In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is crucial. Attacks on businesses, big or small, are on the rise, but having technology is not enough.

Software or hardware cannot entirely protect against breaches that take full advantage of human weaknesses. It is the people in your organization who will safeguard and potentially risk your information, and that is what makes a human firewall so important and secure. Such a concept stresses the need for a knowledgeable workforce that knows how to maintain defenses and report suspicious activity. Building an effective human firewall involves getting ahead of threats and building a long-lasting security basis.

The Human Element Behind Every Breach

Your people often cause security incidents through simple mistakes. Clicking on a phishing link or using a weak password can open doors to deeper attacks. Lack of awareness and training makes your company an easy target. The employees are often the target of attackers since it is far easier to compromise people than to compromise a system. As an example, staff members do not shut down or transfer confidential data over unprotected channels, which can result in breaches. These omissions start to compound into costly events and those that affect reputation. Getting into the human element is only one step missing.

Building a Strong Security Culture

The responsibility for a strong security culture is for every single employee. You must make security habits a daily activity, from updating passwords to thinking before clicking. When the leaders are serious, it sends the signal that security is not optional. By undertaking frequent training and refresher, all are kept on high alert and made to be aware of the new threats. In your teams, identify and acknowledge good security so that it becomes a culture of vigilance. An organization must not only implement rules but make security an integral part of what it does, making each member responsible for the protective shield.

Hiring the Right People for the Job

Cybersecurity demands skilled and reliable individuals to be on board. Good technical skills are good, but you should also seek diligence, loyalty and communication. Not only do the right cybersecurity hires make effective protectors, but also, they fit well into your workforce. The correct employees fortify your human firewall as they plug the weak spots into the defense. Staffing services can also help a lot, as they allow you to put first-class experts in place who are able to execute the security plan. Consider cyber security as a team sport and your IT talent as the key player.

The Role of Strategic Partnerships

Organizations cannot be able to hire a team of professionals to work in-house in most cases. Moreover, it is desirable to work with external experts, and it can be useful in creating good protection. Partnerships, when combined with internal systems, provide robustness and coverage. The long-term advantages of scalable support enable you to be strong and quick in the security of the environment. Consulting experienced IT staffing services that help organizations find and retain cybersecurity talent so you can fill gaps without delay. Such partnerships enhance your human firewall by tools, knowledge, and varied experience which will enable you to remain front runners.

Continuous Growth and Adaptation

Your defenses cannot be idle and so can cyber threats. Continuous training and certification are a factor that should be involved in making sure staff are not left behind in the latest practices. Conducting security experiments and preparations on a regular basis gives a real-time feeling of preparedness and refreezing of responses. Additionally, when a team can offer feedback and exchange ideas, the environment of continuous improvement environment is created. The more flexible your team is, the more robust the core of your cybersecurity strategy will be. Adapting is not a one-time task but an ongoing effort that will ultimately guarantee that your human firewall will remain firm.

Conclusion

Security in today’s world isn’t just about technology, and people are the foundation of your defense. It starts with getting good talent and ends with fostering a vigilant culture. Your entire organization should invest in cybersecurity because this really makes a difference. When you train your workers and provide them with the appropriate tools, every worker becomes a protector. Developing resilience is a collective process, habitual, and a skill of adapting. It is necessary, and the work is constant. The more you empower your human firewall, the stronger your ability to face adversaries.

The post The Human Firewall: Why Cybersecurity Starts with the Right IT Talent first appeared on Information Technology Blog.

Delve into the world of your login system, and you will sense invisible threats that can cause significant damage to your organization. Silent threats such as weak passwords and unattended integrations can be simpler to overlook, but they often precede the catastrophic failure of security systems.

These weak points can go unnoticed due to a lack of reactionary alerts. Ignoring them daily can lead to big problems such as a data breach, financial costs, or even losing users’ trust.

Weak Password Habits

Your login system is often as strong as the passwords it safeguards. Recycled passwords are an everyday hassle, and the compromise of one can have more than one account at risk. The passwords that do not meet the high standards of complexity, like “123456” or “password,” are a significant vulnerability. After a security incident, the absence of a mandatory password change is tantamount to leaving your door unlocked. Also, not advising users on creating immaculate passwords leaves them vulnerable. If multi-factor authentication is not used, a straightforward yet effective security measure is being disregarded. You may significantly improve your login security by taking the effort to implement strong password policies.

Outdated Authentication Components

Prolonged use of outdated login servers or libraries can expose your system to vulnerabilities that are long known to criminals. Allowing old protocols even faintly undermines the underlying security architecture. Web communication without renewed SSL/TLS certificates makes traffic susceptible to interception. Unpatched plugins or identity providers can serve as easy entry points for attackers. Furthermore, the absence of a routine update of security components means that serious security flaws may remain unrectified. An outdated component is like leaving a gate open; it can be taken advantage of. You can lower the chance of a successful attack by regularly upgrading and changing the authentication components.

Automated Attacks and Credential Stuffing

Automated attacks can strike your login system faster than you suspect. A sudden surge in failed login attempts is a typical indicator of an automated attack like credential stuffing. Access attempts from a multitude of IP addresses or foreign locations hint at an automated perpetrator casting a wide net. Without rate-limiting or slowing down these attempts, you are leaving the gate wide open. No system of account lockout or alerts for repeated failure means attackers can guess indefinitely. If you lack monitoring for such patterns, the detection time would be prolonged. Outfitting your login system with automatic attack detection will help you withstand such unpredictable assaults.

Insider Risk and Permission Errors

Unmanaged user permissions can become a cause of serious internal threats. When too many people have extensive privileges, the chances of making mistakes or misusing the system escalate. Generic or shared accounts allow transactions to go on without leaving a trail. Accumulating unused but active service accounts can create unnecessary points of vulnerability. Missing access logs or incomplete records can be vital details leading to serious security lapses. When you do not routinely assess roles and permissions, you create chances for abuse and mistakes. Implementing the rule of least privilege and being mindful of user accounts will enhance your internal login structure and minimize risk.

Bot Traffic, Fake Accounts, and Advertising Abuse

Your login system is also susceptible to automated fakes, such as bots and fake accounts. Unusual patterns in signups, lots of generic accounts, should send warning signals. Similar behavior during numerous sessions indicates that bots and not real users are behind the activity. Third-party scripts can invite a lot of bot traffic if deprived of adequate monitoring. This is exacerbated by the absence of mechanisms such as CAPTCHA to distinguish humans from bots. Utilization of combinations of ad fraud solutions will assist in slobbering the bot traffic and preserving the integrity of your user base.

Forgotten Third-party Integrations

Missing integrations of third parties to your login framework are like leaving open doors that can be easily abused. Old OAuth applications with wide access rights can provide a large surface for an attacker. API keys and tokens with no one remembering them are exploitable entries into the system. Signing on to providers that have not been monitored can also cause lapses or delays in response if there is a security incident. Abandoned webhooks or callbacks still possess some access by old connections. A habit of routinely reviewing and cleaning unused or excessive integrations will keep your login structure more secure against any potential threats.

Conclusion

Taking the first step in fortifying your login system against silent threats does not require huge changes; it just takes some simple, efficient actions. Start by checking the most significant threats and fixing them first in your system. Regular checks and updates make the biggest vulnerabilities much smaller in size. You can stay alert by creating a checklist and following a weekly or biweekly routine. If you are interested in learning more, consider conducting a quick audit and finding deeper issues. These little but considered precautions will prevent you from experiencing the high costs and trauma of a silent threat.

The post 6 Silent Threats Lurking in Your Login System first appeared on Information Technology Blog.

Last Updated on September 17, 2025 by Narendra Sahoo

What is SOC 2 Certification?

SOC 2 certification is an audit framework developed by the AICPA that evaluates an organization’s ability to design and operate effective controls related to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. It’s a critical assurance tool for service providers managing customer data in the cloud, demonstrating a commitment to robust internal controls and regulatory compliance.

SOC 2 Certification is today the need of the industry especially for every business offering third-party IT services. Businesses that outsource certain aspects of their data information operations prefer dealing with secure vendors. They prefer working with vendors demonstrating evidence of implementing best security practices and rigorously protect sensitive information.

So, most businesses demand  for a SOC 2 compliant vendor who demonstrates strict adherence to IT security. Achieving SOC 2 certification means vendors have established practices with required levels of security across their organization to protect data. Elaborating more on this, we have listed some of the benefits of attaining SOC2 Certification. Let us take a closer look at the benefits to understand the importance of SOC2 Audit and Attestation/Certification

Benefits of SOC2 Certification

1. Brand Reputation-

SOC 2 Certification is an evidence that the organization has taken all necessary measures to prevent a data breach. This in turn helps in building good credibility and enhances the brand reputation in the market.

2. Competitive Advantage –

Holding a SOC2 Certification/ Attestation definitely gives your business an edge over others in the industry. With so much at stake, businesses are only looking to partner with vendors who are safe and have implemented appropriate measures for preventing data breaches. Vendors are required to complete a SOC 2 Audit to prove they are safe to work with. Besides when pursuing clients that require a SOC 2 report, having one available will give you an advantage over competitors who do not have one.

3. Marketing Differentiator–

Although several companies claim to be secure, they cannot prove that without passing a SOC2 Audit and achieving SOC2 Certificate. Holding a SOC 2 report can be a differentiator for your organization as against those companies in the marketplace who do not hold SOC2 certification and have not made a significant investment of time and capital in SOC2 Compliance. You can market your adherence to rigorous standards with SOC2 Audit and Certification while others cannot.

4. Better Services: –

You can improve your security measures and overall efficiency in operations by undergoing a SOC 2 Audit. Your organization will be well-positioned to streamline processes and controls based on the understanding of the cyber security risks that your customers face. This will overall improve your services.

5. Assured Security:- 

SOC2 Audit & Attestation/Certification gives your company an edge over others as it assures your customers of implemented security measures for preventing breaches, and securing their data. Moreover, the SOC2 report assures the client that the organization has met established security criteria that ensure that the system is protected against unauthorized access (both physical and logical).

6. Preference of SOC2 Certified Vendors-

Most businesses prefer working with SOC2 Certified vendors. For these reasons having SOC 2 certification is crucial for organizations looking to grow their business in the industry.

7. ISO27001 is Achievable–

SOC 2 requirements are very similar to ISO27001 certification. So, having achieved SOC2 certification will make your process of achieving ISO27001 easier. However, it is important to note that clearing a SOC 2 audit does not automatically get you ISO 27001 certification.

8. Operating Effectiveness–

Auditing requirements for SOC2 Type II require compulsory 6 months of evidence and testing of the operating effectiveness of controls in place. So, SOC2 Audit ensure maintaining an effective information security control environment.

9. Commitment to IT security-

SOC2 Audit & Certification demonstrates your organization’s strong commitment towards overall IT security.  A broader group of stakeholders gain assurance that their data is protected and that the internal controls, policies, and procedures are evaluated against industry best practice.

10. Regulatory Compliance- 

As mentioned earlier, SOC 2 requirements go in sync with other frameworks including HIPAA and ISO 27001 certification. So, achieving compliance with other regulatory standards is easy. It can speed up your organization’s overall compliance efforts.

11. Valuable Insight–

A SOC 2 report provides valuable insights into your organization’s risk and security posture, vendor management, internal controls,  governance, regulatory oversight, and much more.

Conclusion

As professionals of the industry, we strongly believe that the benefit of clearing a SOC2 Audit and obtaining a SOC 2 report far outweigh the investment for achieving it.  This is because when a vendor undergoes a SOC 2 audit, it demonstrates that their commitment and that they are invested in providing secure services and ensuring the security of clients’ information.

This, in turn, enhances the business reputation, ensures business continuity, and gives the business a competitive advantage in the industry. VISTA InfoSec specializes in helping clients in their efforts of SOC2 Audit & Attestation.  With 16 + years of experience in this field, businesses can rely on us for an easy and hassle-free SOC2 Compliance process.

FAQ

1.Who needs SOC 2 certification?

Any SaaS provider or cloud-based service that stores, processes, or transmits customer data—especially in regulated industries—should pursue SOC 2 certification to build trust with clients.

2.What is the difference between SOC 2 Type I and Type II?

Type I reviews the design of controls at a specific point in time, while Type II assesses the effectiveness of those controls over a period (usually 3–12 months).

3.How long does it take to get SOC 2 certified?

The SOC 2 process typically takes 3–6 months, depending on an organization’s readiness, existing controls, and whether it’s a Type I or Type II audit.

4. Is SOC 2 mandatory?

SOC 2 is not legally required, but many clients—especially in the B2B tech space—demand it as part of vendor due diligence.

The post Top 11 Benefits of having SOC 2 Certification! appeared first on Information Security Consulting Company - VISTA InfoSec.

By Joe Fay

Derivatives traders, trainer trainers, and finger lickers all hit by ransomware. Russian hackers lash out after Ukraine tanks deal announced. Apple patches decade old devices.  

ION Markets Hit by “Cyber Security Event” 

Dublin-based data and software firm ION Markets has been hit by a “cyber event” which has had a knock-on effect on financial futures and derivatives markets worldwide. The attack is thought to have been ransomware related. ION Markets said the attack on its ION Cleared Derivatives division was “contained to a specific environment”, all the affected servers are disconnected, and remediation of services is ongoing. Traders were left having to complete business manually. 

https://iongroup.com/press-release/markets/cleared-derivatives-cyber-event/ 

Hackers target trainers, fast food giants 

Sportswear retailer JD Sports said a “security incident” had affected historic orders at its JD, Size?, Millets, Blacks, Scotts and MilletSports brands. Details of around 10 million customers may have been affected. Meanwhile, KFC owner Yum! Brands is recovering from a ransomware attack that led to 300 of its UK restaurants being shuttered for a day. The restaurant group, which also owns Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, confirmed data was taken from its network but said there was no evidence that customer databases were stolen. 

https://otp.tools.investis.com/clients/uk/jdplc1/rns/regulatory-story.aspx?newsid=1664679&cid=222 

Russian hackers blast back after Western tanks deal 

The war in Ukraine continues to spill out into cyberspace. It has emerged that Ukraine’s Computer Emergency Response Team discovered five different data wipers had been used in an attack on the country’s official news agency. Meanwhile, Western agreements to supply tanks to Ukraine are likely to have provoked another wave of Russian attacks on the country’s allies. Canada’s Communications Security Establishment said it was aware of “Russian state-aligned hacktivist groups” targeting Ukraine’s allies and called for heightened vigilance. 

https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/five-data-wipers-attack-ukrainian/ 

Microsoft Defender to put Linux devices into isolation 

Microsoft has had a volatile relationship with Linux over the years. However, it is giving the open source operating system equal billing in one sense. Microsoft has launched a public preview of device isolation in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint for Linux. This disconnects the compromised device from the network but retains connectivity to Defender for Endpoint. This can be done through the Microsoft 365 Defender Portal or using an API.   

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-defender-for-endpoint/announcing-device-isolation-support-for-linux/ba-p/3676400   

Apple runs up patches for aging, fraying devices 

Apple released an iOS update to fix a flaw that left aging iPhones and iPads exposed. iOS 12.5.7 addresses CVE-2022-42856, a type confusion flaw uncovered by Clément Lecigne of Google's Threat Analysis Group, and which affected devices include iPhone 5s, 6 and 6 Plus, along with the iPad Air, mini 2, mini 3 and iPod touch (6th generation). This means devices up to 11 years old are being patched. While tech professionals aren’t necessarily using such devices anymore, plenty of their family members could be. 

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT213597   

EU could extend patching requirements for IoT kit 

The EU’s Cyber Resiliency Act is continuing to work its way through the Union’s legislative machine. Euroactiv reports that a new compromise text was due to be discussed which included proposals that could extend the period over which vendors should provide security patches for IoT products. The original draft proposed a maximum of five years. The new text also proposes changes to how manufacturers should report vulnerabilities, shifting initial responsibility from ENISA to the national CSIRTs. 

https://www.euractiv.com/section/cybersecurity/news/eu-council-moves-to-adjust-product-lifecycle-reporting-in-new-cybersecurity-law/ 

Happy Data Privacy Week!

It’s more important than ever to make sure your data is safe and secure. As businesses move more of their operations online, the risk of data breaches increases. One way to help protect your data is to use a SOC 2 certified IT managed service provider (MSP).

When it comes to running a successful business, information security is essential. This is why many companies are now turning to SOC 2 IT audits to ensure their systems are secure. 

SOC 2 IT audits are especially important for businesses that handle sensitive customer data. You may be a financial institution, healthcare organization, payment processing service... but no matter who you are, you know that in order to protect your customers, you must be certain that your systems are secure and comply with industry standards. 

If your company is already SOC 2 certified, keep reading. If you aren't, don't worry; a SOC 2 certified MSP can ensure your data is protected too.

"Is your MSP SOC 2^® compliant?"

The LockBit ransomware gang apologizes, Google settles privacy lawsuits and cybercriminals impersonate brands and the U.K. government. Here are the latest threats and advisories for the week of January 6, 2023.

Threat Advisories and Alerts

Cybercriminals Impersonate Brands with Search Ads And Fake Sites

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning that cybercriminals are directing internet browsers to malicious sites via search ads. How does the scam work? Bad actors build a fake website that impersonates a legitimate brand and then advertises it to appear at the top of search results. Once browsers click the ad, the malicious site prompts them to enter login credentials, financial information or download ransomware that’s disguised as a program.

Source: https://www.ic3.gov/Media/Y2022/PSA221221

Top Six U.K. Government Impersonation Scams of 2022

As 2023 kicks into gear, the U.K.’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has looked back at the past 12 months to reveal the top six government email impersonation scams that were taken down. The imitated organizations include the National Health Service (NHS), HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), TV Licensing, gov.uk (the primary domain for many U.K government services and web pages), Ofgem and the DVLA (the U.K vehicle and driver licensing body). The NCSC received more than 6.4 million reports of potential scams in 2022 and took down 67,300 fraudulent URLs. To protect against these cyberthreats, the NCSC urges consumers to implement two-step verification, shop at trusted retailers and use secure payment methods like a major credit card or PayPal.

Source: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/news/ncsc-reveals-top-government-email-impersonation-scams-taken-down-in-2022

Emerging Threats and Research

LockBit Ransomware Gang Apologies for Attack on Children’s Hospital

The notorious LockBit ransomware group has offered an apology and a free decryption key to undo a ransomware attack that hit Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children on December 18, 2022. The gang said the attack was by one of its affiliates who violated LockBit’s policy on targeting medical institutions where ransomware encryption could lead to death. LockBit released a statement addressing the issue, saying, “We formally apologize for the attack on sickkids.ca and give back the decryptor for free, the partner who attacked this hospital violated our rules, is blocked and is no longer in our affiliate program.”

Source: https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/lockbit-ransomware-decryptor-kids/

Linux Trojan Attacks Outdated WordPress Sites

Vulnerabilities in 30 WordPress (WP) themes and plug-ins are being exploited by Trojan backdoor Linux malware. If WP sites use one of the outdated add-ons, they could be infected with rogue JavaScript that redirect visitors to malicious websites. While the malware is newly identified, the researchers who discovered it believe it may have been in existence for over three years.

Source: https://www.darkreading.com/attacks-breaches/wordpress-under-attack-from-new-linux-backdoor-malware

Google Settles Location Tracking Lawsuits for $29.5 Million

Google has settled two U.S. location tracking lawsuits filed in Washington, D.C. and Indiana for a total of $29.5 million. Karl Racine, the former attorney general of D.C. whose office filed suit, said Google’s behavior "made it nearly impossible for users to stop their location from being tracked." The two lawsuits assert that Google used dark patterns, which they describe as employing "deceptive and unfair practices that makes it difficult for consumers to decline location tracking or to evaluate the data collection and processing to which they are purportedly consenting."

Source: https://www.theregister.com/2023/01/03/google_tracking_settlements/  

Royal Ransomware Group Attacks Prominent Australian University

Queensland University of Technology (QUT), one of Australia’s largest universities, has suffered a cyberattack at the hands of the Royal ransomware gang – a criminal group who gained recent notoriety for targeting the U.S. healthcare industry. The university has experienced significant disruption from the attack, with some exams and courses being rescheduled to early February. While QUT says there’s no evidence of stolen data, Royal Ransomware has published ID cards, email communications and HR files that they claim were from the attack.

Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/royal-ransomware-claims-attack-on-queensland-university-of-technology/ 

Guardian Newspaper Still Struggling After Ransomware Attack

The U.K.-based Guardian newspaper is continuing to struggle to recover from a ransomware attack reported at the end of 2022. Guardian Media Group chief executive Anna Bateson sent a note on January 2, saying that all staff must continue to work from home until at least Monday 23rd January in the U.K., U.S. and Australia to give IT staff time to recover the affected systems. Production of the newspaper and its website have continued despite the issue.

Source: https://pressgazette.co.uk/publishers/guardian-ransomware-attack 

To stay updated on the latest cybersecurity threats and advisories, look for weekly updates on the (ISC)² blog. Please share other alerts and threat discoveries you’ve encountered and join the conversation on the (ISC)² Community Industry News board.