CyberSecure Canada:
CyberSecure Canada Framework
Develop an Incident Response Plan
Develop an Incident Response Plan
Create a plan to identify, manage, and recover from cybersecurity incidents. This includes defining roles, communication strategies, and recovery procedures.
- Purpose and Scope: Define the purpose of the incident response plan, which is to ensure the organization can effectively manage and mitigate the impact of cybersecurity incidents. The scope should include all systems, networks, and data, as well as the stakeholders involved
- Incident Response Team (IRT): Establish a dedicated team responsible for managing incidents. This team should include members with various skills, such as IT, legal, communications, and management. Clearly define roles and responsibilities within the team
- Incident Types and Severity Levels: Identify the types of incidents that could affect the organization (e.g., malware, data breaches, denial-of-service attacks) and classify them by severity. This helps prioritize response efforts based on the potential impact
- Detection and Reporting: Implement processes for detecting and reporting incidents. This includes monitoring systems for unusual activity, maintaining logs, and establishing a clear procedure for employees to report suspected incidents
- Incident Handling Procedures: Develop detailed procedures for handling incidents, including steps for containment, eradication, and recovery. This ensures a structured and efficient response to minimize damage and restore normal operations
- Communication Plan: Create a communication plan that outlines how information about the incident will be communicated internally and externally. This includes notifying affected parties, stakeholders, and possibly law enforcement or regulatory bodies
- Documentation and Evidence Preservation: Ensure that all actions taken during an incident are documented. Preserve evidence for potential legal or forensic analysis. This documentation helps in understanding the incident and improving future responses
- Testing and Updating: Regularly test the incident response plan through drills and simulations to ensure its effectiveness. Update the plan based on lessons learned from tests and actual incidents to keep it current and relevant
- Post-Incident Review: Conduct a thorough review after an incident to evaluate the response and identify areas for improvement. This includes analyzing what went well, what didn't, and how the incident response plan can be enhanced
Automatically Patch Operating Systems and Applications
Automatically Patch Operating Systems and Applications
Ensure that all software and operating systems are regularly updated and patched to protect against known vulnerabilities.
- Automatic Updates: Enable automatic updates for all software and hardware whenever possible. This ensures that your systems are always protected against the latest known vulnerabilities without requiring manual intervention
- Manual Updates: For systems that do not support automatic updates, establish a regular schedule for manual updates. This includes checking for updates, applying patches, and documenting the process to ensure consistency and accountability
- Unsupported Software and Hardware: Replace any software or hardware that no longer receives security updates from the vendor. If replacement is not feasible, implement additional security measures to isolate and protect these systems from potential threats
- Testing Patches: Before deploying patches, especially in critical systems, test them in a controlled environment to ensure they do not cause unexpected issues or disruptions. This helps prevent downtime and ensures the stability of your systems
- Vulnerability and Patch Management: Consider implementing a comprehensive vulnerability and patch management solution. This approach helps track and manage vulnerabilities, prioritize patches based on risk, and ensure timely application of updates
- Documentation and Policy: Develop and maintain a policy that outlines the procedures for patching operating systems and applications. This policy should include roles and responsibilities, update schedules, and steps for handling exceptions
Securely Configure Devices
Securely Configure Devices
Customize device settings to enhance security, disable unnecessary features, and enforce strong security policies.
- Default Settings: Devices should not use default settings, as these are often well-known and can be easily exploited by attackers. Instead, configurations should be customized to the specific needs and security requirements of the organization
- Least Privilege Principle: Only necessary services and applications should be enabled on devices. This reduces the attack surface by limiting the number of potential entry points for attackers
- Regular Updates and Patching: Devices should be regularly updated and patched to protect against known vulnerabilities. This includes both operating systems and applications
- Secure Configurations: Devices should be configured to enforce strong security policies, such as password complexity requirements, account lockout policies, and encryption
- Monitoring and Logging: Implementing monitoring and logging on devices helps in detecting and responding to security incidents more effectively
Enable Security Software
Enable Security Software
Install and maintain security software such as antivirus, anti-malware, and firewalls to protect against threats.
- Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware Software: Install and maintain anti-virus and anti-malware software on all devices. These tools help detect, prevent, and remove malicious software such as viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, and spyware
- Automatic Updates: Configure security software to automatically update itself. This ensures that the software has the latest virus definitions and protection mechanisms to defend against new and emerging threats
- Regular Scans: Schedule regular scans of all systems and devices to identify and remove any malware that may have bypassed initial defenses. This includes both quick scans for immediate threats and full system scans for thorough checks
- Software Firewalls: Enable and configure software firewalls on all devices. Firewalls help block unauthorized access to your network and systems, providing an additional layer of defense against cyber attacks
- Secure Configuration: Ensure that all security software is securely configured according to best practices. This includes setting appropriate security levels, enabling real-time protection, and configuring alerts for suspicious activities
- Monitoring and Alerts: Implement monitoring and alerting mechanisms to quickly identify and respond to security incidents. This helps in promptly addressing any detected threats and minimizing potential damage
Use Strong User Authentication
Use Strong User Authentication
Implement multi-factor authentication and strong password policies to verify user identities and prevent unauthorized access
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This involves using two or more verification methods to authenticate a user. Common factors include something you know (password), something you have (security token), and something you are (biometric verification like fingerprints or facial recognition)
- Password Policies: Implementing strong password policies is crucial. This includes requiring complex passwords, changing default passwords, and avoiding password reuse across different accounts
- Password Management: Using password managers to securely store and manage passwords can help ensure that passwords are strong and unique. It also reduces the risk of passwords being forgotten or written down insecurely
- Regular Updates and Reviews: Regularly updating and reviewing authentication methods and policies helps ensure they remain effective against evolving threats. This includes updating passwords periodically and reviewing access permissions
- User Training and Awareness: Educating users about the importance of strong authentication practices and how to implement them can significantly enhance security. This includes training on recognizing phishing attempts and other social engineering attacks that could compromise authentication
Provide Employee Awareness Training
Provide Employee Awareness Training
Educate employees about cybersecurity best practices, phishing, and social engineering to reduce human error and enhance security awareness
- Training Policies: Establish clear policies outlining the mandatory and role-specific training requirements for employees. This includes the frequency of training sessions and the topics covered
- Training Records: Maintain detailed records of employee training, including the type of training, the date it was completed, and any follow-up actions required. This helps ensure that all employees are up-to-date with their cybersecurity knowledge
- Training Content: Develop comprehensive training materials that cover essential cybersecurity topics such as creating strong passwords, recognizing phishing emails, safe internet usage, and the importance of using approved software
- Interactive Sessions: Conduct interactive training sessions that engage employees through activities, discussions, and real-life scenarios. This helps reinforce learning and makes the training more effective
- Regular Updates: Update training materials regularly to reflect the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices. This ensures that employees are always informed about current risks and how to mitigate them
- Role-Specific Training: Provide specialized training for employees based on their roles within the organization. For example, IT staff might receive more in-depth training on technical security measures, while general staff focus on recognizing social engineering attacks
- Ongoing Awareness: Implement ongoing awareness programs to keep cybersecurity top-of-mind for employees. This can include regular newsletters, reminders, and additional training sessions as needed
Back Up and Encrypt Data
Back Up and Encrypt Data
Regularly back up important data and use encryption to protect data both in transit and at rest
- Regular Backups: Ensure that all essential business information is backed up regularly. This includes data from servers, workstations, and mobile devices. Regular backups help protect against data loss due to hardware failures, cyber attacks, or other incidents
- Offsite and Offline Backups: Store backups in multiple locations, including offsite and offline. Offsite backups protect against physical disasters like fires or floods, while offline backups (disconnected from the network) protect against ransomware and other cyber threats
- Encryption: Encrypt all backups to protect the data from unauthorized access. This includes both data in transit (as it is being transferred to the backup location) and data at rest (stored backups). Encryption ensures that even if the backup media is lost or stolen, the data remains secure
- Access Controls: Restrict access to backups to only those individuals who are responsible for backup, testing, and restoration activities. This minimizes the risk of unauthorized access or tampering with backup data
- Testing and Verification: Regularly test and verify backups to ensure they can be successfully restored. This includes performing test restores to verify the integrity and completeness of the backup data
- Documentation and Policy: Develop and maintain a backup policy that outlines the procedures for backing up and encrypting data. This policy should include details on backup frequency, storage locations, encryption methods, and roles and responsibilities
Secure Mobility
Secure Mobility
Implement security measures for mobile devices, such as encryption, remote wipe capabilities, and secure access controls
- Device Encryption: Ensure that all mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, are encrypted. This protects data stored on the device from unauthorized access in case the device is lost or stolen
- Remote Wipe Capabilities: Implement remote wipe capabilities to allow the organization to erase data from a mobile device if it is lost or stolen. This helps prevent sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands
- Secure Access Controls: Use strong authentication methods, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), to verify the identity of users accessing organizational resources from mobile devices. This ensures that only authorized users can access sensitive data
- Mobile Device Management (MDM): Deploy an MDM solution to manage and secure mobile devices. MDM allows organizations to enforce security policies, monitor device usage, and remotely manage devices
- Regular Updates and Patching: Ensure that mobile devices are regularly updated and patched to protect against known vulnerabilities. This includes both the operating system and installed applications
- Secure Network Connections: Use virtual private networks (VPNs) to secure connections when accessing organizational resources from remote locations. VPNs encrypt data in transit, protecting it from interception and eavesdropping
- User Training and Awareness: Educate users on the importance of mobile security and best practices, such as avoiding public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions, recognizing phishing attempts, and reporting lost or stolen devices immediately
Establish Basic Perimeter Defenses
Establish Basic Perimeter Defenses
Use firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other perimeter defenses to protect the network from external threats
- Firewalls: Install dedicated firewalls at the boundary between your corporate network and the internet. Firewalls monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules, helping to block unauthorized access
- DNS Firewalls: Implement Domain Name System (DNS) firewalls to prevent users and devices from connecting to known malicious websites. DNS firewalls use threat intelligence to block access to harmful domains, enhancing network security
- Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Use secure VPNs with two-factor authentication for all remote access to the corporate network. VPNs encrypt data transmitted over the internet, protecting it from interception and eavesdropping
- Secure Wi-Fi: Ensure that your internal Wi-Fi networks are secure by using strong encryption protocols like WPA2 or WPA3. Avoid connecting publicly accessible Wi-Fi networks to your corporate network to prevent unauthorized access
- Network Segmentation: Segment your network to isolate critical systems, such as point-of-sale terminals and financial systems, from the internet and other parts of the corporate network. This limits the potential impact of a security breach
- Email Security: Implement email security measures such as Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC) to detect and prevent email spoofing and phishing attacks. DMARC helps ensure that emails are properly authenticated before reaching your inbox
Secure Cloud and Outsourced IT Services
Secure Cloud and Outsourced IT Services
Ensure that cloud services and outsourced IT providers follow strong security practices and comply with your organization's security policies
- Vendor Assessment: Conduct thorough assessments of cloud service providers and outsourced IT vendors before engaging their services. This includes evaluating their security policies, compliance with industry standards, and past security incidents
- Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Establish clear SLAs that define security requirements and responsibilities. Ensure that these agreements include provisions for data protection, incident response, and regular security audits
- Data Encryption: Ensure that data stored and processed by cloud services and outsourced IT providers is encrypted both in transit and at rest. This protects sensitive information from unauthorized access
- Access Controls: Implement strong access controls to restrict who can access data and services provided by cloud and outsourced IT vendors. This includes using multi-factor authentication and role-based access controls
- Regular Audits and Monitoring: Conduct regular security audits and continuous monitoring of cloud services and outsourced IT providers to ensure compliance with security policies and SLAs. This helps identify and address potential security issues promptly
- Incident Response: Ensure that cloud service providers and outsourced IT vendors have robust incident response plans in place. This includes clear communication channels and procedures for reporting and managing security incidents
- Data Backup and Recovery: Verify that cloud services and outsourced IT providers have reliable data backup and recovery processes. This ensures that data can be restored in case of a security incident or data loss
Secure Websites
Secure Websites
Implement security measures for websites, such as HTTPS, secure coding practices, and regular vulnerability assessments
- HTTPS Encryption: Ensure that your website uses HTTPS to encrypt data transmitted between the user's browser and your web server. This protects sensitive information, such as login credentials and personal data, from being intercepted by attackers
- Secure Coding Practices: Follow secure coding practices to prevent common vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and cross-site request forgery (CSRF). This includes input validation, output encoding, and proper error handling
- Regular Vulnerability Assessments: Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and address security weaknesses in your website. This helps ensure that any potential vulnerabilities are discovered and mitigated before they can be exploited
- Web Application Firewalls (WAFs): Implement a web application firewall to protect your website from malicious traffic and attacks. WAFs can help block common attack patterns and provide an additional layer of security
- Security Headers: Use security headers such as Content Security Policy (CSP), HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS), and X-Content-Type-Options to enhance the security of your website. These headers help protect against various types of attacks and enforce secure communication
- Regular Updates and Patching: Keep all web server software, content management systems (CMS), and plugins up to date with the latest security patches. This helps protect your website from known vulnerabilities
- Access Controls: Implement strong access controls to restrict who can modify your website's content and configuration. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access controls to ensure that only authorized users have access
Implement Access Control and Authorization
Implement Access Control and Authorization
Use role-based access control and the principle of least privilege to ensure that users only have access to the resources they need
- User Authentication: This involves verifying the identity of users before granting access. Common methods include passwords, biometrics, and multi-factor authentication
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Access rights are assigned based on the user's role within the organization. This ensures that users only have access to the information and systems necessary for their job functions
- Least Privilege Principle: Users are given the minimum level of access—or permissions—needed to perform their tasks. This reduces the risk of accidental or intentional misuse of resources
- Access Reviews and Audits: Regular reviews and audits of access permissions help ensure that access rights are up-to-date and appropriate. This includes removing access for users who no longer need it, such as former employees
- Segregation of Duties: Critical tasks are divided among multiple users to prevent fraud and errors. For example, the person who approves a financial transaction should not be the same person who processes it
- Logging and Monitoring: Keeping detailed logs of access and authorization activities helps in detecting and responding to unauthorized access attempts
Secure Portable Media
Secure Portable Media
Protect portable media, such as USB drives and external hard drives, with encryption and secure handling procedures to prevent data loss and unauthorized access
- Encryption: Encrypt all data stored on portable media to protect it from unauthorized access. This ensures that even if the device is lost or stolen, the data remains secure and unreadable without the encryption key
- Access Controls: Implement strong access controls for portable media. This includes using passwords or biometric authentication to access the data stored on these devices
- Issuance and Tracking: Establish a process for issuing portable media to employees and keep track of all devices. This helps ensure accountability and allows for quick action if a device is lost or stolen
- Usage Policies: Develop and enforce policies regarding the use of portable media. This includes specifying what types of data can be stored on these devices, how they should be used, and prohibiting the use of personal devices for storing organizational data
- Disposal and Sanitization: Implement procedures for the secure disposal and sanitization of portable media. This includes securely erasing data before disposal or physically destroying the device to prevent data recovery
- Training and Awareness: Educate employees on the risks associated with portable media and the importance of following security policies. Training should cover proper usage, handling, and disposal of portable media
