How do you avoid hardware security risks? (2024)

If we are truly committed to hardware protection. So first, you need to install any trusted antivirus on the hardware. Then following the steps below.We need to avoid downloading firmware updates and any software related to your hardware, such as computer, mobile, etc. from unknown sources.It is necessary to obtain any software from the official website of your hardware manufacturers.

Timely Firmware & BIOS updates and blocking of External devices access like USB Drives, External HDD would help 50% . Rest should be covered with OEM and User awareness on the latest viruses or malwares that could get through the use of hardware.

Update drivers and update OS as well. Vulnerabilities are introduced daily. The best way to address this is to check on such updates on a daily basis. Only get updates from official manufacturer website. Make sure drivers are signed too.

Physical securitySecure all devices with locks or other tamper-proof devices. Limit access to hardware to authorized personnel only. Use security cameras and other monitoring devices to deter and detect tampering or theft.Strong passwordsImplement strong passwords along with robust authentication systems.Hardware security modules (HSM)These devices generate and help manage cryptographic keys for the authentication and encryption of enterprise systems.Hardware-level protectionStore sensitive data such as passwords, certificates, or encryption on a physical chip separate from the hardware software. This prevents access to sensitive data and staves off hackers and software-based attacks.

Hardware security involves protection through physical devices or physical operations.Hardware security is a device that scans employee endpoints or monitors network traffic, such as a hardware firewall or proxy server.We can use hardware security modules (HSMs) - devices that generate and help manage cryptographic keys to authenticate and encrypt enterprise systems.

We use BitLocker security for all internal hard drives, and set a policy in our AV that only allows copying of data from HDD to USB if the USB drive itself also has BitLocker encryption enabled (and allows users to encrypt at that point).

There are built in encryption for hardwares now adays. like TPM. Should also consider selecting what works best for your needs. Remember encryption also takes performance, longer encryption and heavy cryptography takes resources as well.

In my experience passphrases are awesome replacements for passwords as passphrases can include special characters, spaces etc. and because they are phrases they help the user to flow when typing them and they also make passwords multiples of times less subjected to brute force attacks or guesses. Use a RECOMMENDED, SECURE online password checker to test your password or passphrase. It's a good idea to not test the EXACT password you will use but something close to see how long it could possibly take to break it based on the password checker's calculations. Another great idea is to append descriptive letters to passwords for different websites instead of using the same password for EVERY site. And swap letters with special characters.

Along with having strong password management policies and controls, it is also important to implement multi-factor authentication if feasible. This will greatly reduce risks occurring due to shared password, stolen passwords via phishing, passwords exposed in data breaches on darkweb, etc

🛡️ Think of a firewall as your network and computer's security guard, always vigilant against cyber threats. Did you know 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses? Whether it's the built-in defense system of your computer or third-party software like ZoneAlarm, it's vital to turn on and tailor your firewall. If you haven't done so yet, now's the time! Protect your data and peace of mind. You can even combine a firewall solution from Comodo with their amazing DNS protection to help protect you even further.🔒

By utilizing an end point detection and prevention tool, organizations can reduce the likelihood of malicious software infecting the system or organizational systems. There are two main types of malware tools: signature-based and next-generation (Machine learning and deep learning). Signature based EDR requires that they console receive the most up to date signatures as quickly as possible, so it is important that the connection is tightly monitored. Some types of malware and slip passed this older-generation of endpoint detection and prevention. Deep learning/ML based protection looks at the behavior of the file and looks to see if it is performing anything that looks suspicious. These types have much lower false positive rates.

Check email headings and compare the names to the email addresses. If in doubt compare the email body or email address to another legitimate email you received from the same address or domain. Ensure the email domain is correct based on what you know to be true, if uncertain - contact the sender if you can and confirm and compare the domain name. READ the actual email - if it appears too good to be true - it might just be - investigate further. Avoid clicking links for example in bank/security emails. Instead try to go to the site in a separate browser or tab and check if the information in the email matches what is happening in your account or contact the institution and verify if the email is legit. Question outcomes BEFORE not after.

Boy, this is a very long topic, this definitely needs a wide program in terms of educating end users. It can take awhile to incorporate as a culture of the company when instilling right security mindset but it will have long lasting impact on how secure the company asset can be. We are now moving to an era where we are changing mindset to "zero trust". 100% secure is no longer an accepted term. A vast majority of hacks are still coming from Phishing attacks.

It is important to replace hardware that is considered 'end of life' by the vendor. This means the vendor no longer supports this particular hardware device. Most likely, there are more vulnerabilities on end of life systems and most vendors do not provide updates to devices that are out of their life cycle. It is important to budget and plan appropriately for the upgrade of a newer supported hardware device to ensure most up to date security settings and patches.

For Enterprises: 1. Add External tag to emails originating outside your organisation2. Limit the number of admin accounts and regularly audit admin groups - implement elevated shell - think Powerbroker3. Disable usb's by default and only enable approved ones by adding in GUID4. Monthly phishing simulation training, clicker will go thur phishing refreshers training - no exception or can also try name and shame

- Implement two factor authentication (2FA).- Disable unnecessary features and services.- Always lock your screen when you're going far from your system.

I'd say leave it to the experts and when they speak have the courage to listen and accepts the idea you are not 100% secure. Security is everyone responsibility.

(edited)

Utilise Kensington locks on mobility devices for unattended situation. Do an quarterly/annually inventory audit for hardware accountability.May seem alot of work. But this has been by far the easiest to overlook. When auditors do audits, its always the backend team losing out.

Staff training! You can have the best security systems in the world, multiple layers of security, however if end users admit access, clink on links in emails and are not aware they are being scammed, your security systems are as useful as a chocolate teapot. Yes we need security devices to protect from the outside, but staff training protects from the inside! (My opinion)