity experts and thought leaders who will share their insights and experiences on a range of cybersecurity topics.
In previous years, GISEC has featured keynote speakers such as Eugene Kaspersky, the founder and CEO of Kaspersky Lab, and Bruce Schneier, a renowned security technologist and author. These speakers have discussed a range of topics related to cybersecurity, including the future of cybersecurity, emerging threats, and the importance of collaboration in fighting cybercrime.
It is likely that GISEC 2023 will feature keynote speakers with similar expertise and insights. The organizers of the event are expected to announce the list of keynote speakers closer to the event date, and attendees can look forward to hearing from some of the most respected and knowledgeable experts in the field.
3: Innovative Cybersecurity Solutions Showcased at GISEC 2023
Overview of the innovative cybersecurity solutions that will be showcased at the event
As GISEC 2023 is still a future event, specific information about the innovative cybersecurity solutions that will be showcased at the event is not yet available. However, based on previous years, it is expected that the event will feature a range of innovative cybersecurity solutions from leading solution providers.
Some of the innovative cybersecurity solutions that have been showcased at previous GISEC events include:
Threat intelligence platforms: These solutions use artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide real-time insights into emerging cyber threats, allowing organizations to proactively protect against attacks.
Identity and access management solutions: These solutions use advanced authentication and authorization techniques to ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive data and systems.
Cloud security solutions: These solutions provide advanced security features for cloud-based applications and services, such as encryption, access control, and monitoring.
Incident response solutions: These solutions provide automated incident response capabilities, enabling organizations to quickly detect and respond to cyber-attacks.
Security analytics platforms: These solutions use advanced analytics and machine learning to analyze security data and identify potential threats, helping organizations to detect and respond to cyber-attacks more quickly and effectively.
Blockchain-based security solutions: These solutions leverage blockchain technology to secure data and transactions, offering advanced security features such as decentralized authentication and data immutability.
Overall, GISEC 2023 is expected to showcase a range of innovative cybersecurity solutions from leading solution providers, providing attendees with the opportunity to learn about the latest technologies and solutions and explore how they can be used to enhance their cybersecurity posture and protect their organizations from cyber threats.
Discuss how these solutions can address the current cybersecurity challenges faced by organizations
The innovative cybersecurity solutions showcased at GISEC 2023 can help address the current cybersecurity challenges faced by organizations in several ways.
First, threat intelligence platforms can provide organizations with real-time insights into emerging cyber threats, allowing them to proactively protect against attacks. By using artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze security data, these platforms can identify patterns and trends that may indicate a potential attack and alert security teams before any damage is done. This can help organizations stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and prevent attacks from occurring.
Second, identity and access management solutions can help address the challenge of securing access to sensitive data and systems. These solutions use advanced authentication and authorization techniques to ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive data and systems. By implementing these solutions, organizations can reduce the risk of data breaches caused by unauthorized access or stolen credentials.
Third, cloud security solutions can help address the challenge of securing cloud-based applications and services. These solutions provide advanced security features such as encryption, access control, and monitoring to protect against attacks on cloud infrastructure. As more organizations move their data and applications to the cloud, cloud security solutions are becoming increasingly important to ensure that sensitive data is protected.
Fourth, incident response solutions can help organizations quickly detect and respond to cyber-attacks. By automating incident response processes, organizations can reduce response times and minimize the damage caused by an attack. These solutions can also help organizations better understand the scope and impact of an attack, allowing them to take steps to prevent similar attacks from occurring in the future.
Fifth, security analytics platforms can help organizations analyze security data and identify potential threats. By using advanced analytics and machine learning, these platforms can detect patterns and anomalies in security data that may indicate a potential attack. This can help organizations detect and respond to attacks more quickly and effectively.
Finally, blockchain-based security solutions can help address the challenge of securing data and transactions. By leveraging blockchain technology, these solutions can provide advanced security features such as decentralized authentication and data immutability. This can help ensure that data and transactions are tamper-proof and secure, reducing the risk of data breaches and other cyber-attacks.
Overall, the innovative cybersecurity solutions showcased at GISEC 2023 can help address the current cybersecurity challenges faced by organizations by providing advanced security features, automation, and real-time threat intelligence. By implementing these solutions, organizations can enhance their cybersecurity posture and better protect themselves against the evolving threat landscape.
Highlight the potential impact of these solutions on the future of cybersecurity
The potential impact of the innovative cybersecurity solutions showcased at GISEC 2023 on the future of cybersecurity is significant. These solutions have the potential to transform the way organizations approach cybersecurity and enable them to better protect themselves against the evolving threat landscape.
One of the key benefits of these solutions is that they use advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain to provide enhanced security features and automate cybersecurity processes. By leveraging these technologies, organizations can more effectively detect, prevent, and respond to cyber-attacks, reducing the risk of data breaches and other security incidents.
Another important impact of these solutions is that they can help organizations stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. By providing real-time threat intelligence and analysis, these solutions can help organizations identify and respond to emerging threats before they can cause damage. This proactive approach to cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important as cyber threats become more sophisticated and difficult to detect.
In addition, these solutions can help organizations achieve compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards. By providing advanced security features and automated processes, these solutions can help organizations demonstrate their commitment to cybersecurity and meet the requirements of regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS.
Overall, the innovative cybersecurity solutions showcased at GISEC 2023 have the potential to significantly enhance the cybersecurity posture of organizations and enable them to better protect themselves against the evolving threat landscape. By leveraging advanced technologies and proactive approaches to cybersecurity, these solutions can help organizations stay ahead of the curve and better respond to the ever-changing threat landscape.
4: The Future of Cybersecurity
Discuss the future of cybersecurity and how innovative solutions can shape it
The future of cybersecurity is one that is constantly evolving and adapting to new threats and technologies. As more organizations rely on digital systems to conduct business and store sensitive data, the need for effective cybersecurity solutions will only continue to grow.
Innovative cybersecurity solutions have the potential to shape the future of cybersecurity by providing new and advanced ways to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats. These solutions leverage technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain to provide enhanced security features and automate cybersecurity processes.
One important trend that is shaping the future of cybersecurity is the rise of cloud computing. As more organizations move their data and applications to the cloud, the need for effective cloud security solutions is becoming increasingly important. Innovative solutions such as cloud access security brokers (CASBs) and cloud security posture management (CSPM) platforms are emerging to provide advanced security features for cloud environments.
Another trend that is shaping the future of cybersecurity is the increasing use of internet of things (IoT) devices. These devices are becoming more prevalent in homes and businesses, and are often connected to the internet and other devices. This presents new security challenges and the need for innovative solutions such as IoT security platforms to secure these devices and the data they generate.
Finally, the increasing sophistication of cyber threats is also shaping the future of cybersecurity. Cybercriminals are constantly developing new techniques and tactics to breach security defenses and steal sensitive data. As a result, innovative solutions such as threat intelligence platforms and security analytics platforms are becoming increasingly important to detect and respond to these threats.
In summary, the future of cybersecurity is one that is constantly evolving and adapting to new threats and technologies. Innovative solutions have the potential to shape the future of cybersecurity by providing new and advanced ways to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats. By leveraging these solutions, organizations can better protect themselves against the evolving threat landscape and stay ahead of the curve.
Provide examples of emerging technologies that could be used to enhance cybersecurity
There are several emerging technologies that have the potential to enhance cybersecurity, including:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI and ML can be used to analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and anomalies, making it easier to detect and respond to cyber threats in real-time. For example, AI-powered security analytics platforms can detect and respond to threats faster and more accurately than traditional security solutions.
Blockchain: Blockchain technology can be used to enhance the security of data and transactions by creating a tamper-proof digital ledger. This makes it more difficult for cybercriminals to tamper with data or steal sensitive information.
Quantum Computing: Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize cybersecurity by providing much faster and more secure encryption methods. For example, quantum cryptography can provide a highly secure method of communication that is resistant to eavesdropping.
Biometric Authentication: Biometric authentication, such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, can be used to enhance security by providing a more secure and convenient method of user authentication. Biometric authentication is more difficult to fake or steal than traditional passwords.
Internet of Things (IoT) Security: As more IoT devices are connected to the internet, there is an increasing need for innovative solutions to secure these devices and the data they generate. Emerging technologies such as blockchain and edge computing can be used to provide secure and decentralized IoT networks.
In summary, there are many emerging technologies that have the potential to enhance cybersecurity by providing more secure and efficient methods of detecting and responding to cyber threats. By leveraging these technologies, organizations can better protect themselves against the evolving threat landscape and stay ahead of the curve.
Discuss the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in the field of cybersecurity
Collaboration and knowledge sharing are essential in the field of cybersecurity as cyber threats continue to become more sophisticated and widespread. No single organization or individual has all the knowledge or resources to defend against cyber-attacks alone. Therefore, collaboration and knowledge sharing between organizations, governments, and cybersecurity experts is critical to staying ahead of the evolving threat landscape.
One of the main reasons collaboration is important is that cyber threats are often not limited to a single organization or industry. Cybercriminals can target any organization with valuable data or assets, and the consequences of a successful attack can be far-reaching. By collaborating and sharing threat intelligence, organizations can better understand the tactics and techniques used by cybercriminals and develop more effective defenses.
Collaboration can also help organizations to overcome some of the common challenges associated with cybersecurity, such as a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals and limited budgets. By working together, organizations can pool their resources and expertise to develop more effective cybersecurity solutions and share the costs of implementing them.
In addition to collaboration, knowledge sharing is also essential in the field of cybersecurity. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and staying up-to-date with the latest threats and best practices is critical to developing effective cybersecurity strategies. By sharing knowledge and best practices, organizations can learn from each other's successes and failures, and adapt their strategies accordingly.
Another benefit of knowledge sharing is that it can help to raise awareness about cybersecurity among employees and the general public. Cybersecurity is not just the responsibility of IT professionals, but also of every individual who uses technology. By educating employees and the public about cybersecurity risks and best practices, organizations can help to create a culture of cybersecurity awareness.
In summary, collaboration and knowledge sharing are essential in the field of cybersecurity to overcome common challenges, develop more effective defenses, and stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape. By working together and sharing knowledge and resources, organizations can better protect themselves and their stakeholders from the growing cyber threats.
Conclusion:
GISEC 2023 is an important event in the field of cybersecurity as it provides a platform for organizations, cybersecurity experts, and governments to come together and collaborate on innovative solutions to the growing cyber threat landscape. The event highlights the limitations of traditional cybersecurity solutions and emphasizes the need for innovative approaches to overcome these challenges.
GISEC 2023 showcases a range of emerging technologies and solutions that have the potential to enhance cybersecurity, such as AI, blockchain, and biometric authentication. By providing a platform for organizations to showcase their latest cybersecurity solutions, GISEC 2023 helps to raise awareness about the latest developments in the field and facilitates knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Moreover, GISEC 2023 provides an opportunity for attendees to learn from cybersecurity experts and industry leaders through various sessions, workshops, and exhibitions. The event highlights the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in the field of cybersecurity, as no single organization or individual has all the knowledge or resources to defend against cyber-attacks alone.
Overall, GISEC 2023 plays a significant role in shaping the future of cybersecurity by providing a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and showcasing innovative cybersecurity solutions. The event helps to raise awareness about the evolving threat landscape and the need for organizations to adopt innovative approaches to stay ahead of the curve.
I strongly encourage anyone interested in the field of cybersecurity to attend GISEC 2023 or stay updated on the latest developments in cybersecurity innovation. This event provides a unique opportunity to learn from cybersecurity experts, industry leaders, and peers in the field. By attending, you will have access to a wide range of sessions, workshops, and exhibitions showcasing the latest cybersecurity solutions and emerging technologies.
Moreover, staying up-to-date on the latest developments in cybersecurity innovation is essential to staying ahead of the evolving threat landscape. Cyber threats continue to become more sophisticated and widespread, and organizations must adopt innovative approaches to defend against these threats effectively. GISEC 2023 is an excellent way to stay informed about the latest developments in cybersecurity innovation and learn from experts in the field.
Attending GISEC 2023 or staying updated on the latest developments in cybersecurity innovation can help you enhance your knowledge and skills in the field. It can also help you develop effective cybersecurity strategies and solutions to better protect your organization or yourself from cyber threats. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the future of cybersecurity.
Visit CyRAACS at GISEC 2023, at Start-up Pod SP9, Hall No. 4, indulge in exciting games and win fabulous prizes!
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