Introduction:

The digital era has brought unprecedented cybersecurity challenges, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (KMU) in the DACH region. With limited resources but facing the same threats as large corporations, these businesses need effective yet budget-friendly cybersecurity solutions. Bluedog’s Sentinel hardware emerges as a beacon of hope, offering KMUs an effective way to protect their internal networks from both external and internal threats.

Understanding the Cyber Threat Landscape for KMUs

Recent incidents in the DACH region, like the cyber-attack on Austria’s Palfinger and the ransomware attack on Swiss firm Comparis, demonstrate the vulnerabilities KMUs face​​. These examples highlight the need for robust cybersecurity measures that can safeguard businesses against complex cyber threats.

The Sentinel Solution: Tailor-Made for KMUs

Bluedog’s Sentinel hardware is designed specifically for KMUs, providing a simple yet comprehensive solution to monitor internal networks. It addresses the unique challenges KMUs face, offering high-level security without the complexity or cost typically associated with such systems.

Real-World Impact of Cybersecurity Breaches on KMUs

Incidents like the ransomware attack on a district council in eastern Germany and the cyberattack on Brenntag’s North American division illustrate the devastating impact of cybersecurity breaches on businesses of all sizes​​. These examples underscore the necessity for KMUs to adopt robust cybersecurity solutions like Bluedog’s Sentinel.

Bluedog’s Sentinel: A Comprehensive, Cost-Effective Solution

Bluedog’s Sentinel provides a 360-degree view of network security, offering real-time monitoring and protection against a wide range of cyber threats. Its affordability makes it an ideal solution for KMUs in the DACH region, ensuring they do not have to compromise on security due to budget constraints.

Conclusion:

In a world where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, KMUs can no longer afford to overlook their cybersecurity needs. Bluedog’s Sentinel offers a practical, effective solution tailored to the unique requirements and budget constraints of KMUs in the DACH region. It’s an investment in security that promises peace of mind and business continuity.

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BYOK: A Strategic Solution for Data Security in the Cloud

BYOK empowers organizations to create, control, and manage their encryption keys, effectively addressing the substantial risks associated with CSPs managing these keys. This approach is especially pertinent for EU companies navigating the complexities of GDPR compliance and the broader spectrum of data sovereignty issues.

Understanding the Risks of CSP-Managed Keys

• Potential Data Exposure: When CSPs hold encryption keys, there is an inherent risk of unauthorized data exposure. This risk is magnified in the context of sensitive or confidential data, which, if exposed, can have far-reaching consequences for businesses and individuals alike.
• Legal and Governmental Conflicts: CSPs, subject to various international laws and regulations, may encounter situations where their legal obligations conflict with the stringent requirements of GDPR. This dichotomy can lead to complex legal challenges and potential breaches of EU data protection laws.
• Loss of Data Control: Reliance on third-party key management significantly undermines an organization’s data sovereignty. This loss of control over data encryption keys can lead to a diminished ability to safeguard sensitive information effectively.
• Compliance Challenges: Non-compliance with GDPR and other data protection regulations due to CSP key management practices can result in substantial penalties, financial losses, and reputational damage.

Implementing BYOK in the EU Context

For EU organizations considering BYOK, the focus should be on:

• Developing robust key management strategies.
• Ensuring seamless integration of BYOK with existing cloud services.
• Aligning BYOK practices with GDPR and other relevant EU data protection laws.

The Indispensable Role of BYOK for EU Data Security

In the current digital era, BYOK is not just a security measure but an indispensable tool for EU organizations to ensure data sovereignty and adhere to GDPR regulations. The risks associated with CSPs like Microsoft holding copies of encryption keys necessitate a shift towards BYOK to safeguard sensitive data effectively.

Empower Your Organization with Our Comprehensive eBook

To gain a deeper understanding of BYOK and its critical role in enhancing data sovereignty in the EU, we invite you to download our comprehensive eBook. This valuable resource delves into the nuances of the BYOK model, its implementation strategies, and how it can address and mitigate data security concerns in cloud computing environments. Download the eBook here:

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In today’s digital landscape, ensuring data security and compliance is paramount, especially for organizations operating within the European Union (EU). The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets rigorous standards for safeguarding sensitive information. However, entrusting cloud service providers (CSPs) like Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 (M365) with the management of encryption keys can introduce vulnerabilities. This blog post explores how Softlanding, in partnership with archTIS, can empower EU organizations to enhance data sovereignty and compliance through Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) solutions.

Introduction

Data sovereignty, the concept that a country or jurisdiction has the right to govern and control digital data within its borders, is fundamental in the EU. GDPR mandates that data collected from EU citizens must reside in EU-based servers or countries with comparable data protection laws. This poses a significant challenge for organizations utilizing Microsoft Azure and M365, as data may be dispersed globally. To address these challenges, organizations must implement robust controls and encryption mechanisms.

The Role of Encryption in Data Sovereignty

Encryption is pivotal in achieving data sovereignty. When data is encrypted, it can be stored anywhere without violating data sovereignty regulations because encrypted data remains unreadable without the decryption key. However, encryption introduces complexities in managing encryption keys and controlling data access.

BYOK: Empowering Organizations with Control

Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) offers a solution that grants organizations the ability to create, manage, and retain control over their encryption keys, bolstering data sovereignty and security. While CSPs such as Microsoft provide key management services, BYOK equips organizations to mitigate the risks associated with CSPs having control over encryption keys.

BYOK enables organisations to maintain complete control over encryption keys, significantly reducing the risks of unauthorised access and data exposure.

Risks of CSPs Holding Encryption Keys

Relying on CSPs like Microsoft Azure and M365 to manage encryption keys exposes organisations to several risks:

• Potential Data Exposure: Despite robust security measures, internal vulnerabilities or successful cyberattacks can expose sensitive data.
• Legal and Governmental Access: CSPs may be compelled to provide data access through legal processes, potentially conflicting with EU data protection laws.
• Loss of Control and Data Sovereignty: Third-party management of encryption keys limits an organisation’s control over its data, impacting data sovereignty.
• Non-Compliance Penalties: Failure to control access to sensitive data can result in regulatory non-compliance, leading to substantial fines.

Softlanding and archTIS: Your Solution Partners

Softlanding has partnered with information security leader archTIS to offer our clients their trusted, best-in-class products for enhancing Microsoft application security. archTIS provides an integrated BYOK solution tailored for organisations utilising Microsoft Azure and M365. archTIS’ NC Protect paired with NC Encrypt delivers independent key management, policy-driven dynamic encryption, and attribute-based access control (ABAC) to fulfil compliance and information security requirements for GDPR and other compliance needs.

Dynamic Encryption and Independent Key Management

NC Encrypt empowers organisations to maintain data sovereignty and control over their encryption keys in the Cloud. Sensitive documents are dynamically secured using system-generated encryption keys based on defined policies. This ensures data remains encrypted both at rest and in transit, fully aligning with GDPR requirements.

Fine-Grained Access Control with ABAC

NC Protect leverages attribute-based access control (ABAC) policies to regulate data access and security at the file level. Policies can be customised based on user attributes, content rules, and environmental conditions. This flexibility enables organisations to apply precise access controls, meeting geographical conditions and GDPR compliance needs.

Conclusion

In an era where data security and compliance are non-negotiable, Softlanding and archTIS offer EU organisations a pathway to enhance data sovereignty and meet GDPR requirements. Through BYOK capabilities and fine-grained access control, organizations’ can reclaim control over their data, reduce risks, and sidestep non-compliance penalties.

Ensure your organisation’s data remains secure and GDPR compliant. Contact Softlanding, an authorised archTIS partner, today to strengthen your data security and compliance strategy within Microsoft Azure and M365.

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Securing Data: Encryption at Rest vs. in Motion in Microsoft 365 -An Overview

In today’s data-driven landscape, safeguarding sensitive information is paramount. Data breaches can lead to financial losses, regulatory penalties, and reputational harm. This underscores the importance of data encryption for organizations dealing with customer data, financial records, and more. While encryption is a familiar concept, it’s crucial to understand its application across different data states, each with distinct security demands.

Data in Motion: Protecting Information on the Move

When data is transferred from one location to another, it’s considered “in motion.” This encompasses actions like uploads, downloads, transfers, and email attachments. However, data in motion is susceptible to cyberattacks, particularly “Man in the Middle” attacks, where adversaries intercept data during transit. Examples include employees’ work-related data being backed up or data transfer during server migrations.

Data in Use: Guarding Active Data Interactions

Data in use involves active processing, editing, or accessing of information. This state applies to office applications, databases, system memory, and more. Yet, data in use is vulnerable as security measures like encryption can be temporarily lifted during processing. Instances include modifying business information in a database or data left in memory after using applications.

Data at Rest: Ensuring Dormant Data Security

Data at rest refers to inactive information not undergoing transfers or modifications. It resides on devices such as hard drives, external storage, and cloud platforms. Although seemingly secure, insider threats pose risks to data at rest. Attackers, often insiders, can exploit their access to file storage. Examples comprise documents stored on a user’s PC or files on company servers.

The Crucial Role of Encryption

Encryption plays a pivotal role in modern data security strategies. Utilizing intricate algorithms, encryption transforms data into unreadable content for unauthorized users. The encryption process involves encryption keys, algorithms, and encrypted data. After encryption, data storage location becomes flexible, but safeguarding encryption keys and algorithms is essential.

Navigating Regulatory Demands

As digital transformation advances, data protection regulations have emerged globally. Laws like GDPR, HIPAA, and more mandate encryption for safeguarding sensitive data. Non-compliance could lead to substantial fines and reputational damage.

Best Practices for Data Encryption

Effective data encryption strategies span all data states:

• Strengthen identity management using IAM and MFA.
• Apply granular access controls and obfuscation techniques.
• Limit user actions on sensitive data.
• Automate encryption for data in motion and in use.
• Secure sensitive email attachments through encryption.

Choosing the Right Encryption Approach

For comprehensive protection, a layered encryption approach is recommended:

• Encryption at rest denies user access to stored data.
• Layer other encryption styles as users access data, mitigating risks of data loss.

Dynamic Encryption in Microsoft 365

Data encryption and key management are integral to securing Microsoft 365 and SharePoint Server data. A third-party solution, NC Protect, enhances Microsoft’s encryption capabilities. It adds dynamic encryption through ABAC policies, providing real-time protection for sensitive data.

In Conclusion: Ensuring Comprehensive Data Security

While data encryption isn’t the sole solution for data protection, it’s a crucial element of an organization’s security arsenal. Comprehensive data protection involves encryption at rest, in motion, and in use. Dynamic encryption, coupled with robust policies, helps thwart insider threats and evolving cyber risks. NC Protect offers dynamic encryption in various Microsoft platforms, ensuring data security throughout its lifecycle.

“This article previously appeared on archtis.com and is reposted with permission from
archTIS

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ENCRYPTION KEY MANAGEMENT IN MICROSOFT 365

Introduction: In an ever-evolving digital landscape, encryption stands as a formidable shield for safeguarding sensitive information. As cloud technologies and Microsoft 365 (M365) applications like Teams and SharePoint Online become ubiquitous in modern workplaces, the need for robust encryption strategies has become paramount. However, the challenges of managing encryption keys in the cloud during the transition to Microsoft 365 can be daunting. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of encryption key management within the Microsoft 365 suite and explore ways to enhance data security in this dynamic ecosystem.

1. Encryption Trends:
   In an era marked by stringent global data protection standards and an alarming surge in data breaches, the adoption of encryption has seen exponential growth. Organizations recognize the significance of encryption in safeguarding sensitive data from prying eyes. However, despite robust data security policies, identifying and protecting sensitive data remain daunting challenges. The Ponemon Institute’s 2021 Global Encryption Trends Study sheds light on the persistent struggle faced by organizations to identify sensitive data accurately and execute a foolproof encryption strategy.
2. Understanding Encryption:
   At its core, encryption is an ingenious process that renders data unreadable to unauthorized individuals. By scrambling data using cryptographic keys, encryption ensures that even if data falls into the wrong hands, it remains incomprehensible without proper decryption. This powerful technique can be applied during data transmission (data in transit) or when data is stored on devices, servers, or cloud storage (data at rest). Understanding the nuances of encryption is essential to building an impregnable fortress around sensitive information.
3. Encryption Key Management and BYOK:
   The pivotal role of encryption keys cannot be understated, as they form the backbone of data protection in any encryption strategy. Securing encryption keys is critical for enterprises, especially when utilizing cloud service providers like Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services (AWS) for hosting keys. Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) emerges as a game-changer in key management, allowing organizations to retain control over their encryption keys even when hosted in the cloud. Additionally, organizations can opt for Hardware Security Modules (HSMs), physical devices that fortify encryption solutions and grant absolute control over encryption keys.
4. Enhancing Encryption in M365 and SharePoint:
   Within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, dynamic encryption plays a pivotal role in ensuring compliance and protecting data. Collaboration tools like SharePoint and M365 handle a vast amount of sensitive data, making dynamic encryption an imperative to safeguard confidentiality and maintain data integrity. A leading solution in this arena is NC Protect, which offers robust capabilities to identify and safeguard sensitive data within Microsoft 365. NC Protect’s dynamic classification and access control features ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive documents, providing an additional layer of protection.
5. How Encryption Works with NC Protect:
   NC Protect seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Purview Information Protection (MPIP) and Rights Management Services (RMS) controls to strengthen data security within M365. It effectively encrypts data at rest and empowers organizations to manage access and encryption policies across various M365 applications, including SharePoint Online and SharePoint Server. By incorporating NC Protect into your encryption strategy, you can reinforce data protection across the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
6. NC Protect: NC Encrypt’s Document and Column Encryption:
   For organizations seeking greater control over encryption keys, NC Protect’s NC Encrypt module is a game-changing solution. With NC Encrypt, organizations can exercise full control over encryption keys, even employing Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) to retain control when utilizing cloud service providers. This integration ensures that existing encryption investments are maximized, and third-party Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) can be seamlessly incorporated to add an extra layer of security.

Conclusion: As the digital landscape evolves, encryption remains an essential pillar of data protection. Embracing robust encryption strategies, especially within the Microsoft 365 suite, is vital to safeguarding sensitive information in an increasingly interconnected world. By leveraging cutting-edge solutions like NC Protect and NC Encrypt, organizations can fortify their encryption key management practices, ensuring the utmost confidentiality and integrity of their data.

“This article previously appeared on archtis.com and is reposted with permission from
archTIS

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Introduction: In an increasingly interconnected world, multinational coalition collaboration and supply chain management are essential for driving innovation, growth, and success across industries. However, these partnerships come with unique challenges, such as ensuring the security of sensitive data and safeguarding intellectual property (IP) throughout the supply chain. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of data-centric security in securing multinational coalition collaboration and protecting valuable intellectual property.

Securing Multinational Coalition Collaboration with Data-Centric Security: The blog post titled “Securing Multinational Coalition Collaboration with Data-Centric Security” delves into the significance of data-centric security measures in fostering secure collaboration among diverse entities. Multinational coalitions often involve numerous stakeholders, each with their own security protocols and data management practices. To facilitate seamless collaboration, it becomes imperative to adopt a data-centric security approach.

Data-centric security focuses on protecting the data itself rather than just securing the network perimeter. By implementing encryption, access controls, and data classification, sensitive information remains secure throughout its lifecycle, from creation to sharing and storage. This approach allows multinational coalition members to share data securely while ensuring that unauthorized individuals cannot access or manipulate critical information.

The blog post emphasizes that data-centric security not only bolsters collaboration but also assists organizations in meeting compliance requirements, especially when data is shared across international borders. With robust data-centric security measures in place, multinational coalitions can build trust, enhance productivity, and pursue innovation confidently.

Intellectual Property (IP) Protection in the Supply Chain: The second blog post, titled “Intellectual Property (IP) Protection in the Supply Chain,” focuses on safeguarding valuable intellectual property throughout complex supply chains. As companies engage with various suppliers, manufacturers, and partners, the risk of IP theft or unauthorized use of proprietary information increases. This blog post sheds light on how data-centric security can mitigate these risks and ensure IP protection at every stage of the supply chain.

The blog post emphasizes the significance of classifying IP data based on its sensitivity and implementing access controls accordingly. This ensures that only authorized personnel can access the critical IP information, minimizing the chances of leaks or unauthorized use. Additionally, it discusses the role of digital rights management and watermarks in tracking and tracing the usage of IP data, providing an extra layer of protection against potential threats.

IP protection should be embedded into the supply chain’s core, with companies collaborating only with trusted partners who prioritize data security. By establishing clear contractual obligations and security standards, organizations can foster a culture of data protection throughout their supply chain ecosystem.

Conclusion: In conclusion, secure multinational coalition collaboration and intellectual property protection in the supply chain are crucial for organizations looking to thrive in the global marketplace. Adopting data-centric security measures enables seamless collaboration among diverse entities while safeguarding sensitive information from potential threats. By prioritizing data-centric security, businesses can create a robust framework for secure collaboration and ensure the protection of their valuable intellectual property throughout the supply chain. As the world becomes more interconnected, embracing data-centric security becomes a strategic imperative for staying competitive and safeguarding business interests.

“This article previously appeared on archtis.com and is reposted with permission from
archTIS

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The partnership allows Softlanding , to resell and provide services for App Gate.
Helmut Hubmann, CEO at Softlanding , said, “Our customers are looking for solutions to help them with data discovery, secure collaboration, Sharepoint and TEAMS security. Our partnership with AppGate allows us to expand our security solutions portfolio to include Software Defined Perimeter,Digital Threat Protection,Risk based Authentication and offensive Services.

About AppGate
An industry leader in secure access solutions changing cybersecurity for the better by making it simpler for users and operators and harder for adversaries.

Secure Access to Your Network and for Your Consumers
We work hard to master the offense, understanding how cybercriminals operate, so that we can build the best defense. Our solution

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While this a fact known to everyone, we would like to highlight some alarming piece(s) of news.

• Coronavirus, alone, is to be blamed for a 238% rise in cyberattacks on banks.
• Ransom attacks crossed 148% in the first quarter of 2020.
• In the first six months of 2020 alone, more than 81 international firms from 81 countries complained of data breaches.
• A whopping 600% increase in phishing attacks was witnessed before the arrival of March.

You are highly mistaken if you feel cyberattacks like phishing attacks or data breaches are only limited to big companies and firms. You could personally fall prey to cyberattacks if you do not secure your personal information and gadgets. Take a look at the following cybersecurity tips that you must take note of and implement in the coming times.

Secure passwords

The era of using Password or 12345 as your password is long gone and not so hysterical anymore. Today, you have your personal and sensitive information stored in your system and your emails. Tomorrow it could be all wiped off or leaked. Firstly, make sure you do not let anyone use your computer while you are gone. Do not use predictable passwords like your name or your birthdate to make it easy for you to remember. It is also easy for hackers to crack it.

Use two-factor authentication options

2FA codes are the best way to secure your online account (along with a strong password). It could be a four- or six-digit code sent on your registered phone number or email address. Whether it is your social media count or email id; make sure you enable 2FA.

Antivirus software

Cybersecurity breaches can happen unknowingly by clicking on “interesting” links or unknown website portals. Installing antivirus software and firewall on your system is definitely a safe and sane decision in this time and age. Make sure to purchase such software from reputed companies.

Install updates

Outdated software can pose a big security threat to your device. Software updates are meant to provide better security and ward off any kind of bugs that act as access to steal information. Enable automatic updates on your device to reduce cybersecurity risks.

Along with staying updated on the tips mentioned above, make sure you keep your devices secure by only installing applications from trusted developers. Avoid public WiFi at all costs unless it’s an emergency and most importantly, always backup your data. These tips are simple and easy to follow. Also, they significantly reduce the risks of cybersecurity attacks.

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Covid-19 has forced businesses to rethink the working ways and has caused the propagation of a work-from-home or remote-working culture on a massive scale. Cloud-based SaaS videoconferencing and other supporting applications have made this transition a smooth one and allowed the corporate workforce to remain productive.

The real problem is now being faced by the exceptionally skilled technical workers who require system access which is possible only on highly-secure corporate networks like industrial building management systems. Managers also have to ensure that only authorized personnel are granted access to these systems. Till 2019, access to the systems was only possible if the employee was present on-site. The travel restrictions and social distancing measures that were put in place in 2020 have strained these employees and created potential risks that are critical to operations.

For building management system maintenance, earlier the data center operators allowed access through traditional VPN software. But this software has limitations such as vulnerability to common attack vectors and the complexity and difficulty in managing these VPNs. Also, in most cases, dynamic access is not allowed based on user context and conditions.

Owing to these problems, many data center operators are now looking for suitable alternatives to the more traditional VPNs. One of the best answers for such data center operators who manage sensitive industrial systems is the Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP). One of the biggest advantages offered by SDP is the ability to enforce least privilege access to third party organizations. In contrast to a VPN, SDP based access allows employees to work on specific systems which are a part of the support contractor’s agreement, without giving them access to the entire network.

For example, if a contractor is responsible for the maintenance of wireless humidity and temperature sensors of a data center, that contractor can be given limited access to the relevant servers without allowing access to the other building management systems. SDP also has a feature that allows the data center operators to determine whether or not a system is sufficiently updated and secured to access the network. These additional security and audit controls provide much better safety access control than traditional VPNs.

All in all, The traditional VPNs are no longer suitable for dynamic and multi-dimensional access control for industrial building management systems.

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