How do you secure multiple devices and platforms?

Multiple device and platform security is a challenging but essential duty to safeguard confidential data, maintain privacy, and stop unauthorised access. Here is a checklist to help you effectively secure different systems and devices: 1.Inventory and Assessment 2.Implement Strong Authentication 3.Keep Software Updated 4.Network Security 5.Endpoint Security 6.Data Encryption 7.Access Control 8.Secure Development Practices 9.Device Management 10.Cloud Security 11.User Training and Awareness 12.Incident Response and Disaster Recovery 13.Regular Monitoring and Auditing 14.Vendor Security 15.Policy and Compliance 16.Ongoing Education and Adaptation 17.Engage Security Professionals

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a must have application to secure multiple devices and platforms. Users also must aware basic things about security. Make sure they have a strong password combination (avoid usings your own details as a password), regularly do Preventive Maintenance (PM) to update any new patches and have a control who can access it.

I think now days the security is the most important part due to the digital tools used everywhere. use strong password is essential to face the current thread challenges

Adopting a zero-trust mindset requires a fundamental shift: it means never assuming any device, network, or even user within an organization's perimeter is automatically safe, promoting continuous vigilance through verification measures and access controls.

Logging and Monitoring: Implement robust logging and monitoring systems to detect and respond to unusual activities. Use intrusion detection systems and security information and event management (SIEM) solutions.

Whenever possible, enable 2FA on your accounts and devices. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your mobile device.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is definitely essential for security of systems, whether personal (email, banking, etc...) or for access to your job related systems. However, it is essential that you understand the options available if your MFA method is unavailable or compromised. For example if your cell phone is damaged, or if you go to another country where the SMS message won't work. Additionally, some MFA methods are linked to a specific device and if the device is damaged the IT support group would need to assist you to update the system to your new device. It is essential that all parties in the organization understand the steps to reset an MFA device especially in times of emergencies.

Avoid clicking on phishing links. Always ensure you click on links that are from a secured source. Enable 2FA on all devices and sites that requires you to login

In my experience, a lot of end users and clients tend to lean away from MFA due to inconvenience but a simple trick to this is a three step approach. Something you are, something you have, and something you know. Something you are could be biometric, face, fingerprint, etc. Something you have, that is covered in a cell phone with SMS MFA, or an Authentication app, which are free in the App Store and Google Play, both the Microsoft Authenticator and the Google Authenticator are there to make you more secure. And finally something you know, and that’s your password, memorizing a password but also providing the other two, are three key components to keeping yourself secure, and maintaining identification integrity.

One way of enhancing your security is enabling MFA on all of your accounts as this is a additional layer of security wherein they will send a unique code to your mobile phone or email to determine if you are the one who is logging in to your account. It also shows most of the time the location where your account is trying to login.

Implementing one or more types of exposure management platforms is crucial for governing servers, applications and other systems efficiently. These platforms provide system administrators with the ability to mitigate and eliminate risk. Additionally, exposure management platforms helps maintain an audit trail and often provide reviewed evidence of known vulnerabilities and exposures with solutions to rectify. This ensures that the systems remain as secure and protected as they can be against potential threats.

At some point old hardware becomes intrinsically insecure. Old hardware means you have to keep older software around, widening the potential security holes in your enterprise. You need up to date hardware and keep firmware fresh too.

If more people knew about CVEs, they would be much more conscientious about keeping their software (and operating systems) updated with every security patch. It should be a source of great shame to have your computer's security defeated by a CVE that has been reported 9 months ago.

Software update is highly important and gives you access to the latest benefits and software security features. You are a step forward against malware and the system is protected against major problems that can affect you and your data directly.

This should not even be a question. If you do not keep up your software or properly secure legacy software/hardware you are just providing low hanging fruit for hackers.

Encryption is a process that scrambles your data and makes it unreadable to anyone who does not have the key to decrypt it. Encryption can help you protect your data from unauthorized access, theft, or loss. You can use encryption for your devices and platforms by enabling the built-in encryption features or by using a third-party encryption tool. For example, you can encrypt your hard drive, your USB drive, your email, your messages, and your cloud storage.

You can always say yes to encryption, then deep dive with your tech,legal, and dev teams to determine where and how it is applied. Always consider data in transit, data at rest, and removable media when designing encryption systems. Likewise always establish pre deployment your break glass policy & procedures.

Before the advent of Bitlocker, I was able to salvage my broken laptops by removing the harddisk and plugging it into my working computer and pulling out all my important data. Come to think about it, I guess I could've done so with anyone's laptop/harddisk. However, with Bitlocker on most Windows computers, it is simple enough to implement this encryption tool to stop thieves from stealing your data in the event your laptop gets stolen. The hardware loss may be regrettable, but the stolen Intellectual Property (IP) may be much worse for you and your employer. Just turn on Bitlocker people!

Just to add on to the matter of public wifi use, be very conscious especially when using company issued laptops and workstations. A VPN is the best solution and ensure to adhere to the policies that your organization has set. It is quite easy for hackers to access intercept the communication and expose yourself to attack.

Prioritize the use of cellular data or personal hotspot when in public spaces. By doing so, you reduce exposure to potential threats and maintain better control over your data security.

Be wary of email attachments and links, especially from unknown sources. Phishing attacks are common. Also, back up your important data regularly to an external drive or cloud storage to prevent data loss in case of a security breach.

Once upon a time it was popular to sit in a coffee shop and use their wifi to perform work. Now given the maturity of wifi hacking this practice is nothing but a vulnerability that no one can afford. Either use a VPN, tethered cell phone data plans, or other methodologies and police them as you would any other remote access to your network.

Self-education cannot be taken lightly, as the saying goes "It is better to be safe than sorry". Better preparation ensures that your understanding is increased, and you are not easily lured by click baits and social engineering. In my experience, the biggest threat in any organization is an insider one the user who is not informed and just clicks a link because the email subject says urgent. It is imperative that you get to know your attacker and his "Modus Operandi" to better guard yourself from attacks.

Stay informed about common online threats like phishing attacks and social engineering. Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments in emails.

The biggest security vulnerability in any organization is its own employees. Employees most of the time are not getting the proper education about cyber attacks, especially phishing and social engineering attacks. It's important about the security team to take this mission and do education lessons or meetings every while to keep the employees up-to-date. And never forget to stay safe and keep the scammers away.

I'm fascinated with the art of ethical hacking. You use the same tools that bad guys use, and check your systems for the same vulnerabilities the bad guys are looking for. The goal is to be the first one to find these vulnerabilities, and to patch them up. You don't have to know everything about hacking to protect yourself. But you should at least have an active curiousity in the field, knowing which parts of your digital life is leaking information, and what can be used against you.

An example of this can be found in almost any credible cybersecurity article. The weakest link in almost any cybersecurity posture is the human. Educating oneself is extremely value to protecting valuable data.

Also consider getting an endpoint security solution to protect your devices preferably one which incorporates not just signatures but also machine learning to curb zero-day attacks. Protect all your devices.

Using password management tools is a plus. They help you create strong passwords. They also store the passwords, so you don't have to memorize them. Provided you use the tools carefully, they add help to add an extra layer of security.

Multi-device usage comes with inherent risks, as well as measures to control them. Users can also take these precautions to get ahead of attackers: Biometric security: Biometrics and face IDs on supported devices and platforms offer security. Network virtualization: Using Virtual Private Networks can add an extra layer of network security. Drive encrytion and remote wiping: these are highly recommended in neutralizing data exfiltration and brute force attacks.

Disabling legacy applications need to be considered to ensure we reach our security goals because older applications and softwares often lack the latest security patches and updates.

Although having a strong password is one of the many ways to secure multiple platforms and devices, it can be a nuisance to remember them all. Even using a password manager can become a hassle. In my opinion, the usage of NFC keys is another way to secure accounts and platforms without the hassle of remembering password. In addition, NFC keys are becoming more and more popular. An NFC key can be setup for multiple accounts, and it help keeps multiple platforms and device secure. For example, Microsoft Office 365 has a feature where you can do password-less login. By setting up an authentication through an authenticator app or by utilizing an NFC key, logging in takes a simple plugin of the NFC key to login.