Cybersecurity Solutions Every Organization Needs

There’s no such thing as “business as usual” in cybersecurity. The pace of progress and innovation by both cybersecurity defenders and those perpetrating threats is relentless. Cybercrime is big business, predicted to cost the world upwards of $9.5 trillion in 2024, according to Cybersecurity Ventures and Cybercrime Magazine. As organizations review, revise, and evolve their security strategies to try to keep pace with never-ending change, this post explores five types of crucial cybersecurity solutions every organization should consider for a more robust defense.

Identity and Access Management Tools

Identity and access management (IAM) tools include cybersecurity solutions that manage and control user identities and access to various systems or resources within an organization. Each user’s activity can be tracked based on time spent, data extracted, or other activity within databases and network infrastructure.

In its breakdown of the best IAM tools available today, product review platform G2 gives scores of 4.5 stars (out of 5) or higher to more than two dozen solutions. Many offer no-cost trials, with some—including Microsoft’s Entra ID, FusionAuth, and Descope—featuring free entry-level access, making IAM tools widely accessible to organizations of all sizes and budgets. Low-cost option Okta Workforce (entry-level price of $2 per user per month) and the more-expensive Salesforce and Frontegg rank as G2’s easiest-to-use IAM software.

Ensuring only authorized individuals have access to specific data or applications, the key components and functions of IAM cybersecurity solutions include: 

• User Authentication
  Multi-factor authentication (MFA) enhances security by requiring users to provide at least two passwords or other forms of identification to access internal systems. After entering an initial, traditional username and password, common examples of second MFA authentication factors include one-time passcodes (OTCs) sent via text message or email. MFA helps prevent brute-force, password-guessing cyberattacks seeking login credentials for remote desktop protocol (RDP) access, which is one of the most common ways for ransomware to reach company networks and devices.Many software-as-a-service (SaaS) products include MFA capabilities to help secure sensitive information, but the responsibility falls on organization leadership to make using MFA a mandatory company policy for any instances in which private systems or data are accessed. Mandating MFA usage is a relatively simple and effective way to halt unauthorized system access if primary login credentials are compromised.Single sign-on (SSO) authentication offers convenience by enabling users to log in once and access multiple applications without the need to re-enter credentials for each one. SSO software improves security while enhancing the end-user’s login experience, and can reduce or largely eliminate time-consuming manual password resets for users and administrators alike.
• Access Control
  Access to certain networks, proprietary data, and other sensitive information can be assigned and granted based on specific attributes and characteristics of users, such as their job titles or departments. Personalized permissions can also be individually customized through role-based access controls, further streamlining access management. Access management also includes facilitating the process of creating, modifying, or disabling user accounts based on changes in roles or responsibilities.
• Auditing and Compliance
  IAM tools allow administrators to monitor and track user activities, ensuring compliance with security policies and reducing the likelihood of insider threats. Automatically generated reports aid auditing efforts to track access, activity, and changes over time. Applying IAM auditing and monitoring helps organizations enhance security, performance, and compliance by identifying and addressing IAM risks or potential gaps. While the best choice of IAM auditing and monitoring platforms will depend on an organization’s unique requirements, complexities, and budget, popular options not previously mentioned include IBM Security Identity Manager, SailPoint IdentityIQ, and RSA Identity Governance and Lifecycle.

IT Security Solutions

IT security solutions encompass a wide range of technologies and tools designed to protect organizations’ critical information technology systems and networks from various cyber threats. A comprehensive IT security strategy often involves multiple solutions creating layered defenses.

• Firewalls control and monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules, protecting against malicious activity and cyberattacks. Hardware- and software-based firewalls are widely commercially available and may come preconfigured. Be sure to make any necessary changes to their default configuration, as many are not restrictive enough out of the box. 
• Antivirus Software detects, prevents, and removes malware, including viruses, worms, and other types of malicious software that can compromise system integrity. All antivirus software typically performs the same types of functions. As long as you keep it updated, any antivirus software will protect your systems and devices more than no antivirus software.

Data Security Solutions

Data security solutions are designed to protect sensitive and valuable data from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Data loss prevention (DLP) solutions aim to safeguard data throughout its lifecycle, from creation and storage to processing and transmission, maintaining confidentiality and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Every organization that deals with sensitive data should make securing that data a central business practice and top priority. A theft or loss of private information due to a data breach, cyberattack, or failing security infrastructure can cause devastating damage to an organization, its partners, or customers. Some level of data protection is frequently built into other IAM and IT cybersecurity products, but specialized solutions focused on database security, data privacy, and loss prevention can help organizations secure troves of digital information.

Solutions Review has compiled an updated list featuring 23 of the best data security platforms that organizations should consider. By implementing elements of data security, organizations can establish a better defense against breaches and unauthorized activity.

• Encryption converts data into secure and unreadable formats using advanced algorithms. Even if unauthorized access does occur, encryption ensures it remains secure, as only authorized parties with the appropriate encryption key can decipher and access the original data.
• Database Security involves implementing security measures specifically designed for both physical locations and digital databases. From access controls to detailed monitoring and more, these tools ensure the integrity of data when stored in its home database environment.
• Tokenization replaces sensitive data with a unique identifier (or “token”) that retains the format and length of the actual original data, which is kept safe and stored in a secure location. Data masking and anonymization are similar solutions that replace or modify sensitive information in non-production environments, protecting confidentiality while maintaining data realism for testing or development. 
• Secure File Transfer Protocols safeguard and encrypt data while it’s in transit, reducing the risk of interception and unauthorized access. 
• Comprehensive Backup and Recovery Plans keep data regularly copied, backed up, and stored in a separate and secure location. In the event of data loss due to a breach, ransomware attack, hardware failure, or accidental deletion, plans and processes involving off-site backups ensure an efficient recovery with minimal downtime.

Web Security Solutions

Organizations’ web security solutions are designed to protect users, networks, online applications, and websites from various online threats and vulnerabilities. Clicking a corrupted link from a phishing attempt or other negligent or accidental employee browsing can invite cyber threats into organizations’ networks and lead to widespread data loss, downtime, or worse.

From bot and fraud detection to DDoS protection, securing web gateways, browser isolation, dark web monitoring, and more, web security solutions protect organizations from various internet-based threats.

G2’s guide to the best web security software includes multiple highly-rated recommendations across each category. Common web security tools can ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of online-based resources across increasingly connected workflows and industries.

• Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) secure communications over the internet by encrypting data and providing a secure tunnel for remote access or connecting geographically dispersed networks.
• Web Application Firewalls (WAF) protect online applications from common threats, such as SQL injection attacks, cross-site scripting, data breaches, and other methods of manipulating web app content.
• Web and URL Filtering blocks access to certain websites based on an organization’s predefined policies, preventing users from accessing malicious, inappropriate, or potentially harmful content from malware and other means.
• Secure Socket Layer/Transport Layer Security (SSL/TLS) ensures secure communication between users’ browsers and web servers by encrypting data during transit. Online payment systems and transactions are frequent targets for cybercriminals trying to gain access to larger networks, databases, and stashes of personal or payment data, but SSL/TLS cybersecurity solutions protect against eavesdropping, “man-in-the-middle” attacks, and data interception.

Unified Threat Management

Unified Threat Management (UTM) tools and resources encompass a comprehensive set of security features, all integrated into a single platform, providing organizations with a proactively holistic, centralized, and streamlined approach to their cybersecurity. Among eSecurity Planet’s best-reviewed UTM solutions, SonicWall’s TZ Series earned best-overall status, WatchGuard Firebox was named the best value, and Sophos XGS’s ease of use topped the list for small and medium-size businesses (SMBs) looking to scale.

The cybersecurity solutions combined through UTM products are typically stronger than traditional resources would be individually. UTM solutions defend against a wide range of cyber threats, often incorporating:

• Firewalls
• VPNs
• Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software
• Intrusion Prevention and Detection Systems
• Web Filtering
• IAM Tools
• Centralized Management with Ongoing Monitoring, Reporting, and Scalability

Find Cybersecurity Experts in RAMPxchange Marketplace

Every second in cybersecurity represents an opportunity for unforeseen threats to strike or plan their next move. Keeping up is a never-ending challenge, but your organization doesn’t have to do it alone. The cybersecurity experts and service providers in the RAMPxchange marketplace can help organizations like yours equip themselves with the appropriate tools, at the right scale, and with the proper support that ensures a strong security culture. Contact a RAMPxchange consultant today to join and learn more.