Cybersecurity is not merely a consideration but a critical necessity for organizations of all sizes. Small to medium-sized businesses and not-for-profits, often operating with limited resources, face unique challenges in protecting their assets. At Cyber Op Source, we often have to work within tight budgets when working with our clients. The following compilation of cybersecurity resources is tailored to give organizations accessible tools and frameworks to strengthen their defenses against cyber threats while staying within a budget. This blog post only goes into a bit of detail about each resource. It was written to make organizations aware of resources that are available to them. In a future post, we will dive deeper into each resource and show how these resources can be further utilized within your organization. Eventually, we will compile an entire list of resources that can be used to create a robust cybersecurity arsenal. In addition, we will continue to build the layers of cyber defense, giving you the knowledge and tools needed to fortify your cyber resilience.
1. OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project)
It's one of our favorite websites here at Cyber Op Source. OWASP is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing software security. It stands out for providing resources such as tools, documentation, and guidelines. One of its standout features is the OWASP Top Ten, which outlines critical web application security risks. Additionally, OWASP offers other tools such as Static Application Security Testing for analyze source code or compiled versions of code to help find security flaws and Dynamic Application Security Testing for scanning web applications, generally from the outside, to look for security vulnerabilities such as Cross-site scripting, SQL Injection, Command Injection, Path Traversal, and insecure server configuration, making it a versatile resource for organizations aiming to bolster their application security.
Standout Features:
OWASP Top Ten: Explore the widely recognized list outlining the most critical web application security risks. It's a must-read for staying ahead of emerging threats.
https://owasp.org/www-project-top-ten/
Free Application Security Tools: OWASP provides a suite of free tools for application security testing. From Static Application Security Testing (SAST) for source code analysis to Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) for scanning web applications, OWASP equips organizations with versatile resources. Free OWASP Tools
https://owasp.org/www-community/Free_for_Open_Source_Application_Security_Tools
API Security Resources: OWASP delivers additional information for securing APIs. Explore guidelines, best practices, and tools to help improve your API security. OWASP API Security
https://owasp.org/www-project-api-security/
2. MITRE
Another popular website and choice here at Cyber Op Source, MITRE, stands as a robust knowledge base that outlines cyber adversaries' actions, tactics, and techniques via the MITRE ATT&CK Framework. Its granularity sets it apart — offering not just broad overviews but detailed insights into specific threat groups and their methods. There is much value in ATT&CK's actionable content, which can be used to enhance an organization's cybersecurity posture.
Standout Features:
MITRE ATT&CK Framework: the MITRE ATT&CK framework goes beyond generic threat information. It provides detailed insights into specific threat groups' tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). Explore the knowledge base to understand the nuances of cyber threats.
Attack Roadmap: The roadmap provides a forward-looking, easy-to-use map of emerging threats and evolving adversary tactics. MITRE ATT&CK Roadmap
https://attack.mitre.org/docs/attack_roadmap_2022_october.pdf
Attack Matrix Poster: The ATT&CK matrix poster offers a visual representation of adversary techniques across different platforms. This comprehensive resource aids cybersecurity professionals in understanding the breadth of potential threats. ATT&CK Matrix Poster
https://attack.mitre.org/docs/attack_matrix_poster_2023_april.pdf
3. CIS (Center for Internet Security)
OK, our number one favorite site, the Center for Internet Security (CIS), is a cybersecurity powerhouse that provides organizations with robust best practices encapsulated in the CIS Controls. These controls offer a prioritized and actionable framework, guiding organizations in defending against a spectrum of cyber threats. What sets CIS apart is its commitment to free resources, including the invaluable CIS Critical Controls. With CIS, organizations gain not just guidelines but practical tools for enhancing their cybersecurity posture.
Standout Features:
CIS Controls List: Explore the prioritized list of CIS Controls, offering organizations a structured approach to cybersecurity. These controls are curated based on real-world threats and effective risk management. CIS Controls List
https://www.cisecurity.org/controls/cis-controls-list
CIS Controls FAQ: Delve deeper into the implementation and understanding of CIS Controls through the frequently asked questions. This resource provides additional clarity and insights for organizations seeking to enhance their cybersecurity posture. CIS Controls FAQ
https://www.cisecurity.org/controls/cis-controls-faq
4. NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) Cybersecurity Framework
It's another favorite around here. NIST's Cybersecurity Framework is a pinnacle in guiding organizations through the complex cybersecurity risk landscape. With a holistic approach, the framework is comprised of five core functions – Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. NIST's framework's adaptability makes it essential to cater to organizations of all sizes. It doesn't just offer guidance; it provides a structured methodology for organizations to strengthen their cybersecurity posture. Organizations benefit not only from widespread adoption but also from the continuous evolution of the framework to address emerging threats, making it a timeless and forward-looking resource.
Standout Features:
Cybersecurity Framework: NIST's framework provides a comprehensive approach with five core functions, covering the entire cybersecurity lifecycle. These functions, from initial identification to recovery, offer a structured methodology for organizations to fortify their cybersecurity posture. What makes NIST's framework indispensable is its adaptability, catering to organizations of all sizes. Small to large enterprises find value in its scalable approach, ensuring that cybersecurity practices are tailored to the specific needs and resources of each organization.
https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework
5. SANS Internet Storm Center:
The SANS Internet Storm Center is a cybersecurity hub that offers daily diaries authored by cybersecurity experts. These diaries go into real-time analysis of current threats, vulnerabilities, and cutting-edge incident response techniques. You will have real-world insights, providing a practical understanding of the latest cybersecurity trends. The site is an informative resource and a great way to stay ahead of the curve and stay on top of cybersecurity threats.
Standout Features:
Daily Diaries by Experts: One of the standout features of the SANS Internet Storm Center is its daily diaries. Authored by cybersecurity experts, these diaries provide real-time insights into current threats, vulnerabilities, and incident response strategies. Stay informed about the latest developments straight from the field.
Emerging Threat Analysis: The center provides not just information but actionable insights. The daily diaries include analysis of emerging threats, ensuring that cybersecurity professionals are well-equipped to anticipate and respond to the ever-evolving threat landscape.
Informative Security Policies: Beyond threat analysis, SANS also offers valuable information security policy development resources. These resources provide practical guidance for organizations seeking to enhance security policies and practices. https://www.sans.org/information-security-policy/
6. DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
The DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) extends a suite of resources designed to improve organizational cybersecurity resilience.
Standout Features:
CISA Cyber Essentials Toolkit: The CISA Cyber Essentials Toolkit delivers actionable steps for organizations to implement fundamental cybersecurity practices. This toolkit is designed to serve as a foundational guide, ensuring that organizations establish a robust cybersecurity posture. CISA Cyber Essentials Toolkit
https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/cyber-essentials-toolkits
Risk and Vulnerability Assessments: CISA offers a range of resources for risk and vulnerability assessments. These assessments empower organizations to identify and address potential weaknesses in their cybersecurity infrastructure, making them a crucial component of a proactive cybersecurity strategy. Below is a link to their yearly risk and assessment report.
https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/risk-and-vulnerability-assessments
7. NCSC Cyber Essentials
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) helps bolster cybersecurity through its Cyber Essentials scheme. This initiative equips organizations with a set of fundamental cybersecurity controls, serving as a robust defense against prevalent cyber threats. What sets Cyber Essentials apart is its accessibility, making it an inclusive resource created for organizations of all sizes. By adhering to these controls, organizations can create a resilient cybersecurity foundation, ensuring a proactive stance against cyber adversaries.
Standout Features:
Cyber Essentials: NCSC Cyber Essentials provides a set of basic cybersecurity controls that organizations can implement to protect against common cyber threats. These controls cover areas such as secure configuration, access control, and malware protection, offering a foundational defense against a wide range of cyber risks.
https://iasme.co.uk/cyber-essentials/
Accessibility for All Sizes: The scheme is designed to be accessible for organizations of all sizes, recognizing businesses' diverse needs and resources. Organizations can benefit from the straightforward and practical cybersecurity controls NCSC advocates, whether small startups or large enterprises.
Continuous Updates and Guidance: NCSC ensures its Cyber Essentials scheme evolves to address emerging cyber threats. Organizations can stay updated with the latest guidance and best practices, adapting cybersecurity measures to the ever-changing threat landscape.
Conclusion
In cybersecurity, arming your organization with effective tools and frameworks is important. The Cyber Guardians 7 organizations have a number of free, powerful resources that help with budget constraints. From the comprehensive insights of MITRE ATT&CK to the practicality of CIS Controls, each resource contributes uniquely to bolstering your cybersecurity posture. As cybersecurity professionals, the onus is on us to leverage these tools—OWASP's robust application security guidance, MITRE ATT&CK's detailed threat insights, CIS's actionable controls, NIST's holistic framework, the real-time analysis from SANS, the foundational practices in CISA's toolkit, and the fundamental controls from NCSC.
At cyber op we try to embrace the wealth of knowledge these resources offer, these resources allow us to identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover, build a resilient cybersecurity foundation. Stay tuned for deeper dives into each of these resources.
No reactions