Penetration testing is a crucial part of a comprehensive cybersecurity plan. By simulating a real-world attack, a penetration test can help identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses across systems, networks, and applications before a malicious actor can exploit them. To get off on the right foot with a penetration test and get an accurate timeline and budget for the test, it’s important to have a proper scope. Learn how to scope a penetration test from the perspective of the Sedara Red Team.

In an ever-evolving threat landscape, safeguarding the integrity of applications is a real concern. The consequences of a single security breach can be devastating, leading to data links, financial losses, and irreparable damage to a company’s reputation. Organizations across industries must equip themselves with reasonable defense mechanisms to fortify their applications against malicious actors.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is undergoing a major update. The NIST CSF is one of the most widely used frameworks to help organizations understand and manage their cybersecurity risks. The NIST CSF was released as version 1.0 in 2014, updated to version 1.1 in 2018, and will be updated to version 2.0 early next year. NIST recently released a draft of CSF version 2.0.

Removable media devices—also known as removable storage devices–present a very high risk to sensitive data stored, processed, or transmitted by information systems in your organization. Sedara recommends implementing strict measures to safeguard sensitive information and prevent its accidental or intentional loss, misuse, or disclosure.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology recommends using longer passphrases instead of passwords for authentication purposes. Passphrases improve an organization’s security posture and reduce the risk of data breaches: they are more complex, easier to remember, and more resistant to cyber-attacks.

Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) that offers a cloud-based version of its popular software productivity suite, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. In contrast, Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) is an Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) that offers a cloud-based version of Active Directory to control identity management and access to virtual resources across an organization.

Microsoft 365 E5 is an enterprise cloud-based suite of Microsoft Office productivity apps combined with advanced voice, analytics, security, and compliance services. It is an upgrade over lower tiers E1 and E3. Though threat protection features are included in all Microsoft or Office 365 subscriptions, an E5 license provides some advanced features.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is undergoing a major update. Originally released in 2014, the NIST CSF is one of the most widely used cybersecurity frameworks helping organizations understand and manage their cybersecurity risk. NIST is currently updating the CSF to align with the latest cybersecurity trends and best practices, with the expected release date of the CSF 2.0 slated for the first quarter of 2024.