Cybersecurity essentials for any organization
Explore key cybersecurity principles and practices to help safeguard your organization from evolving digital threats.
“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and a few minutes of cyber-incident to ruin it.” – Stephane Nappo
Digitalization has accelerated the business landscape, helping humanity make great strides forward. However, cybercrimes like hacking, phishing, and identity thefts are evolving at the same pace or even faster than the advancement of beneficial technologies.
Although companies do take significant measures to counter most of these cyber threats, there are some security blind spots harboring hidden dangers that are often overlooked. Therefore, it is imperative for organizations to educate themselves on such blind spots and take proactive measures to tighten security across these areas. Here, we’ll uncover eight such security blind spots that every organization must be cognizant of:
1. Improper encryption
Encryption is a powerful tool to mitigate cyber threats. This is because even if attackers gain access to encrypted data, they cannot decipher it without the decryption key.
Unencrypted data can be easily accessed and misused by anyone, including employees within the organization. Moreover, attackers can easily exfiltrate unencrypted data, causing significant damage to the organization. However, encryption done poorly is as perilous as encryption not done. For example, using weak algorithms or managing keys poorly can lead to a false sense of security. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that encryption practices are robust and implemented correctly to provide the protection they promise.
Strategies to mitigate this vulnerability
Adopt strong encryption standards: Use robust encryption algorithms, such as AES-256 and the Triple DES (3DES) to secure sensitive data. It is equally important to review and update encryption protocols to ensure safety against new and unpredictable threats.
Encrypt data at rest and in transit: Data cannot be left unencrypted, whether stored or transmitted across networks. Use protocols like Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS), Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS), while the data is in transit. Additionally, implement secure access controls and multi-factor authentication to always keep data safe. Furthermore, regular auditing and backing up of data can also aid in preventing data loss.
Adopt best practices for key management: Store the encryption keys separately from the encrypted data. Hardware security modules (HSMs) can be used to manage the cryptography key’s lifecycle. Frequently rotating and updating the keys can also reduce the likelihood of a breach.
How Hexnode helps:
Hexnode offers robust device encryption capabilities to safeguard corporate data across various platforms:
Windows devices: Hexnode along with BitLocker, Microsoft’s native full-disk encryption tool, enforce encryption on system drives, fixed data drives, and removable drives. Administrators can remotely initiate BitLocker encryption, configure encryption settings, and manage recovery keys via the Hexnode portal.
macOS devices: Hexnode utilizes FileVault, Apple’s full-disk encryption program, to encrypt all information on macOS devices. Once enabled, the device becomes inaccessible without a password or valid recovery key, ensuring that any data added is automatically encrypted as it’s saved.
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Shadow IT consists of any hardware, software, or cloud services that have not been authorized by the IT department of the organization. Employees may use these unapproved hardware and software to make their work easier, but this comes at the cost of serious security blind spots in the organization.
How to address shadow IT
Provide proper training and education: Make employees aware of the risks associated with using unverified software and applications.
Enforce clear policies: Implement and communicate a clear policy on the use of IT resources to employees.
Conduct Regular audits: Carry out regular audits to identify and address unauthorized technologies.
How Hexnode helps
Hexnode enables admins to create allowlists and blocklists for apps, ensuring only approved software is accessible to end users. You can remotely install, remove, and update apps, and enforce app compliance policies across devices. This prevents users from downloading risky or unapproved tools.
App Inventory & Usage Tracking – With Hexnode’s real-time application inventory, admins get full visibility into every app installed on managed devices. Usage analytics help identify apps that are rarely used, frequently accessed, or completely unauthorized—allowing IT to intervene before they become a threat.
Web Content Filtering – Shadow IT isn’t limited to apps—it includes web-based tools too. Hexnode’s web filtering feature can restrict access to specific categories of websites or URLs, reducing the likelihood of users accessing unapproved SaaS platforms or cloud services.
Network Restrictions and VPN Enforcement – You can control network access through per-app VPNs or restrict Wi-Fi configurations to approved networks only. This limits data flow to unauthorized cloud services or personal devices, curbing one of the most common forms of Shadow IT.
Compliance and Audit Reports – Hexnode provides detailed compliance reports and audit logs, enabling organizations to detect anomalies—like a sudden influx of new app installations or unusual data usage—which could indicate Shadow IT activity.
Kiosk Mode and Lockdown Policies – Especially useful for frontline or shared devices, Hexnode can enforce kiosk or multi-app modes, restricting device usage to only sanctioned apps. This practically eliminates the scope for employees to install or access anything outside the pre-approved environment.
Custom Scripts and Automation – Admins can push custom scripts (on platforms like macOS and Windows) to detect unauthorized software or enforce remediation actions automatically—ideal for proactive control over Shadow IT proliferation.
3. Unpatched software
Security flaws in software are addressed by software patches. Unpatched software is a major security blind spots. A delay in addressing security issues can expose the entire system to attacks. Cybercriminals are always on the watch for unpatched systems to exploit. They may inject malware into systems even before organizations get to know about these issues. This practice is known as zero-day attack. Unpatched software also serve as an open invitation for other cyberattacks like ransomware. For example, the WannaCry ransomware attack in May 2017, exploited unpatched Windows systems, affecting organizations worldwide. The attackers encrypt data on multiple Windows devices and demand ransom payments in the bitcoin cryptocurrency in exchange for the hostage data.
Strategies for patch management
Systematic patch management: Devise a systematic patch management process to ensure that all software are updated from time-to-time.
Automated tools: Leverage automated tools to identify and deploy patches.
How Hexnode helps:
Hexnode mitigates the risks of unpatched software through automated patch management.
Automatic updates: It allows administrators to schedule automatic updates for operating systems and third-party applications, ensuring that vulnerabilities are addressed promptly.
Over-The-Air (OTA) patches: Hexnode simplifies and streamlines the management of Over-The-Air (OTA) patches for all managed devices. It is also possible to set up reports for patches and device updates.
Multi-platform support: By supporting multiple platforms, Hexnode ensures comprehensive coverage, significantly reducing the risk of cyber threats caused by unpatched software.
Test Patch Stability: Use Hexnode’s deployment rings and patch deferral options to test updates in a controlled environment before organization-wide rollout.
Deploy Patches to Devices: Automatically or manually deploy patches to targeted device groups and schedule rollouts during off-peak hours to minimize disruption.
Report Patch Status: Monitor patch compliance with customizable reports and scheduled insights, ensuring visibility and audit readiness across your device fleet.
4. Third-party vendors
Third-party vendors serve as indirect entry points for attackers to gain access to the company network. This is a major security blind spots for many organizations. Organizations usually lack visibility and control on how third-party vendors store, use, and manage their data. Additionally, vendors might not comply strict security policies and standards, leaving organizations susceptible to attacks. The infamous case of SolarWinds cyber attack which affected more than 18,000 Solar Winds customers, is an example of data breach through third party vendors. Moreover, the complex web of dependencies created by third-party vendors relying on other vendors and so on creates an intricate labyrinth of vendor dependency, jeopardizing everyone’s data even if one gets attacked.
Mitigating third-party risks
Evaluate vendor security: Carefully assess the cybersecurity policies and protocols of potential vendors before finalizing one.
Contractual safeguards: Stipulate strict data privacy terms in vendor contracts.
Conduct regular security audits: Carry out regular audits to review vendors’ security practices. Additionally, periodic penetration testing can identify potential vulnerabilities.
Automated risk management: Leverage third-party risk management platforms to automate risk assessments and compliance checks.
Incident response planning: Create an incident response plan to ensure timely communication and coordinated actions during security events.
How Hexnode helps
Hexnode’s mobile threat defense capabilities directly address risks associated with third-party vendors by providing comprehensive protection against network, app-based, and physical threats.
Securing app ecosystems: Hexnode manages the complete app ecosystem to ensure no threats or security breaches take place from malicious third-party vendor tools.
Restricting unsecured data sharing: It blocks unauthorized data transfers via bluetooth, tethering, and NFC to protect sensitive information.
Enforcing real-time compliance checks: Hexnode ensures all devices interacting with vendor systems stay compliant with security policies, preventing breaches.
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5. Unmonitored networks
Unmonitored or poorly monitored networks present a significant security blind spots, as they can become entry points for malicious actors without triggering any alerts. These networks may include remote office connections, guest Wi-Fi, or unmanaged VLANs that fall outside the visibility of central IT. Without proper monitoring, it becomes difficult to detect suspicious activity, enforce policies, or respond to breaches in time. This lack of visibility leaves organizations vulnerable to lateral movement, data exfiltration, and compliance violations.
Closing the network monitoring blind spot
Network Segmentation – Isolate sensitive systems from less secure networks using VLANs and firewalls to reduce exposure.
Deploy Network Monitoring Tools – Use intrusion detection systems (IDS) and network traffic analysis tools to continuously monitor and log activity.
Enforce Secure Access Policies – Leverage NAC (Network Access Control) and UEM solutions like Hexnode to restrict network access based on device compliance and user roles.
How Hexnode helps
Hexnode mitigates the security blindspot of DDoS attacks through its network settings management by strengthening network defenses and ensuring secure device configurations. This includes settings for:
Wi-Fi networks: Configure Wi-Fi settings for devices, ensuring devices connect to the right networks with appropriate security protocols (e.g., WPA2, WPA3).
VPN profiles: Push and manage VPN configurations on devices to ensure secure remote access to the company network. This is especially important for mobile employees or remote workers.
Network restrictions: Set policies to restrict network access based on certain conditions or locations, enhancing security.
Data usage management: Define data usage limits or monitor the amount of data consumed by the devices. This is useful for ensuring that employees do not exceed data caps and for reducing the risk of excessive data consumption over cellular networks.
6. Poor access management
Weak access management exposes organizations to a large number of vulnerabilities that leave them susceptible to many cyberattacks. Weak passwords, the absence of multi-factor authentication, and excessive user privileges make dangerous blind spots that attackers can easily exploit. Additionally, unused accounts with existing privileges also pose a great risk. Combined with insufficient monitoring, cyber threats due to poor access management become even harder to identify and mitigate.
Addressing weak access management
Impose the principle of least privilege – Enforce the principle of least privilege and restrict user access to only the data and resources necessary for their role, minimizing the risk of unauthorized actions.
Monitor access continuously – Regularly review access logs to detect unusual activity and prevent potential security breaches.
Train employees – Educate employees and stakeholders on secure access practices to reduce human errors and insider threats.
How Hexnode helps
IAM in Hexnode focuses on securely managing user identities, controlling access to corporate resources, and ensuring that only authorized users and devices can access specific services, data, or applications. Here’s an overview of Hexnode’s
IAM capabilities: Seamless integration with cloud identity providers: Hexnode integrates with cloud-based identity providers like Azure AD, Google workspace, or Okta for user authentication to manage user identities centrally while leveraging Hexnode’s device and access management features.
Certificate deployment: End users can use certificates instead of passwords to access services like Wi-Fi and Virtual Private Network easily. Certificates can be stored in the Hexnode portal and deployed to the managed devices.
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7. Poor physical security
While cybersecurity measures like firewalls and encryption are prioritized, physical security remains an overlooked yet critical risk. Lost or stolen devices, unattended workstations, and insider threats can lead to severe data breaches, undermining even the strongest cyber defenses. A stolen laptop or an unlocked workstation can expose sensitive data, bypassing digital safeguards entirely. Without proper physical security controls, even the most advanced cybersecurity strategies are incomplete. This oversight creates a significant security blind spots.
Strategies to address physical security risks
To counteract these risks, organizations must adopt a multi-layered approach, integrating both physical security protocols and robust device management solutions. Strategies include:
Implement strict access controls – Use ID badges, biometric authentication, and surveillance systems to prevent unauthorized entry.
Enforce strong device security policies – Implement device security policies like screen lock timeouts, encrypted storage, and strong authentication methods.
Secure lost or stolen devices – Develop security measures to ensure that lost or stolen devices don’t become security liabilities.
How Hexnode helps
Physical security risks can expose sensitive data, but the right measures help mitigate potential threats. Hexnode offers powerful features to protect lost or stolen devices, ensuring corporate assets remain secure and accounted for.
Remote lock – Instantly lock a lost or unattended device to prevent unauthorized access.
Remote wipe – If a device is irretrievable, erase all data remotely to protect sensitive information.
Location tracking – Monitor device location in real-time, helping recover lost or stolen assets.
Asset management – Maintain a complete inventory of all devices, ensuring proper accountability and security compliance.
8. Inadequate endpoint security
With organizations now using a multitude of devices for business operations, it is crucial to effectively secure every one of them to thwart cyberattacks. Moreover, remote work has become the new norm, necessitating endpoint security. Furthermore, many companies have now switched to the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) approach, requiring proper management of company data and applications.
Another major security blind-spot in organizations is the usage of End Of Life (EOL) systems that can render organizations vulnerable to malicious attackers. This is because legacy devices do not receive security updates and bug fixes, leading to security gaps that can be easily exploited.
A comprehensive approach to endpoint security
Implement MDM solution: A Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution provides centralized monitoring to secure all endpoints of an organization, even if they are distributed across different locations. With an MDM solution, IT admins can enforce policies and ensure compliance.
Apply zero trust principles: Do not trust any device by default. Verify everything with multi-factor authentication before granting access.
Regular updates and patches: Continuously update software and apply security patches to fix flaws.
Employee awareness: Training sessions on cybersecurity empower employees to stay vigilant against threats and recognize any phishing attempts.
How Hexnode helps
Hexnode enables centralized control over all managed endpoints, including mobile devices (Android, iOS), desktops (Windows, macOS), and even IoT devices. It ensures that security settings are uniformly applied to all endpoints and regularly updated.
Password policies: Hexnode allows administrators to enforce strong password policies requiring a certain level of complexity or periodic password changes, to prevent unauthorized access.
Compliance enforcement: Hexnode enables real-time compliance checks to ensure that devices meet predefined security standards.
Remote troubleshooting: If a device is compromised or exhibits abnormal behavior, administrators can use Hexnode’s remote troubleshooting tools to diagnose issues, remotely install patches, or make configuration changes to address vulnerabilities.
Detailed reports: Hexnode offers detailed reports and audit logs to track device activity, policy enforcement, and any security incidents. This helps identify trends, spot potential security weaknesses, and ensure compliance with security standards.
Key takeaways
Even with strong cybersecurity strategies in place, organizations can still fall victim to overlooked security blind spots. Addressing these moles in security requires a proactive and comprehensive approach. Identifying them is the first step, followed by strategic measures to combat vulnerabilities.
Cyber-security is not a one-time effort but a never-ending journey of learning, implementing and adapting. Staying vigilant and investing in promoting awareness helps safeguard your organization, reputation, stakeholders, and the future.
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