In today’s digital age, cyber threats are a constant concern for businesses of all sizes. E-criminals, also known as cybercriminals or hackers, are individuals or groups who engage in illegal Internet activities. These activities include fraud, identity theft, data breaches, and more.
One of the critical ways that e-criminals can target organisations is through internet-facing assets. These are any resources or systems connected to the internet that can be accessed remotely. Without proper visibility and protection, these assets can be at risk.
Which Internet-Facing Assets Do We Need to Know More About
So, what exactly are internet-facing assets, and which ones do we need to be aware of?
Internet-facing assets can include servers, websites, cloud environments, applications, and more. Essentially, any asset connected to the internet and potentially accessible to outsiders is considered an internet-facing asset.
Some examples of internet-facing assets that organisations need to be aware of include the following:
Websites: A website is an apparent internet-facing asset, but it is essential to remember that websites can also host malicious content or redirect visitors to other malicious sites.
Cloud environments: Cloud environments, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure, provide organisations with a way to store and access data and applications remotely. It is essential to have visibility into these environments to ensure they are secure and not used for nefarious purposes.
Applications: Applications, such as CRM systems or HR platforms, can be internet-facing assets if accessed remotely. It is essential to have visibility into these applications to ensure they are secure and not used to access or steal sensitive data.
Servers: Servers, physical and virtual, are another type of internet-facing asset. These servers may host websites, applications, or other resources that are accessible to outsiders. It is essential to have visibility into these servers to ensure they are secure and not used to access or steal sensitive data.
Importance of Having High Visibility of All Internet-Facing Assets
In today’s digital landscape, internet-facing assets are increasingly important for businesses of all sizes. These assets include servers, websites, cloud environments, and applications. Essentially, any resource or system connected to the internet and potentially accessible to outsiders is considered an internet-facing asset.
Having high visibility of all internet-facing assets is crucial for several reasons:
To identify and mitigate vulnerabilities: By having visibility into our internet-facing assets, we can recognise and fix any vulnerabilities that cybercriminals may exploit. This can include patching software, updating security protocols, and implementing additional security measures.
To detect and respond to threats: With high visibility, we can more easily detect and respond to potential threats that may target our internet-facing assets. This can include identifying and blocking malicious traffic and implementing containment and recovery measures.
To comply with regulations: Many industries and organisations are subject to regulations that require them to have visibility into their internet-facing assets. For example, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) requires organisations that process, store, or transmit credit card information to have visibility into their networks and systems.
To protect sensitive data: Internet-facing assets can potentially be used to access or steal sensitive data, such as customer information or financial records. By having visibility into these assets, we can ensure they are secure and not used to compromise sensitive data.
Overall, having high visibility of all internet-facing assets is essential for protecting against cyber threats and ensuring the security and integrity of an organisation’s data and systems. By implementing strong security measures and regularly monitoring and assessing internet-facing assets, organisations can minimise the risk of a cyberattack and safeguard their assets.
The Origin of E-criminals
E-criminals, also known as cybercriminals or hackers, are individuals or groups who engage in illegal Internet activities. These activities include fraud, identity theft, data breaches, and more.
The origins of e-criminals can be traced back to the early days of the internet when individuals and groups first began using the internet to engage in illegal activities. One of the earliest recorded instances of cybercrime was the creation of the “Morris Worm,” a computer worm that infected thousands of computers in 1988.
Over time, the methods and motivations of e-criminals have evolved. In the early days, e-criminals were often motivated by curiosity or a desire to test their skills. However, as the internet has become more integral to our daily lives, e-criminals have become more sophisticated and motivated by financial gain.
Today, e-criminals come from various backgrounds and operate on a global scale. Some e-criminals are affiliated with organised crime groups, while others operate independently. E-criminals can also be state-sponsored, with countries using cyberattacks as a means of espionage or sabotage.
Regardless of their origin, e-criminals pose a significant threat to individuals and organisations worldwide. Individuals and organisations need to stay vigilant and protect themselves against these threats. This includes implementing strong security measures, staying up to date on the latest threats and trends, and planning to respond to a cyberattack.
Conclusion
Visibility is crucial when it comes to protecting your internet-facing assets from e-criminals. Without proper visibility, it is easy for e-criminals to find and target assets that you may not even be aware of. This can lead to serious security breaches and the loss of sensitive data.
To ensure that you have high visibility of your internet-facing assets, it is essential to regularly assess and inventory these assets and implement robust security measures such as encryption and access controls. It is also necessary to stay up-to-date on the latest threats and have a plan to respond to potential attacks.
These steps can increase visibility and reduce the risk of your internet-facing assets being targeted by e-criminals. Remember, it is always better to be proactive regarding security rather than reactive, as the consequences of a breach can be severe.
