Practical pointers to help you improve workplace data security

Three ways to improve your household cybersecurity

Four basic online safety tips to remember

Phishing: Can you spot these common types?

On the cybercrime timeline, phishing dates back to the mid-1990s when hackers exploited one of the earliest internet service providers to steal passwords and credit card data from unsuspecting users. Technology has evolved significantly since then, but phishing remains a popular attack method because it’s specifically designed to take advantage of human nature.

What is phishing?

Phishing is the practice of using fake, fraudulent, or deceptive communication to lure or convince a targeted person (or group) to hand over sensitive information.

Cybercriminals pretend to be legitimate, trustworthy sources and contact their victims by email, phone, or SMS with the goal of acquiring anything from personal data and banking details to usernames and passwords.

The scammers then leverage the newly acquired information for their own illicit purposes, which may include identity theft, credit card fraud, or privileged account access, among other things.

Email phishing, spear phishing, whaling, smishing, and vishing are five common types of phishing attacks. Learn to recognise the warning signs so that you’re less likely to be fooled by a scam message.

#1 | Email phishing

Email phishing (also called deception phishing or deceptive phishing) is perhaps the most well-known type of phishing. In this kind of scam, attackers impersonate a real company, organisation, or group and send out mass emails to as many email addresses as they can find. This so-called “spray and pray” approach is a numbers game for the perpetrators, and even if they only hook a handful of victims, the attack may still prove worthwhile and lucrative.

How do they do it? The scam email message is intended to make you perform an action, like downloading an attachment or clicking on a link. Malware embedded inside the attachment is activated when you open the file, and the link destination is often a malicious website primed to steal your credentials or install nefarious code on your device.

Consider this example… You receive a legitimate-looking email from your streaming service, saying your account has been temporarily suspended because of unusual activity. You’re instructed to click on a link inside the email, to verify your account credentials. You expect to be directed to the streaming service’s login page, but the link actually takes you to a lookalike login page that harvests your username and password.

#2 | Spear phishing

Spear phishing takes the concept of email phishing and applies it to a specific individual or group. Instead of the bulk, generic communication associated with regular email phishing, spear phishing involves customised messaging for a selected target. As the name implies, spear phishing is a pointed attack, not a wide-net manoeuvre, and scammers will often leverage publicly available corporate collateral to fine-tune the elements of their email trap.

How do they do it? Detailed, personalised messaging is key to the success of any spear-phishing campaign – because the attackers have to make you, the recipient, trust them enough to do what is asked in the email. They may spend days or even weeks on research and information-gathering (from your company’s website, social media pages, and published reports) as part of their efforts to trick you into action.

Consider this example… You’re the accounting clerk responsible for processing vendor invoices. You receive an email from an unknown vendor, with a PDF invoice attached. The message is well-written and friendly. The email sender knows your name and is knowledgeable about your company; they even send their best wishes to your colleague, John, whose motorcycle accident was addressed in your company newsletter last week. You believe that the vendor is legitimate and open the attachment, which then delivers malware to your laptop.

#3 | Whaling

Whaling (also called whale phishing) is the term used to describe phishing attacks aimed at a company’s most senior, most connected, or most influential leaders – the whales. The chief executive officer, chief operating officer, chief financial officer, chief technology officer, and other senior managers are attractive targets because of their high-level access to company resources. With an executive’s login credentials in their possession, scammers may be able to transfer corporate funds, expose private data, or impersonate the target to disrupt or damage the business.

How do they do it? Like spear phishing, whaling requires a tailored approach. Cybercriminals may have to profile the chosen individual for months to gain sufficient insight into their personal and professional lives. But as soon as the phishers have enough information, they can create believable, persuasive messages to try to deceive their victims into downloading malicious files or visiting compromised websites.

Consider this example… A new email lands in your inbox – and it’s from a law firm. The subject line and the content of the message imply that your company is being sued for millions by a former employee. The preliminary paperwork is attached to the email. As the chief legal officer, it’s your responsibility to investigate – but you don’t realise that the attachment is tainted.

#4 | Smishing

Smishing (also called SMS phishing) uses a text message rather than an email message to conduct a phishing attack, but the rationale is the same: scammers want to fool you into clicking on a risky link, downloading a malicious application, or surrendering your personal information.

How do they do it? Digital fraudsters take advantage of the fact that you keep your smartphone within reach and probably read your text messages soon after they arrive. And, as with other phishing methods, deception is their key tool. By masquerading as bona fide businesses (like your supermarket) or trusted sources (like your bank), they can deliver compelling texts directly to you – quickly, easily, and more than once.

Consider this example… You receive an SMS offering 20% off your next clothing purchase. The offer appears to come from your favourite fashion outlet, and uses the same language and style (right down to the abbreviations and emojis) that you’ve seen from the store in the past. To receive the discount, which is only available to the first 100 customers, you need to click the link and claim your coupon code online. You don’t know that the link, when clicked, installs malware on your phone.

#5 | Vishing

Vishing (also called voice phishing or phone phishing) is when scammers call you directly – on your home landline, your work phone, or your cell – and try to make you give out personal or corporate information. Often, they will exploit annual trends and public concerns, or create a sense of panic that makes you feel compelled to comply with their requests.

How do they do it? The person making the fraudulent phone call may pretend to be a tax official who needs your company registration number for verification before refunding money to you. They may claim to be a health official calling to put you on the list for a COVID-19 vaccination. They may even claim to be a customer service agent from your bank, alerting you to suspicious withdrawals from your account. In every scenario, the phisher on the other end of the line will do their utmost to extract sensitive information from you.

Consider this example… You’re called by someone who claims to be from an insurance firm. They say that you’ve been named as a beneficiary in the estate of their deceased client, and you stand to receive a substantial sum of money if you can verify your identity in line with the facts in their possession. You may be asked for your full name, your ID number, your physical address, and your other phone numbers as the impersonator tricks you into providing confidential, high-value information over the phone.

These five types of phishing attacks are among the most prevalent, but they’re not the only ones used by cybercriminals. You need to be able to spot the tactics (and teach your teams to spot them, too) so that would-be phishers do not succeed when they target you and your staff.

Give your people a head start with security training.

Prepare your business teams for the dangers of cyberspace with comprehensive security training from BUI and Cyber Risk Aware.

Check out the on-demand webinar featuring our own Wayne Nel and Cyber Risk Aware CEO Stephen Burke to learn more.

Five questions to ask your leadership team before the POPIA grace period ends

South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act gives individuals more control over how their personal information is collected, processed, and used by private and public bodies. The Act requires such bodies (AKA responsible parties) to meet several minimum requirements for the lawful processing of data – and the grace period is almost over. From 1 July 2021, SA organisations must be compliant. Are you ready? Ask your leadership team these five questions to check that key areas of accountability have been addressed…

1 | Do we have a registered Information Officer?

As a responsible party, you are required to register your Information Officer with the Information Regulator by 1 July 2021.

You can do this online via the Information Officer Registration Portal on the Information Regulator’s website, where electronic and PDF versions of the registration form are available. The portal also contains relevant documentation, including guidance notes, official notices, and policies.

Remember, your Information Officer (IO) is the person responsible for making sure your organisation adheres to POPIA. They need to encourage and ensure your organisation’s compliance with POPIA, deal with any information access requests pursuant to the legislation, and work with the Information Regulator in relation to any investigations conducted in terms of POPIA.

They also need to see to it that an organisational compliance framework is developed, implemented, monitored and maintained, and that internal awareness sessions are conducted regarding the provisions of the Act, among other duties. The IO’s responsibilities are listed in Section 55 of POPIA and in the POPIA Regulations.

2 | Do we have adequate security measures in place?

As a responsible party, you are required to secure the integrity and confidentiality of personal information in your possession or under your control.

According to Section 19 of POPIA, this includes the implementation of “appropriate, reasonable technical and organisational measures” to prevent loss of, damage to, or unauthorised destruction of personal information.

Whether you manage personal data on paper or online, POPIA calls for you to identify all reasonably foreseeable internal and external risks to the data; establish and maintain appropriate safeguards against the risks identified; regularly verify that the safeguards are effectively implemented; and ensure that the safeguards are continually updated in response to new risks.

In addition, POPIA decrees that you must have “due regard to generally accepted information security practices and procedures” which may apply to you generally, or which may be required in terms of specific industry or professional regulations (e.g., hospitals are expected to have strict security measures in place to protect the detailed, sensitive medical records of their patients).

3 | Do we know what to do in the event of a data breach?

As a responsible party, you are required to report security compromises to the Information Regulator and the data subject(s) involved as soon as reasonably possible.

Section 22 of POPIA describes the obligations of the responsible party when there are “reasonable grounds” to believe that the personal information of a data subject has been accessed or acquired by an unauthorised person.

You should have a comprehensive incident response plan on hand to guide your actions in the event of a data breach, data leak, or cybersecurity incident. Make sure that your IO and key members of your leadership team follow a systematic process to identify the incident, respond appropriately, escalate where necessary, and communicate clearly in line with POPIA’s stipulations.

If you fail to notify data subjects in such circumstances, you could face imprisonment, fines, or both. Remember, you must notify affected parties in writing as soon as reasonably possible after the discovery of a security compromise.

4 | Do we have employee training initiatives in place?

As a responsible party, you should ensure that your employees are educated about basic information security protocols and procedures.

From your Human Resources Department, which handles sensitive staff info, to your employees themselves, who may manage personal data from customers, suppliers, and service providers, your teams have to deal with personal information on a regular basis.

Make sure everyone in your organisation is familiar with POPIA’s requirements – and that individual staff members, line managers, and department heads understand their duties and responsibilities when it comes to data processing, data management, and data security.

Educate your personnel about the collection, use, and storage of personal information under POPIA, and remember that they may need specialised training for new systems and new productivity tools deployed now, or in the future.

5 | Do we understand the risks of non-compliance?

As a responsible party, you could face hefty fines or imprisonment if you’re found to be in contravention of the law.

There are civil and criminal consequences for non-compliance with POPIA. Section 99 of the Act describes how a data subject (or the Information Regulator, at the request of a data subject) may institute civil action against a responsible party for breach of POPIA.

Offences, penalties, and administrative fines are outlined in Chapter 11 of the legislation. If you are convicted of an offence in terms of POPIA, you could be fined up to R10-million, or imprisoned for up to 10 years.

Non-compliance also poses a risk to your reputation: public trust in your organisation could be eroded overnight if you suffer a data breach, and serious brand damage could cripple your business irrevocably.

Get expert help for all your data security needs.

The BUI Cyber Security Operations Center is the first of its kind in Africa. Take a look inside to see how our security experts protect and defend critical data 365 days a year.

Or contact our team directly to learn more about next-generation security solutions to safeguard your personal information, customer files, and business resources.

BUI selected to join Microsoft Intelligent Security Association

We are pleased to announce that we have joined the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA), a global ecosystem of independent software vendors and managed security service providers that have integrated their solutions to help customers better defend against a world of evolving cybersecurity threats.

MISA was launched in 2018 with 26 members. Today, just over 160 industry leaders from across the international cybersecurity spectrum work together to share threat intelligence, extend solution capabilities, and increase customer protection.

MISA membership is by invitation only. Organisations must be nominated by Microsoft, and must demonstrate integrations that support the goal of improving enterprise security. We were selected to join the association as a managed security service provider, for our NettProtect vulnerability scanning solution and turnkey add-ons to our Cyber SoC packages, as well as our Microsoft Defender for Endpoint managed service, which is geared to reinforce network security through next-generation detection, investigation, and threat-hunting.

“We are very proud to be part of the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association,” says Managing Director Ryan Roseveare. “Our MISA membership not only deepens our longstanding relationship with Microsoft, but also opens the door for our specialists to collaborate with some of the top security professionals in the world. We are excited to share our expertise with our new peers. And we look forward to delivering even more value to our customers, through innovative security offerings that meet their business needs.”

The BUI Cyber Security Operations Center (Cyber SoC) integrates with Microsoft Azure Sentinel, a cloud-native, AI-based security information and event management solution, to make threat detection and response smarter and faster. The state-of-the-art facility is the first of its kind in Africa, and harnesses Microsoft security resources to monitor enterprise networks, servers, endpoints, databases, and applications.

“The success of our Cyber SoC lies in the combination of cutting-edge technology and industry-leading skills,” declares Roseveare. “We have created a compelling solution by reducing the cost and complexity of managed security services, and by giving our customers value-driven add-ons, like our Cyber SoC Panic Button for emergency assistance,” he notes.

“The Microsoft Intelligent Security Association has grown into a vibrant ecosystem comprised of the most reliable and trusted security software vendors across the globe. Our members, like BUI, share Microsoft’s commitment to collaboration within the cybersecurity community to improve our customers’ ability to predict, detect, and respond to security threats faster,” says Rani Lofstrom, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Microsoft Security.

BUI’s MISA membership follows several company milestones in 2020. Since the beginning of the year, we have achieved Microsoft Azure Expert Managed Service Provider status and attained advanced specializations in Adoption and Change Management and Windows Virtual Desktop. We have also been named Microsoft Country Partner of the Year, Microsoft Modern Workplace Partner of the Year, Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Partner of the Year, and Microsoft Security Partner of the Year.

“We are determined to help our customers strengthen their cyber defences in the face of increasingly sophisticated threats,” says Roseveare. “As part of MISA, we are now even better positioned to empower organisations to protect their assets – from identity to infrastructure, and from the edge to the cloud,” he concludes.

Explore next-generation security for the new world of work…

We can help you create the best possible defences against cybercrime.

Check out our security offers in the MISA partner catalogue to learn more.

Are you a cybersecurity champion?

BUI is proud to announce its commitment to Cybersecurity Awareness Month, held annually in October, by signing up as a Champion organisation and joining a growing global effort to promote awareness of online safety and privacy.

This year, Champion organisations include technology companies Cisco, Kaspersky, McAfee, and Palo Alto Networks, as well as industry heavyweights like General Motors.

The Cybersecurity Awareness Month Champion programme is a collaborative effort among businesses, government agencies, tertiary education institutions, associations, and non-profit organisations and individuals committed to the 2020 Cybersecurity Awareness Month theme of “Do Your Part – #BeCyberSmart”. The programme aims to empower individuals and organisations to own their role in protecting their part of cyberspace.

The overarching message of this year’s theme – “If You Connect It, Protect It” – dives into the importance of keeping connected devices safe and secure from outside influence.

More than ever before, connected devices have been woven into society as an integral part of how people communicate and access services essential to their well-being. Data collected from these devices can detail highly specific information about a person or business which can be exploited by threat actors for their personal gain. Cybersecurity Awareness Month aims to shed light on these security vulnerabilities, while offering guidance around simple security measures to limit the risks for commonly used devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

This year, Cybersecurity Awareness Month will feature four main focus areas:

• General security hygiene for connected devices and home networks
• The importance of device security, especially for remote workers
• How connected devices play a pivotal role in the future of healthcare
• The overall future of connected devices for consumers

If everybody does their part – by implementing stronger security practices, raising community awareness, educating vulnerable audiences, and training employees – then our interconnected world will be safer and more resilient for everyone.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month continues to build momentum and impact with the ultimate goal of providing everyone with the information they need to stay safer and more secure online. The initiative, which is led by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) of the United States Department of Homeland Security, is in its 17th year.

Visit staysafeonline.org for more information about Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2020, and follow BUI on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter for daily cybersecurity resources! Throughout October, we will be sharing tips to help you and your teams be safer and more secure online.

Wondering how to cultivate cybersecurity awareness in your organisation?

Join our own Wayne Nel and Cyber Risk Aware CEO Stephen Burke for an exclusive live webinar on Thursday 15 October 2020.

Creating Your Human Firewall will show you how to transform your employees into cyber defenders. Reserve your seat!

Security must be part of your online business playbook

BUI CISSP Neil du Plessis and First Digital KZN Managing Executive Gabriel Malherbe discuss why a security strategy is critical for any enterprise with web-facing assets.

In 2019, South Africa had the third-highest number of cybercrime victims in the world. Attacks from the darkest corners of the web cost our economy more than R2.2bn. From government portals to municipal networks and databases, the public sector was a regular target. In the private sector too, cyberattackers zeroed in on e-commerce platforms, internet service providers, and financial institutions.

There’s a similar trend in 2020. Since the beginning of the year, hackers have taken aim at local enterprises including chemical supplier Omnia, hospital group Life Healthcare, and vehicle-recovery firm Tracker. Internationally, headline-making incidents involving car manufacturer Honda, GPS technology company Garmin, and energy group Enel have also highlighted the consequences of digital villainy, and put corporate cybersecurity practices in focus across the globe.

In 2019, South Africa had the third-highest number of cybercrime victims in the world, according to researchers.

“When it comes to defending against cyberattacks, modern enterprises must consider the growing complexity of their operational environments and the web-enabled commercial landscape at large,” explains Neil du Plessis, our CISSP and cloud security architect. Connectivity can be a powerful business driver, but it can also be a double-edged sword: the greater the number of integrated platforms, systems, and applications, the broader the attack surface. “You no longer have the luxury of drawing a perimeter around your organisation,” states Du Plessis.

Gabriel Malherbe, the KZN managing executive at our sister company First Digital, agrees. “In a hyperconnected world, your cybersecurity measures cannot stop at the front gate. Those days are long gone. Today, a business environment is not just a physical space: it extends beyond walls and fences, across devices, across networks, and across borders. The challenge now – especially for those moving ahead with digital transformation – is holistic protection,” says Malherbe.

Risk versus reward

South Africa is one of the fastest-growing countries globally for IT expenditure, and local enterprises are spending significant funds on software and services delivered via the internet. They’re also moving core systems online. “Modernisation is a big motivator,” says Malherbe. “There’s a growing interest in disruptive technologies, and how they can be leveraged to help people accomplish more. The ‘more’ factor may change from company to company, but I think the stimulus is the same in many cases, and that’s the desire to prepare for an increasingly digital future,” he explains.

Being online can open the door for businesses to become more agile, more productive, more efficient, more responsive, and more cost-effective – but there are risks to consider in pursuit of such rewards, cautions Du Plessis. “Whether an online presence is part of your overall business development strategy, or a planned transition to serve your customers where they are, or even a productivity requirement to enable remote work right now, cybersecurity should be a primary concern. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and some of the biggest security incidents in recent history are now cautionary tales about the perils of poor cyber hygiene,” he says.

Du Plessis highlights the 2018 ViewFines data leak as an example. “The PII records of almost a million South African motorists were leaked publicly, and sensitive personal information – including full names, ID numbers, and plaintext passwords – was compromised. The root cause was a web server vulnerability that could have been addressed beforehand through mitigation techniques like vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, server hardening, and patch management,” he explains.

Malicious actors continue to employ a wide range of scams to try to gain access to valuable data and corporate assets. Phishing, smishing, and vishing are common methods of attack, but malware is becoming a popular choice as cyber villains look beyond everyday IT infrastructure to more complex OT ecosystems in sectors as diverse as retail and industrial manufacturing.

“The EKANS ransomware used against Honda earlier this year is a case in point,” Du Plessis says, referencing the sophisticated malware that targeted the auto-maker’s industrial control systems and affected production lines in Europe, Japan, and the United States. “It’s absolutely critical for modern enterprises to establish cybersecurity practices that include all web-enabled processes, not only traditional IT,” he advises.

Security should be built in from the ground up and across the board, concurs Malherbe. “There’s a duality to the internet that you need to remember: it connects you to the world and it connects the world to you. Every web-facing resource, from your homepage to your e-commerce store, is exposed to a degree of risk. When you understand that, then you can take action to protect your assets while you reap the rewards of doing business on the web,” he says.

Functionality and security

“Cost, convenience, and customisation potential are all factors pushing local businesses to explore some kind of online presence,” continues Malherbe, adding that First Digital has seen a dramatic increase in the number of clients asking for e-commerce solutions in recent months. The trend, he argues, can be attributed to the prevailing market conditions as well as the changing behaviour of tech-savvy consumers.

“Even before the movement restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 lockdown, brick-and-mortar stores and shopping malls had started to feel the ripple effect of our stagnant economy: dwindling foot traffic, conservative spending, and tougher competition for every available rand. On top of that, there’s growing consumer demand for personalised, intuitive retail experiences. More and more, we’re seeing brands turn to e-commerce to drive sales and boost shopper engagement,” he says.

Modern enterprises need to establish cybersecurity practices that include all web-enabled processes, not only traditional IT, advises BUI CISSP Neil du Plessis.

Business-to-consumer enterprises aren’t the only ones taking advantage of web-enabled technology. In the business-to-business space, bespoke trading platforms and vendor portals are being deployed to enable broader collaboration, integration, and co-operation. Greater functionality, however, demands greater security measures, reiterates Du Plessis. “Several high-profile cyberattacks have been linked to human error, or the misconfiguration of IT resources, or inadequate security controls. In B2C and B2B companies, cybersecurity strategy needs to be prioritised to help safeguard data, applications, infrastructure, and users,” he says.

BUI and First Digital have partnered on several projects to deliver secure solutions to local organisations. “I think customers understand the value of such engagements, especially given our complementary disciplines,” says Malherbe, citing a recent piece of work for Korbicom that drew on both teams’ expertise. “First Digital was brought in to provide Azure support, and BUI came on board later to perform penetration testing. The result was an intensive review of Korbicom’s web application, from architecture through to security,” explains Malherbe.

Korbicom’s application architect, Shaun Rust, was pleased with the results. “As a niche software development company, Korbicom creates custom solutions for clients in the legal sector, the insurance industry, and the financial services industry. Understandably, security and compliance are particular concerns. Our consultations with First Digital and BUI revolved around the functionality and security of a newly developed application, and their advice and assistance was very much appreciated.”

South African companies have to be prepared for sustained and increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks designed to compromise web-facing assets. “If you collect customer data through your website, or payment details through your e-commerce store, then you’re a potential target because sensitive information like that is valuable to somebody, somewhere,” cautions Du Plessis. “It doesn’t matter how big or small you are: data is a commodity. And I think we’ve all seen enough headlines to know that it is being bought and sold worldwide. The protection of your online business environment has never been more important than it is today,” he says.

Malherbe feels the same way. “If you don’t put adequate defences in place, then your enterprise is exposed, vulnerable, and at risk. You cannot afford to be in that position when the threat landscape changes by the minute. You have to make cybersecurity a priority – from day one, and every day after that,” he concludes.

A version of this article was published by First Digital, a fellow First Technology Group company specialising in application development, business process management, enterprise content management, integration, and managed services. Connect with First Digital on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, or visit www.firsttech.digital to learn more.

Did you know that the BUI Cyber Security Operations Centre opened in 2019?

Our state-of-the-art cybersecurity facility is backed by world-class Microsoft security technology, including Azure Sentinel – Microsoft’s cloud-native security information and event management software.

The BUI Cyber Security Operations Centre is the first of its kind in Africa. It is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by certified security specialists who can help you to safeguard your critical business assets.

BUI earns prestigious Microsoft Azure Expert MSP status

It’s official! BUI has been named a Microsoft Azure Expert Managed Services Provider (MSP). We’re extremely proud to be the first South African company to achieve this distinction, which is currently held by only a select group of Microsoft Partners worldwide.

What is an Azure Expert MSP?

The Microsoft Azure Expert MSP programme recognises Microsoft Partners with the proven expertise and capability to deliver the highest quality of managed end-to-end Microsoft Azure cloud services, from initial planning and design through to implementation, operation, and optimisation.

“This is a fantastic achievement for BUI and a win for our customers,” says Managing Director Ryan Roseveare. “This is an acknowledgement of our skills and competencies around Microsoft Azure and benefits our company and our customers. It shows that we are in the top tier of globally recognised Microsoft Partners, and that we are highly successful when it comes to managing modern cloud environments. As more and more South African businesses explore cloud-based solutions, the need for Azure specialists grows. We’re proud to rank among the best, and to support local companies.”

Roseveare’s sentiments are shared by Technical Director Willem Malan: “Now, more than ever, I think customers are looking for the best partners to support them through digital transformation. We have attained Microsoft Azure Expert MSP status and that is certainly a validation of our abilities, but more importantly, it’s an assurance for our customers. It shows that we’re equipped to provide truly world-class service, and to deliver Azure cloud services at scale for enterprises across the board.”

To participate in the Azure Expert MSP programme, Microsoft Partners must meet stringent requirements defined by Microsoft and independently evaluated by third-party auditors.

“The process is rigorous,” explains Malan. “Our teams have been assessed on everything from technical aptitude to customer deliveries, and we’re delighted with the positive feedback received. We’re fortunate to have so many talented, passionate people who are committed to delivering business value for our customers,” he says.

“We congratulate BUI on their Azure Expert MSP recognition and look forward to working alongside them, to help more customers make the move to the cloud as a critical enabler of digital transformation. It is a digital transformation journey that for many has accelerated exponentially, as the need for remote working has increased. Our partners are a cornerstone of the Microsoft ecosystem, now more than ever, as we navigate towards a post COVID-19 business landscape that creates hybrid workplaces that are secure, cost efficient and streamlined,” says Lillian Barnard, Managing Director of Microsoft South Africa.

“We’re honoured to have earned this prestigious accreditation, and we look forward to helping more customers benefit from the security and scalability of Microsoft Azure,” concludes Roseveare.

Securing Your Remote Workforce During Lockdown, And Beyond

Managing cybersecurity for an increased remote workforce requires careful consideration of the people and protocols throughout your business.

South Africa’s nationwide COVID-19 lockdown has made remote work a business necessity. And while you may have supported a handful of work-from-home employees before the pandemic, a rapid transition to a fully remote workforce is likely to test your capabilities. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution when you pivot from a traditional, physical hub to a virtual workspace, but there is one critical concern that should guide your actions: cybersecurity.

Effective cybersecurity requires both visibility and control. When your day-to-day business operations are centralised, it’s simpler for IT personnel to safeguard data and resources. They’re able to monitor networks, supervise hardware and software usage, and help govern employee behaviour to insulate your company from cyberthreats. They’re gatekeepers and guardians with defined perimeters, 360-degree views, and the power to manage endpoints and end users alike.

But what happens when your employees have to work remotely from their homes? What happens when they use household wi-fi, personal devices, and public applications to keep in touch with colleagues and complete job-related tasks? And what happens to your corporate security posture when it’s suddenly linked to domestic ecosystems that you cannot see and do not own?

The digital landscape has been changed by COVID-19. The threat landscape has been changed as well. One of the biggest challenges for cybersecurity teams right now is the protection of remote workers (and workloads) in a fluid environment where the risks have been greatly amplified by the current social and economic circumstances. While businesses are grappling with the coronavirus fallout on all fronts, cyberattackers are looking for novel ways to exploit systemic vulnerabilities and individual fears. Security measures that factor in technological and human considerations are more important than ever before. You need to look at your protocols and your people as you adjust your defensive strategy for the continuing lockdown, and the future beyond it. Our remote-work checklist will help you to close the gaps and strengthen cyber hygiene…

#1 | Have you instituted a remote work policy?

Few organisations were equipped to transform their employees into remote workers at the pace required for sustained productivity after South Africa’s lockdown announcement in March. Travel limitations and retail restrictions also made it difficult to purchase new corporate hardware for personnel to use at home. As a result, there are several remote-work scenarios in play: staff using company-owned devices; staff using their own devices; staff using borrowed devices from friends and relatives; or a combination of these.

A comprehensive policy that outlines the terms and conditions of remote access to corporate resources, as well as the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved, can reduce the risk of costly disputes in the event of a security incident. Your business may also have additional legal obligations regarding the handling of personally identifiable information and intellectual property in such circumstances, and you may need to consult an expert for guidance on the applicable local and international laws.

#2 | Have you educated remote workers about device security?

Make sure that your employees understand the importance of system updates, program updates, and software patches as part of a healthy cybersecurity routine – and be prepared to offer additional support to those who do not usually perform these tasks on their own.

You can also put device maintenance and protection under your corporate umbrella with a cloud-based endpoint management platform like Microsoft Intune, which gives you the ability to manage and secure company-owned and employee-owned Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS devices.

#3 | Have you mandated antivirus software for remote machines?

Check that all devices used by remote workers have adequate firewalls and up-to-date antivirus software installed. This is particularly important for the smartphones, tablets, and laptops that employees use personally and professionally.

Windows 10 has Windows Defender Antivirus built in, and if your IT teams are monitoring endpoints with Intune or a similar solution, then you may have additional functionality to improve the cyber safety nets around remote devices.

#4 | Have you enabled secure remote connections?

Your employees’ home office environments may be shared by their spouses, partners, children, roommates, or even tenants. And their home networks may support web-enabled appliances like smart TVs, or IoT automation systems like lighting control, or wearable technology like fitness trackers, in addition to their own portable devices. Every connected item is a potential gateway for cyberattackers.

You can buffer corporate resources against this wider threat landscape by enforcing the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and remote desktop applications. Make sure that remote workers do all they can to safeguard their home wi-fi routers as well, in terms of physical security (making it tamper-proof) and cybersecurity (changing its default password out of the box).

#5 | Have you made MFA compulsory for remote workers?

Implementing multi-factor authentication will help you to maintain control over core system access and protect sensitive business data. The extra steps that remote users have to take to verify their identities are essential security checkpoints for your organisation – and additional obstacles for malicious actors.

Phishing attacks are increasing as cybervillains move to exploit the public demand for coronavirus-related news and information. And you may already know that around 80% of data breaches are linked to compromised, weak, or reused passwords. Enabling MFA can help you to secure every employee login, no matter where the employee is located.

#6 | Have you given remote workers a dedicated IT support team?

You have to account for the fact that technical aptitude differs from person to person, and that remote work in itself may be daunting for employees who are more comfortable in a communal office where the IT department is a few metres away. Make sure remote staff know who to contact for everyday troubleshooting and emergency intervention, so that they don’t have to look for workarounds and quick fixes that could compromise their cybersecurity, and by extension, your company’s as well.

SEE HOW WE DO IT | Step inside the BUI Cyber Security Operations Centre

The COVID-19 pandemic may have pushed you to explore remote productivity earlier than you’d planned – but if you make cybersecurity the guiding principle for your remote workers today, then they’ll be better prepared to face the digital environment of the future.

Secure remote work has been our way of life for many years here at BUI.

We’ve embraced the idea of the modern workplace, and we’ve helped many of our customers to do the same. Neil du Plessis, our cloud solutions security architect, will discuss rapid deployment for remote work in our webinar on 27 May 2020.

He’ll be covering key areas including secure connectivity, secure collaboration, and business productivity options for small and medium-sized enterprises, with a special focus on Microsoft Teams.