Antivirus (EPP) and EDR

They are two different cybersecurity technologies and approaches used to secure computers and other endpoint devices. Both play an important role in protecting endpoint devices, but they have different functions.

Antivirus:

Antivirus aims to protect computers and other endpoint devices against malware (viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, etc.).

Typically, antivirus software uses virus databases to detect and block familiar malware.

Antivirus software is used to regularly scan the system files, applications, and data of your computers and endpoint devices.

Basically, antivirus software detects and blocks malware that has infected your computer, but it is more limited against more advanced threats.

EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response):

EDR provides the ability for endpoint devices to detect, respond, and analyze security incidents.

Going beyond the boundaries of antivirus, EDR provides stronger protection against advanced threats and zero-day attacks.

EDR monitors the daily activities of endpoint devices and can detect anomalous behaviors or potential threat indicators.

EDR also provides a rapid response capability to threats, so that when a threat is detected, a rapid response can be made.

EDR provides security analysts with greater visibility and data analysis, allowing them to better understand and investigate security incidents.

Both technologies play important roles in enhancing the security of endpoint devices. Antivirus provides basic protection against malware and is widely used, while EDR provides more advanced threat detection and response capabilities, helping organizations build a more effective defense against more sophisticated threats. Often, organizations try to provide comprehensive protection for endpoint security by combining various security measures, such as both antivirus and EDR.

Mobile Device Security

It refers to a set of practices, policies, and technologies that aim to protect the security of mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices. Mobile device security provides users and organizations with portability, easy access, and data storage, while also protecting against cyber threats, data loss, and malware. Mobile device security includes the following key elements:

Device Locking and Encryption: Protecting mobile devices using locking codes or biometric authentication, as well as encrypting data on the device and during communications.

Application Controls: Employers or users can ensure that applications are installed in accordance with corporate policies. Unauthorized access to applications can also be restricted.

Up-to-date Software and Patch Management: Ensures that devices’ operating systems and applications are kept up-to-date, security patches are applied regularly, and devices are secure.

Data Backup and Restore: Allows users to back up important data and restore it when necessary. This prevents data loss in the event of device loss or damage.

Device Management Platforms (MDM): MDM software offers the ability to remotely manage enterprise mobile devices. This can include functionality such as enforcing policies on devices, wiping data, and finding lost devices.

Application Security Controls: Security software used to detect and block vulnerabilities and malicious behavior in mobile applications.

Second Factor Authentication: Using a second factor of authentication (such as SMS or app-sent verification codes) when logging into devices or authorizing sensitive transactions increases security.

Malware Protection: Capabilities to detect and block malware that infects mobile devices.

Mobile device security aims to help both individuals and organizations keep mobile devices safe and ensure the protection of sensitive data. Mobile devices, in particular, are of great importance in terms of security, as they are widely used for personal and business use. Therefore, mobile device security is a critical requirement to protect against cyber threats and increase data security.

Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) or Second Factor Authentication (2FA) is a security practice that uses multiple verification methods to verify users’ identities and logins. Its main purpose is to add an additional layer of security instead of logging in with just a single factor such as a username and password. This allows users to be better protected against unauthorized access to their digital accounts.

Primary Factor: Usually starts with a username and password. It is the first step in verifying users’ basic identities.

Second Factor: Another authentication method that users can apply to further strengthen their identities. The second factor can take different forms, including:

A non-password factor: A physical object such as a device, card or key that is unique to the user.

A cryptographic factor: Can be a verification code sent by SMS or email, or a time-based code generated by the application (OTP One-Time Password).

Biometric factor: Using the physical characteristics of the user, such as fingerprint, facial recognition, retina scan or voice recognition.

After the user enters the username and password, which are usually the first factor, they must enter or verify the second factor. Verifying the second factor not only strengthens the user’s identity, but also makes it more difficult for unauthorized access to their account. AML is a widely used security measure to protect online accounts and sensitive information because simply obtaining a user’s username and password is not enough. Therefore, it provides an additional layer of security for users.

Cyber ​​Attack Surface Management

It refers to the process of managing an organization’s digital attack surface in order to improve its cybersecurity defenses. This concept is used to strengthen organizations’ defenses against cyber threats and increase cybersecurity.

Cyber ​​Asset Attack Surface Management includes the following elements:

Creating an Asset Inventory: The organization should identify all digital assets it owns (servers, software, network devices, applications, databases, cloud services, etc.). This helps the organization understand which assets it needs to protect.

Identifying Weak Points: The organization should identify weak points of security and potential threats through its asset inventory. This includes vulnerabilities such as vulnerabilities, lack of updates, misconfigured systems or software.

Developing Security Policies and Practices: The organization should create and implement cybersecurity policies and practices. These policies and practices aim to increase the organization’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to cyberattacks.

Continuous Monitoring and Assessment: The organization should continuously monitor and assess its cyber attack surface. This ensures that threats and vulnerabilities remain up-to-date.

Penetration Tests and Vulnerability Analysis: The organization should detect security gaps by performing penetration tests and vulnerability analysis on its own systems.

Cybersecurity Training: Personnel should be trained on cybersecurity issues. Awareness training increases awareness against social engineering attacks.

Authorized Access and Privileged Account Management

Authorized Access and Privileged Account Management are cybersecurity and information security practices used to control access to an organization’s critical systems and data. These practices include the management and control of privileged accounts and user access rights, thus reducing the risk of unauthorized access and security breaches.

The key elements of Authorized Access and Privileged Account Management are:

Access Control: This involves controlling who can access which systems and data. Role-based access control (RBAC) determines access rights based on users’ roles and duties.

Privileged Account Management (PAM): Privileged accounts refer to accounts that provide access to administrators and critical systems. PAM includes measures such as password management, access monitoring and auditing to secure these accounts.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Provides an additional layer of security for authentication to make access to privileged accounts more secure. 2FA uses a password and an additional verification factor (for example, SMS or mobile app verification) to verify users’ identities.

Monitoring and Logging User Behavior: The activities of users with privileged access are continuously monitored and recorded. This is used to detect suspicious behavior and prevent unauthorized access attempts.

Principle of Least Privilege: Users are granted the lowest level of access required to perform their jobs. This reduces the risk of security vulnerabilities and unauthorized access.

Access Controls and Revisions: Regularly reviewing and updating access rights ensures compliance with changing business requirements and security policies. These controls increase security by removing unnecessary privileges.

Secure Password Management: Password management practices are used to create strong passwords for privileged accounts and store them securely. It is important that passwords are changed regularly and not shared.

Authorized Access and Privileged Account Management increase the security of organizations by controlling access to critical systems and data. Strong access control mechanisms and continuous monitoring reduce the risk of unauthorized access and security breaches.