System hardening involves identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities across hardware, firmware, software, applications, passwords, and processes. Compatibility allows most applications to work smoothly, but securing a system requires additional steps known as system hardening best practices, which are crucial for protection against advanced threats. Microsoft emphasizes server security and provides comprehensive hardening techniques and best practices tailored to various platforms.

As cyber threats continuously evolve, hackers are refining their attack tactics and the frequency of assaults. Over the past several years, 63% of Security Operations Center (SOC) analysts report the size of their attack surface has increased, according to Security Magazine. Similarly, our 2023 Threat Roundup research discovered the enterprise is experiencing 13 attacks every second.

On June 17, 2024, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) disclosed a data breach impacting more than 200,000 clients, employees, and other individuals. The stolen data includes personal, medical and financial information. The DPH said the incident took place between February 19-20, 2024, was caused by a gang of cyber criminals who gained access to the log-in credentials of email accounts of 53 employees through a phishing email.

Chances are, every single person who reads this article has experienced a type of data breach at least once: a phishing email that looked like a late bill fee that led to identity theft, an accidental email sent including proprietary company or customer data, a parent calling to ask if they should send money to a prince abroad (after the fact), or an open backpack that leads to the physical theft of a mobile device.

Healthcare organizations find themselves today at the forefront of a disturbing trend: a seemingly unending onslaught of data breaches. These nefarious incidents, far from being isolated occurrences, have emerged as a persistent and pervasive threat, one that demands immediate and comprehensive action to safeguard patient privacy and operational integrity.

The rising use of virtual environments (VEs) has transformed the ways we work, offering increased flexibility and accessibility. However, this shift also introduces new security challenges. Traditional security measures may not work as effectively in VEs, which creates an opportunity for insider threat actors to exploit vulnerabilities to steal sensitive data, disrupt critical systems, or commit fraud. This article reveals the importance of monitoring user activity in virtual environments.

The adage "data is the new oil" doesn't resonate with everyone. Personally, having grown up around cars thanks to my dad, a master mechanic, I see oil as messy and cumbersome. Data, in my view, is more akin to bacon—universally enjoyed and valuable in various forms; everyone wants it and will go to great lengths to have an extra helping, maybe even pushing a sibling's arm out of the way to get the last piece.