Tag: Data Breach Page 1 of 3

Understanding Pass-the-Hash Attacks

On August 30, 2024

Pass-the-Hash (PtH) attacks are a serious threat to organizations, allowing cybercriminals to exploit hashed credentials to access systems and data unlawfully. To protect against PtH attacks, it’s essential to understand their mechanisms, implications, and preventive measures.

What is a Pass-the-Hash Attack?

A Pass-the-Hash attack bypasses traditional authentication by using hashed credentials rather than cracking passwords. Attackers capture a password hash and use it to authenticate as the legitimate user, without needing the actual password.

How Pass-the-Hash Attacks Work

Hashing: Converts a password into a fixed-length hash, which is stored in the system. During login, the system hashes the entered password and compares it to the stored hash.
Kerberos and NTLM Protocols: In Windows environments, NTLM is particularly vulnerable. Attackers who obtain an NTLM hash can use it to authenticate to other systems without knowing the plaintext password.

Attack Steps

Initial Compromise: Gain system access via phishing, exploiting vulnerabilities, or stolen credentials.
Hash Extraction: Extract password hashes from memory or security databases.
Lateral Movement: Use hashed credentials to authenticate to other network systems, expanding access.
Privilege Escalation: Access higher-privilege systems or sensitive data, escalating control.

Implications of Pass-the-Hash Attacks

Unauthorized Access: Attackers exploit stolen hashes to access systems and data without needing the actual password. This bypasses traditional authentication mechanisms, granting them unauthorized entry.
Privilege Escalation: Attackers can elevate their access privileges, potentially gaining administrative control over entire networks. This enables them to manipulate system settings and access critical resources.
Data Breaches: Pass-the-hash attacks can lead to the unauthorized extraction of sensitive information. This breach compromises data integrity and confidentiality.
Reputation Damage: Such attacks can erode trust in an organization, leading to public relations issues. They may also result in legal challenges and regulatory penalties.
Operational Disruption: The attack can cause significant system downtime, impacting productivity and business operations. This disruption can hinder day-to-day activities and overall efficiency.

Preventive Measures and Best Practices

1. Use Strong Authentication Protocols

Move Away from NTLM: Transition to Kerberos and minimize NTLM usage.
Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds extra verification beyond passwords.

2. Regularly Update and Patch Systems

Patch Vulnerabilities: Keep systems updated with the latest security patches.
Apply Security Updates: Regularly update operating systems and applications.

3. Secure and Manage Passwords

Enforce Strong Password Policies: Use complex passwords and enforce regular changes.
Use Password Management Tools: Securely store and manage passwords.

4. Limit Administrative Privileges

Principle of Least Privilege: Grant minimal access necessary for roles.
Separate Administrative Accounts: Use different accounts for admin and regular tasks.

5. Monitor and Detect Suspicious Activity

Implement Logging and Monitoring: Detect unusual access attempts.
Use SIEM Systems: Analyze logs for potential security incidents.

6. Employ Endpoint Protection

Use Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software: Protect endpoints with up-to-date solutions.
Implement EDR: Monitor and respond to threats on endpoints.

7. Educate and Train Employees

Conduct Security Awareness Training: Educate on best practices and phishing recognition.
Promote Safe Computing Habits: Avoid shared accounts and secure personal devices.

8. Implement Network Segmentation

Segment Network Access: Limit attack spread and restrict sensitive system access.
Use Firewalls and Access Controls: Manage and monitor network traffic.

9. Tools and Technologies for Defense

Utilize network monitoring solutions, security configuration tools, and vulnerability scanners to defend against Pass-the-Hash attacks.

Pass-the-Hash attacks are a major security concern. Staying informed about these threats and implementing best practices is crucial for maintaining robust network security. For information on cybersecurity solutions, contact Centex Technologies at Killeen (254) 213 – 4740, Dallas (972) 375 – 9654, Atlanta (404) 994 – 5074, and Austin (512) 956 – 5454.

Establishing Data Loss Prevention Policy

By centexitguy

On January 27, 2021

In Security

A data loss prevention policy defines how an organization can share data while ensuring the data being shared is protected. It also lays down the guidelines for using the data for decision-making without exposing it to anyone who should not have access to the data. In general terms ‘Data Loss Prevention Policy’ can be broadly defined as processes that identify confidential data, tracks data usage, and prevents unauthorized access to data.

Why Is It Important To Establish Data Loss Prevention Policy?

Before understanding ways to establish data loss prevention policy, it is important to understand the need for the policy. As the organizational setup has changed with an increase in number of remote employees and employees accessing the data on different devices, the risk of data loss has also increased.

Under these circumstances, there are three main reasons for setting up a Data Loss Prevention Policy:

Compliance
IP Protection
Data Visibility

Once the need for Data Loss Prevention is clear, it is time to understand the best practices to establish the policy.

Best Practices To Establish Data Loss Prevention Policy

Take time to understand and get an insight into the data. Classify the data according to its vulnerability and risk factors. Once classified, identify the data that needs to be protected and fabricate the data loss prevention policy around this data type.
Establish strict criteria for choosing data loss prevention vendors. Create an evaluation framework with right set of questions to choose effective data loss prevention solutions for the organization.
Identify the people who will be involved in the data loss prevention process and clearly define their rules. It is necessary to segregate the responsibilities of every individual and clearly convey the responsibilities to avoid data misuse.
Start by choosing the data set with highest level of priority and risk. Once an effective policy is set up to secure most critical data, build up on this policy to further secure other data sets as per their level of priority.
Educate all the employees on importance of data, sources of data loss, need for data loss prevention policy and steps to be taken in case of a data loss or breach.
Document the data loss prevention policy and make sure that every employee has a copy for reference.

For more information on establishing data loss prevention policy, contact Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.

What Is Whaling Attack?

By centexitguy

On January 22, 2021

In Security

PDF Version: What-Is-Whaling-Attack

Ways To Verify Data Breaches

By centexitguy

On June 18, 2020

In Security

A data breach is an incident where a hacker gains access to a database that contains the user’s personal details such as login information, financial details, Social Security Number, address, PHI, etc. In the case of an organization, a data breach can result in revealing of trade secrets and other critical business information. Once stolen, this information is then sold on the dark web to cyber criminals who use it for their profit.

The damage caused by a data breach can be minimized if it is detected in time. Here are some ways to verify a data breach:

Online Tools: A number of online tools are available to help users in verifying if their email account has been breached. Another way of verifying a data breach is via a data breach database. A data breach database such as HIBP (created by Troy Hunt, a Microsoft regional director, and MVP) contains a list of compromised email accounts and passwords. Users can search these databases for their email to see if their email and password are among the compromised lists.
Updated Browsers: Using an updated browser that has special features can help users in knowing if their password has been compromised. Browsers such as Chrome 79 include ‘Password Checkup Feature’. When a user enters a password, the feature warns the user if the password has been compromised without the need of saving the password.
Unauthorized Activity: Regularly check your accounts for any unauthorized activity in your account. Keep an eye on your sent emails. If you notice any emails sent to anonymous accounts, this indicates that your email account has been hacked. In case of any social media account, make a note of any unusual posts, messages, etc. Any unauthorized activity indicates a data breach including username and password.

Whilst these methods may be helpful, there is no bulletproof method of verifying a data breach. An ideal way of approach is to employ stringent data protection strategies. Some of the most efficient personal data protection strategies include access controls on the network, use of automated backup system, equip the data storage center with a protective suit, robust monitoring & reporting, and use of a secure password.

For more information on ways to verify data breaches, contact Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.