Installing Patches Immediately Helps Protect Your Organization from Cyber Vulnerabilities

Posted on October 9, 2017December 12, 2019

Cyber criminals often exploit known or not yet known vulnerabilities of the Operating System and/or other critical systems, such as a web server or a database, in order to penetrate your network/systems. In the recent WannaCry attack, hackers exploited the Microsoft Windows Server Message Block protocol and encrypted data demanding ransomware. There was a patch that Microsoft had provided but thousands of systems around the world had not yet installed the security update. National Cyber-security awareness month
In honor of October being Cyber-security awareness month, AAFCPAs would like to take this moment to remind our clients again of the critical importance of taking measures to protect against malicious cyber-attacks.

What can you do to minimize your vulnerabilities?

Have desktops/workstations on auto download / auto install mode so the latest patches are automatically installed on the system.
Schedule regular maintenance windows to apply patches, combined with “emergency” downtimes when critical patches need to be applied as soon as possible. Additionally, consider investing in a high availability system, i.e. two systems running parallel, which would allow you to apply patches easier with minimal down-time.
Regular maintenance should also include infrastructure systems, including: firewalls, routers, switches, printers, etc. These systems need patching as well because they are part of your network, and provide opportunities for exploitation.
Run regular, annual at a minimum, vulnerability tests which can help identify your risks.
Be aware of the latest vulnerabilities. You may subscribe to information services such as https://www.us-cert.gov/, an official website of the Department of Homeland Security, and managed by the US Computer Emergency Readiness Team.

AAFCPAs advises clients to take a disciplined approach to cyber-security in order to better guard against, and minimize your organization’s risk of becoming a victim. Patching is one tool making it harder for hackers to penetrate your environment and steal your data.
To schedule a cyber-security assessment, or for specific advice on how to best protect your organization against cyber-attacks, please contact James Jumes at 774.512.4062, jjumes@nullaafcpa.com, Vassilis Kontoglis at 774.512.4069, vkontoglis@nullaafcpa.com or your AAFCPAs partner.

About the Authors

James Jumes, MBA, M.Ed.

James joined AAFCPAs in 2013 to lead the Business Consulting Services practice. He has more than 25 years of experience working with information technology systems and diverse business operational processes. James is highly experienced in IT controls and assurance, SOX 404, and Service Organization Control (SOC) reports: SOC 1 (SSAE 18), SOC 2, SOC 2+ and 3 attestation reporting. James developed a unique methodology to delivering SOC reporting services, and he is an AICPA-approved Peer Review SOC Specialist, assisting peer review teams to review SOC 1, 2, 2+ and 3 engagements. He is a HITRUST Certified Common Security Framework (CSF) Practitioner, providing HITRUST CSF self-assessment consulting, or SOC 2 + HITRUST for assessing against the evolving compliance landscape shaped by HITECH, HIPAA, CMS and various other federal, state and business requirements.

Vassilis Kontoglis

Vassilis is a senior member of AAFCPAs' Business Process & IT Advisory practice with proven expertise in cyber security and IT risk assessments, data analytics and data visualization, and robotic process automation. He also has extensive expertise assessing IT general controls, and conducting System and Organization Control (SOC) attestations. He helps clients increase business process efficiency, effectiveness, and risk management.