'Secure CEO as a Service' for C-Suite by Krishna - CEO of OMVAPT

Roberto Popolizio
Updated on: August 25, 2024

It’s hard for everyday people like me and you to remain on top of new cybersecurity threats and complex concepts while trying to protect our online privacy and digital rights without giving up the convenience of our favorite apps and technologies.

In this interview series by Safety Detectives, I talk to cybersecurity experts and thought leaders who share insights, actionable tips and future predictions that will help us better understand what is really going on with our data and protect your digital life more effectively without losing your sanity.

Krishna Gupta is the CEO and founder of OMVAPT. With over two decades of experience in information technology and security, he has been involved in significant projects that help organizations achieve ISO 27001 certifications, but his entrepreneurial journey began with the founding of OMVAPT, since which he has focused on building a security-first culture within organizations. He is widely known for his approach of providing “Secure CEO as a Service,” aimed at helping C-level executives manage cyber risks effectively, and his other areas of specialization are offensive security, vulnerability assessment, and penetration testing.

What are the most overlooked cyber threats that you see affecting consumers in your industry? What makes threats particularly concerning?

Cyber threats have become a significant concern in the digital age, where our lives increasingly depend on technology. While many know the dangers of phishing emails and malware, several overlooked threats pose significant consumer risks. Let’s delve into some of the most concerning ones.

1. IoT Vulnerabilities

Connected devices, from smart thermostats to security cameras, can be vulnerable to hacking. Adversaries can exploit these vulnerabilities to gain unauthorised access to your homes, monitor your activities, or even control your devices.

2. Social Engineering Attacks

Social engineering attacks rely on human psychology rather than technical exploits. These attacks often involve tricking people into revealing confidential information or performing actions that compromise their security. Examples include vishing (voice phishing) and smishing (SMS phishing), where attackers impersonate trusted entities to lure victims into divulging personal details.

3. Cloud Storage Breaches

Many consumers rely on cloud storage services to store their valuable data. While these services often have robust security measures, they are only partially immune to breaches. A security breach can expose confidential information, such as financial records, personal photos, and sensitive documents.

4. Supply Chain Attacks

Supply chain attacks target businesses involved in producing or distributing goods and services. By compromising a supplier or vendor, attackers can access sensitive information or introduce malicious code into products. Consumers who purchase these compromised products can unknowingly become victims of cyberattacks.

5. Deepfakes and Synthetic Media

Deepfakes and synthetic media are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it difficult to distinguish between actual and deep-fake content. AI can be used to create misleading or harmful content, such as misinformation or impersonations. Consumers must be aware of the potential for deepfakes and exercise caution when consuming online information.

What Makes These Threats Particularly Concerning?

• Subtlety: These threats often go unnoticed because they are more subtle than traditional attacks like malware infections.
• Long-term Consequences: These threats can have long-lasting consequences, such as identity theft, financial loss, or reputational damage.
• Complexity: The technical nature of these threats makes it difficult for consumers to protect themselves without specialised knowledge or tools.

To mitigate these risks, consumers must stay informed about the latest cyber threats, use strong passwords, be cautious about clicking on strange links or downloading attachments, and keep their devices and software up-to-date with the latest security patches.

What are the best ways to prevent and react to these threats?

While awareness of common threats like phishing and malware is growing, it’s equally important to understand and address the often-overlooked risks. Here are some practical steps to prevent and respond to these threats:

Prevention Strategies

1. Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):

• Create complex, unique passphrases for each online account.
• Use a password manager like Dashlane/1Password to store and create safe, unique, vital secrets.
• Enable MFA whenever possible to add a layer of authentication.

2. Regular Software Updates:

• Keep your operating system, applications, and firmware up-to-date with the latest security patches.
• This helps address vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.

3. Be Cautious of Phishing Attempts:

• Be wary of unknown emails, texts, or calls, especially those asking for personal information or urgent action.
• Verify the sender’s identity before clicking on links or downloading attachments.

4. Secure Your IoT Devices:

• Change default passwords on your devices and enable strong security settings.
• Keep your hardware devices updated with the latest firmware.
• Create network isolation for IoT devices to segment them from your main network.

5. Educate Yourself:

• Keep learning about the latest security threats and their risk mitigation strategies.
• Follow reputable security news sources and resources.
• Subscribe to ‘Secure CEO as a Service’ to keep yourself updated.

6. Backup Your Data Regularly:

• Create regular backups of your files to an external hard drive or cloud storage. Ensure you try recovering the backup once in a while. This is often overlooked. It ensures proper Business Continuity Planning and Disaster Recovery even for Startups, Small and Medium Businesses, and Small and Medium Enterprises.
• This can help you recover data in case of a breach or ransomware attack.

Responding to a Breach

1. Act Quickly:

• If you suspect a breach, change your passwords immediately, especially for accounts that may have been compromised.
• Monitor your financial transactions and credit reports for signs of unauthorised activity.

2. Report the Incident:

• If you believe you have been a victim of a cybercrime, contact your financial institutions, online service providers, and law enforcement.

3. Seek Professional Help:

• If the breach involves sensitive personal information, consider consulting with a cybersecurity expert or identity theft specialist.

Remember, a proactive cybersecurity strategy is essential in today’s digital landscape. Following these prevention strategies and knowing how to respond to a breach can significantly lessen your security risks.

Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing

Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing are quintessential components of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. OMVAPT proactively identifies and addresses potential security in your applications, systems and networks before malicious actors can exploit them.

Continuous Vulnerability Assessment and Vulnerability Management

A vulnerability analysis is a systematic process of finding, classifying, and prioritising security vulnerabilities within a system or network. It involves finding known security risks, such as outdated software, misconfigurations, and weak passwords. By understanding your vulnerabilities, you can take steps to mitigate them and improve your overall security posture.

Continuous Manual Penetration Testing as a Service

Penetration testing, often called “ethical hacking,” simulates a real-world attack to identify and exploit vulnerabilities. It involves authorised individuals attempting to gain unauthorised access to your systems using the same techniques that malicious attackers might employ. It allows you to assess your security measures’ effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

Benefits of Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing:

• Proactive Risk Management: By discovering vulnerabilities before malicious hackers exploit them, you can proactively mitigate risks and prevent potential breaches.
• Compliance Adherence: Many industries and regulatory bodies require organisations to conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to ensure compliance with security standards.
• Improved Security Posture: Addressing identified vulnerabilities can strengthen security posture and secure sensitive info.
• Enhanced Incident Response: A well-conducted vulnerability assessment can help you develop a more effective Cyber incident response plan in case of a breach.

When to Conduct Vulnerability Assessments and Penetration Testing:

• Regularly: Conduct these assessments regularly to ensure your security measures remain effective.
• After Changes: Perform assessments after significant changes to your systems, such as software updates, network modifications, or introducing new technologies.
• Before Critical Events: Consider conducting assessments before significant events, such as product launches or mergers and acquisitions, to identify and address potential vulnerabilities that could impact these activities.

By incorporating vulnerability assessment and penetration testing into your cybersecurity strategy, you can significantly reduce your risk of being harmed by cyberattacks and protect your organisation’s valuable assets

What are the crucial things people should STOP or START doing today to improve the safety of their data?

Digital Detox: Crucial Steps to Enhance Data Safety

From financial information to sensitive communications, protecting our data is essential. Here are some crucial habits to stop and start adopting to enhance your data safety:

Stop Doing these now:

1. Over-Sharing Personal Information: Avoid sharing excessive personal details online, especially on social media platforms. Limit the amount of information you make publicly accessible.
2. Using Weak Passwords: Avoid using easily guessable passwords. Create strong, unique passphrases for each account, and consider using a password manager.
3. Ignoring Software Updates: Neglecting to update your operating system, applications, and devices can leave you vulnerable to security vulnerabilities. Make it a habit to install software fixes.
4. Clicking on Suspicious Links: Be cautious of unsolicited emails, texts, or messages containing suspicious links or attachments. Avoid clicking on them, which could lead to malware infections or phishing scams.
5. Using Public Wi-Fi Networks: Do not conduct risky activities like net banking or shopping on public Wi-Fi networks. These networks are often unsecured and can be easily compromised.

Start Doing these ASAP:

1. Enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA whenever feasible to add a layer of authentication to your online accounts. It requires a second verification form, such as time-based one-time codes sent to your phone or email.
2. Using Strong, Unique Passphrases: Create complex secrets that blend symbols, uppercase and lowercase letters and numbers. Avoid using easily guessable information like anniversaries or nicknames.
3. Regularly Backing Up Your Data: Back up your important files to an external hard drive. It can help you recover your data in case of a device failure or breach.
4. Being Mindful of Social Engineering Attacks: Be aware of social engineering tactics like phishing and impersonation scams. Be cautious of unsolicited requests for personal information and verify the sender’s identity before responding.
5. Using a VPN: Ensure you use a proxy or Virtual Private Network (VPN) when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. A VPN can encrypt your internet traffic, deterring others from intercepting your data.

By adopting these habits, you can significantly improve the safety of your data and protect yourself from cyber threats. Remember, a proactive approach to data security is essential in today’s digital world.

In your view, what are the biggest misconceptions consumers have about online privacy and cybersecurity?

Many people still don’t understand that our ‘personal data’ is a valuable commodity in the digital age. This is what leads many consumers to have misconceptions about online privacy and cybersecurity that can leave them vulnerable to attacks. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. “If I have nothing to hide, I don’t need to worry about privacy.”

This is a dangerous misconception. Even if you believe you have nothing to hide, your ‘personal data’ can still be valuable to cybercriminals. They can use your information for identity theft, financial fraud, or other malicious purposes.

2. “Antivirus software is enough to protect me.”

While antivirus software is essential, it’s not the only line of defence. Cybercriminals use phishing, social engineering, and malware to compromise systems. A comprehensive security approach includes strong passwords, regular updates, and awareness of potential threats.

3. “Public Wi-Fi is safe to use.”

Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, making them easy targets for hackers. Avoid conducting sensitive online activities on public Wi-Fi, such as online banking or shopping. If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a VPN to encrypt your traffic.

4. “Social media platforms are safe.”

Social networks collect and store vast amounts of personal data. While many platforms have privacy settings, it’s essential to remember what information you share and who can access it. Analyse friend requests from strangers and avoid sharing sensitive information on public profiles.

5. “Once my data is stolen, I can do nothing.”

While data breaches can be devastating, there are steps you can take to minimise the havoc. Monitor your financial accounts for suspicious activity, report any incidents to the appropriate authorities, and email/call a credit reporting agency to place a fraud alert on your credit cards.

By understanding these misconceptions and taking proactive steps to secure your data, you can lessen your risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime.

What emerging technologies, trends and new threats do you believe will have a great impact in the next 5-10 years? How do you plan to adapt to these changes?

The following 5-10 years promise significant technological advancements, reshaping industries and daily life. As we navigate this rapidly evolving threat landscape, it’s vital to understand the emerging trends and potential threats.

Emerging Technologies and Trends

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI will continue to permeate many aspects of our lives, from healthcare and finance to transportation and entertainment. Advances in AI, ML, and NLP will drive innovation and raise ethical concerns.
2. Internet of Things (IoT): The proliferation of connected devices will create a vast data network. IoT will revolutionise industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and smart cities but also increase the risk of cyberattacks.
3. Blockchain Technology: Beyond cryptocurrencies, blockchain will find applications in supply chain management, healthcare records, and voting systems. Its decentralised nature offers enhanced security and transparency.
4. Quantum Computing: Quantum computers solve complex problems intractable to classical computers. This technology could revolutionise drug discovery, materials science, and cryptography. It also easily decrypts the existing cryptographic algorithms.
5. Mixed Reality—Augmented Reality (AR), Extended Reality (XR), and Virtual Reality (VR): AR and VR will become more personalised in our daily lives, transforming industries like healthcare, gaming, education, and retail.

New Threats

1. Deepfakes: Advances in AI will make it easier to create highly realistic deepfakes, which can be used for disinformation, fraud, and social manipulation.
2. Autonomous Weapons: The development of autonomous weapons enhances ethical concerns and threatens global security.
3. Data Privacy Violations: As the amount of data collected and stored enhances, so does the risk of data breaches and privacy violations.
4. Cyberattacks on Critical Infrastructure: Critical infrastructure systems, such as power grids and transportation networks, are vulnerable to cyberattacks.
5. Job Displacement: Automation and AI could lead to job displacement in specific industries, requiring individuals to adapt and acquire new skills.

To navigate these emerging technologies and threats effectively, I will:

• Stay Informed: Continuously learn about the latest advancements and potential risks.
• Develop New Skills: Acquire skills in areas like data science, AI, and cybersecurity to remain relevant.
• Prioritise Ethical Considerations: Ensure that the development and use of technology align with ethical principles.
• Collaborate with Others: Work with experts from various fields to address complex challenges and opportunities.
• Foster a Culture of Innovation: Encourage autonomy and risk-taking to drive progress and adaptation.

How can our readers follow your work?

Companies Websites:

https://omvapt.com

https://vapt.eu

Founder’s Website: https://krishnag.ceo

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/krishnagupta

X: https://x.com/krishnagceo

Facebook: https://facebook.com/krishnag.ceo