Top Cyber Vulnerabilities to DOD Systems

Today’s Cyber Vulnerabilities to DOD Systems May Include These Top Risks

Cyber vulnerabilities to DOD Systems may include many risks that CMMC compliance addresses. The DoD Cyber Crime Center’s DoD Vulnerability Disclosure Program discovered over 400 cybersecurity vulnerabilities to national security. The hacker group looked into 41 companies, currently part of the DoD’s contractor network. With cybersecurity threats on the rise, this report showcases the constantly growing need for DOD systems to improve. Hackers are becoming more and more daring in their tactics and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to remain at least one step ahead at all times.

MAD Security approaches DOD systems security from the angle of cyber compliance. Simply put, ensuring your systems are compliant, and setting up control in place are often the best efforts a company can make to protect its systems from cyberattacks.

Today’s Top Risks and Cyber Vulnerabilities to DOD Systems

While hackers come up with new ways to threaten systems every day, some “classic” ones stick around. These cyber vulnerabilities to the Department of Defense’s systems may include:

1. Phishing Attacks

Companies like American Express and Snapchat have had their vulnerabilities leveraged in the past to send phishing emails to Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 users.

Some reports estimate that one in every 99 emails is indeed a phishing attack.

2.  Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware attacks can have devastating consequences. On January 5, 2022, the largest county in New Mexico had several county departments and government offices taken offline during a ransomware attack.

Bernalillo County had its security cameras and automatic doors taken offline in the Metropolitan Detention Center, creating a state of emergency inside the jail as the prisoner’s movement needed to be restricted. Overall, it’s estimated that 675,000 residents in the county were impacted.

3.  Security Misconfiguration

Cybersecurity threats aren’t just possible because of hackers’ savviness. CISA cites misconfigurations and poor security controls as a common reason why hackers can get initial access to sensitive data or company systems due to critical infrastructure.

One study found that 73% of companies have at least 1 critical security misconfiguration that could potentially expose them to an attack.

4. Malware

Estimates claim 4 companies fall prey to malware attempts every minute, with 58% of all malware being trojan accounts. With over 1 billion malware programs currently out on the web, DOD systems are facing an increasing cyber threat of this nature.

5. Endpoint Attacks

Around 68% of companies have been said to experience at least one endpoint attack that compromised their data or infrastructure. Many IT professionals say they noticed an increase in this type of attack’s frequency.

Implementing Cyber Risk Management for Defense Contractors Through CMMC 2.0 Compliance

Defense contractors are not exempt from such cybersecurity threats. Unfortunately, in many cases when contractors try to enhance their security, they face a lot of obstacles that prevent them from effectively keeping their data and infrastructure protected.

MAD Security recently collaborated with Design Interactive, a cutting-edge research and software development company trying to enhance cybersecurity to prevent cyber attacks. Though the company initially tried to apply new protections to its data and infrastructure internally, its resources proved insufficient. Essentially, Design Interactive discovered their team lacked both the expertise and confidence to effectively enhance their cybersecurity. They decided to outsource such expertise from the MAD Security team and without input, the company successfully achieved a measurable cyber risk reduction.

DOD Cybersecurity Best Practices for Cyber Defense

To effectively improve DOD cybersecurity, the MAD Security team recommends the following steps:

1. Start with a Cyber Risk Assessment

Companies should first determine where they are most vulnerable. For this, we recommend several assessments to gain a complete overview of current efforts:

1. Gaps in organizational security
2. Identifying current risk levels
3. Analyzing regulations compliance of the current system
4. Analyzing CMMC compliance
   
   

2. The Best Ransomware Prevention includes Ransomware Detection

Ransomware is an increasing threat to many DOD contractors. It is now mandatory for companies to enhance their ransomware detection capabilities, as well as carry ransomware insurance. 

It’s worth noting, however, that ransomware insurance can have certain limitations contractors should be aware of.

3. Endpoint Security Platforms and Vendors offer Advanced Endpoint Protection

Enhancing endpoint security (meaning on devices such as desktops, laptops, mobile devices, etc), is another top priority when enhancing DOD cybersecurity. Such devices should contain software designed to both notify and protect systems in case of an attack.

4. Preventing Phishing Attacks Best Practices Include Cybersecurity Training for User Awareness 

5. Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan and Management Plan Reduce Cyber Incident Response Times

Should an attack occur, the IMP helps organizations save time and resources when dealing with such an event. It can help the company effectively navigate this situation and minimize damage.

Reduce your cyber vulnerabilities to dod systems and start your cybercrime defense through CMMC Compliance by starting with a cyber risk assessment from MAD Security

Contact us today to set up your cyber protection.