The Importance of Inventory & Control of Software Assets to EMCs

In our last post, we covered Control One, Inventory & Control of Enterprise Assets. In this post, we are covering Control Two, The Importance of Inventory & Control of Software Assets. Besides clicking on a link in an email thereby inviting threat actors into your environment, what is another way to gain access to the data behind the firewalls? Unpatched software! Given today's cybersecurity climate, it is imperative for EMCs (and all organizations) to stay on top of updates, patches, and to perform regular vulnerability scans to test for known problems. When we turn on a computer or other network device, we expect it to power up and perform as it was designed. We want our lives without the worry of losing hundreds of thousands of dollars, maybe even millions, after finding out our entire network has been taken hostage and held for ransom! But that is what is happening…

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Critical Path Security sponsors Ryan Vargas in Daytona! Race Giveaway!

We couldn't be more excited to sponsor Ryan Vargas in Daytona, but we aren't going to stop there! We're going to take a lucky winner with us! In a MASSIVE step with their commitment to myself & my 2023 plans, @CriticalPathSec will ALSO be joining us at @DAYTONA for the @NASCAR_Xfinity series opener! Beyond thankful for their commitment to myself & what we're building! While at the race, the winners will: Hang out with Ryan Vargas, the folks from Critical Path Security, Léargas Security, and CHK Racing! Get free merchandise like hats, hero cards & team gear! Personal Meet & Greet Hang out by the pit box/on pit road during the race! Lots of cool stuff! How to enter: Follow all three accounts on Twitter- Léargas Security, Critical Path Security, and CHK Racing TAG two friends RETWEET this tweet ‼️VIP PASS GIVEAWAY‼️ My friends at Critical Path Security & I…

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Cyber Insurance: No Detection and Response? No coverage.

Cybersecurity insurance has become an increasingly important consideration for businesses in today's digital age. With data breaches and cyber-attacks becoming more frequent and sophisticated, companies need to ensure that they have adequate protection in place. This new reality has cybersecurity insurance providers reevaluating the market and their position in providing coverage, which means coverage is not being renewed or premiums are increasing. Cyber insurance premiums increased by an average of 28% in the first quarter of 2022 compared with the fourth quarter of 2021 (CNBC). Insurance companies are not afraid to say no to new coverage requests or renewals if an organization's defenses are lacking or data recovery plans are inadequate. Cyber Insurance companies are now circulating screening documents and checklists to help determine the overall risk that covering an organization poses. Part of that questionnaire requires detection and response capabilities. While cyber insurance can provide valuable protection and support…

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The Importance of Inventory & Control of Enterprise Assets to EMCs

Watch the news lately? We are seeing random attacks on Electric Membership Cooperatives (EMCs) substations, their property, and equipment storage facilities and more. Following the Critical Security Controls best practices helps EMCs discover why it is important to have a plan to protect their assets and increase the overall security posture. Inventory and control of enterprise assets is important for several reasons. First, EMCs need to actively manage all their assets, including power generation and distribution equipment, vehicles, buildings, and other property. This includes management and maintenance of all assets, not just those things connected to the internet. This information is critical for budgeting and planning as well as for identifying potential risks and vulnerabilities. Second, maintaining inventory and control of assets also helps EMCs comply with regulatory and industry compliance. For example, conducting regular audits and reviews of certain types of equipment, and accurate asset information is necessary to…

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