Leveraging Multiple Environments: Enhancing Application Security through Dev, Test, and Production Segregation

Posted on April 14, 2025 by Brent Huston

Application security has never been more critical, as cyber threats loom large over every piece of software. To safeguard applications, segregation of development, testing, and production environments has emerged as a crucial strategy. This practice not only improves security measures but also streamlines processes, effectively mitigating risks.

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To fully grasp the role of environment segregation, one must first understand Application Security (AppSec) and the common vulnerabilities in app development. Properly segregating environments aids in risk mitigation, adopts enhanced security practices, and aligns with secure software development life cycles. It involves distinct setups for development, testing, and production to ensure each stage operates securely and efficiently.

This article delves into the importance of segregating development environments to elevate application security. From understanding secure practices to exploring security frameworks and testing tools, we will uncover how this strategic segregation upholds compliance and regulatory requirements. Embark on a journey to making application security an integral part of your development process with environment segregation.

Importance of Environment Segregation in AppSec

Separating development, test, and production environments is essential for application security (AppSec). This practice prevents data exposure and unauthorized access, as emphasized by ISO 27002 Control 8.31. Failing to segregate these environments can harm the availability, confidentiality, and integrity of information assets.

To maintain security, it’s vital to implement proper procedures and controls. Here’s why:

Confidentiality: Environment segregation keeps sensitive information hidden. For instance, the Uber code repository incident showed the dangers of accidental exposure.
Integrity: Segmenting environments prevents unauthorized changes to data.
Availability: Proper segregation ensures that environments remain operational and secure from threats.

Table of Environment Segregation Benefits:

Environment	Key Security Measure	Benefit
Development	Access controls	Prevents unauthorized access
Test	Authorization controls	Validates security measures
Production	Extra layer security	Protects against breaches

Using authorization controls and access restrictions ensures the secure separation of these environments. By following these best practices, you can safeguard your software development project from potential security threats.

Overview of Application Security (AppSec)

Application Security (AppSec) is essential for protecting an application’s code and data from cyber threats. It is a meticulous process that begins at the design phase and continues through the entire software development lifecycle. AppSec employs strategies like secure coding, threat modeling, and security testing to ensure that applications remain secure. By focusing on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, AppSec helps defend against vulnerabilities such as identification failures and server-side request forgery. A solid AppSec plan relies on continuous strategies, including automated security scanning. Proper application security starts with understanding potential risks through thorough threat assessments. These evaluations guide developers in prioritizing defense efforts to protect applications from common threats.

Definition and Purpose

The ISO 27002:2022 Control 8.31 standard focuses on separating different environments to reduce security risks. The main goal is to protect sensitive data by keeping development, test, and production areas distinct. This segregation ensures that the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information assets are maintained. By following this control, organizations can avoid issues like unauthorized access and data exposure. It not only supports security best practices but also helps companies adhere to compliance requirements. Proper environment separation involves implementing robust procedures and policies to maintain security throughout the software development lifecycle. Protecting these environments is crucial for avoiding potential losses and maintaining a strong security posture.

Common Risks in Application Development

Developing applications involves dealing with several common risks. One significant concern is third-party vulnerabilities found in libraries and components. These vulnerabilities can compromise an application’s security if exploited. Code tampering is another risk where unauthorized individuals make changes to the software. This emphasizes the importance of access controls and version tracking to mitigate potential security flaws. Configuration errors also pose a threat during software deployment. These errors can arise from improper settings, leading to vulnerabilities that can be exploited. Using the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) helps developers identify and address critical software weaknesses. Regular monitoring of development endpoints helps detect vulnerabilities early. This proactive approach ensures the overall security posture remains strong and robust throughout the software development process.

Understanding Environment Segregation

Environment segregation is vital for maintaining the security and integrity of applications. According to ISO 27002 Control 8.31, keeping development, testing, and production environments separate helps prevent unauthorized access and protects data integrity and confidentiality. Without proper segregation, companies risk exposing sensitive data, as seen in past incidents. A preventive approach involves strict procedures and technical controls to maintain a clear division between these stages. This ensures that sensitive information assets remain confidential, are not tampered with, and are available to authorized users throughout the application’s lifecycle. By implementing these best practices, organizations can maintain a strong security posture.

Development Environments

Development environments are where software developers can experiment and make frequent changes. This flexibility is essential for creativity and innovation, but it carries potential security risks. Without proper security controls, these environments could be vulnerable to unauthorized access and data exposure. Effective segregation from test and production environments is crucial. Incorporating security processes early in the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) helps avoid security bottlenecks. Implementing strong authentication and access controls ensures data confidentiality and integrity. A secure development environment protects against potential vulnerabilities and unauthorized access, maintaining the confidentiality and availability of sensitive information.

Test Environments

Test environments play a crucial role in ensuring that any changes made during development do not cause issues in the production environment. By isolating testing from production through network segmentation, organizations can avoid potential vulnerabilities from spilling over. Security measures in test environments should be as strict as those in production. Regular security audits and penetration testing help identify weaknesses early. Integrating security testing tools allows for better tracking and management of potential security threats. By ensuring that security checks are in place, organizations can prevent potential production problems, safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorized access and suspicious activity.

Production Environments

Production environments require tight controls to ensure stability and security for end-users. Limiting the use of production software in non-production environments reduces the risk of unauthorized access to critical systems. Access to production should be limited to authorized personnel to prevent potential threats from malicious actors. Monitoring and logging systems provide insights into potential security incidents, enabling early detection and quick action. Continuous monitoring helps identify any unnecessary access privileges, strengthening security measures. By maintaining a strong security posture, production environments protect sensitive information, ensuring the application’s integrity and availability are upheld.

Benefits of Environment Segregation

Environment segregation is a cornerstone of application security best practices. By separating development, test, and production environments, organizations can prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data. Only authorized users have access to each environment, which reduces the risk of security issues. This segregation approach helps maintain the integrity and security of information. By having strict segregation policies, organizations can avoid accidental publication of sensitive information. Segmentation minimizes the impact of breaches, ensuring that a security issue in one environment does not affect others. Effective segregation also supports compliance with standards like ISO 27002. Organizations adhering to these standards enhance their security posture by following best practices in data protection.

Risk Mitigation

Thorough environment isolation is vital for risk mitigation. Separate test, staging, and production environments prevent data leaks and ensure that untested code is not deployed. A robust monitoring system tracks software performance, helping identify potential vulnerabilities early. Continuous threat modeling assesses potential threats, allowing teams to prioritize security measures throughout the software development lifecycle. Implementing access controls and encryption further protects applications from potential security threats. Integrating Software Composition Analysis (SCA) tools identifies and monitors vulnerabilities in third-party components. This proactive approach aids in managing risks associated with open-source libraries, allowing development teams to maintain a strong security posture throughout the project.

Enhanced Security Practices

Incorporating security into every phase of the development lifecycle is crucial. This approach helps identify and mitigate common vulnerabilities early, reducing the likelihood of breaches. MobiDev emphasizes the importance of this integration for long-term security. Regular security audits and penetration testing are essential to keep software products secure. These practices identify misconfigurations and potential security flaws. A Secure Software Development Life Cycle (SSDLC) encompasses security controls at every stage. From requirement gathering to operation, SSDLC ensures secure application development. AI technologies further enhance security by automating threat detection and response. They identify patterns indicating potential threats, improving response times. Continuous monitoring of access usage ensures only authorized personnel have access, enhancing overall security.

Secure Development Practices

Establishing secure development practices is vital for protecting software against threats. This involves using a well-planned approach to keep development, test, and production environments separate. By doing this, you help safeguard sensitive data and maintain a strong security posture. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) further prevents unauthorized access. Development teams need to adopt a continuous application security approach. This includes secure coding, threat modeling, security testing, and encrypting data to mitigate vulnerabilities. By consistently applying these practices, you can better protect your software product and its users against potential security threats.

Overview of Secure Software Development Lifecycle (SSDLC)

The Secure Software Development Lifecycle (SSDLC) is a process that integrates security measures into every phase of software development. Unlike the traditional Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), the SSDLC focuses on contemporary security challenges. It begins with requirements gathering and continues through design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. By embedding security checks and threat modeling, SSDLC aims to prevent security flaws early on. For development teams, understanding the SSDLC is crucial. It aids in reducing potential vulnerabilities and protecting against data breaches.

Code Tampering Prevention

Preventing code tampering is essential for maintaining the integrity of your software. One way to achieve this is through strict access controls, which block unauthorized individuals from altering the source code. Using version control systems is another effective measure. These systems track changes to the code, making it easier to spot unauthorized modifications. Such practices are vital because code tampering can introduce vulnerabilities or bugs. By monitoring software code and maintaining logs of changes, development teams can ensure accountability. Together, these steps help in minimizing potential threats and maintaining secure software.

Configuration Management

Configuration management is key to ensuring your system remains secure against evolving threats. It starts with establishing a standard, secure setup. This setup serves as a baseline, compliant with industry best practices. Regular audits help in maintaining adherence to this baseline and in identifying deviations promptly. Effective configuration management includes disabling unnecessary features and securing default settings. Regular updates and patches are also crucial. These efforts help in addressing potential vulnerabilities, thereby enhancing the security of your software product. A robust configuration management process ensures your system is resilient against security threats.

Access Control Implementation

Access control is a central component of safeguarding sensitive systems and data. By applying the principle of least privilege, you ensure that users and applications access only the data they need. This minimizes the risk of unauthorized access. Role-based access control (RBAC) streamlines permission management by assigning roles with specific privileges. This makes managing access across environments simpler for the development team. Regular audits further ensure that access controls are up-to-date and effective. Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) enhances security by requiring multiple forms of identification. Monitoring access and reviewing controls aids in detecting suspicious activity. Together, these measures enhance your security posture by protecting against unauthorized access and potential vulnerabilities.

Best Practices for Environment Segregation

Creating separate environments for development, testing, and production is crucial for application security. This separation helps mitigate potential security issues by allowing teams to address them before they impact the live environment. The development environment is where new features are built. The test or staging environments allow for these features to be tested and bugs to be squashed. This ensures any changes won’t disrupt the live application. Proper segregation also enables adequate code reviews and security checks to catch potential vulnerabilities. To further secure these environments, employing strong authentication and access controls is critical. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access. By maintaining parity between staging and production environments, organizations can prevent testing discrepancies. This approach ensures smoother deployments and increases the overall security posture of the software product.

Continuous Monitoring

Continuous monitoring is a key part of maintaining secure environments. It provides real-time surveillance to detect potential threats swiftly. Implementing a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tool helps by collecting and analyzing logs for suspicious activity. This allows development teams to respond quickly to anomalies which might indicate a security issue. By continuously logging and monitoring systems, organizations can detect unauthorized access attempts and potential vulnerabilities. This early detection is vital in protecting against common vulnerabilities and securing environment variables and source code. As infrastructure changes can impact security, having an automated system to track these changes is essential. Continuous monitoring offers an extra layer of protection, ensuring that potential threats are caught before they can cause harm.

Regular Security Audits

Regular security audits are crucial for ensuring that systems adhere to the best security practices. These audits examine the development and production environments for vulnerabilities such as outdated libraries and misconfigurations. By identifying overly permissive access controls, organizations can tighten security measures. Security audits usually involve both internal assessments and external evaluations. Techniques like penetration testing and vulnerability scanning are commonly used. Conducting these audits on a regular basis helps maintain effective security measures. It also ensures compliance with evolving security standards. By uncovering potential security flaws, audits play a significant role in preventing unauthorized access and reducing potential security threats. In the software development lifecycle, regular audits help in maintaining a secure development environment by identifying new vulnerabilities early.

Integrating Security in the DevOps Pipeline

Integrating security within the DevOps pipeline, often referred to as DevSecOps, is vital for aligning security with rapid software development. This integration ensures that security is an intrinsic part of the software development lifecycle. A ‘shift everywhere’ approach embeds security measures both in the Integrated Developer Environment (IDE) and CI/CD pipelines. This allows vulnerabilities to be addressed long before reaching production environments. Automation of security processes within CI/CD pipelines reduces friction and ensures quicker identification of security issues. Utilizing AI technologies can enhance threat detection and automate testing, thus accelerating response times. A shift-left strategy incorporates security checks early in the development process. This helps in precise release planning by maintaining secure coding standards from the beginning. This proactive approach not only lowers risks but strengthens the overall security posture of a software development project.

Frameworks and Guidelines for Security

Application security is crucial for protecting software products from potential threats and vulnerabilities. Organizations rely on various frameworks and guidelines to maintain a robust security posture. The National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF) is one such framework. It categorizes risk management into five key functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. Another important standard is ISO/IEC 27001, which ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and access control of security information. Applying a secure software development lifecycle can significantly decrease the risk of exploitable vulnerabilities. Integrating security tools and processes throughout the development lifecycle shields software from evolving cyber threats. Additionally, following the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) recommendations helps strengthen security practices in web applications.

ISO 27002:2022 Control 8.31

ISO 27002:2022 Control 8.31 emphasizes the strict segregation of development, test, and production environments. This practice is vital for minimizing security issues and protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access. Proper segregation helps maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information assets. By enforcing authorization controls and access restrictions, organizations can prevent data exposure and potential vulnerabilities.

Ensuring these environments are separate supports the development team in conducting thorough security checks and code reviews without affecting the production environment. It also helps software developers to identify and address potential security threats during the application development phase. A clear distinction between these environments safeguards the software development lifecycle from common vulnerabilities.

Moreover, the implementation of Control 8.31 as guided by ISO 27002:2022 secures organizational environments. This measure protects sensitive information from unauthorized disclosure, ensuring that security controls are effectively maintained. Adhering to such standards fortifies the security measures, creating an extra layer of defense against suspicious activity and potential threats. Overall, following these guidelines strengthens an organization’s security posture and ensures the safe deployment of software products.

Implementing Security Testing Tools

To maintain application security, it’s important to use the right testing tools. Static Application Security Testing (SAST) helps developers find security flaws early in the development process. This means weaknesses can be fixed before they become bigger issues. Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) analyzes applications in real-time in production environments, checking for vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cyberattacks. Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST) combines both static and dynamic methods to give a more comprehensive evaluation. By regularly using these tools, both manually and automatically, developers can identify potential vulnerabilities and apply effective remediation strategies. This layered approach helps in maintaining a strong security posture throughout the software development lifecycle.

Tools for Development Environments

In a development environment, using the right security controls is crucial. SAST tools work well here as they scan the source code to spot security weaknesses. This early detection is key in preventing future issues. Software Composition Analysis (SCA) tools also play an important role by keeping track of third-party components. These inventories help identify potential vulnerabilities. Configuring security tools to generate artifacts is beneficial, enabling quick responses to threats. Threat modeling tools are useful during the design phase, identifying security threats early on. The development team then gains insights into potential vulnerabilities before they become a problem. By employing these security measures, the development environment becomes a fortified area against suspicious activity and unauthorized access.

Tools for Testing Environments

Testing environments can reveal vulnerabilities that might not be obvious during development. Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) sends unexpected inputs to applications to find security weaknesses. Tools like OWASP ZAP automate repetitive security checks, streamlining the testing process. SAST tools assist developers by spotting and fixing security issues in the code before it goes live. Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST) aggregates data from SAST and DAST, delivering precise insights across any development stage. Manual testing with tools like Burp Suite and Postman allows developers to interact directly with APIs, uncovering potential security threats. Combining these methods ensures that a testing environment is well equipped to handle any potential vulnerabilities.

Tools for Production Environments

In production environments, security is critical, as this is where software interacts with real users. DAST tools offer real-time vulnerability analysis, key to preventing runtime errors and cyberattacks. IAST provides comprehensive security assessments by integrating static and dynamic methods. This helps in real-time monitoring and immediate threat detection. Run-time Application Security Protection (RASP) is another layer that automates incident responses, such as alerting security teams about potential threats. Monitoring and auditing privileged access prevent unauthorized access, reducing risks of malicious activities. Security systems like firewalls and intrusion prevention systems create a robust defense. Continuous testing in production is crucial to keep software secure. These efforts combine to safeguard against potential security threats, ensuring the software product remains trustworthy and secure.

Compliance and Regulatory Standards

In today’s digital landscape, adhering to compliance regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS is crucial for maintaining strong security frameworks. These regulations ensure that software development processes integrate security from the ground up. By embedding necessary security measures throughout the software development lifecycle, organizations can align themselves with these important standards. This approach not only safeguards sensitive data but also builds trust with users. For organizations to stay compliant, it’s vital to stay informed about these regulations. Implementing continuous security testing is key to protecting applications, especially in production environments. By doing so, businesses can meet compliance standards and fend off potential threats.

Ensuring Compliance Through Segregation

Segregating environments is a key strategy in maintaining compliance and enhancing security. Control 8.31 mandates secure separation of development, testing, and production environments to prevent issues. This control involves collaboration between the chief information security officer and the development team. Together, they ensure the separation protocols are followed diligently.

Maintaining effective segregation requires using separate virtual and physical setups for production. This limits unauthorized access and potential security flaws in the software product. Organisations must establish approved testing protocols prior to any production environment activity. This ensures that potential security threats are identified before they become problematic.

Documenting rules and authorization procedures for software use post-development is crucial. By following these guidelines, organizations can meet Control 8.31 compliance. This helps in reinforcing their application security and enhancing overall security posture. It also aids in avoiding regulatory issues, ensuring smooth operations.

Meeting Regulatory Requirements

Understanding regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS is essential for application security compliance. Familiarizing yourself with these standards helps organizations incorporate necessary security measures. Regular audits play a vital role in verifying compliance. They help identify security gaps and address them promptly to maintain conformity with established guidelines.

Leveraging a Secure Software Development Lifecycle (SSDLC) is crucial. SSDLC integrates security checks throughout the software development process, aiding compliance efforts. Continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) should include automated security testing. This prevents potential vulnerabilities from causing non-compliance issues.

Meeting these regulatory requirements reduces legal risks and enhances application safety. It provides a framework that evolves with the continuously shifting landscape of cyber threats. Organizations that prioritize these security practices strengthen their defenses and keep applications secure and reliable. By doing so, they not only protect sensitive data but also foster user trust.

Seeking Expertise: Getting More Information and Help from MicroSolved, Inc.

Navigating the complex landscape of application security can be challenging. For organizations looking for expert guidance and tailored solutions, collaborating with a seasoned security partner like MicroSolved, Inc. can be invaluable.

Why Consider MicroSolved, Inc.?

MicroSolved, Inc. brings in-depth knowledge and years of experience in application security, making us a reliable partner in safeguarding your digital assets. Our team of experts stay at the forefront of security trends and emerging threats, offering insights and solutions that are both innovative and practical.

Services Offered by MicroSolved, Inc.

MicroSolved, Inc. provides a comprehensive range of services designed to enhance your application security posture:

Security Assessments and Audits: Thorough evaluations to identify vulnerabilities and compliance gaps.
Incident Response Planning: Strategies to efficiently manage and mitigate security breaches.
Training and Workshops: Programs aimed at elevating your team’s security awareness and skills.

Getting Started with MicroSolved, Inc.

Engaging with MicroSolved is straightforward. We work closely with your team to understand your unique security needs and provide customized strategies. Whether you’re just beginning to establish multiple environments for security purposes or seeking advanced security solutions, MicroSolved, Inc. can provide the support you need.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit our official website (microsolved.com) or contact us directly (info@microsolved.com / +1.614.351.1237). With our assistance, your organization can reinforce its application security, ensuring robust protection against today’s most sophisticated threats.

* AI tools were used as a research assistant for this content.

Unlocking the Power of Application Assessments with the MSI Testing Lab

Posted on April 2, 2025 by Brent Huston

Secure software isn’t just a best practice—it’s a business imperative. At MSI, our Testing Lab provides a comprehensive suite of application assessment services designed to ensure that your software, whether developed in-house or acquired, stands up to real-world threats and compliance demands.

Why Application Assessments Matter

Application assessments are essential for understanding the security posture of your software assets. They help identify vulnerabilities before they’re exploited, validate secure development practices, and support regulatory and governance frameworks like the NCUA, FFIEC, CIS Controls, and more.

Core Use Cases for Application Assessments

Pre-deployment Assurance: Ensure new applications are secure before going live with code reviews, dynamic/static analysis, and penetration testing.
Regulatory and Compliance Support: Demonstrate alignment with frameworks such as FFIEC, NCUA SCUEP, GDPR, and CIS Control 16.
Third-party Risk Management: Test vendor-supplied or outsourced software for inherited vulnerabilities.
Incident Preparedness and Response: Identify post-incident exposure and harden application defenses.
DevSecOps Integration: Embed security testing into your CI/CD pipeline for continuous assurance.

Services We Offer

Application Penetration Testing
Secure Code Review
Threat Modeling & Architecture Reviews
Compliance Mapping & Gap Analysis
Red Team Simulation

Why MSI?

With decades of experience in application security, risk management, and compliance, MSI’s Testing Lab isn’t just checking boxes—we’re helping you build and maintain trust. Our experts align technical results with strategic business outcomes, ensuring that every assessment drives value.

Ready to Get Started?

Don’t wait for an audit or a breach to find out your applications are vulnerable. Contact the MSI Testing Lab today and let’s talk about how we can help secure your software environment—before the attackers get there first.

* AI tools were used as a research assistant for this content.

FAQ: MSI Configuration Assessments for Devices, Applications, and Cloud Environments

Posted on February 20, 2025 by Brent Huston

Overview

We get a lot of questions about configuration reviews, so we built this FAQ document to help folks learn more. Here are the most common questions:

General Questions

1. What is an MSI configuration assessment?
An MSI (Managed Security Infrastructure) configuration assessment evaluates the security posture of devices, applications, and cloud environments. It ensures that configurations align with best practices, compliance requirements, and industry security standards.

2. Why do I need a configuration assessment?
Misconfigured systems are a leading cause of security breaches. An assessment helps identify vulnerabilities, enforce security controls, and reduce risk exposure by ensuring that all configurations adhere to security best practices.

3. How often should configuration assessments be performed?
Regular assessments should be conducted at least annually or whenever significant changes occur (e.g., system updates, new deployments, or security incidents). For high-risk environments, quarterly reviews may be necessary.

Scope and Coverage

4. What types of devices are assessed?
The assessment includes:
– Workstations (desktops, laptops)
– Servers (on-premise and cloud-based)
– Mobile devices (smartphones, tablets)
– Network equipment (firewalls, routers, switches)
– Security devices (IDS/IPS, SIEM, VPNs)

5. What applications are included in the assessment?
– Enterprise applications (ERP, CRM, HR systems)
– Cloud-based applications (SaaS, IaaS, PaaS)
– Web applications and APIs
– Databases
– Custom-built software

6. What cloud environments do you assess?
We assess public, private, and hybrid cloud environments, including:
– AWS, Azure, Google Cloud
– SaaS platforms (Microsoft 365, Salesforce, etc.)
– Virtualization platforms and containers (VMware, Docker, Kubernetes)

Assessment Process

7. How is the assessment conducted?
The assessment involves:
– Reviewing system configurations and settings
– Comparing configurations against security benchmarks (e.g., CIS, NIST, ISO 27001)
– Identifying misconfigurations, vulnerabilities, and security gaps
– Providing remediation recommendations

8. Do you perform automated or manual assessments?
A combination of both is used. Automated tools scan for vulnerabilities and misconfigurations, while manual analysis ensures accuracy, evaluates complex settings, and validates findings.

9. Will the assessment impact business operations?
No. The assessment is non-intrusive and performed with minimal disruption. In cases where changes are necessary, they are recommended but not enforced during the assessment.

Security and Compliance

10. What security frameworks and compliance standards are covered?
– CIS Benchmarks
– NIST Cybersecurity Framework
– ISO 27001
– PCI DSS
– HIPAA
– SOC 2
– Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) guidelines

11. Will this help with compliance audits?
Yes. A configuration assessment ensures that security controls are in place, reducing audit findings and non-compliance risks.

Findings and Remediation

12. What happens after the assessment?
You receive a detailed report outlining:
– Identified misconfigurations and risks
– Recommended remediation steps
– Prioritized action plan for improvements

13. Do you help with remediation?
Yes. We provide guidance and support for implementing recommended changes, ensuring a secure configuration.

Cost and Scheduling

14. How much does an MSI configuration assessment cost?
Cost varies based on scope, environment size, and complexity. Contact us for a customized quote.

15. How can I schedule an assessment?
Reach out via email, phone, or our website to discuss your requirements and schedule an assessment.

* AI tools were used as a research assistant for this content.

Securing the Cloud: How MSI’s Cloud Infrastructure and Microsoft 365 Configuration Reviews Reduce Risk and Strengthen Security

Posted on February 12, 2025 by Brent Huston

Cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, alongside Microsoft 365 (M365), have become the backbone of modern business operations. While these tools offer unparalleled scalability and collaboration, they also introduce unique security challenges. Misconfigurations, weak security settings, and overlooked compliance gaps can expose sensitive data, disrupt operations, and attract attackers.

This growing complexity demands more than traditional security approaches. That’s where MSI’s Cloud and M365 Configuration Review Services come in—helping organizations identify vulnerabilities, ensure compliance, and build stronger, more resilient cloud environments.

Section 1: The Cloud Security and M365 Challenge

Common Cloud Misconfigurations

Cloud platforms offer powerful features, but misconfigurations are among the most common and dangerous risks. These missteps are often caused by default settings or poor understanding of cloud security best practices. Common issues include:

Open S3 Buckets: Exposing sensitive data to the public internet.
Overly Permissive IAM Roles: Allowing more access than necessary.
Exposed Databases: Poorly secured database instances with weak authentication.
Misconfigured Virtual Networks: Creating unintentional pathways for attackers.

M365-Specific Risks

Microsoft 365 has become a business staple, but its broad adoption also makes it a high-value target for cyberattacks. Security challenges in M365 environments include:

Weak Security Settings: Particularly in Exchange Online, SharePoint, and OneDrive.
Email Security Gaps: Misconfigured SPF, DKIM, and DMARC policies, leaving organizations vulnerable to phishing and spoofing attacks.
Overlooked Audit Logs: Missing critical insights from Teams, Power Automate, and third-party integrations.

Compliance and Governance Gaps

Cloud services and M365 present significant governance challenges. Many organizations struggle to align with security benchmarks like CIS, NIST, or regulatory requirements such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS. Failure to meet these standards can result in hefty fines and damaging data breaches.

Section 2: MSI’s Value Proposition

Cloud Infrastructure Configuration Review

MSI’s Cloud Configuration Review Service covers AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud environments to detect and remediate security gaps. Key elements include:

Comprehensive Cloud Assessments: Identifying security misconfigurations across compute, storage, and network services.
Database and Storage Security: Ensuring encryption, proper access controls, and minimal exposure.
Virtual Network Configurations: Implementing segmentation, secure routing, and least privilege network policies.

Microsoft 365 Security Review

MSI’s M365 Security Review takes a deep dive into your configurations to strengthen security and compliance. The process includes:

Exchange Online Review: Focus on mailbox permissions, phishing protection, and external email forwarding rules.
OneDrive & SharePoint: Evaluate sharing settings, access policies, and data governance.
Teams Security: Assess external access, retention policies, and file-sharing risks.

Identity and Access Management

Azure Active Directory (AAD) configurations are critical to security posture. MSI’s review ensures that Conditional Access Policies and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) are properly configured to reduce risk.

Data Loss Prevention & Compliance

Our team evaluates Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies, ensuring they align with industry frameworks and protect sensitive data from accidental exposure.

Section 3: Reducing Risk and Ensuring Compliance

Cloud Security Framework Alignment

MSI helps organizations align with cloud security frameworks such as NIST, CIS Benchmarks, and Microsoft Secure Score to maintain a strong security posture.

Regulatory Compliance Made Easier

We tailor our recommendations to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, whether it’s HIPAA, GDPR, or PCI-DSS.

Threat Intelligence Integration

We help you leverage Microsoft’s built-in security tools, including:

Microsoft Defender for Office 365
Azure Security Center
Microsoft Cloud App Security (MCAS)

Section 4: Actionable Recommendations from MSI

Here are some practical steps we recommend during our reviews:

For Cloud Platforms

Secure cloud-native services with robust encryption and key management.
Enforce Role-Based Access Controls (RBAC).
Implement Network Segmentation to isolate sensitive resources.

For Microsoft 365

Harden email flow with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC configurations.
Optimize and continuously monitor your Microsoft Secure Score.
Deploy Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) and Conditional Access Policies for proactive defense.
Establish logging and alerting for suspicious activities in Azure AD.

Zero Trust Architecture

MSI integrates Zero Trust principles across cloud and M365 environments to minimize exposure and enforce strict access controls.

Section 5: The Risk Reduction Impact

Reduced Attack Surface

Configuration reviews significantly reduce your organization’s exposure to attacks by closing common security gaps.

Improved Incident Response Readiness

With proactive monitoring and hardening, your security team can detect and respond to incidents faster, minimizing damage.

Enhanced Operational Efficiency

By avoiding costly security incidents and achieving compliance, organizations can focus on innovation rather than constant firefighting.

Conclusion: Why Choose MSI for Cloud and M365 Security?

MSI’s proven expertise in cloud and Microsoft 365 security helps organizations reduce risk, achieve compliance, and improve operational resilience. With tailored reviews and actionable recommendations, we empower your team to stay secure in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Contact us today to schedule a Cloud & Microsoft 365 Security Configuration Review and take the first step toward a stronger, more secure environment.

* AI tools were used as a research assistant for this content.

Key Factors to Evaluate When Selecting a Cloud Backup Provider

Posted on October 21, 2024 by Brent Huston

The rise of cloud storage solutions presents companies with numerous options for securing their data, but choosing the right backup provider can be a daunting task. The implications of this choice can affect not only data security but also business continuity.

Selecting a cloud backup provider involves more than just comparing prices; it requires a comprehensive evaluation of various factors that align with your organization’s unique needs. Key considerations include security measures, integration capabilities, and the terms outlined in service-level agreements. Understanding these elements can help organizations make informed decisions that ultimately safeguard their critical information against unforeseen events.

This article explores the key factors to evaluate when selecting a cloud backup provider, offering insights into how businesses can secure their data effectively and efficiently. From identifying business needs to assessing provider reputation, we aim to equip you with the knowledge required to make an informed choice that guarantees the safety of your data.

Understanding Your Business Needs

Understanding your business needs is the first step in developing an effective data backup strategy. It’s crucial to identify your specific objectives to ensure the backup strategy aligns with your organizational goals. Start by clearly defining what data will be backed up, how often these backups will occur, and where they will be stored. This clarity helps streamline the backup process and enhances the protection of critical information.

Tailor your backup plan to fit your unique business requirements. A generic approach might leave you vulnerable to data loss and recovery challenges. Additionally, consider establishing data retention periods based on your business needs and regulatory requirements, which will help in achieving compliance and optimizing data management.

Implement strong data security measures, such as encryption, to protect sensitive business information within your cloud backup solution. Security is vital to prevent unauthorized access and potential data breaches. By understanding and addressing your business-specific needs, you lay a solid foundation for a robust backup system.

Security Measures

Selecting a cloud-based backup service requires a keen focus on security measures, as over 60% of businesses have expressed concerns regarding the safety of their data in the cloud. Cloud providers deploy robust security protocols, including encryption, to safeguard against unauthorized access and cyber threats. These measures are crucial, especially since data stored in the cloud can be accessed from virtually any location, thus necessitating stringent security to mitigate risks associated with remote access. A well-configured backup system also ensures compliance with data retention policies, protecting sensitive information and adhering to legal requirements. Integrating cloud backup services into your security strategy is essential for enhancing data protection and preventing potential breaches.

Ensure Support for Unique Credentials Different from Corporate Credentials

To protect your data, ensure that your cloud backup provider supports Single Sign-On (SSO) through the Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML), allowing seamless integration with your company’s identity providers. This approach enhances user access security management, while the compatibility with Open Authorization (OAuth) ensures secure delegated access to applications without sharing user credentials. Adding layers of protection such as Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is crucial during the authentication process. Implementing robust in-app security practices, including intrusion detection, is essential when using unique credentials, following the least privilege principle to minimize unauthorized access risks. Safeguarding internal credentials ensures attackers cannot exploit them to tamper with your backups.

Data Encryption

Data encryption is vital for safeguarding backup data, particularly when stored offsite in cloud backup services. Many cloud solutions encrypt data before storage, providing a protective layer against unauthorized access. Employing strong encryption algorithms, like AES 256 and SSL, ensures robust data security during both transmission and storage. Transparent communication from cloud backup providers regarding their encryption methods and algorithms fosters user trust and understanding of their data’s security. Encryption is not only a security measure but a compliance necessity, especially in regulated industries like healthcare, where standards such as HIPAA require stringent protection of sensitive data.

Compliance with Regulations

Adhering to compliance regulations is imperative for safeguarding sensitive data and avoiding legal consequences from data breaches or violations. Properly configured backup systems support organizations in meeting data retention policies, securely storing data for required durations. Selecting vendors who comply with privacy and security regulations is crucial, particularly in industries with rigorous standards. Compliance efforts help shield data and bolster overall security by implementing measures like data encryption. Integrating robust security protocols, including encrypting data both in transit and at rest, is essential for preventing unauthorized access and maintaining secure backup processes.

Integration Capabilities

Selecting a cloud-based backup service for small businesses requires careful consideration of integration capabilities. A comprehensive approach that consolidates local storage, cloud services, and backup components into a unified all-in-one system is recommended. This approach, which includes bundled software, hardware, and cloud solutions, enhances the reliability of data continuity. Additionally, testing cloud backup services across all platforms—public, private, and on-premises virtual infrastructures—is crucial to ensure they function properly and are adequately supported. Careful configuration of backup software can prevent errors, especially when integrating legacy systems with modern cloud providers. Ensuring seamless communication across middleware tools is essential for effective data protection.

Compatibility with Existing SaaS Applications

Integrating cloud backup services with existing SaaS applications is critical for safeguarding data against unauthorized access and accidental deletion. SaaS applications, such as Microsoft 365 and Salesforce, play vital roles in daily operations, emphasizing the need for advanced third-party tools to enhance data protection. Effective integration facilitates easy access to backup data, enabling seamless recovery processes. Traditional backup solutions often fall short in SaaS environments; thus, modern tools designed for better control and flexibility are necessary. It’s also important to optimize backup strategies for containerized environments to address the unique challenges associated with shifting and scaling workloads within SaaS applications.

Automation and Backup Frequency

Automation is key to successful cloud-based backup strategies. Utilizing automation tools and scripts to schedule regular backups ensures a consistent and reliable data protection strategy. Automating routine backup tasks reduces the risk of human error, common in manual backups. A regular, automated backup schedule helps capture the latest data versions effectively. Moreover, automated processes allow proactive monitoring of backup jobs and performance metrics, enabling prompt issue identification and resolution. Regular testing of backups through automation also verifies their restore capabilities, providing alerts if problems arise, thus maintaining business continuity.

Service-Level Agreement (SLA)

When selecting a cloud-based backup service, it is crucial to assess the service-level agreement (SLA) provided by the cloud backup provider. The SLA outlines the expectations for service reliability and performance, including historical uptime and consistency of access to backups. Data security practices, such as encryption protocols and access controls, should be thoroughly reviewed within the SLA to ensure your data is protected against unauthorized access. Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards in the provider’s SLA is essential to avoid potential legal issues.

Understanding the provider’s backup frequency, retention policies, and recovery options is critical for evaluating their data recovery capabilities. These aspects are typically detailed in the SLA and directly affect business continuity plans. Additionally, scrutinize the customer support options mentioned in the SLA to guarantee that you’ll receive adequate assistance whenever necessary. Reliable customer support is vital for efficient recovery processes in case of a data loss incident.

Uptime Guarantees

Reliable cloud backup providers offer SLAs that guarantee a high percentage of uptime, ensuring your data remains accessible whenever needed. When evaluating cloud backup services, uptime guarantees are vital as they impact business continuity, especially during data recovery processes. High uptime performance levels reduce potential downtime and the risk of revenue loss, highlighting the importance of strong uptime commitments from providers.

Understanding pricing models should encompass the provider’s uptime record, reflecting their overall reliability. By selecting a provider with robust uptime guarantees, businesses can safeguard against data loss incidents, enhancing operational stability and ensuring peace of mind. Solid uptime commitments contribute significantly to improved business resilience and continuity, especially in the face of natural disasters or unexpected disruptions.

Data Deletion Policies

Data deletion policies play a critical role in determining how and when data is removed from backup systems. These policies are essential for complying with regulatory requirements and ensuring sensitive information is not stored longer than necessary. Regular monitoring and updating of data deletion policies are necessary to keep pace with evolving legal requirements and business practices.

Clear definitions of retention periods for backups, influenced by data deletion policies, ensure compliance with both regulatory requirements and business needs. Implementing strict data deletion practices mitigates the risk of data breaches by ensuring obsolete data is not retained in cloud backup systems. Effective data deletion policies not only aid in compliance but also optimize storage utilization, enhancing the efficiency of cloud backup solutions.

Scalability of the Solution

Scalability is a key advantage of cloud backup solutions for small businesses. These services allow businesses to pay only for the storage space they use, making it easy to adjust plans as data needs change. This flexibility is essential for growing businesses, enabling them to seamlessly increase storage capacity without significant infrastructure changes.

A scalable cloud backup solution also eliminates the risk of running out of storage space during critical operations. Businesses can swiftly adapt to seasonal fluctuations in data volume by choosing flexible storage plans, ensuring cost-effective and efficient data protection. Such scalability supports business continuity by aligning data protection strategies with growth and evolving technology demands.

Cloud solutions offer peace of mind by providing a reliable and adjustable backup system that can grow with the business. This adaptability ensures that any increase in data storage requirements is met without disruption, maintaining smooth backup processes and data accessibility at all times.

Cost-Effectiveness

Cloud backup solutions are generally more cost-effective than traditional on-premises systems, primarily due to their lower initial expenses. Unlike the hefty upfront costs of hardware and software for on-premises setups, cloud solutions require only ongoing subscription fees. This makes them particularly appealing to small businesses looking to minimize startup costs while securing their data effectively.

Balancing cost with value is essential when choosing a cloud backup service. Rather than opting for the cheapest option, businesses should prioritize services offering critical data protection features. The affordability of cloud backups can greatly offset potential losses from data breaches, ensuring peace of mind for business continuity.

Analyzing Pricing Structures

Cloud backup providers offer diverse pricing models tailored to different business needs. Options often include tiered packages based on storage capacity, flat rates for unlimited backup, and customized plans. The pricing typically scales with the amount of data stored, meaning businesses with larger data needs may face higher costs.

Advanced features such as continuous backup or extended data retention might incur additional charges. Additionally, some services charge based on the number of devices backed up, influencing overall expenses. It’s vital to consider these factors, ensuring that the selected plan offers valuable features without unnecessary extra costs.

Hidden Costs to Consider

When evaluating cloud backup solutions, it’s important to be aware of potential hidden costs. Although cloud services often appear budget-friendly, factors such as third-party storage targets and infrastructure as a service (IaaS) offerings can add to overall expenses.

Moreover, additional fees for advanced features like continuous backup further impact the budget. The key is to find a balance between necessary features and cost, avoiding pitfalls that might lead to overspending. Planning and understanding long-term costs—including potential increases as storage needs grow—can help businesses manage their budgets effectively in the long run.

Provider Reputation

Track Record of Reliability

When evaluating cloud backup services for your small business, the provider’s reliability is paramount. It’s crucial to research their historical service uptime to ensure consistent data availability. Opting for an established cloud provider with a proven track record can minimize risks of downtime and enhance data protection. Customer reviews often highlight the reliability aspect, thus making them essential in assessing the safety and stability of the service. Prioritize providers known for their consistency and dependable service delivery to foster trust in their cloud backup solutions.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Customer feedback plays a vital role in selecting a cloud backup provider, offering valuable insights into service reliability and efficiency. In the competitive realm of cloud backup solutions, these reviews help identify services that excel in user-friendliness, cost-efficiency, and robust security measures. Testimonials from small business owners underline the resilience of a provider’s infrastructure, particularly its capacity to manage data recovery processes during crises. Regular customer feedback aids providers in refining their services, ensuring they adapt to evolving business needs and cybersecurity challenges. Thus, analyzing customer experiences can significantly influence your choice of a cloud backup service.

Track Record of Reliability

When selecting a cloud-based backup service for your small business, evaluating the provider’s track record of reliability is crucial. A cloud backup provider with a proven history of high service uptime and data security offers peace of mind and enhances business continuity. This reduces the risk of service disruptions and ensures that your data remains safe from unauthorized access and other potential threats.

Opting for established cloud backup companies with a solid track record is preferable over newer startups, which may offer appealing pricing or features but lack proven reliability. This choice significantly enhances the safety of your data and supports effective recovery processes in case of a natural disaster or physical damage. In this context, customer reviews and documented service uptimes should be crucial aspects of your evaluation process. They provide insights into the cloud provider’s consistency and trustworthiness.

Ultimately, a reputable provider’s history offers confidence in their cloud backup solutions, ensuring that your critical business backups are effectively managed. Thoroughly researching and assessing a provider’s background can help solidify your backup plans and safeguard your business’s future.

Customer Support

Selecting a cloud-based backup service for your small business involves ensuring robust customer support. Responsive and knowledgeable technical support from cloud backup providers is essential to achieve peace of mind. When evaluating these services, prioritize understanding their customer service offerings to avoid potential disruptions and swiftly resolve technical issues.

Accessibility of Assistance

Cloud backup services should offer easy access to backups via web browsers or dedicated control panels, ensuring that retrieving your data is straightforward. This accessibility allows businesses to maintain operational flexibility, enabling employees to work remotely without compromising data management. It’s also beneficial to hire an IT support company for managing business data backups, as this ensures professional assistance is readily available whenever needed.

Support Channels Offered

A reliable cloud backup service should provide multiple support channels, such as email, telephone, and online chat, catering to a variety of user preferences. Additionally, these services should ensure compatibility across various operating systems like macOS, Windows, Linux, and Windows Server. Effective backup strategies should include mobile device protection and support for cloud-based applications like Microsoft 365 or Google G Suite. This guarantees that diverse data types, including emails and calendars, are securely backed up and accessible from any location with an internet connection.

Making an Informed Decision

Selecting the right cloud-based backup service for your small business requires careful consideration of key factors. Evaluate the reliability, security, scalability, and pricing of various cloud backup solutions to ensure they meet your specific needs. A robust service should implement strong encryption protocols for data both in transit and at rest, minimizing unauthorized access risks.

Compliance with industry standards such as HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and GDPR is crucial, especially if your business handles sensitive data. Selecting a cloud backup provider that meets these regulations ensures peace of mind and aids in maintaining business continuity. A user-friendly interface and automation features can streamline the backup process, allowing staff with limited technical expertise to manage backups effectively.

Finally, training administrators and users on the backup software’s features and recovery solutions enhances the service’s effectiveness in recovery processes. Understanding the recovery options thoroughly can prove vital in the event of physical damage or a natural disaster. By considering these best practices, your small business can develop a solid backup strategy that ensures data protection and business continuity.

Contact MicroSolved for Assistance or Insights

Contacting MicroSolved (info@microsolved.com or 614.351.1237) can be a strategic decision for businesses seeking expert assistance or insights on cybersecurity and data protection. MicroSolved specializes in security measures that safeguard against unauthorized access and cyber threats, providing peace of mind for small businesses venturing into cloud-based backup solutions. Their expertise can help you navigate the complexities of data protection, ensuring that your cloud backups are secure against natural disasters and other data threats.

With extensive knowledge in backup strategies and recovery processes, MicroSolved can assist in developing comprehensive backup plans tailored to your business needs. They can offer guidance on selecting the best cloud backup provider to fit your specific requirements, ensuring smooth business continuity in the face of physical damage or other disruptions. Whether you’re managing incremental backups or preparing a robust recovery solution, MicroSolved’s insights are invaluable.

Reach out to MicroSolved for tailored advice that addresses regulatory requirements and enhances your backup processes. Their hands-on approach can help demystify the cloud backup landscape, ensuring your business backups are reliable, accessible, and secure. Enlist their support for continuous improvement of your backup systems, leveraging cloud solutions to maintain a seamless operational workflow.

* AI tools were used as a research assistant for this content.

Micro Podcast – Amazon AWS

Posted on September 4, 2018 by Adam Hostetler

In this episode of the MSI podcast, we discuss recent issues involving AWS misconfigurations that led to incidents, common problems, the importance of proper configurations to avoid these issues and how we can help you identify them in your environment.

Listen here

If you would like to know more about MicroSolved or its services please send an e-mail to info@microsolved.com or visit microsolved.com.

Sunshine on a “cloudy” day…

Posted on June 11, 2018 by Lisa Wallace

I recently saw an article targeted at non-profits that was a bit frightening. The statement was that small non-profits, and by extension many businesses, could benefit from the ease of deployment of cloud services. The writers presented AWS, Dropbox, DocuSign, et. al. as a great way to increase your infrastructure with very little staff.

While the writers were not wrong….they were not entirely correct, either. It’s incredibly easy and can be cost effective to use a cloud based infrastructure. However, when things go wrong, they can go REALLY wrong. In February of 2018, Fedex had a misconfigured S3 bucket that exposed a preponderance of customer data. That’s simply the first of many notable breaches that have occurred so far in 2018, and the list grows as you travel back in time. Accenture, Time Warner and Uber are a few of the big names with AWS security issues in 2017.

So, if the big guys who have a staff can’t get it right, what can you do? A few things to consider:

What, specifically, are you deploying to the cloud? A static website carries less business risk than an application that contains or transfers client data.
What are the risks associated with the cloud deployment? Type of data, does it contain PII, etc.? What is the business impact if this data were to be compromised?
Are there any regulatory guidelines for your industry that could affect cloud deployment of data?
Have you done your due diligence on cloud security in general? The Cloud Security Alliance has a lot of good resources available for best practices. Adam from MSI wrote a good article on some of the permissions issues recently, as well.
What resources do you have or can you leverage to make sure that your deployment is secure? If you don’t have internal resources, consider leveraging an external resource like MSI to assist.

Remember – just because you can, doesn’t always mean you should. But cloud infrastructure can be a great resource if you handle it properly.

Questions, comments? I’d love to hear from you. I can be reached at lwallace@microsolved.com, or on Twitter @TheTokenFemale.

Is your website in a “bad” neighborhood?

Posted on March 9, 2018 by James Klun

If, when you wake up in the morning, you look out outside and view something like the image below, you probably understand that you are not in the best of all possible worlds.

So, what “neighborhood” does your website see when it “wakes up”?

It could be just as disquieting.

It is not uncommon for MSI to do an an analysis of the Internet services offered by an organization and find that those services are being delivered from a “shared service” environment.

The nature of those shared services can vary.

VM Hosting:

Often they are simply the services of an virtual machine hosting provider such as Amazon AWS. Sometimes we find the entire computing infrastructure of a customer within such an environment.

The IP addressing is all private – the actual location is all “cloud”.

The provider in this case is running a “hypervisor” on it’s own hardware to host the many virtual machines used by its clients.

Application Hosting:

Another common occurrence is to find third-party “under the covers” core application services being linked to from a customer’s website. An example of such a service is that provided by commercial providers of mortgage loan origination software to much of the mortgage industry.

For example, see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellie_Mae

A quick google of “site:mortgage-application.net” will give you an idea of the extent to which the service is used by mortgage companies. The landing sites are branded to the customer, but they are all using common shared infrastructure and applications.

Web Site hosting:

Most often the shared service is simply that provided by a website hosting company. Typically many unique websites are hosted by such companies. Although each website will have a unique name (e.g. mywebsite.com) the underlying infrastructure is common. Often many websites will share a common IP address.

It is in this particular “shared service” space we most often see potential issues.

Often it’s simply a reputation concern. For instance:

host www.iwantporn.net
www.iwantporn.net is an alias for iwantporn.net.
iwantporn.net has address 143.95.152.29

These are some of the sites that are (or have recently been) on that same IP address according to Microsoft’s Bing search engine:

My guess I some of the website owners would be uncomfortable knowing they are being hosted via the same IP address and same infrastructure as is www.iwantporn.com.

They might also be concerned about this:

https://www.virustotal.com/#/ip-address/143.95.152.29

Virustotal is reporting that a known malicious program was seen communicating with a listening service running on some site with the IP address 143.95.152.29 .

The implication is that some site hosted at 143.95.152.29 had in the past been compromised and was being used for communications in what may have been a ransomware attack.

The IP address associated with such a compromised system can ultimately be blacklisted as a known suspicious site,

All websites hosted on the IP address can be affected.

Website traffic and the delivery of emails can all be affected as a result of the misfortune to share an IP address with a suspect site.

“Backplaning”

When such a compromise of the information space used by a client in a shared service occurs, all other users of that service can be at risk. Although the initial compromise may simply be the result of misuse of the website owner’s credentials (e.g. stolen login/password), the hosting provider needs to ensure that such a compromise of one site does not allow the attacker to compromise other websites hosted in the same environment – an attack pattern sometimes referred to as backplaning.

The term comes from electronics and refers to a common piece of electronics circuity (e.g a motherboard, an IO bus, etc. ) that separate “plugin” components use to access shared infrastructure.

See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backplane

Example:

The idea is that a compromised environment becomes the doorway into the “backplane” of underlying shared services. (e.g. possibly shared database infrastructure).

If the provider has not taken adequate precautions such an attack can affect all hosted websites using the shared service.

Such things really can happen.

In 2015 a vulnerability in commonly used hypervisor software was announced. See: http://venom.crowdstrike.com/

An attacker who had already gained administrative rights on a hosted virtual machine could directly attack the hypervisor and – by extension – all other virtual machines hosted in the same environment. Maybe yours?

What to do?

Be aware of your hosted environment’s neighborhood. Use the techniques described above to find out who else is being hosted by your provider. If the neighborhood looks bad, consider a dedicated IP address to help isolate you from the poor administrative practices of other hosted sites.

Contact your vendor to and find out what steps they have in place to protect you from “backplane” attacks and what contractual protections you have if such an attack occurs.

Questions? info@microsolved.com

State Of Security Podcast Episode 13 Is Out

Posted on June 6, 2017 by Brent Huston

Hey there! I hope your week is off to a great start.

Here is Episode 13 of the State of Security Podcast. This new “tidbit” format comes in under 35 minutes and features some pointers on unusual security questions you should be asking cloud service providers.

I also provide a spring update about my research, where it is going and what I have been up to over the winter.

Check it out and let me know what you think via Twitter.

Involved in M&A Activity? MSI has a full M&A Practice

Posted on May 21, 2015 by Brent Huston

MSI’s specialized offerings around Mergers & Acquisitions are designed to augment other business practices that are common in this phase of business. In addition to general security consulting and intelligence about a company from a “hacker’s eye view”, we also offer deeply integrated, methodology-driven processes around:

Pre-negotiation intelligence

This offering is designed to help the purchasing organization do recon on their prospect for purchase. Leveraging techniques like passive assessment, restricted individual tracing, supply chain analysis, key stakeholder profiling and history of compromise research, the potential purchasing company can get deep insights into the security posture and intellectual property integrity of the company they are considering for acquisition. All of this can be done passively and prior to a purchasing approach or offer. Insights from this service can be a useful tool in assessing approach and potential valuation.

Pre-integration assessments

Once the ink on the paperwork is dry, the organizations have to learn to live and work together. One of the most critical links, is the joining of the two IT infrastructures. In this service, our experts can perform assessments to analyze the new company’s security posture against the baseline standards of the purchasing organization. A gap analysis and road map for compliance can be provided, and if desired, MSI can serve as oversight for ensuring that the mitigations are completed as a condition for network interconnection and integration. Our team has performed these services across a variety of M&A completions, including multi-national and global Fortune 500 organizations.

Post-purchase threat intelligence

MSI can also create mechanisms post-purchase to identify and respond to potential threats from inside the newly acquired organization. Our counter-intelligence and operational security techniques can help organizations identify potential internal bad actors or disgruntled new employees that could be seeking to damage the acquirer. We have created these solutions across a myriad of verticals and are quite capable of working in international and other highly complex environments.

To learn more about these specific offerings, click on the links above. To discuss these offerings in more detail, please contact your account executive for a free consultation.

Plus, we also just added some new capabilities for asset discovery, network mapping and traffic baselining. Check this out for some amazing new ways we can help you!