The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Risk Management Framework (RMF) is a robust, adaptable method for managing and mitigating information security risks within government agencies and organizations working with government systems. It integrates security, privacy, and cyber supply chain risk management into the system development life cycle.

SQL server attacks are one of the most painful attacks organizations can suffer. An organization’s database is one of its softest spots, with a wide surface area susceptible to attacks. This results in it being an attractive target of attackers. Neglecting your organization’s SQL server security is equivalent to having a bomb ticking in your organization’s IT infrastructure.

Server configuration hardening is a basic requirement for compliance with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) v4.0 that was updated in April 2022 from PCI DSS Version 3.2.1. Server hardening is a fundamental process that ensures the security of servers in the network by reducing the servers attack surface through implementation of secure configurations.

On July 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) implemented a final rule mandating public companies to furnish comprehensive and uniform disclosures pertaining to cybersecurity risk management, strategy, governance, and incidents. We’re going to discuss SEC Cybersecurity Disclosure Rules and What You Need to Know.

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) are commonly followed by organizations that handle credit card transactions to ensure the security of cardholder data. Since standards and requirements can change over time, it’s essential to refer to the most recent version of the PCI DSS v4.0 standard for the most up-to-date information. PCI DSS v4.0 was updated in April 2022. The description of the updated change from PCI DSS v3.2.1 to PCI DSS v4.0 states.

LLMNR- Link-Local Multicast name Resolution is a protocol used and is still in use by legacy operating systems to provide name resolution services without the need to set a DNS server. The LLMNR protocol is based on the domain name system packet format that allows both IPv4 and IPv6 hosts to perform name resolution for hosts on the same local link. LLMNR protocol is included in the following Windows versions: Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10.

The Center for Internet Security (CIS) published an updated version for the CIS Controls- CIS Controls v8. The CIS Controls are a set of gold standard guidelines for organizations facing data security issues. These controls were developed to simplify and help IT ops and security teams to remain focused on the essentials. The CIS updates its recommendation according to changes and new discoveries in the Information Security field. The 8th version of the CIS Controls was published in May 2021.

Open-source cybersecurity tools offer a prime solution for independent security experts, emerging businesses, and even medium to large enterprises aiming to tailor their security framework. These tools serve as a foundational platform for fostering security advancements, integrating proprietary software code and security automation scripts.

While Windows Server is initially equipped with a default configuration aimed at achieving a delicate balance between security and compatibility, thus enabling most applications to function seamlessly without altering server security settings, it is important to note that achieving a comprehensive secure configuration often entails additional steps, commonly referred to as Windows Server hardening.

Numerous inventive security solutions offered by open source software (OSS) remain untapped by the U.S. government. OSS refers to software for which the source code is accessible, allowing for its use, modification, and distribution. Dynamic OSS projects yield swift advancements and promote inclusive development, rendering them more adaptable to specialized demands. In cases where adjustments are necessary, the code can be accessed and modified accordingly.