ISO 27001 and GLBA Implementation for Financial Institution Case Study

Executive Summary

CyberSecOp was engaged by a financial institution to implement ISO 27001 and achieve GLBA compliance. CyberSecOp's VCISO led the compliance implementation and testing, working closely with the client team. The project included a security assessment, development of an ISO 27001 security program, build out of a secure environment in Microsoft Azure, and implementation of a Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) process. CyberSecOp also provided ongoing support and management of the environment.

Challenges

The project faced a number of challenges, including:

• The client had a complex environment with a variety of legacy systems.

• The client had a limited understanding of ISO 27001 and GLBA compliance requirements.

• The client had a tight deadline for achieving compliance.

Solution

CyberSecOp's team of experts worked closely with the client to overcome these challenges and deliver a successful project.

Security Assessment

CyberSecOp conducted a comprehensive security assessment of the client's environment. The assessment identified a number of vulnerabilities that needed to be addressed in order to achieve compliance.

ISO 27001 Security Program

CyberSecOp developed an ISO 27001 security program for the client. The program included a risk assessment, risk treatment plan, and implementation plan.

Microsoft Azure Environment Build Out

CyberSecOp built out a secure environment in Microsoft Azure for the client. The environment included all of the necessary security controls to protect the client's data and applications.

Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)

CyberSecOp implemented an SDLC process for the client. The SDLC process included security requirements gathering, security testing, and security risk management.

Data Flow and Visualization

CyberSecOp implemented a data flow and visualization solution using Databricks and Pipeline. The solution allowed the client to visualize their data in real time and identify any potential security threats.

Microsoft Sentinel Security Tool

CyberSecOp implemented the Sentinel Security Tool for SIEM threat monitoring. The Sentinel Security Tool provides the client with a comprehensive view of their security posture and alerts them to any potential threats.

Risk Management

CyberSecOp implemented a risk management framework for the client. The framework identified, assessed, and treated all of the client's security risks.

Developer Access

CyberSecOp implemented strict access controls for developers. Developers were only granted access to the resources that they needed to perform their jobs.

Remote Access

CyberSecOp implemented strict access controls for remote access. Remote users were required to use MFA and their IP addresses were restricted.

Privilege Management

CyberSecOp implemented a privilege management solution for the client. The solution ensured that users were only granted the privileges that they needed to perform their jobs.

Application Testing

CyberSecOp implemented an application testing infrastructure. The infrastructure included all of the necessary tools and processes to test the client's applications for security vulnerabilities.

Mentoring of Client Team

CyberSecOp mentored the client team throughout the project. The mentoring helped the client team to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to manage the ISO 27001 security program and the secure environment in Microsoft Azure.

Ongoing Support and Management

CyberSecOp provides ongoing support and management of the client's environment. CyberSecOp monitors the environment for security threats and provides remediation guidance.

Process for Client Team Ongoing Training

CyberSecOp provides ongoing training to the client team on ISO 27001 compliance and security best practices. The training is tailored to the specific needs of the client team.

Project Management Section

The CyberSecOp ISO 27001 implementation project was managed using a hybrid project management approach. The approach combined elements of both agile and waterfall methodologies.

Agile Methodology

The agile methodology was used for the development of the secure environment in Microsoft Azure and the implementation of the SDLC process. The agile methodology allowed the team to quickly iterate on the environment and the SDLC process to ensure that they met the client's needs.

Waterfall Methodology

The waterfall methodology was used for the security assessment, the development of the ISO 27001 security program, and the implementation of the data flow and visualization solution. The waterfall methodology was used for these tasks because they required a more structured approach.

Weekly Meetings

The project team held weekly meetings to discuss progress, identify any challenges, and make necessary adjustments to the project plan. The meetings were attended by the CyberSecOp team, the client team, and other stakeholders.

Phase and Phase Deliverables

The project was divided into the following phases:

• Phase 1: Security Assessment and ISO 27001 Security Program Development

• Phase 2: Microsoft Azure Environment Build Out

• Phase 3: SDLC Process Implementation

• Phase 4: Data Flow and Visualization Solution Implementation

• Phase 5: Final Testing and Deployment

 

Benefits

The project delivered a number of benefits to the client, including:

• Improved security posture

• Increased compliance with ISO 27001 and GLBA requirements

• Reduced risk of data breaches and other security incidents

• Improved visibility into security threats

• Increased confidence in the security of the environment

Conclusion

CyberSecOp successfully implemented ISO 27001 and achieved GLBA compliance for a financial institution. The project overcame a number of challenges and delivered a number of benefits to the client.

Recommendations

CyberSecOp recommends that other financial institutions consider implementing ISO 27001 to improve their security posture and achieve compliance with GLBA requirements. CyberSecOp also recommends that financial institutions work with a qualified security partner to ensure the success of their ISO 27001 implementation.

ISO 27001 Implementation for Manufacturing Organization Case Study

Executive Summary

CyberSecOp was engaged by a manufacturing organization to implement ISO 27001 and achieve compliance with Good Pharmaceutical Practice (GxP) regulations in an on-premises environment. CyberSecOp's VCISO led the compliance implementation and testing, working closely with the client team. The project included a security assessment, development of an ISO 27001 security program, build out of a secure environment on-premises, and implementation of a variety of security controls to protect the client's data and systems.

Challenges

The project faced a number of challenges, including:

• The client had a complex environment with a variety of legacy systems.

• The client had a limited understanding of ISO 27001 and GxP compliance requirements.

• The client had a tight deadline for achieving compliance.

• The project needed to be implemented in an on-premises environment.

Solution

CyberSecOp's team of experts worked closely with the client to overcome these challenges and deliver a successful project.

Security Assessment

CyberSecOp conducted a comprehensive security assessment of the client's on-premises environment. The assessment identified a number of vulnerabilities that needed to be addressed in order to achieve compliance.

ISO 27001 Security Program

CyberSecOp developed an ISO 27001 security program for the client. The program included a risk assessment, risk treatment plan, and implementation plan.

On-premises Environment Build Out

CyberSecOp helped the client to build out a secure on-premises environment. This included implementing the necessary security controls to protect the client's data and systems, including:

• Access controls: CyberSecOp helped the client to implement strict access controls to ensure that only authorized users had access to the environment.

• Data protection: CyberSecOp helped the client to implement a variety of data protection measures, including encryption, access controls, and backup and recovery procedures.

• Security monitoring: CyberSecOp helped the client to implement a security monitoring solution to detect and respond to security threats in real time.

GxP Compliance

CyberSecOp worked with the client to ensure that its ISO 27001 implementation met all of the relevant GxP requirements. This included implementing controls for data integrity, data security, and system validation.

Other Security Controls

In addition to the controls listed above, CyberSecOp also helped the client to implement a variety of other security controls, including:

• Vulnerability management: CyberSecOp helped the client to implement a vulnerability management program to identify and patch vulnerabilities in the on-premises environment.

• Security awareness training: CyberSecOp provided security awareness training to the client's employees.

• Incident response: CyberSecOp developed an incident response plan to help the client respond to security incidents in a timely and effective manner.

Benefits

• The project delivered a number of benefits to the client, including:

• Improved security posture

• Increased compliance with ISO 27001 and GxP requirements

• Reduced risk of data breaches and other security incidents

• Improved visibility into security threats

• Increased confidence in the security of the on-premises environment

Conclusion

CyberSecOp successfully implemented ISO 27001 and achieved GxP compliance for a manufacturing organization in an on-premises environment. The project overcame a number of challenges and delivered a number of benefits to the client.

Recommendations

CyberSecOp recommends that other manufacturing organizations consider implementing ISO 27001 to improve their security posture and achieve compliance with GxP regulations, even if they are operating in an on-premises environment. CyberSecOp also recommends that manufacturing organizations work with a qualified security partner to ensure the success of their ISO 27001 implementation.Executive Summary

CyberSecOp was engaged by a manufacturing organization to implement ISO 27001 and achieve compliance with Good Pharmaceutical Practice (GxP) regulations in an on-premises environment. CyberSecOp's VCISO led the compliance implementation and testing, working closely with the client team. The project included a security assessment, development of an ISO 27001 security program, build out of a secure environment on-premises, and implementation of a variety of security controls to protect the client's data and systems.

Challenges

The project faced a number of challenges, including:

• The client had a complex environment with a variety of legacy systems.

• The client had a limited understanding of ISO 27001 and GxP compliance requirements.

• The client had a tight deadline for achieving compliance.

• The project needed to be implemented in an on-premises environment.

Solution

CyberSecOp's team of experts worked closely with the client to overcome these challenges and deliver a successful project.

Security Assessment

CyberSecOp conducted a comprehensive security assessment of the client's on-premises environment. The assessment identified a number of vulnerabilities that needed to be addressed in order to achieve compliance.

ISO 27001 Security Program

CyberSecOp developed an ISO 27001 security program for the client. The program included a risk assessment, risk treatment plan, and implementation plan.

On-premises Environment Build Out

CyberSecOp helped the client to build out a secure on-premises environment. This included implementing the necessary security controls to protect the client's data and systems, including:

• Access controls: CyberSecOp helped the client to implement strict access controls to ensure that only authorized users had access to the environment.

• Data protection: CyberSecOp helped the client to implement a variety of data protection measures, including encryption, access controls, and backup and recovery procedures.

• Security monitoring: CyberSecOp helped the client to implement a security monitoring solution to detect and respond to security threats in real time.

GxP Compliance

CyberSecOp worked with the client to ensure that its ISO 27001 implementation met all of the relevant GxP requirements. This included implementing controls for data integrity, data security, and system validation.

Other Security Controls

In addition to the controls listed above, CyberSecOp also helped the client to implement a variety of other security controls, including:

• Vulnerability management: CyberSecOp helped the client to implement a vulnerability management program to identify and patch vulnerabilities in the on-premises environment.

• Security awareness training: CyberSecOp provided security awareness training to the client's employees.

• Incident response: CyberSecOp developed an incident response plan to help the client respond to security incidents in a timely and effective manner.

Benefits

The project delivered a number of benefits to the client, including:

• Improved security posture

• Increased compliance with ISO 27001 and GxP requirements

• Reduced risk of data breaches and other security incidents

• Improved visibility into security threats

• Increased confidence in the security of the on-premises environment

Conclusion

CyberSecOp successfully implemented ISO 27001 and achieved GxP compliance for a manufacturing organization in an on-premises environment. The project overcame a number of challenges and delivered a number of benefits to the client.

Recommendations for Other manufacturing organizations

CyberSecOp recommends that other manufacturing organizations consider implementing ISO 27001 to improve their security posture and achieve compliance with GxP regulations, even if they are operating in an on-premises environment. CyberSecOp also recommends that manufacturing organizations work with a qualified security partner to ensure the success of their ISO 27001 implementation.

Helping Healthcare Organizations Protect Patient Records Case Study

Background

CyberSecOp is a cybersecurity consulting firm that specializes in helping healthcare and ambulatory care organizations protect their patient records. The firm has been in business for over 10 years and has a team of experienced security professionals who have a deep understanding of the healthcare industry and the specific security challenges that healthcare organizations face.

Challenge

The healthcare industry is a prime target for cyberattacks with a 69% increase in cyber-attacks from 2020 to 2022. The most common security breaches include phishing, malware, ransomware, theft of patient data, insider threats and hacked IOT devices. Since patient records contain a wealth of sensitive information, including names, addresses, Social Security numbers and medical histories, threat actors are active in their efforts to commit identity theft, fraud and other crimes. 

In addition to the financial and reputational damage that can be caused by a cyberattack, healthcare organizations are also subject to a number of regulatory requirements, including HIPAA, HITRUST, and HiTech. These regulations impose strict requirements on how healthcare organizations must protect patient information.

Solution

CyberSecOp works with healthcare and ambulatory care organizations to develop and implement comprehensive cybersecurity solutions that meet the organization's specific needs and requirements. The firm's solutions include:

• Security assessments - CyberSecOp conducts security assessments to identify security vulnerabilities in an organization's IT infrastructure. These assessments can be used to identify areas where security needs to be improved as well as elevating the issue of cyber risk as an enterprise and strategic risk-management issue.

• Penetration testing - CyberSecOp conducts penetration tests to simulate a cyberattack on an organization's IT infrastructure. These tests are used to identify security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers.
  

• Incident response - CyberSecOp provides incident response services to help organizations respond to cyberattacks. These services include:

• Incident containment

• Data breach notification

• Public relations support

• Security awareness training - CyberSecOp provides security awareness training to help employees understand the importance of security and how to protect patient information.

• Security consulting - CyberSecOp provides security consulting services to help organizations develop and implement security programs. These services include:

• Risk assessment

• Security policy development

• Security architecture design

• Security implementation

Benefits

CyberSecOp's cybersecurity solutions have helped healthcare and ambulatory care organizations to improve their security posture and protect their patient records. The firm's clients have reported a number of benefits, including:

• Reduced risk of cyberattacks.

• Improved compliance with regulations.

• Increased security awareness among employees.

• Reduced costs associated with security breaches. 

Conclusion

The best defense against cybercrime begins with elevating the issue of cyber risk as an enterprise and strategic risk-management issue.  CyberSecOp is a leading provider of cybersecurity consulting services to the healthcare and ambulatory care industry, available to assist your organization in uncovering strategic cyber risk and vulnerabilities along with risk mitigation strategies; incident response planning; vendor risk management and security awareness training to address the pragmatic realities that plague us every day.   Our team of experienced security professionals has a deep understanding of the healthcare industry and the specific security challenges that healthcare organizations face. CyberSecOp's cybersecurity solutions have helped healthcare and ambulatory care organizations to improve their security posture and protect their patient records.

Contact Us

If you are interested in learning more about CyberSecOp's cybersecurity solutions, please contact us today. We would be happy to discuss your needs and develop a plan to help you protect your organization.

CyberSecOp

Web: www.cybersecop.com

Phone: (866) 973-2677

Secure Software Development Infrastructure Case Study

ORGANIZATION

This organization was a well-established software development company that provided financial solutions.

The client employed 460+ IT and Software Development professionals. Their clients included high profile professional services, manufacturing companies, and government agencies who typically serviced clients in multiple industries.

The board of directors the and the executive team understood that based on their current business-critical need for their solutions and their client base, a high standard of cyber security needed to be maintained to ensure digital assets were always protected.

The board of directors and the executive team wanted to ensure that all software development followed best practices. The board of directors the and the executive team engaged CyberSecOp to review their entire development lifecycle with the following requirements:

·        Protection of Intellectual Property 

·        Reduce potential for supply chain attacks

·        Identify gaps in the current development lifecycle

CHALLENGE

With ongoing cyber-attacks against the financial industry, the client was concerned that this may cause widespread disruption and potential business interruption, which may affect software update releases. They need to deliver secure solutions without the risk of harm to their clients.

The client had identified risks in the development lifecycle in regard to Intellectual Property, since 20% of their development team works remotely using unmanaged workstation and servers.   

APPROACH

CyberSecOp completed a DevOps Assessment to gain an understanding around the current DevOps approach, by looking at the following elements:

•  Process Review

• Technology and automation

• Measurement

• Strategy and Flexibility

• Secure Development Environment

• Compromise Assessment

• Report Gaps

• Redesign Development Environment

PROCESS

CyberSecOp IT development and risk management team identified that risk to security was being considered at all stages of a project lifecycle, for a new system or changes to an existing system.  CyberSecOp IT development also take into consideration the confidentiality, integrity, and availability at a minimum.

• CyberSecOp team performed a full assessment of DevOps processes and tooling.

• CyberSecOp utilize ISO Methodology ISO/IEC/IEEE 90003:2018 - Software engineering and ISO 27001 – Annex A.14: System Acquisition, Development & Maintenance.

KEY FINDINGS 

• No multi factor authentication was in place to access development environment

• Malware was found on multiple systems

• Development infrastructure was not air gapped and segregated based on development, test, and production.

• Live data was used for testing and not sample data.

• No centralized location for code validation

• No validation for publicly available codes downloaded

• Codes were not peer reviewed before production

• Codes could be checked in remotely from unmanaged system without verification

• Multiple cases of out of work schedule unauthorized remote access to software code via a developer’s workstation.

• Multiple cases of open administrative sessions between various servers 

SOLUTIONS

• Provided gaps and recommendation

• Road map and diagram proposed environment

• Designed new development infrastructure

  • Create new VDI Environment (Segregated environment)

  • Implement security controls

  • Implement Jenkins (Slave and Master) and SVN plugin

  • Ensure that Jenkins securely authenticate with SVN using username and SSL certificate

  • Worked with the development team to configure Jenkins Pipeline to trigger polling via Subversion

  • Worked with the development team on checkout process.

  • View revision number variables

• Technical documentation of DevOps environment

• Develop security development lifecycle policy based on the process.