Risks from Exposed Documents
In his report, Fowler noted that the potential risks of invoice fraud from stolen documents affect both business-to-customer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) transactions. Exposed invoices and internal business documents can potentially serve as a template for criminals to target victims using internal information that only the business and the customer would know. This insider knowledge is likely to generate a sense of trust, significantly increasing the chances of effective fraudulent activity.
One cause of exposed corporate databases can be remote employees who aren’t working behind a firewall. According to Johannes Ullrich, dean of research at the SANS Institute, a cybersecurity training provider, it takes some work to expose databases. It’s not something super-trivial to do.
Cybersecurity Requires Discipline
When asked how CSOs can prevent employees making mistakes with files or misconfiguring systems, Ullrich emphasized the importance of attack surface monitoring. This involves pre-emptively scanning not only the organization’s IP space, but also those of employees, for open ports, exposed APIs, and exposed corporate data.
Understanding the Risks
The risks associated with exposed documents are significant, and it is essential for organizations to take proactive measures to prevent data breaches. Exposed invoices and internal business documents can be used by criminals to target victims using internal information that only the business and the customer would know. This insider knowledge can generate a sense of trust, making it easier for criminals to carry out fraudulent activities.
In addition to the risks associated with exposed documents, remote employees who are not working behind a firewall can also pose a significant threat to an organization’s cybersecurity. It takes some work to expose databases, but it is not something that is super-trivial to do. This highlights the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to prevent data breaches.
Implementing Cybersecurity Measures
To prevent employees from making mistakes with files or misconfiguring systems, CSOs must implement robust cybersecurity measures. One of the most effective ways to do this is through attack surface monitoring. This involves pre-emptively scanning not only the organization’s IP space, but also those of employees, for open ports, exposed APIs, and exposed corporate data.
Attack surface monitoring is a critical component of any cybersecurity strategy, as it allows organizations to identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by criminals. By implementing attack surface monitoring, organizations can reduce the risk of data breaches and protect their sensitive information.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the risks associated with exposed documents are significant, and it is essential for organizations to take proactive measures to prevent data breaches. By implementing robust cybersecurity measures, including attack surface monitoring, organizations can reduce the risk of data breaches and protect their sensitive information.
FAQs
Q: What are the risks associated with exposed documents?
A: Exposed documents can be used by criminals to target victims using internal information that only the business and the customer would know. This insider knowledge can generate a sense of trust, making it easier for criminals to carry out fraudulent activities.
Q: What is attack surface monitoring?
A: Attack surface monitoring is a critical component of any cybersecurity strategy, as it allows organizations to identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by criminals. It involves pre-emptively scanning not only the organization’s IP space, but also those of employees, for open ports, exposed APIs, and exposed corporate data.
Q: How can CSOs prevent employees from making mistakes with files or misconfiguring systems?
A: CSOs can prevent employees from making mistakes with files or misconfiguring systems by implementing robust cybersecurity measures, including attack surface monitoring. This involves pre-emptively scanning not only the organization’s IP space, but also those of employees, for open ports, exposed APIs, and exposed corporate data.
Q: What is the importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital age?
A: Cybersecurity is critical in today’s digital age, as it allows organizations to protect their sensitive information from being stolen or compromised. With the increasing number of data breaches and cyber-attacks, it is essential for organizations to implement robust cybersecurity measures to prevent data breaches and protect their sensitive information.
