Application Layer Security
A lot of time and energy has been expended discussing network security. Organizations have spent millions putting network security mechanisms in place to protect their critical infrastructure and sensitive data from current threats but fail to realize that 84% of attacks are happening at the application layer. According to Jeff Schmidt of HP “They (Hackers) understand where the most lucrative and easiest access to data and sensitive information is and that’s by targeting the soft underbelly, which is the software that we push out and give to everyone without really thinking about how we’re securing it from the inside.” Whether you develop, install or run software: application layer security should be a focus of your attention.
Why Worry about Application Security?
The application layer, as defined in the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI Model) is the user interface responsible for displaying received information to the user. This is a highly simplified definition that excludes the application layer Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and their common port numbers that should also be considered when securing your network. For this article, we are quite simply discussing the software applications you are most familiar with like Microsoft Word, Minecraft, QuickBooks and maybe some you have not thought about like that which operates your wireless doorbell, your robot vacuum or that self-driving car in your near future. I know what you’re thinking – “I have a router and a firewall in front of my workstation, and I’ll never give up control of my cars steering wheel. Why should my small business be concerned?” A firewall, antivirus software and your router only block incoming connections to your devices, but not connections that you make outbound. The software application itself may be poorly programmed with bugs and vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers to gain access to your network and sensitive data. Software doesn’t squeak or present a “check engine” light when there is something wrong. In most cases a software vulnerability is only known after it has been exploited.
- 84% of attacks happen at application layer
- Applications running on more devices than ever before
- Weak application security highly susceptible to hackers
How to Protect Applications
To prevent software from being exploited, the developers must thoroughly test their software for vulnerabilities and immediately release critical security patches as necessary to secure the software. A lot of companies today pay vendors to build software for them and also host the software on a cloud network on which they have very little control. For this reason, it’s imperative that software is secure before it’s launched to the cloud. If you download software, take some extra precautions to verify links before installing the software. If it doesn’t look right, leave the site and find another source. Stay away from advertisements. Always perform advanced installations and uncheck the bloatware many vendors are adding to their installation software. Be sure to scan the application with antivirus software before running it. In addition to the small safeguards you can take while downloading and installing applications; you should implement an intrusion detection strategy using Bit9 + Carbon Black.
Bit9 + Carbon Black
Bit9 + Carbon Bl
ack incorporate end point protection for all your devices and give you the ability to detect an attack as it occurs and respond by isolating the infected PC until the threat has been removed. Even the best tools are useless unless you have experts who know how to use them. At WatchPoint, we have the tools needed to prevent your PC from getting malware, tools to detect threats in real time, 24/7 and forensic experts to respond to the threats immediately.
You need a partner like WatchPoint, with the expertise and state of the art products including Bit9 + Carbon Black to protect your customers’ and company’s vulnerable information and intellectual data. You cannot rely on the banks or the insurance companies to protect your losses after a breach; you have a responsibility to secure your network and data. There is no better partner equipped to help you deal with the cyber threats of the 21st century than WatchPoint.
With WatchPoint's Security Solution you will:
Know someone is securing your business.
Have true visibility into your digital assets.
Have a support staff dedicated to safeguarding your network.
