Content Security Policies (CSPs)
Content Security Policies (CSPs) are a browser-side mechanism designed to prevent malicious code injection attacks, such as cross-site scripting (XSS).
- Define Trusted Sources: CSPs specify which domains and sources are allowed to load scripts, stylesheets, images, and other resources.
- Block Untrusted Content: By restricting content to trusted sources, CSPs block attempts to inject malicious scripts from unknown origins.
- A website sets a CSP that only allows scripts to load from its own domain and a trusted content delivery network (CDN).
- This prevents attackers from injecting harmful scripts from other sources.
Complex Password Policies
Complex password policies enforce the use of strong passwords, making them harder to crack.
- Requirements: Include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, symbols, and a minimum length.
- Additional Measures: Implement password expiration and prevent the reuse of recent passwords.
A company requires employees to use passwords that are at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.
Encrypted Protocols
Encrypted protocols protect data in transit by encrypting communication between devices.
- HTTPS: The secure version of HTTP, encrypting data between web browsers and servers.
- SSL/TLS Certificates: Digital certificates that validate a server's identity and enable encrypted communication.
When you see "https://" in a website's address bar, it indicates that your data is encrypted, protecting it from eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks.
DDoS Mitigation Tools
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) mitigation tools are specialized services or software designed to detect and filter out malicious traffic during a DDoS attack.
- Traffic Analysis: Identify and block abnormal traffic patterns.
- Resource Allocation: Ensure legitimate users can access services even during an attack.
A news website under a DDoS attack uses mitigation tools to filter out malicious requests, maintaining availability for legitimate users.
Input Validation
Input validation ensures that user-submitted data is in the correct format and free of malicious code.
- Filtering: Remove unwanted characters.
- Whitelisting: Allow only specific, pre-approved characters or patterns.
Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Monitor network activity for suspicious behavior and raise alerts.
- Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS): Take proactive action to block detected threats.
An IDS detects unusual port scanning activity, while an IPS blocks the source IP after multiple failed login attempts.
Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
Multifactor Authentication (MFA) requires multiple forms of verification to access systems, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
- Example: A password plus a one-time code sent via SMS or generated by an app.
- Benefit: Increases security by requiring more than just a password to access an account.
- Relying solely on strong passwords without MFA can leave accounts vulnerable to attacks.
- Always implement MFA for critical systems.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) create a secure, encrypted connection between devices and a private network.
- Encryption: Protects data transmitted over public networks.
- Use Cases: Remote work, accessing restricted content, and securing data in transit.
Refer to section A2.1.1 for more details on VPNs and their implementation.
Regular Security Testing and Employee Training
- Security Testing: Regular tests, such as penetration tests and vulnerability scans, identify weaknesses in systems and networks.
- Employee Training: Educate employees on recognizing phishing attempts, handling sensitive data, and following security best practices.
- Security testing and training should be ongoing, not one-time events.
- The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, and continuous updates are essential.
Wireless Security Measures
- MAC Filtering: Allow only devices with specific MAC addresses to connect to the network.
- Whitelists and Blacklists: Control which devices can access the network based on their MAC addresses.
MAC filtering is most effective when combined with strong encryption protocols like WPA2 or WPA3.
The Importance of Network Countermeasures
- Protecting Data: Countermeasures like encryption and MFA safeguard sensitive information from unauthorized access.
- Preventing Attacks: Tools like IDS/IPS and DDoS mitigation detect and block threats before they cause damage.
- Ensuring Compliance: Many industries require specific security measures to meet regulatory standards.
- Can you explain how input validation prevents common web vulnerabilities like SQL injection and XSS?
- Why is employee training considered a critical component of network security?
- How do VPNs enhance security for remote workers?
