Addressing Third-Party Exposure: A Guide for Business Owners and Decision Makers

As we navigate the complex landscape of modern business, one challenge looms increasingly large for business owners and decision-makers: third-party exposure. This issue represents a critical vulnerability that can compromise even the most robust cybersecurity systems. With the growing trend of outsourcing tasks to freelancers and contractors, this issue demands immediate attention.

Summary

Third-party exposure is a significant cybersecurity concern, allowing hackers to exploit less secure networks to access their primary targets. Notable incidents, like the 2021 data leak affecting over 214 million accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, have occurred due to breaches in third-party contractors like Socialarks. In 2023, this threat is expected to intensify as companies increasingly rely on freelancers, making network access a focal point for cybercriminal activities.

Incidents like the 2021 Colonial Pipeline attack, which led to a $5 million ransom, exemplify the vulnerabilities inherent in third-party access. A shift towards remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has further complicated the cybersecurity landscape. According to a 2021 report, over half of businesses are now more willing to hire freelancers, and the FBI notes a 300% increase in cyberattacks since the pandemic began. Studies indicate that a majority of adults agree that remote work makes it easier for cybercriminals to exploit weaknesses, and 96% of organizations give external parties access to crucial systems, adding to the risk of third-party exposure.[1]

The Growing Threat of Third-Party Exposure

Third-party exposure occurs when a less secure network with privileged access to your primary network becomes compromised. Cybercriminals can exploit these weak points to access your critical systems. The risk of third-party exposure is particularly acute today due to the increasing reliance on external IT support and freelancers to handle tasks traditionally executed by in-house employees.[2]

The Business Implications

So, what are the implications for your business? A compromised third party can lead to data breaches, financial loss, and reputational damage. Even worse, you could end up making a hefty ransom payment to regain control of your systems, as seen in several high-profile cases in recent years.

VPNs and Multi-Factor Authentication: The First Line of Defense

Implementing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a crucial step to mitigate third-party exposure. A VPN can encrypt your online activity, making it harder for hackers to infiltrate your network.[3] Additionally, multi-factor authentication (2FA) can provide an extra layer of security by requiring additional credentials to access your systems.[4]

Limiting Access to Privileged Information

Studies have found that 96% of organizations grant third-party access to their critical systems.[5] Limiting this access can significantly reduce your risk of third-party exposure. Ensure that only necessary personnel have privileged access and regularly audit this access to confirm its necessity.

A Look Ahead

In the current remote work environment, over 50% of businesses are more willing to hire freelancers due to the shift to remote work. While this offers flexibility, it poses a significant risk, necessitating a multi-faceted strategy that includes advanced IT support and stringent security protocols.

The Role of Managed IT Services in Mitigating Third-Party Risks

While we've discussed internal measures like VPNs and 2FA, it's also crucial to look outward for comprehensive solutions—specifically, to managed IT services. These services can provide an additional layer of expertise and resources, effectively acting as a watchdog for any third-party involvement in your network.

Managed IT services can regularly audit your network to identify any vulnerable points of access, including those from third parties. By employing advanced security protocols and monitoring services, they can quickly detect irregularities and prevent unauthorized access to your critical systems. As the reliance on external IT support grows, partnering with a managed IT service can serve as a critical step in your overall cybersecurity strategy.

Investing in managed IT services also frees up internal resources to focus on core business activities, ensuring that your cybersecurity doesn't compromise your operational effectiveness.

By integrating managed IT services into your cybersecurity strategy, you can achieve a well-rounded approach to tackling third-party exposure, combining internal best practices with external expertise for a comprehensive solution.

Personal Safeguards Against Third-Party Cyber Threats

Given that third-party exposure is not just a corporate concern but can affect individuals as well, it's important to be proactive in your own cyber hygiene. Here are some self-defense practices you can implement:

• Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it more difficult for attackers to intercept your data. This is especially important when using public Wi-Fi, which is often less secure and more susceptible to attacks.
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Also known as Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), this adds an extra layer of security by requiring two or more verification methods—a password, a smart card, or a fingerprint, for instance.
• Be Selective with Third-Party Apps and Services: Always research third-party services before providing them with any personal information or allowing them access to your accounts. Be wary of services that ask for more permissions than necessary for their functionality.
• Regularly Update Software: Outdated software can have vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Make sure to keep all your software and applications updated to the latest versions.
• Monitor Account Activity: Regularly check your accounts for unauthorized or suspicious activity. Many services offer activity logs and will notify you of any unfamiliar access.
• Limit Sharing of Personal Information: Be mindful of what information you share online and with whom. Limit the personal details that you share in public forums and on social media.
• Utilize Security Software: Install reliable security software that can provide real-time protection against malware and phishing attacks.
• Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the latest types of cyber threats and how they can affect you. Share this knowledge with your family and friends to help them protect themselves too.

By implementing these self-defense practices, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with third-party exposure and other cyber threats.

Conclusion

Third-party exposure is not a theoretical concern; it's a pressing business issue that needs immediate action. You can significantly mitigate the risks by implementing robust IT support measures, including VPNs and 2FA, and rigorously controlling access to your critical systems. After all, in today's world, security is not just a technical requirement but a vital business strategy.

References

1. Top 10 Cybersecurity Threats in 2023 | Embroker. (2022, January 26). https://www.embroker.com/blog/top-cybersecurity-threats/
2. Future Workforce Report 2021 | Upwork. (n.d.). Www.upwork.com. https://www.upwork.com/research/future-workforce-report
3. Symanovich, S. (2022, February 24). What is a VPN? Us.norton.com. https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/what-is-a-vpn
4. What is 2FA? A simplified guide to two-factor authentication. (n.d.). Us.norton.com. https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/what-is-2fa
5. Third Party Privileged Access to Critical Systems. (n.d.). Www.cyberark.com. Retrieved September 21, 2023, from https://www.cyberark.com/resources/ebooks/third-party-privileged-access-to-critical-systems-ebook-1

‌Elevate Your Business Operations Through Unmatched IT Excellence: Choose Second Star Technologies

Are you ready to take your business to the next level with optimized IT infrastructure? Second Star Technologies can help.

We offer a wide range of IT services, including network management, security solutions, and 24/7 support. Our team of experts will work with you to understand your needs and develop a customized solution that will help you achieve your business goals.

With Second Star Technologies, you can be confident that your IT infrastructure is secure, reliable, and scalable. We'll help you free up your time and resources so you can focus on what you do best: growing your business.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you reach your full potential.