Cybersecurity – BlueFinch-ESBD https://bluefinch-esbd.com Empowering your business with secure data integration solutions Mon, 13 Oct 2025 13:17:46 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 https://bluefinch-esbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/flavison_bluefinchesbd-150x150.png Cybersecurity – BlueFinch-ESBD https://bluefinch-esbd.com 32 32 Zero trust, total control https://bluefinch-esbd.com/en/zero-trust-total-control/ Tue, 19 Aug 2025 09:22:10 +0000 https://bluefinch-esbd.com/?p=36760

The challenge for MFT in the age of zero trust

With the spread of teleworking, the rise of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and the increase in access to hosted services, both on-premises and in the cloud, software publishers are putting forward solutions based on the zero trust model.

Zero Trust — ‘never trust, always verify’ — is becoming the backbone of a modern security strategy.

The central objective of Zero Trust is to reduce as far as possible the implicit trust placed in any user, device, or service seeking to access the information system.

Zero Trust is often contrasted with perimeter defence. These two models complement each other and are based on several common principles. Zero Trust is therefore a natural part of a defence-in-depth strategy and should not be seen as a substitute for existing perimeter protection.

This contrast can be represented by the image of a fortified castle. The classic perimeter defence consists of walls and a drawbridge. Once these have been breached, access to the interior of buildings is unrestricted. The Zero Trust, on the other hand, transforms each room in the castle into a secure zone with its own armoured door and access control, so that an intruder cannot move about freely even after passing through the walls.

Let’s have a look at how to implement a zero-trust strategy with a managed file transfer (MFT) tool.

Fundamental principles of zero trust applied to MFT

Implementing zero trust in an MFT environment requires a combination of technologies and processes.

According to NIST (SP 800-207) recommendations, a zero trust strategy is based on three key pillars: strong authentication, micro-segmentation, and access control based on identity and context.

For an MFT environment, this translates as follows:

Explicit and strong authentication

The first step is to implement strong authentication, generally multifactor authentication (MFA), which requires each user to prove his or her identity using several elements: password, mobile application, physical key or biometrics. This authentication must apply to all connections, including those initiated by scripts or automated systems. The aim is to eliminate vulnerable entry points, such as service accounts with static passwords.

Encryption everywhere, all the time

The second dimension is the systematic encryption of data, both in transit and at rest. In an MFT, this means using secure protocols such as SFTP, FTPS or HTTPS for transfers and using robust algorithms such as AES-256 or PGP for storage.

Least privilege and granular control

Contextual access control achieves this approach. It is no longer just a question of limiting rights and checking who the user is, but also of analysing the conditions under which they connect: geographical location, type of device, level of system updates, and access times. In this way, an authorised user can be denied or restricted access if they try to connect from an unusual country or from a terminal that does not comply with security policies. The associated diagram could be visualised as a traffic light at the entrance to a tunnel, green if all conditions are met, orange if restrictions apply, and red if access is refused.

Segmentation

A fourth essential building block of zero trust applied to MFT is micro-segmentation. This involves dividing flows into logical or physical segments, each with its own access rules. For example, exchanges containing financial data can be confined to a separate network environment from HR data or technical documentation. This separation reduces the impact of an incident: a compromise in one segment does not open the door to the others. Imagine an archipelago where each island is autonomous but linked to the others by bridges that are monitored and controlled.

Continuous monitoring and automated response

Finally, zero trust in an MFT is not limited to prevention. It also includes a capacity for detection and rapid response. This involves continuous monitoring of exchanges via integration with SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) solutions capable of analysing logs in real time. In the event of abnormal activity, such as an unscheduled mass transfer, sending to an unusual destination, or repeated failed authentication attempts, the system can automatically trigger countermeasures: suspending an account, interrupting a flow, or triggering an investigation.

The combination of MFT and zero-trust does not stop at the points mentioned above, but these are the main advantages.

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BlueFinch-ESBD can help you with your zero-trust strategy

Organisations are constantly exchanging financial documents, legal documents, PIIs, medical applications, patents, etc. The slightest leak can result in a breach of the RGPD, HIPAA, DORA, or other standards. It can also damage a company’s reputation and cause them to lose their competitive edge.

Automated MFT makes it possible to meet regulatory constraints while avoiding the risk of human error, but this requires a mature platform, integrating encryption, auditing, secure workflows and advanced controls.

Cloud and hybrid environments can complicate visibility and security. MFT combined with a zero-trust approach ensures that data is protected even when it leaves the company or transits via third-party servers.

By treating every access as potentially hostile, encrypting every file, isolating every flow and monitoring every transaction, we achieve an ambitious but realistic goal: zero trust, total control. In a world where data is both a strategic asset and a prime target, this approach is becoming not only relevant, but essential.

1 – GoAnywhere MFT: the heart of the system

Beyond simply managing file exchanges, the MFT can tick a few boxes that are essential to the security and performance of your information system. The GoAnywhere MFT file transfer solution offers key features for a secure IS architecture:

  • Transfer automation, secure protocols (SFTP, FTPS, HTTPS, etc.).
  • Considering business and regulatory contexts, sensitivity and nature of data
  • Identification, authentication and management of access rights
  • Secure administration (privileged accounts, DevSecOps practices)
  • Network, system and storage partitioning
  • Encryption of data in transit and at rest
  • Flow filtering and inspection
  • Protection against malicious code with the integration of Clearswift Secure ICAP Gateway and Digital Guardian to scan (anti-malware), classify and apply persistent DRM to files.
  • Business continuity and recovery plan (including backups)
  • Security supervision (logging, detection, incident handling)

2- Data classification and DLP

Identifying the sensitivity of files (personal, financial, IP data, etc.) via classification enables appropriate policies to be applied upstream of transfers. This is where Clearswift Secure ICAP Gateway and Digital Guardian come in, to scan, classify and apply access rights and policies to files.

DLP analyses the content of files before transfer and blocks or alerts if it detects sensitive data that is not authorised to leave the company.

3- DRM and dynamic access control

Digital Rights Management makes it possible to track files, restrict their use (read-only, no copying/printing/capturing) and even revoke access after distribution. These capabilities embody the principle of least privilege applied to the document.

4- File Integrity Monitoring (FIM)

With File Integrity Monitoring, any unauthorised modification is detected, a critical element in a zero trust model that assumes an internal threat or compromises the integrity of systems.

5- Example of a zero-trust implementation plan with an MFT

 

Step 1: Mapping and classification

– Record all MFT flows, their origins, destinations and data types.

– Classify content to determine its level of protection.

 

Step 2: Authentication and access

– Implement MFA for all user and application access.

– Define precise roles with RBAC, limiting rights to what is strictly necessary.

 

Step 3: Encryption and segmentation

– Activate encryption in transit (SFTP, FTPS, HTTPS) and at rest (AES-256, PGP).

– Deploy a DMZ or network segmentation to isolate MFT servers.

 

Step 4: Integrate classification, DLP and DRM

– Automatically scan sensitive files.

– Apply dynamic DRM policies, usage control, revocation, etc.

 

Step 5: Monitoring and reaction

– Integrate MFT logs into a SIEM.

– Configure alerts, automated responses and rigorous audit logs.

 

Stage 6: Testing, training and iteration

– Simulate attack scenarios, check resilience.

– Train users in the new processes.

– Continuously adjust the strategy according to feedback and regulatory changes.

Zero trust and MFT: the right combination

Implementing zero trust in an MFT environment is rarely instantaneous. It often follows a gradual path: mapping existing data flows, classifying data, strengthening authentication, deploying encryption, introducing micro-segmentation, DLP/DRM integration and then advanced supervision. This gradual ramp-up reduces the impact on users and allows policies to be adjusted according to feedback and operational constraints.

The benefits of this approach are manifold. Security is strengthened in the face of both internal and external threats, because compromised access does not give an attacker carte blanche. Regulatory compliance is facilitated, as the zero-trust model meets the requirements of numerous standards and regulations, from RGPD to ISO 27001, via HIPAA and DORA.

Visibility over data flows is increased. Each transfer is traced and audited and can be correlated with other security events. Last but not least, the company gains in agility! Policies can be rapidly adapted to changes in the context or threats.

By using this model, organisations move from the paradigm of “trust until proven wrong” to “check, limit, revoke”, zero trust, total control.

 

Do you have a question? Need more information? Would you like to see GoAnywhere MFT and Clearswift in action during a demonstration? Would you like to test the solutions?

Our teams are here to help!

Sources:

Zero Trust | ANSSI

Fortra

Digital Guardian

NIST

 

]]> Threat Brain by Fortra: What is this new tool?   https://bluefinch-esbd.com/en/threat-brain-by-fortra-what-is-this-new-tool/ Tue, 18 Feb 2025 10:54:30 +0000 https://bluefinch-esbd.com/?p=34164

Expected, then revealed on the customer’s summit, here’s everything there is to know about the new multi-sector Verified Threat Intelligence Center by Fortra. 

Fortra Threat Brain

Fortra Threat Brain acts as a comprehensive information hub, drawing from telemetry data across its extensive portfolio of products. This already robust set is further enriched by insights gathered from the dark web, social media, law enforcement, and a select group of strategic partners. 

As the central component of the platform, Fortra Threat Brain ingests and normalizes IOCs (indicators of compromises) of from Fortra products, making the refined threat intelligence accessible throughout the platform. It also integrates crucial insights from Fortra’s team of security researchers, as well as its collaborative network, which includes global law enforcement agencies, ISACs (Information sharing and analysis center), private sector partners, and others. 

The Fortra Threat Brain consists of three key components: people, technology, and a data-sharing exchange that enables the rapid corroboration of information. 

The people:  

  • A world-class team of threat intelligence analysts and experts 
  • Select Fortra security partners 
  • Public law enforcement agencies 

 

The technology: 

  • Fortra’s one-of-a-kind threat intelligence research solutions 
  • Our expansive portfolio of industry-leading cybersecurity products 
  • AI-based automation, coupled with machine learning 

 

The data sharing exchange:  

  • Data from the dark web 
  • Information across social media platforms 
  • Combined intelligence from our solutions, partners, and law enforcement bureaus 
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How Threat Brain Works?

Fortra mobilizes machine learning to find threats faster and evaluate risks. Here are some examples of how we use ML to increase protected outcomes for our customers: 

  • Anomaly detection through unsupervised learning and clustering across operating systems; web applications; and cloud, network, and SaaS applications 
  • Malicious email and brand abuse detection using natural language processing (NLP), random forest classifier, and other techniques 
  • Dynamic vulnerability ranking via supervised learning to add multiple dimensions to the CVSS score 

 

Fortra’s platform is both intelligent and user-friendly. It detects attacks from diverse threat vectors, aggregates telemetry data, and uses artificial intelligence (AI) to rapidly and accurately identify indicators of compromise. This enables organizations to proactively mitigate risks, ensuring a stronger, more secure infrastructure and a resilient security posture. 

Fortra solutions are designed to integrate with the platform and existing tech ecosystems, whether that’s on-premises, SaaS, managed services, or a mix. The breadth of Fortra solutions and deployment models provides the flexibility to improve cyber maturity, and our collective intelligence across solutions delivers a comprehensive view of the cyber risk landscape.  

GoAnywhere MFT and Threat Brain

It is consistently receiving the most up to date risks and indicators of compromise across all attack paths from the entire customer base. 
 
GoAnywhere MFT will use reputation intelligence for IP addresses, Domains, emails, and URIs to pro-actively protect against cyber threats.  

GoAnywhere Potential Threat Brain Integration Points 

  • Block malicious IP addresses from accessing the system 
  • Block outgoing Secure Mail to malicious email address(s) 
  • Block web user self-registration with malicious email 
  • Block resource connections with malicious IP / Domain 
  • Sanitize malicious URLs from free form text (forms, email body) 

GoAnywhere will feed new data into Threat Brain whenever malicious IPs are detected through either automatic or manual detection (Automatic IP Block List). 

Since cybercriminals often target multiple GoAnywhere deployments, blocking an actor on one system helps protect others, strengthening security across the entire customer base. 

This shared intelligence enhances the defense of all GoAnywhere customers using the Threat Brain integration, fostering a collaborative network of protection. 

Bluefinch-esbd - Threat Brain setting screenshot e1739799467292
Bluefinch-esbd - Threat brain screenshot e1739799516429
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Want to learn more?

Already a customer with an annual subscription to GoAnywhere MFT?

Contact your sales representative to benefit from the installation of Fortra Threat Brain. 😁

Let's go
]]> Clearswift – Secure ICAP Gateway – special offer https://bluefinch-esbd.com/en/clearswift-secure-icap-gateway-specialoffer/ Wed, 30 Oct 2024 12:32:53 +0000 https://bluefinch-esbd.com/?p=31568

End of the year offer - Clearswift

Scroll down to check out our offer

Clearswift’s Secure ICAP Gateway is a fully automated solution that augments the security of critical information flowing through an organization’s existing web proxy infrastructure or managed file transfers.

With the movement of data both internally and externally come the risks of accidental exposure of critical information or receiving hidden threats within documents or images. The added security features of ICAP enable organizations to inspect content for sensitive information, malware, or even high-risk executables that pose a threat to your data.

A powerful combination

GoAnywhere MFT can send files over the ICAP protocol to inspect the contents for sensitive information such as credit card numbers, personally identifiable information (PII) and health care information. For example, before files are sent to a trading partner through Secure Mail  or  SFTP, a Project in GoAnywhere MFT can scan the file for sensitive information. If the file contents are cleared, the transfer will occur as normal. If the file contents are deemed sensitive and blocked by the Clearswift solution, GoAnywhere MFT can alert administrators and deny the file transfer from occurring. 

Combine Clearswift and GoAnywhere for ultimate security in file transfers!

How it works

Sharing files securely is key to smooth business operations – and now it’s easier than ever with the SFT Threat Protection Bundle. By combining the power of Managed File Transfer with Secure ICAP Gateway, you can transfer files without fear of threats or data leakage.

  • Prevent malware from being shared
  • Block files with sensitive data from being shared
  • Redact sensitive information and remove sensitive links
 
Request a demo

Key Features

  • ICAP Gateway: Operates in both forward proxy and reverse proxy mode, providing comprehensive protection for inbound and outbound activities. 
  • Antivirus: To prevent viruses, malware and other malicious content from entering your organisation. When a new file is uploaded to GoAnywhere MFT, the file contents can be sent to the antivirus software for scanning.  If malicious content is found, GoAnywhere MFT can quarantine or delete the file, and then send an email alert to an administrator. 
  • OCR: The OCR process examines the text image and creates computer-readable text by scanning the pixels that together form an image of the text.
  • Data Redaction: Sensitive data or critical information is automatically removed from documents and images. Text in images is identified using Optical Character Recognition (OCR). 
  • Document Sanitisation: Metadata, change history and properties are removed from files. 
  • Structural Sanitisation: Active code such as macros, scripts and Active/X are removed from common document formats. 
  • Requires GoAnywhere Advanced Workflows: User-friendly workflow programming interface allows you to create file transfer workflows and integrations without the limitations imposed by legacy systems and applications and without the need for code, scripting, or complicated batch files.

Subscription package

Clearswift ICAP Gateway for MFT (Requires Advanced Workflows)

The solution is possible by subscription or perpetual.

Features

  • ICAP Gateway
  • Antivirus
  • Structural sanitisation
  • Document sanitisation
  • Data redaction
  • OCR

Basic

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  • Optional

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End of year offer

If you are interested, we are offering a free Clearswift – ICAP training session for a limited time only.
The offer will be available for orders made until 1 December 2024.

However, payment for the order can be made in 2025.

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How to proceed?

It’s very simple. Fill in the following form and our expert will contact you by email or telephone as soon as possible.
It will first qualify your needs, then he will suggest dates to arrange a live demonstration of the solution with our technical engineers.

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]]> OAuth Adds Extra Security Layer to MFT https://bluefinch-esbd.com/en/oauth-adds-extra-security-layer-to-mft/ Mon, 02 Sep 2024 12:08:32 +0000 https://bluefinch-esbd.com/?p=31049

We’ve all received these messages, “Allow this application to access your account,” or “Sign in with Facebook,” when navigating online. That’s OAuth, or Open Authorization, and this step is often encountered when using Google, X, or Facebook among other services. OAuth blends security and convenience when needing to share authorization data between two different applications.

Instead of the more familiar, basic authentication – the username/password combo – OAuth applies limited use tokens to both authenticate and access secure aspects of applications and service providers. Any number of applications or cloud services, including Managed File Transfer (MFT) solutions, can take advantage of this extra layer of modern security, and convenience.

  • Security is added. OAuth allows one application to sign into another application without requiring identifying information, such as usernames and passwords. OAuth can verify your identity without involving your identity and can do so on a limited or defined basis.

 

Rather than requiring username/password credentials, OAuth uses authorization tokens to represent your identity and uses access tokens to define and grant access to some of your data and any actions allowed to be performed with that server. These OAuth tokens for authorization and access are not unlimited, however. The protocol can specify exactly what data the third party can access and define what a client can do on the user’s behalf. For example, you can restrict access for a user to only certain data sets or configure read-only or write-only permissions for that user.

And, because the tokens for authorization and access are protected between the application and the service providers, passwords can’t be compromised, even if the service or application you want to access is threatened.

  • Convenience is added. OAuth eliminates the need to continually create new accounts or new user credentials to connect with multiple applications or services. Temporary authorization is granted so that users can more easily access secure portions of a given application or service.

 

In a nutshell, OAuth lets two different applications share the data needed to let you use them without the need to reveal your access credentials. The authorization token is what is used to validate who you are to the OAuth provider (Facebook, Microsoft, etc.) The access token is used to let the provider determine what access is granted within their server you are allowed in to.

How OAuth is Used in Managed File Transfer Solutions

MFT solutions, such as Fortra’s GoAnywhere MFT, that adhere to the most modern security recommendations, can also take advantage of OAuth’s ability to let third-party services exchange user authorization data without the need to actually share credentials. And, through GoAnywhere’s workflows, this process is automated, with users not having to acknowledge or respond to all the prompts of OAuth that they would if working outside of MFT.

Within GoAnywhere, when an authorization token is needed, instead of getting redirected to Microsoft Azure Directory to log in, the client can send the provider the needed credentials to authenticate automatically and be provided with the authorization token. As long as the authentication is successful, GoAnywhere can proceed with the authentication without direct intervention from the user.

GoAnywhere then uses this authorization token to automatically request a separate access token that can give them access to multiple Microsoft services. That access token is what GoAnywhere then provides to Microsoft whenever a user wants to do something such as create a SharePoint site or upload a file via GoAnywhere to be transferred.

Whether client applications utilize OAuth by redirecting you to a login page to authenticate or by handling the process automatically behind the scenes, OAuth offers significant security and configurability benefits. It enables users to grant precise permissions to the client application, ensuring that only the required data and privileges are accessed.

This flexibility allows applications to securely manage access based on user consent, whether through an interactive authorization flow or automated server-to-server interactions. By clearly defining and controlling what data and actions an application can access, OAuth enhances overall security and user trust, making it a versatile solution for a wide range of authentication and authorization needs.

OAuth in GoAnywhere’s SaaS or Cloud Environment

OAuth can be particularly useful in situations such as when you need to automate sending an email, either as part of a scheduled job or an automated alert, from a Microsoft 365 account, where authenticating via Microsoft OAuth v2.0 is required to send the email via the SMTP protocol.

GoAnywhere’s Cloud Connector library includes a connector for Microsoft OAuth that users can integrate into their workflows. This connector is responsible for getting the desired access token from Microsoft that can then be used by either the SharePoint Cloud Connector or by the solution’s Email tasks when users need to generate a token for the IMAP or SMTP protocol.

OAuth is also incorporated through GoAnywhere’s global SMTP alert settings. If an event occurs that the customer wants to notify specific admin users about, GoAnywhere can send an automated email describing the alert. Users can then use OAuth to authenticate for the SMTP session used to send the email.

How MFT Users can Benefit from OAuth

First, the added security gained when the need to store user credentials with the MFT solution helps reduce the likelihood of credentials being stolen or tampered with.

Plus, the additional convenience that allows users to use their existing credentials from the OAuth provider helps reduce the need to maintain a variety of separate credentials when using the MFT solution.

One of the additional advantages is the ability to have more granular control over permissions and over what material can be accessed with those permissions. This granular control over what material can be accessed is managed on the side of the provider (Microsoft, Google, etc.), which an MFT solution would not otherwise be privy to.

In addition, often the alternative to OAuth is Basic Authentication, where a user would simply just provide a username and password, which is less secure, or SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language), an authentication protocol used in enterprise settings. OAuth is another option to give users flexibility to choose what is beneficial for them based on their specific use case.  With GoAnywhere, the OAuth process is automated to help ensure the security benefits are applied consistently.

Source: https://www.goanywhere.com/blog/oauth-adds-extra-security-layer-mft 
]]> Ensuring File Integrity and Guaranteed Delivery  https://bluefinch-esbd.com/en/ensuring-file-integrity-and-guaranteed-delivery/ Mon, 18 Mar 2024 14:43:02 +0000 https://bluefinch-esbd.com/?p=27174

From critical business documents to personal files, ensuring that data remains intact and reaches its destination reliably is essential. This article explores the concepts of file integrity and guaranteed delivery, discussing their significance, challenges, and solutions. 

1/ Significances and challenges

File Integrity and common threats

File integrity refers to the assurance that a file has not been altered or corrupted during storage, transmission, or processing. It is a fundamental aspect of data security, ensuring that information remains accurate, consistent, and reliable. However, maintaining file integrity poses several challenges, including malicious attacks, hardware failures, and software glitches. 

One of the primary methods for verifying file integrity is through cryptographic hashing. This technique generates unique identifiers based on the contents of a file. Any alteration to the file, no matter how minor, will result in a different hash value, thus alerting users to potential integrity breaches. Implementing hashes is essential for detecting data tampering and unauthorized modifications, particularly in environments where data integrity is critical, such as financial transactions or legal documents. 

Regular monitoring and auditing of systems are imperative for detecting anomalies and ensuring compliance with data integrity and delivery standards. Automated monitoring tools can track file access, modifications, and transmission activities, flagging any deviations from expected behaviour. Auditing processes provide a comprehensive review of file integrity and delivery practices, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements. 

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Secured delivery

Ensuring the secure delivery of files is equally essential, especially in today’s interconnected world were data traverses’ vast networks and systems. The transmission process introduces vulnerabilities such as network failures, packet loss, and interception by malicious actors. To address these challenges, protocols like TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol) with acknowledgment mechanisms are employed to guarantee delivery reliability. TCP/IP, for instance, establishes a reliable connection between sender and receiver, ensuring that data packets are delivered in the correct order and retransmitted if necessary. UDP, while faster, lacks built-in reliability mechanisms but can be augmented with application-level acknowledgment and retransmission strategies to ensure delivery. 

In addition to protocols, encryption plays a crucial role in securing file delivery. By encrypting data before transmission, even if intercepted, it remains indecipherable to unauthorized parties. Encryption protocols like SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security) provide end-to-end encryption for secure communication over networks, safeguarding sensitive information from eavesdropping and tampering. 

Implementing redundancy and fault tolerance mechanisms further enhances delivery reliability. Techniques such as data replication, mirroring, and RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) ensure that files are backed up and available even in the event of hardware failures or system crashes. These redundancy measures are particularly important for mission-critical systems where uninterrupted access to data is essential. 

File integrity and secure delivery are crucial in various sectors, including healthcare, finance, government, and e-commerce. For instance, in healthcare, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of patient records is essential for compliance with regulations like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Similarly, in finance, secure delivery of financial transactions and sensitive data is vital for preventing fraud and maintaining customer trust. 

The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) mandates stringent measures to ensure the security and integrity of personal data. Compliance with GDPR requires organizations to implement robust data protection measures, including encryption, access controls, and regular audits.  

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2/ Solutions

Whether you want secure file transfer, fast delivery or protect critical data, here are some solutions that can meet your needs.  

How to detect threats?  

With many data threats, some organisations are turning to Data Loss Prevention (DLP) to truly protect their critical data. Sharing information carries risks, including exposing sensitive content, whether it is sent by mistake or hidden in metadata. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solutions help you strengthen the security of your data while minimizing the risk of data and/or metadata disclosures. 

Here are some essential features: 

  • Content Inspection 

Inspect the contents of your documents and make sure that sensitive data is not transmitted. Deep content inspection adds an extra layer of security when sharing sensitive information. In addition, it ensures compliance with the standards and regulations in force in your company and sector of activity. 

  • Minimize false positives. 

When analysing content, including in a compressed file, DLP solutions distinguish between elements that may look like personal data, but are not personal data. Effective detection results in an extremely low rate of false positives. 

  • Threat Detection 

Inspecting the content is good; but also looking for viruses and malware that can hide there is even better! These advanced scans enable detection of viruses and malicious code that are then removed to ensure secure sharing of sensitive data. 

  • Anti-stenography 

This DLP feature prevents files, messages, images, or videos from being hidden in a file, both for incoming (malicious code concealment) and outbound (data exfiltration concealment) items. 

  • Optical Character Recognition (OCR) 

The optical character recognition function allows you to process the text contained in an image before it is sent. In short, images containing sensitive information are also identified before sending. 

Clearswift software for file integrity 

Every company faces the risk of data leakage, as sharing sensitive information with partners, suppliers, and customers is crucial in today’s business landscape. Therefore, safeguarding against data leaks is imperative to ensure the security of your business. 

Clearswift offers a cybersecurity solution with data and transfer protection functionalities. Using a single layer of real-time inspection, this tool identifies and addresses threats effectively.  

Powered by a sophisticated content inspection engine, all Clearswift modules detect, analyse, and modify content in real-time. Its distinctive redaction and sanitization capabilities selectively remove elements prone to causing data breaches or disruptive cyberattacks, thus maintaining smooth and risk-free communications. 

 

Replay webinar : How to Remove Security Risk & Threats from File Transfers

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Secured delivery and file integrity with Managed File Transfer tool 

A file transfer solution is often software that automates and secures transfer movements and actions via a network and a communication protocol such as HTTPS, SFTP, AS2, FTPS, PeSIT, etc. The security of the transfer will depend on the protocol used for communication between the computer systems.  

MFT ensures file integrity even if connectivity is interrupted or if the files sent are large. 

Regulatory compliance is an important part of MFT. Certain regulations (PCI DSS, GDPR, HIPAA, Basel, DORA, SOX, ISO 27001, FISMA & NIST, etc.) require detailed audit information to be stored and tracked. Being able to generate complete audit logs of all transfer activities and reports is therefore essential.  

Introducing GoAnywhere MFT  

GoAnywhere MFT (Managed File Transfer) is a professional file transfer management solution. With a centralised approach based on a modular architecture, GoAnywhere MFT allows you to streamline and reduce the costs associated with your file transfers and related business processes. 

GoAnywhere MFT consolidates all your communication protocols into a single application. 

This managed file transfer (MFT) tool will adapt to all your technical constraints and scalability with its clustered architecture. With GoAnywhere, Protect critical data with standards-based AES or Open PGP encryption and files in transit with SFTP, SCP, FTPS, AS2 and HTTPS. 

Deployable on-premises, in cloud and hybrid environments, it provides a single point of control with extensive security settings, detailed audit logs and reporting. 

Ensuring fast and secured delivery 

Many organisations continue to rely on FTP (File Transfer Protocol) for moving large files, despite its drawbacks. Slow and susceptible to network issues, FTP is considered outdated technology. Particularly challenging for international transfers, FTP often experiences disconnections and fails to achieve optimal speeds. These inherent limitations make it challenging, if not impossible, to accelerate file transfers using FTP. From timeouts to latency, TCP poses issues that UDP, another protocol, does not. 

UDP-based Data Transfer Protocol (UDT) emerges as a high-performance alternative, specifically designed for transferring large datasets across high-speed wide area networks. Such environments are typically unsuitable for the more conventional TCP protocol. Given the extended durations associated with TCP transfers, even with increased bandwidth, UDP has emerged as the preferred choice for expediting file transfers. 

 

Introducing FileCatalyst 

FileCatalyst is a robust accelerated file transfer software solution that supports client/server architecture, enabling the fast transfer of large files. FileCatalyst solutions are designed specifically to allow the transfer of large files over remote networks experiencing high latency or packet loss. 

FileCatalyst provides FTP alternatives that permit sending files of any size or format at full line speed, hundreds of times faster than FTP, while ensuring secure and reliable delivery. 

Each FileCatalyst product serves a unique set of organizational file transfer needs and works across a variety of industries. 

On its own, FileCatalyst Direct uses the FileCatalyst Server and a full suite of client options for point-to-point transfers. Combining FileCatalyst Direct with FileCatalyst Workflow provides a complete managed and accelerated web-based solution. 

Adding FileCatalyst Central allows you to monitor your organisation’s entire FileCatalyst deployment by offering a consolidated web-based view of file transfers on your network. 

In conclusion

In conclusion, maintaining file integrity and ensuring secure delivery are non-negotiable aspects of data management in the digital era. By employing cryptographic hashing, reliable protocols, encryption, redundancy measures, IT solutions, and rigorous monitoring and auditing practices, organisations can mitigate risks, safeguard their data assets, and uphold the trust and integrity of their information systems. In a landscape fraught with cyber threats and data breaches, prioritizing file integrity and safe delivery is essential for preserving the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical information. 

]]> Why it’s Time to Adopt Zero Trust Architecture https://bluefinch-esbd.com/en/why-its-time-to-adopt-zero-trust-architecture/ Fri, 08 Mar 2024 13:00:41 +0000 https://bluefinch-esbd.com/why-its-time-to-adopt-zero-trust-architecture/

If you work in cybersecurity, the chances are that you will have come across the phrase Zero Trust over the past few years. It’s become a real industry buzzword, but there is substance behind the noise on this occasion. 

To the outsider, it’s a term that is easy to misinterpret. It sounds draconian and severe and could be perceived as meaning the organization trusts no one when it comes to cybersecurity. 

That’s not really the case, though, and it’s more about a change of approach from traditional approaches to cybersecurity, which focused primarily on defending an organization’s perimeters. We believe it’s an approach that fits particularly well with the current cybersecurity landscape and that the time is right for your organization to consider Zero Trust architecture.

Benefits of a Zero Trust Security Framework 

Embracing a zero-trust approach fundamentally reduces the potential points of attack, thereby decreasing the likelihood of security breaches. While this is the most apparent advantage, there are additional benefits:

  1. Compliance Support: Zero trust’s principle of tightly controlled connections helps prevent the exposure of sensitive data, ensuring adherence to compliance standards like NIST 800-207, PCI DSS, HIPAA, and HITECH.
  2. Enhanced Cloud Access Control: Zero trust security measures can be implemented to offer greater visibility and control over cloud access. By securing workloads, data remains protected even amidst changing environments.
  3. Mitigation of Data Breach Risks: By treating all entities as potentially hostile, organizations significantly reduce the risk of inadvertent cyber intrusions. This approach minimizes the likelihood of data breaches, and in case of a breach attempt, zero trust deployments are designed to thwart such efforts effectively.

Adopting the zero-trust approach yields immediate benefits. Each sector, asset category, or system transitioned to zero trust protection strengthens overall security posture, making it more challenging for threat actors to exploit vulnerabilities. While striving for complete zero-trust implementation, organizations can already block a significant number of potential attacks simply by increasing their resilience beyond the reach of common cyber threats.

Zero trust methodology starts delivering benefits from day one.

Zero Trust – All About Verification 

The challenge around Zero Trust is that there are many different takes on what precisely it means. Broadly speaking, it entails users having to prove their authenticity when they access data or a network application, but some of the specifics can vary. 

The importance of Zero Trust architecture to robust cybersecurity was highlighted in the European Union by the Directive of the European Parliament and the Council on measures for a high common level of cybersecurity across the Union. Previous versions of this directive were already adopted by European countries and made into national laws. 

Also, the MIT Lincoln Laboratory embarked on a comprehensive study on zero-trust architectures. This study ultimately aimed to deliver recommendations for an effective approach to a zero-trust system, and this included work looking at misperceptions around the concept of Zero Trust. It found that for some, Zero Trust architecture means implementing new products and solutions, or even that it makes systems so hard to access they are rendered unusable. 

But it’s really all about verification. For an individual to access systems, data, and networks, they must first verify their identity. It flips the more traditional cybersecurity mantra of ‘trust but verify’ to a new one of ‘never trust, always verify.’ It works on the basis that anyone could have malicious intent and that any device could be targeted, and Zero Trust is increasingly relevant in the current cybersecurity landscape. 

The Need for Zero Trust 

France is facing an alarming increase in cyber threats. According to a 2023 report, approximately 30% of French companies reported experiencing one to three cyber-attacks in the past 12 months. The most common types of attacks include malware distribution, phishing, and vulnerability exploitation, affecting nearly three-quarters of businesses. Additionally, fraudulent activities, especially those targeting executives, have impacted around four out of ten organizations in the country.

According to a survey by the Deloitte Center for Controllership, over the past 12 months, 34.5% of surveyed executives reported that the accounting and financial data of their companies had been targeted by cyber attackers. Nearly half (48.8%) of senior executives and other leaders expect the number and magnitude of cyber events targeting their companies’ accounting and financial data to increase in the coming year. However, only 20.3% of respondents stated that their company’s accounting and finance teams work closely and consistently with their peers on cybersecurity matters.

Cybercrime is experiencing exponential growth globally. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, the cost of cybercrime is expected to reach $8 trillion in 2023 and $10.5 trillion in 2025. In France, cybercrime costs reached nearly $67 billion in 2022 and are projected to rise to $93 billion in 2023.

In the face of these challenges, the Zero Trust framework is emerging as a strategic solution. BlueFinch-ESBD is ready to assist organizations in addressing these challenges by recommending the best solutions tailored to their needs and leveraging existing technology expenditures to align with this framework. Guided by principles covering each pillar of Zero Trust and supported by a vast ecosystem of alliance relationships, BlueFinch-ESBD enables clients to adopt a customized approach that aligns with their goals and garners support from relevant stakeholders.

Getting Started with Zero Trust 

So for any organization wanting to get started with Zero Trust architecture–and any that aren’t should be reconsidering that strategy–what is the best approach? We think that it begins with data. 

Data is vital in modern business, so data security should be a priority. This requires a deep understanding of what data needs to be protected, who can access it, where it is stored, and what the repercussions of a breach would be. Once this has all been established, only then can an organization properly think about finding the right data security solution for its specific requirements. 

The selection and layering of different solutions lie at the heart of successful Zero Trust architecture, which is not a product but a new approach to cybersecurity. Organizations in most industries use GoAnywhere MFT as part of their Zero Trust architecture. 

Add Secure Managed File Transfer to Your Zero Trust Architecture 

One of the most robust methods of secure file transfer is managed file transfer (MFT). MFT software solutions protect your data when it is most vulnerable by encrypting it in transit. That way, you can be confident that only the intended recipient can access the file, and that they receive the data unadulterated.

]]> Meeting PCI DSS Requirements with GoAnywhere MFT https://bluefinch-esbd.com/en/meeting-pci-dss-requirements-with-goanywhere-mft/ Tue, 05 Dec 2023 15:08:55 +0000 https://bluefinch-esbd.com/?p=25092

PCI DSS applies to every organization around the world that processes credit or debit card information. Failing a PCI DSS audit can result in fines, but IT’s responsibilities extend beyond avoiding these penalties. Meeting PCI standards contributes to the security of your business by helping to avoid data breaches and all of their related costs: litigation, customer notification and compensation, damage to the company’s reputation, and diminished share value.

GoAnywhere is a cross-platform managed file transfer (MFT) solution that is designed to help you meet PCI DSS compliance requirements while saving you time and money. It can also eliminate the custom programming and scriptwriting normally required to transfer data, while improving the security and quality of those transfers.

Learn more about file transfer for banking and finance

SECURITY SETTINGS AUDIT REPORT

GoAnywhere MFT can analyse more than 60 different security settings to determine compliance with applicable sections of the Payment Card  Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). If a security setting does not meet the requirement, the report will indicate the corresponding PCI section and the recommendation on how to correct the security setting.

A Strategic Tool for Compliance and Beyond

GoAnywhere Managed File Transfer helps organizations meet the requirements of PCI DSS by providing a managed, centralised, and auditable solution. The benefits of GoAnywhere for security and compliance include:

BlueFinch-ESBD

Centralized control and management of file transfers

BlueFinch-ESBD

Role-based administration and permissions

BlueFinch-ESBD

Secure connections for the transmission of sensitive data

BlueFinch-ESBD

Encryption of data at rest and in motion

BlueFinch-ESBD

Strong encryption key management with separation of duties

BlueFinch-ESBD

Keeping PCI-related data out of the DMZ

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Closed inbound ports into the private network to prevent intrusion

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Detailed audit logs for reporting

PCI compliance requirements will continue to evolve, but by implementing robust solutions, forward-thinking IT shops can meet current requirements while laying a strong foundation for future security enhancements.

GoAnywhere Helps You Meet PCI DSS Data Transfer Security Requirements

GoAnywhere directly addresses several of the twelve PCI DSS requirements through features including encryption, role-based security, and audit logs.

Required Standards :

Install and maintain a firewall configuration to protect cardholder data :

IP addresses and ports are customizable in GoAnywhere, allowing flexibility with firewalls. Description fields make it easy to document why connections are used. Combined with GoAnywhere Gateway, full separation of internal data, DMZ, and public networks is simplified.

Do not use vendor-supplied defaults for system passwords and other security parameters :

The GoAnywhere Security Settings Audit report provides a detailed list of all GoAnywhere security defaults, enabled services, and configured security features. Using HTTPS will ensure that all administrative access is encrypted.

Protect stored cardholder data :

With GoAnywhere, your files are protected at rest using strong encryption methods like AES and OpenPGP. It also provides cryptographic key management. Data retention can also be automated.

Encrypt transmission of cardholder data across open public networks :

GoAnywhere protects transmissions over public and private networks using secure protocols including SFTP, FTPS, AS2, AS3, AS4, and HTTPS. TLS 1.1 and 1.2 are fully supported.

Use and regularly update anti-virus software or programs :

GoAnywhere can run on systems with third-party anti-virus solutions. It also supports ICAP integration for external scanning and data loss prevention.

Develop and maintain secure systems and applications :

GoAnywhere supports change control by working in conjunction with test, QA, or development systems, allowing easy promotion of projects from test to production while maintaining separation of duties. Project revisions are recorded, allowing easy rollback of changes.

Restrict access to cardholder data by business need-to-know :

GoAnywhere provides role-based security so each user only has access
to the information they need.

Assign a unique ID to each person with computer access :

GoAnywhere has full individual account management features. It can also integrate with LDAP and external RSA 2-factor authentication to satisfy all account requirements in PCI DSS.

Restrict physical access to cardholder data :

GoAnywhere’s multi-platform and virtual environment flexibility will allow you to run software and store data in your secure location.

Track and monitor all access to network resources and cardholder data :

With detailed audit logs, GoAnywhere makes it easy to monitor all activity on the system. Integration with external logging solutions is built in.

]]> Zero Trust model https://bluefinch-esbd.com/en/zero-trust-model/ Mon, 30 Oct 2023 08:11:50 +0000 https://bluefinch-esbd.com/?p=23813

The Zero Trust model is becoming increasingly attractive in the face of technological developments calling into question the traditional perimeter defense model. The increased use of the Cloud, the development of teleworking and the use of personal means (BYOD) to access professional data reduce the control that entities (such as administrators) exercise over their information systems and data.

 What is Zero Trust and what is its objective ?

The Zero Trust approach is above all an architectural concept dedicated to strengthening security and access to ressources, and not a technology. In a traditional IT perimeter defense logic, users connected from the organization’s network have the right to access large ressources, without the application of basic partitioning measures or authentication and access controls, users are considered “trusted”.


The Zero Trust approach consists of reducing the “implicit trust” granted to users and activities carried out through company equipment. However, “perimeter protections” are not disapearing. There are always firewalls, proxies, etc. Tis model simply assumes that any user could have malicious intentions and that a cyberattack could occur or be already in progress.

 Zero trust recommendations

To reduce “implicit trust”, controls must become regular, dynamic and granular. 

“Access to resources should be granted on the basis of knowledge of need” and at the lowest possible level of privilege. Access requests must therefore be monitored and reassessed regularly. 

 

  • Improved identity governance: As a key element of the Zero Trust model, the identity repository(s) must be sanitized with a strict update policy during arrivals, departures, and mobility. They must accurately reflect the current situation of internal and external users within a company. 
  • A more granular and dynamic “compartmentalization” of resources: This micro-segmentation groups resources into groups that have business meaning. These elements make it possible to adapt the protection of resources to the most accurate need for protection, because all resources are classified and partitioned according to their role, their sensitivity, and their exposure to threats.
  • Authentication mediums:  Dual-factor authentication is generally a prerequisite for implementing the Zero Trust model, it is recommended to be careful in the choice of authentication factors and to favor, for example, certificates generated by a management infrastructure of trusted keys. 
  • Strengthening detection: The security logs generated must be judiciously configured and then centralised in a SIEM. Security monitoring teams must be sufficiently trained, experienced and sized to respond to security alerts. 
  • Change management: If the Zero Trust model is seen as a lever for simplifying the user experience, it should not make us forget that users are the first concerned by the digital security of their entity. The new methods of access, authentication or alert must be communicated clearly, recalling the importance of being vigilant. This transformation must be gradual and controlled in order to ensure the protection of the data and assets processed and not weaken the historical information system.

https://www.ssi.gouv.fr/en/

Zero trust and file transfers (MFT): what’s the connection ?

Adopting a Zero Trust approach ultimately reduces your company’s attack surface, but not only that. It also allows better management of compliance, IT certification (such as ISO 27001) and corporate policies. You can also go beyond traditional file encryption to ensure that all documents sent or received (via GoAnywhere MFT for example) are automatically scanned for threats, encrypted and protected before being shared.

As you probably already know, BlueFinch-ESBD provides several IT solutions, some of which include encryption capabilities to securely share data with authorized individuals while protecting it against viruses and malware. 

By taking the Zero Trust approach with MFT, you eliminate threats from the file transfer process. When files are sent or received, scan them for viruses and malware and block them if threats are found (Secure ICAP Gateway is the perfect tool for this). You can also inspect files for unwanted metadata or sensitive information to remove before the remaining file contents are shared. You can have better access control to the Cloud as well as better visibility.

Additionally, you determine who can access files by setting predetermined rights and permissions. You can revoke access to files at any time with a perpetual “undo” option to maintain control. 

Here is an explanatory video in English to better understand the advantages of Zero Trust with file transfers. 

You can have better access control to the Cloud. Zero Trust security policies can be applied to give you more visibility and access control within the Cloud. 

Want to know more? Here’s the explanatory brochure.

Download

For futher software information – Technical solutions to know

GoAnywhere MFT

GoAnywhere MFT is an all-in-one secure file transfer (MFT) solution that streamlines file exchange processes while protecting your data. With support for multiple file transfer protocols (AS2, AS3, AS4, PeSIT, SFTP, FTPS, etc.), audit reports to help meet compliance requirements and automation capabilities, This MFT solution will save you time and reduce the risk of human error.  

Clearswift and Secure ICAP Gateway  

With the need to share information comes the risk of exposing the wrong content and the question of how that data can be shared securely. 

Files containing confidential information, whether visible in the file body or hidden in metadata, may be shared in error. 

Likewise, sending and receiving files between partners can potentially open the door to malware or threats hidden in file transfers if they are not properly secured and sent securely. 

Clearswift is a data loss prevention (DLP) solution, essential for all organizations that deal with sensitive data, especially those operating in highly regulated industries such as defense, finance, government and healthcare. 

This combination of file transfers and advanced threat protection provides end-to-end security and monitoring, with content inspection and redaction occurring in file transfers through ICAP before the files are even sent or received by MFT. With Clearswift, discover how your data is used and block unwanted actions against it. 

DLP enhances the MFT’s ability to control information by applying deep content inspection and adaptive data loss prevention to enforce more comprehensive information security policies to prevent data loss, ensure compliance and prevent malware threats from infecting the organization.

Want to know more? Take 15 minutes for a quick session with our experts, where you can ask them all your technical and commercial questions.

]]> Automation & Cloud computing – Report 2023  https://bluefinch-esbd.com/en/automation-cloud-computing-report-2023/ Fri, 04 Aug 2023 13:45:59 +0000 https://bluefinch-esbd.com/?p=22502

The global state of IT automation report 2023, conducted by Stonebranch in collaboration with Censuswide, provides valuable insight into the priorities, challenges and trends in IT automation and orchestration in 2023. The report is based on a survey of 439 IT automation professionals from organizations with over 1,000 employees, covering topics such as: IT Automation, Cloud Orchestration and IT/Business alignment. This article will highlight the key findings and trends discussed in the report. 

 

Automation programs will continue to grow 

Cloud 2023 trends 

Cloud automation is a top priority in 2023. Organizations are automating everything from SaaS tools to cloud-native applications to cloud infrastructure. 

Out of the 439 IT-respondents, 81% plans to grow their automation program over the next 12 months. Even more, a third of that 81% has expressed an enterprise-wide focus to grow and adopt growing levels of automation.  

BlueFinch-ESBD

 

The primary area of focus for the respondents is cloud automation, with 42% of them expressing a strong intent to invest in this field. However, this is just the beginning of a much broader trend. While cloud automation stands out as the top choice for standalone investments, it is important to note that almost all other investment categories also are related to cloud activity. This could involve managing cloud infrastructure or orchestrating applications that rely on cloud services. 

BlueFinch-ESBD

 

WLA is being replaced by SOAP 

-86% of respondents plan to replace or add a new workload automation platform. 

Many companies are grappling with a challenge: their existing workload automation (WLA) tools are unable to effectively operate in the cloud environment. As a result, there is a growing trend of replacing these tools with service orchestration and automation platforms (SOAP). The primary reason for this shift is that SOAP platforms offer distinct advantages over legacy WLA systems, particularly in terms of their ability to automate cloud-based processes, handle large-scale data pipeline, and integrate seamlessly with DevOps toolchains. In fact, some experts even predict that by the end of 2023, a staggering 80% of organizations currently relying on workload automation, will have transitioned to SOAPs for orchestrating their workloads.  

 

Cloud Orchestration 

Cloud automation is becoming increasingly integral in business operations. According to the survey conducted by Stonebranch on Cloud Automation Priorities, the top priority for companies is to establish permanent production jobs in the cloud. This indicates a shift from merely testing the cloud to fully incorporating it into day-to-day operations. By automating the deployment of cloud resources, companies can effectively manage costs by ensuring that operations are only running when necessary.  

Cloud automation priorities

BlueFinch-ESBD

Interestingly, despite the growing significance of the cloud, only 53% of companies surveyed have a centralized CloudOps team in place. However, the survey also reveals that a remarkable 96% of employees are in some way involved in cloud operations. In other words, cloud responsibilities are expanding, and the accountability for managing cloud environments is being distributed across various teams within organizations. These findings suggest that organizations are adopting a strategic approach to the management and operation of their cloud environments.

Multi-cloud environments are widely used by organizations to take advantage of the unique features offered by different cloud platforms. In 2023, a survey revealed that 32% of respondents automate data transfers between multiple public cloud providers. The majority of organizations use multiple public clouds (46%) and multiple private clouds (49%). Efficient data transfer is crucial as organizational data is distributed across various cloud environments. 

Do you automate data transfers between multiple public cloud providers?

BlueFinch-ESBD

82% of respondents automate the transfer of data between cloud environments.

With organizational data spread across multiple clouds, seamless and efficient data transfer is critical. Multi-cloud environments allow organizations to leverage the strengths of diffrent cloud platforms to meet their unique needs.

 

IT/Business Alignment

The adoption of self-service automation is experiencing significant growth among organizations. A higher percentage of respondents now offer self-service automation to their organizations compared to the previous year. This trend reflects the increasing focus on improving efficiency and streamlining processes within businesses. Self-service automation is a user-friendly solution that enables individuals within an organization to perform tasks and workflows without relying on IT. It empowers users to take control of their processes, reduce manual work, and enhances efficiency for both end-users and the IT team.

Like mentioned above, self-service is experiencing immense growth, with a doubling in adoption by data teams and a quadrupling by developers. In the past employees had to rely on IT for completing requests, which often resulted in delays, missed deadlines and most of all, decreased productivity. So now with more automated self-service platforms, IT teams are now freed up to concentrate on more strategic tasks, increasing efficiency and improving workflow within the organization.

Most organizations are even starting to establish centralized IT automation teams, 77% of respondents have such a team with up to 50 members, regulating maintenance/monitoring, continuous improvement and strategic planning.

The increasing prevalence of multi-cloud environments and evolving data operations strategies has made the transition from automation to orchestration a crucial aspect of achieving technological success in today’s enterprise. Orchestration plays a vital role in enabling the full realization of hybrid IT success. Without proper orchestration, the effective management and coordination of diverse cloud environments and data operations become challenging, hindering the organization’s ability to fully leverage the benefits of these technologies.

In conclusion, the IT automation and cloud trends in 2023 indicate a strong focus on cloud automation, including the replacement of legacy workload automation tools with service orchestration and automation platforms. Organizations are prioritizing the establishment of permanent production jobs in the cloud and adopting self-service automation to improve efficiency. The need for centralized Cloud Ops teams and proper orchestration in multi-cloud environments is also evident. Overall, automation and cloud technologies continue to play a crucial role in optimizing operations and achieving technological success for organizations in 2023.

 

The final word

Deciding to move to the cloud is just like deciding which software or hardware to buy. As such, it’s important to consider your organization’s requirements when planning your move to a hybrid cloud environment. For example, will you store sensitive information in the cloud?

If yes, compile a list of the security features you need and go through it for every cloud service provider and solution you evaluate.

Let’s dive in.

Interested in more cloud guide?

Check out the Hybrid Cloud Guide 2023.


About Managed File Transfer Software

BlueFinch-ESBD provides the GoAnywhere MFT solution. 

GoAnywhere MFT is a managed file transfer solution developed by Fortra that automates and secures file transfers using a centralized enterprise-level approach. Incorporating GoAnywhere in your organization and cloud environment will save you time and money, improve security, simplify file transfers, and help you meet compliance requirements.

Protecting sensitive data is of paramount importance in today’s environment. GoAnywhere provides a safe and secure method for automatically transferring information inside and outside your enterprise. File transfers and elated business processes will be streamlined with GoAnywhere without requiring your team to have prior knowledge of programming or scripting. 

Learn more about GoAnywhere for securing your cloud data.

]]> Revoke Access to Your Files from Anywhere – DRM and How it Works  https://bluefinch-esbd.com/en/revoke-access-to-your-files-from-anywhere-digital-rights-management-drm-and-how-it-works/ Tue, 04 Oct 2022 22:00:00 +0000 https://bluefinch-esbd.com/revoke-access-to-your-files-from-anywhere-digital-rights-management-drm-and-how-it-works/

Revoke Access to Your Files from Anywhere – DRM and How it Works 

Your auditor sends a copy of your company’s recent financial statements to his firm to verify another clean pass. Because he’s worked there for years, he sends the file to his partner without encrypting it and leaves for the day. On his way home, his phone buzzes as an email notification comes in with the subject “Wrong Paul?” Almost immediately, your company’s sensitive financial data, confidential business information, and quarter-end stats are out in the open. And there’s nothing your auditor can do to bring them back. 

By Ekron Dries

Now, this auditor could have kept his job if a Digital Rights Management (DRM) solution had been in place. In that scenario, he would have set permissions on all sensitive files before transferring them to his firm. Or, better yet, your enterprise would have set those permissions to both him and his partner at the firm so that no matter what happened, only the two of them (and specifically named others) would have access to read, write and edit (or print, copy, and save) those files. Permissions are not granted just by being in possession of the data – those are allocated by the file owner. 

Digital rights management (DRM) has become a buzzword in security today as it is one of the most agile, far-reaching ways to support a zero-trust strategy in the realm of file transfer. By allocating access with specific, granular permissions, DRM allows you to stay compliant, retain control of your data, and confidently send sensitive files regardless of the safety, storage, or transfer methods in use by you or a third party. Let’s see how it works, how you can put it to use in your organisation, and the benefits it brings. 

How DRM Works 

Even encrypted data could fall into the wrong hands and be cracked with enough time and talent. Decryption keys can be stolen. The account of the receiver themselves could be hacked, and a study of the last few years revealed that 1 million passwords are stolen every week. Pilfered credentials are sold on the Dark Web for the price of a gallon of gas, so the idea of data being safe behind your username and password is losing credence at best. The number of ways things can go wrong is alarming, and they do go wrong, as last year’s 68% jump in data breaches year-over-year will attest. That information is coming from somewhere, and it’s certainly not protected enough to stop successful attacks. 

Historically, breaking into the house meant having access to all the goods inside it. Then, we got smart and started encrypting – locking up – basic assets. With encryption backdoors, brute force attempts, plaintext attacks, decryptors, stolen accounts and more, even those locks are becoming insufficient. As Ian Thornton-Trump, CISO at Cyjax, states, “We’re getting to the point where simply sending confidential information with basic encryption is no longer an acceptable method.” In other words, bad guys are stealing the key. 

What if someone broke into your house, cracked open your safe and pulled out your stash of cash – all in personal checks, made out to you. At that point, even though they’re “in possession” of your financial assets, they do them no good because the permissions to access them are granted to somebody else – you. That’s what DRM does. It allows the sender of the data to specify who gets to unlock, open, edit, save, copy, send, and share the data – no matter who’s holding it. Even a print screen can be blocked. In that scenario, your auditor could have responded with a simple “Please disregard” and drove happily on his way. The file would have been unopenable to the “Wrong Paul” anyway. 

Benefits of DRM 

Now that we know how DRM works, it’s important to pair it with the right technologies to fully leverage its effect. A complaint in the past has been that DRM – because of its granular nature and strict file permissions – is cumbersome and prohibitive to use. That may have been true, but the user experience has improved greatly since the early days of Napster when DRM was principally used to deter music piracy. Now, you can pair it with a managed file transfer (MFT) system and automatically apply permissions, compliance policies and other protections based on data classification, or to every file that leaves the MFT. And there could be thousands. In addition to being much more efficient and user-friendly, DRM technology provides additional security benefits such as: 

Safe cloud collaboration. With so many companies moving rapidly to the cloud, growth can outstrip security. There are easy-to-use collaborative tools like Box and SharePoint that allow remote access workers to function more as a team, and files between them need to be transferred safely and fast. The right DRM provider can allow you to move data between those platforms while retaining full rights and attaching permissions to the data itself, not the platform or the transfer method. 

Staying current with compliance standards. As soon as your data falls into the wrong hands, you are no longer compliant and there are legal consequences to pay. Think GDPR, CCPA, PCI-DSS and HIPAA. Each comes with its own weighty remediation process and fines, and it’s too big of a risk to be leaving it to chance and file transfer methods that have been proven hackable. Defence in depth is always your best option. Adding DRM as an extra layer of security to an already secure protocol like MFA can ensure that even if your data is compromised, permissions can be revoked immediately at the user level. And, with Vera DRM, access to any file containing PII, PCI or PHI will always require authentication beforehand. 

Applying widespread security policies to your data. Applying detailed security policies to every single piece of data can be an imposition at best, insufferable at worst. It was one of the reasons DRM was seen as painful in the past. No more. Today, you can apply group policies en masse to data within a certain classification level, securing each file like it was the only one but without the tedium. 

Securing your data anywhere. Because protections and permissions rest with the data, not the transfer method, your data will be protected anywhere. No matter whose hands your files may fall into, unless that person is specified (by their email address, for example), they won’t be able to access it. 

“Digital files are the crown jewels of any organisation, and end-to-end rights management is increasingly the goal of businesses who need to transfer files securely.” DRM plays an important role in ensuring end-to-end rights, and partnered with the right MFT tool, can secure your assets from anywhere and to anyone – no matter where your files may end up. 

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