Category: Proactive Cyber Services

In today’s world, cybersecurity has become an essential requirement for companies across all industries, and defense contractors are no exception. These organizations handle highly sensitive data and information that, if compromised, could have severe consequences for national security.

Given this, executives in defense contracting must take cybersecurity seriously and make it a top priority for their organizations. In this article, we’ll explore some of the critical cybersecurity requirements that defense contractors must adhere to, and offer some best practices for ensuring their cybersecurity measures are effective.

Understanding the Cybersecurity Threat Landscape

To understand the importance of cybersecurity in defense contracting, it’s essential to first understand the threat landscape. Cyber threats come in many forms, including malware, phishing attacks, ransomware, and social engineering, to name a few. These threats are becoming more sophisticated and complex, and attackers are continually looking for new vulnerabilities to exploit.

The consequences of a successful cyber attack on a defense contractor can be significant, ranging from loss of sensitive information to damage to critical infrastructure, and even the potential for loss of life. Additionally, cyber attacks can result in costly downtime, damage to the organization’s reputation, and potential legal and regulatory consequences.

Cybersecurity Requirements for Defense Contractors

Defense contractors are subject to a variety of cybersecurity requirements to ensure they are adequately protecting their data and systems. These requirements come from a range of sources, including federal regulations and contractual obligations. Here are some of the most critical cybersecurity requirements for defense contractors:

Compliance with the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS)

The DFARS is a set of regulations that apply to all Department of Defense (DoD) contractors and subcontractors. The regulation requires defense contractors to implement specific cybersecurity controls and safeguards to protect controlled unclassified information (CUI) from unauthorized access, disclosure, and theft.

Some of the key requirements of DFARS include implementing security controls based on the NIST SP 800-171 standard, conducting periodic security assessments, and reporting cyber incidents to the DoD.

Compliance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)

The CMMC is a new cybersecurity standard developed by the DoD to ensure that contractors are adequately protecting sensitive information. The standard includes five levels of cybersecurity maturity, with each level building on the previous one.

To do business with the DoD, defense contractors must achieve a specific CMMC level, depending on the nature of the work they are performing. The CMMC framework requires defense contractors to demonstrate compliance with various cybersecurity controls and practices.

Implementation of a robust cybersecurity program

Defense contractors must have a comprehensive cybersecurity program in place to protect their systems and data. A robust cybersecurity program includes measures such as access controls, network segmentation, data encryption, and incident response planning.

Additionally, organizations must have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all employees understand their roles and responsibilities regarding cybersecurity, and are trained to identify and report potential security threats.

Best Practices for Ensuring Effective Cybersecurity

Given the critical nature of cybersecurity for defense contractors, it’s important to follow best practices to ensure that their cybersecurity measures are effective. Here are some best practices to consider:

Conduct regular security assessments

Security assessments are a critical component of a robust cybersecurity program. Regular assessments help identify vulnerabilities in the organization’s systems and infrastructure, and ensure that all security controls and safeguards are working as intended.

Use a defense-in-depth approach

A defense-in-depth approach involves implementing multiple layers of security controls and safeguards to protect systems and data. This approach includes measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, endpoint protection, and network segmentation.

Encrypt sensitive data

Encrypting sensitive data is an effective way to ensure that it remains protected, even if it is accessed by unauthorized individuals. Encryption should be applied to all data at rest and in transit, including data stored in the cloud or on portable devices.

Implement access controls

Access controls help ensure that only authorized individuals can access sensitive data and systems. This includes measures such as multi-factor authentication, strong password policies, and role-based access control.

Develop an incident response plan

An incident response plan outlines the steps that an organization should take in the event of a cybersecurity incident. The plan should include procedures for detecting and reporting incidents, as well as guidelines for containing and mitigating the damage caused by the incident.

Train employees on cybersecurity

Employees are often the weakest link in an organization’s cybersecurity defenses. As such, it’s essential to provide regular training to employees on cybersecurity best practices, as well as the organization’s policies and procedures for reporting security incidents.

Stay up-to-date on cybersecurity trends and threats

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and it’s essential to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and threats. This includes attending industry conferences, participating in cybersecurity information-sharing networks, and regularly reviewing threat intelligence reports.

Ultimately, cybersecurity is a critical requirement for defense contractors, given the sensitive nature of the data and information they handle. To ensure that their cybersecurity measures are effective, defense contractors must comply with relevant regulations and standards, and implement best practices for cybersecurity. By doing so, they can help protect their organization, their customers, and ultimately, national security.

Don’t feel ready for these changes? Don’t worry, we’re here to help!

Getting your organization fully prepared for CMMC requirements could take up to 12 months. But what would you say if you could identify relevant cybersecurity threats and gaps in requirements, on your own time and at your own pace? You’re in luck because we’ve done just that!

The team at Valor Cybersecurity is pleased to offer our Cybersecurity Readiness Assesment today. As a bonus for taking our assessment, we will provide you with recommended guidance for better protecting your business!

Whether the Valor Team can help you now or in the future, we remain poised to support your business’ success and protection.

Authors: Greg Tomchick and Jeff White

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The U.S. Department of Defense releases a powerful software system that has revolutionized the way the DoD and its contractors handle the management of sensitive information. This tool has been developed to enable better collaboration among stakeholders in the defense industry and enhance the security of the information shared.

Introducing Project Spectrum

To understand what Project Spectrum entails, it is necessary to have a grasp of what CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) is. CMMC framework was designed to enhance the protection of controlled unclassified information (CUI) in the defense supply chain. It establishes a tiered system of cybersecurity requirements that defense contractors must meet to be eligible to bid on DoD contracts. The introduction of CMMC was in response to the increasing number of cyber threats and attacks on the DoD’s supply chain. By implementing CMMC, the DoD aims to ensure that contractors handling CUI have appropriate cybersecurity measures in place to safeguard the information and prevent data breaches. The CMMC framework also provides a standardized approach to cybersecurity across the Defense Industrial Base and helps to streamline the process of verifying contractors’ cybersecurity capabilities.

The Department of Defense’s Office of Small Business Programs created Project Spectrum to assist small businesses in achieving the cybersecurity maturity levels required to remain a part of the supply chain. Project Spectrum provides tools and training to increase cybersecurity awareness and maintain compliance in accordance with DoD contracting requirements. Its aim is to improve the cybersecurity readiness, resilience, and compliance of small to medium-sized businesses and the federal manufacturing supply chain through Online Training courses, Mentor Protégé Program, events, and info hub which offers latest news, blogs and articles on the Cyber realm.

Project Spectrum is an invaluable resource for small businesses, which are often vulnerable to cyber threats due to resource and funding constraints. The resources provided by project spectrum outlines the CMMC on a high level, however DIB members may end up with the impression that CMMC necessitates less than it truly does. This misconception can lead to unsuccessful CMMC assessments, underscoring the need to provide precise and comprehensive guidance to small businesses regarding the requirements. With constantly evolving defense acquisition requirements, organizations depend on Valor to self-assess and drive cybersecurity maturity to get ahead of the competition and comply with updated requirements in real-time.

Want to find out how you can save time and money to get your organization aligned with upcoming defense acquisition requirements? Don’t worry, we’re here to help!

The team at Valor Cybersecurity is pleased to offer our Cybersecurity Readiness Assessment for $599, for a limited time. As a bonus for taking our assessment, we will provide you with recommended guidance for better protecting your business, while aligning with business requirements, and a 30-minute consultation with our team of experts!

Whether the Valor Team can help you now or in the future, we remain poised to support your business’ success and protection.

Authors: Lanre Olatunji

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In the digital age, cybersecurity is of paramount importance. With the increasing use of technology in everyday life, the potential for cyber threats has also increased. Cyber threats can take many forms, from hacking and data breaches to ransomware attacks and social engineering scams. It is therefore imperative for nations to have robust cybersecurity strategies in place to protect their citizens, businesses, and critical infrastructure from cyber attacks. In this analysis, we will be examining the new 2023 national cybersecurity strategy and its potential impact on cybersecurity in the country.

The Strategy

The 2023 national cybersecurity strategy is a comprehensive plan aimed at protecting the country’s cyberspace from cyber threats. The strategy was developed by a team of cybersecurity experts from government agencies, academia, and the private sector. It is based on a risk-based approach and focuses on six key areas: cybersecurity governance, risk management, innovation and research, education and awareness, incident response, and international cooperation.

Cybersecurity Governance

The cybersecurity governance pillar of the strategy is focused on establishing a robust cybersecurity governance framework that will ensure the effective coordination and management of cybersecurity activities across all sectors. This pillar aims to create a centralized authority responsible for cybersecurity issues and to establish clear lines of communication between government agencies, the private sector, and other stakeholders. This will enable effective information sharing and collaboration in the event of a cyber-attack.

Risk Management

The risk management pillar of the strategy is aimed at identifying and assessing cyber risks and implementing effective measures to mitigate them. This pillar focuses on creating a risk-based approach to cybersecurity that is tailored to the specific needs of different sectors. It also seeks to promote the adoption of best practices in cybersecurity risk management across all sectors.

Innovation and Research

The innovation and research pillar of the strategy is aimed at promoting research and development in the field of cybersecurity. This pillar focuses on fostering innovation and creativity in cybersecurity, and on creating a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. It also seeks to encourage the development of new technologies and solutions to address emerging cyber threats.

Education and Awareness

The education and awareness pillar of the strategy is aimed at promoting cybersecurity education and awareness among citizens, businesses, and other stakeholders. This pillar focuses on providing educational resources and training programs to help individuals and organizations understand the importance of cybersecurity and how to protect themselves from cyber threats.

Incident Response

The incident response pillar of the strategy is aimed at improving the country’s ability to respond to cyber-attacks. This pillar focuses on creating an effective incident response framework that enables rapid detection, response, and recovery from cyber attacks. It also seeks to promote information sharing and collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, and other stakeholders in the event of a cyber attack.

International Cooperation

The international cooperation pillar of the strategy is aimed at promoting international cooperation and collaboration in cybersecurity. This pillar focuses on promoting the adoption of international cybersecurity standards and best practices, and on fostering partnerships with other countries and international organizations to address global cyber threats.

The Real Impact

The new 2023 national cybersecurity strategy has the potential to have a significant impact on cybersecurity in the country. By focusing on a risk-based approach and addressing key areas such as cybersecurity governance, risk management, innovation and research, education and awareness, incident response, and international cooperation, the strategy provides a comprehensive framework for addressing cyber threats.

One of the key benefits of the strategy is that it promotes a coordinated and collaborative approach to cybersecurity. By bringing together government agencies, the private sector, and other stakeholders, the strategy enables effective information sharing and collaboration in the event of a cyber-attack. This can help to minimize the impact of cyber-attacks and reduce the risk of future attacks.

Another potential benefit of the strategy is that it promotes the adoption of best practices in cybersecurity across all sectors. By creating a risk-based approach to cybersecurity that is tailored to the specific needs of different sectors, the strategy can help organizations identify and address cyber risks more effectively and implement appropriate measures to mitigate them. This can help to reduce the likelihood of successful cyber-attacks and minimize the impact of any attacks that do occur.

The strategy also places a strong emphasis on education and awareness, which is critical for promoting a culture of cybersecurity. By providing educational resources and training programs, the strategy can help to raise awareness of the importance of cybersecurity among citizens, businesses, and other stakeholders. This can help to improve the overall cybersecurity posture of the country by encouraging individuals and organizations to take proactive steps to protect themselves from cyber threats.

The incident response pillar of the strategy is also particularly important, as it focuses on improving the country’s ability to respond to cyber-attacks. By creating an effective incident response framework, the strategy can help to ensure that cyber-attacks are detected and responded to quickly and effectively. This can help to minimize the impact of cyber-attacks and reduce the risk of future attacks.

Finally, the international cooperation pillar of the strategy is important for addressing global cyber threats. By promoting the adoption of international cybersecurity standards and best practices, and by fostering partnerships with other countries and international organizations, the strategy can help to address global cyber threats more effectively. This is particularly important given the interconnected nature of the digital world, and the fact that cyber attacks can originate from anywhere in the world.

Overall, the new 2023 national cybersecurity strategy is a comprehensive and well-designed plan aimed at protecting the country’s cyberspace from cyber threats. By focusing on key areas such as cybersecurity governance, risk management, innovation and research, education and awareness, incident response, and international cooperation, the strategy provides a framework for addressing cyber threats that is tailored to the specific needs of different sectors.

However, the success of the strategy will depend on its effective implementation and ongoing monitoring and evaluation. It will be important for the government, the private sector, and other stakeholders to work together to ensure that the strategy is implemented effectively, and that progress is monitored and evaluated regularly. Only then can we be confident that the strategy will achieve its intended objectives and provide effective protection against cyber threats in the years to come.

Want to find out how you can get your organization aligned with cybersecurity best practices? Don’t worry, we’re here to help!

The team at Valor Cybersecurity is pleased to offer our Cybersecurity Readiness Assessment for $599, for a limited time. As a bonus for taking our assessment, we will provide you with recommended guidance for better protecting your business and a 30-minute consultation with our team of experts!

Whether the Valor Team can help you now or in the future, we remain poised to support your business’ success and protection.

Authors: Greg Tomchick and Jeff White

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Cybersecurity has become a critical issue for organizations of all sizes and industries. The increasing use of technology and the internet has created numerous opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities and steal sensitive information. As a result, executives need to understand cybersecurity and take proactive measures to protect their organizations against cyber threats.

Here are some of the key reasons why executives need to understand and be accountable for their cybersecurity:

1.      Protecting your organization’s reputation: Cybersecurity incidents can result in significant damage to an organization’s reputation. For example, a data breach that exposes sensitive information can lead to a loss of customer trust and damage the organization’s reputation. Executives need to understand the importance of cybersecurity and take steps to protect the organization’s reputation.

2.      Compliance with regulations: Many industries are subject to regulations that require organizations to protect sensitive information and report data breaches. For example, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States require organizations to take specific steps to protect sensitive information. Executives need to understand these regulations and ensure that their organizations are in compliance.

3.      Protecting your organization’s assets: Cybersecurity incidents can result in the theft of valuable assets, such as intellectual property and sensitive information. Executives need to understand the risks and take steps to protect the organization’s assets, including implementing cybersecurity measures, training employees, and conducting regular security assessments.

4.      Protecting employees and customers: Cybersecurity incidents can result in the theft of sensitive information, such as social security numbers, credit card numbers, and login credentials. This information can be used for identity theft and other forms of financial fraud. Executives need to understand the importance of protecting sensitive information and take steps to prevent incidents that can harm employees and customers.

5.      Minimizing the cost of cybersecurity incidents: Cybersecurity incidents can result in significant costs, including the cost of investigations, legal fees, and damage to the organization’s reputation. Executives need to understand the costs associated with cybersecurity incidents and take steps to minimize these costs by investing in proactive measures, such as employee training and incident response planning.

To better understand cybersecurity, executives should take the following steps:

Stay informed: Executives should stay informed about cybersecurity trends, threats, and best practices. This can be done by reading industry publications, attending conferences, and participating in cybersecurity training programs.

Assess your organization’s cybersecurity posture: Executives should assess the organization’s cybersecurity posture by conducting regular security assessments and reviewing security policies and procedures. This will help executives understand the organization’s vulnerabilities and identify areas for improvement.

Engage with cybersecurity professionals: Executives should engage with experts in all facets of their business, including cybersecurity professionals, such as chief information security officers (CISOs) and security consultants, to gain a deeper understanding of the organization’s cybersecurity risks and needs.

Collaborate with other executives: Executives should collaborate with other executives, such as the chief financial officer (CFO), chief legal officer (CLO), and chief risk officer (CRO), to ensure that cybersecurity is integrated into the organization’s overall risk management strategy.

Invest in cybersecurity measures: Executives should invest in cybersecurity measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and employee training programs, to minimize the risk of cyber threats.

Ultimately, cybersecurity is a critical issue that affects organizations of all sizes and industries. Executives need to understand cybersecurity and take proactive measures to protect their organizations against cyber threats. By staying informed, assessing the organization’s cybersecurity posture, and taking targeted action will give your organization the fighting chance that it will need when you are struck with a technology crisis. 

Want to find out how you can get your organization aligned with cybersecurity best practices? Don’t worry, we’re here to help!

The team at Valor Cybersecurity is pleased to offer our Cybersecurity Readiness Assessment for $599. As a bonus for taking our assessment, we will provide you with recommended guidance for better protecting your business and a 30-minute consultation with our team of experts!

Whether the Valor Team can help you now or in the future, we remain poised to support your business’ success and protection.

Authors: Greg Tomchick and Jeff White

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The dark web is a part of the internet that is not easily accessible and is used for illegal activities such as drug trafficking, arms trading, and cybercrime. The dark web is also a marketplace for stolen data, including company information. Hackers and cybercriminals can use this data to commit fraud, steal identities, and launch cyberattacks on companies. Therefore, it is crucial for companies to know if their information is on the dark web and take the necessary steps to protect themselves.

 

So, how can you tell if your company information is on the dark web?

There are a few ways to do this:

Use a dark web scanning tool: There are several tools available that can scan the dark web for your company’s information. These tools search for your company’s name, email addresses, and other details that may have been exposed on the dark web. If your information is found, you will receive a report with the details of the information that was found.

Monitor the dark web: You can also hire a company to monitor the dark web for any mentions of your company’s information. This is a more proactive approach, as it allows you to stay on top of any potential threats before they become an issue.

Check your company’s email addresses: One of the most common ways that company information is leaked on the dark web is through email addresses. Hackers can use these addresses to gain access to company accounts and steal sensitive data. By checking your company’s email addresses on the dark web, you can see if they have been compromised.

If you find that your company’s information is on the dark web, what should you do?

Here are a few steps you can take to protect yourself:

Change your passwords: If your company’s passwords have been compromised, you should change them immediately. This includes passwords for email accounts, company accounts, and any other accounts that may have been affected.

Notify your employees: It is important to let your employees know that your company’s information has been exposed on the dark web. This will allow them to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves, such as changing their passwords and monitoring their accounts for any suspicious activity.

Implement two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication is a security measure that requires users to provide two forms of identification to access an account. This can help prevent hackers from gaining access to your company’s accounts even if they have the passwords.

Monitor your accounts: It is important to monitor your company’s accounts for any suspicious activity, even after you have taken the above steps. This can help you catch any potential threats before they become a major issue.

By taking these steps, you can protect your company from the potential threats that come with having your information on the dark web. However, it is important to remember that prevention is the best form of protection. By implementing strong cybersecurity measures, you can reduce the likelihood of your information being exposed on the dark web in the first place.

Here are a few tips for improving your company’s cybersecurity to minimize this from happening to you:

Use strong passwords: Passwords should be at least eight characters long and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.

Keep software up to date: Software updates often include security patches that can protect your company from known vulnerabilities.

Train your employees: Employees should be trained on how to recognize and prevent cyberattacks, such as phishing scams and malware.

Use encryption: Encryption can help protect your company’s data by making it unreadable to anyone who does not have the key to decrypt it.

Overall, the dark web is a dangerous place for companies, and it is essential to take steps to protect your information from being exposed. By being proactive, and vigilant, and implementing strong cybersecurity measures, you can help reduce the risk of having your company’s information end up on the dark web. Remember to stay informed, stay alert, and take cybersecurity seriously to safeguard your company’s assets and reputation.

Remember to stay vigilant and take cybersecurity seriously. Implementing strong security measures and regularly monitoring your accounts can help prevent your company’s information from ending up on the dark web in the first place. Additionally, it is important to have a plan in place in case your information is exposed. This includes having a cybersecurity incident response plan that outlines the steps you will take to respond to a potential breach.

By taking these steps, you can help protect your company’s reputation, financial stability, and the trust of your customers. It is imperative to stay informed about the latest cybersecurity trends and best practices and to regularly review and update your security measures.

Want to find out if your company info is out there? Don’t worry, we’re here to help!

The team at Valor Cybersecurity is pleased to offer our FREE Rapid Cyber Threat Assessment today. As a bonus for taking our assessment, we will provide you with recommended guidance for better protecting your business! We can also help you to identify if your information is on the dark web.

Whether the Valor Team can help you now or in the future, we remain poised to support your business’ success and protection.

Authors: Greg Tomchick and Jeff White

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