The Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (Official site of the State of New Jersey) states the following, verbatim:
“It is vital for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to stay updated on current cyber threats. If targeted, these businesses could have valuable data exposed, funds lost, and operations impacted. Small and medium-sized businesses often have smaller profit margins and fewer resources to devote to Cyprus, leading to significant impacts from cyberattacks.”
Such is the threat level facing small businesses across New Jersey, including Ridgewood, that 24/7 vigilance is required. Among others, SMBs (small and medium-sized enterprises) are strongly advised to maintain the security of all physical devices approved for professional use. Software and hardware should be updated with the latest versions to ensure that loopholes are closed, threat vectors are eliminated, and the latest security protocols are in place.
Other essential cyber hygiene practices to follow include running trusted software on endpoints and maintaining remote wipe capabilities for all organization-approved bring-your-own-device (BYOD) hardware in the unfortunate event that they are stolen, misplaced, or fall into the wrong hands. The official New Jersey Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Cell strongly recommends securing all online connections with VPN-encrypted logins.
Additionally, government mandates recommend that staff actively stay up to date of the latest cyber threats with ongoing training and identification of likely social engineering schemes. Multifactor authentication protocols (MFA) and password-protected material (meeting with NIST standards) are sacrosanct. As it stands, the following cybersecurity threats abound:
- Business Email Compromise – These scams are known as email account compromises. It’s a common scam targeting SMEs where threat actors transmit fake emails from compromised email accounts to impersonate legitimate companies. Multifactor authentication, file protection, and secure username/password logins are recommended.
- Email Phishing Scams – The most common social engineering methodology targeting SMEs.
- Ransomware – A massive threat to small and medium-sized enterprises across New Jersey. This practice results in encrypted data being inaccessible to the rightful owners. As the eponymous namesake suggests, the hackers request ransom to release the data.
- Malware attacks – Malware is malicious adware and software that authorizes bad actors to access sensitive material. Malware includes Trojans, viruses, files, images, code, patches, updates, and other nefarious content.
Safely Implementing GenAI in Application Security: A Practical Guide
Integrating generative AI (GenAI) in application security represents a powerful opportunity to enhance security processes, particularly in application security testing. However, successful implementation requires a deliberate approach to mitigate risks while maximizing benefits.
- Step 1: Define Testing Goals
Gen AI’s strength lies in augmenting security testing processes. Clearly define what you aim to achieve, whether improving Static Application Security Testing (SAST) to catch vulnerabilities in source code, enhancing Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) for runtime issues, or fortifying Software Composition Analysis (SCA) for open-source dependencies. - Step 2: Secure Data Usage in AI-Driven Testing
Gen AI relies on analyzing large datasets. Ensure that sensitive application data used in security testing is anonymized or encrypted. This precaution protects intellectual property and minimizes risk while testing your applications with AI-enhanced tools. - Step 3: Integrate Multi-Engine Testing
Pair traditional application security tools with AI-powered systems. GenAI can streamline repetitive tasks, such as identifying common vulnerabilities, while human oversight ensures that complex or novel issues are adequately assessed. - Step 4: Continuously Monitor AI-Generated Outputs
As GenAI is applied to security testing, outputs must be regularly reviewed for accuracy. This is particularly important in identifying false positives during SAST or DAST processes, which can hinder remediation efforts if unchecked. - Step 5: Optimize Developer Adoption of GenAI Tools
Train developers to leverage GenAI within workflows. Tools such as AI-assisted SCA platforms can improve efficiency in identifying and managing risks in third-party components. - Step 6: Conduct Pilot Tests in Controlled Environments
Begin with smaller applications to evaluate the effectiveness of AI-driven testing. Pilot programs for SAST or DAST tools allow you to refine strategies before deploying them at scale. - Step 7: Align AI-Driven Testing with Compliance Standards
Ensure that the AI implementation in testing adheres to industry regulations and organizational security policies. For example, NIST compliance in password protection and encryption should extend to any tools augmented by AI.
By anchoring GenAI to established application security testing methods, businesses can confidently adopt innovative tools that enhance their security postures while preserving the integrity of their workflows. These types of security protocols really work and they can safeguard SMEs against the nefarious advances of cybercriminals.
*Source Data: https://www.cyber.nj.gov/guidance-and-best-practices/cyber-hygiene/cybersecurity-for-small-medium-sized-businesses