How Protected Are Your Open Source Systems

Open source software security is a big responsibility. Open source is considered to be more secure than proprietary software, because more widely the open software is available, more closely it is examined. And, the more flaws that surface, the stronger a code becomes.

This would be true if the components, which make up the open source code are constantly analyzed and if web application security services are verified by the developers, before they are incorporated into their work.

But, this is not always the case. Similar to automobile assembly plants, which uses independently manufactured brake components and airbags for building cars, software developers also assume that their supply chain open source components are up to date, patched and reliable.

Regrettably, assumptions like these allow vulnerabilities similar to those that were present in the Heartbleed bug.

There are a number of reasons why flaws exist in the open source system: the components when used for the first time might be old, or they might not have been appropriately tested. But usually, an open source component that makes it into a broadly used application is assumed to be safe, therefore, diminishing the demand for testing.

Be Aware of What's in Your Software

The inventory of open source components is crucial, because without that, IT managers will not be able to know if the system has compromised components. One way of checking is through Application Health Check, which provides free breakdown of each component and also alerts IT managers of likely licensing and security problems.

When there is a defect in the open source, it's revealed, but if you are not aware of the problems in your software, that revelation may tip of enemies who can use it to exploit vulnerabilities. And hackers get immense benefit by going after the components, which are extensively used, such as Heartbleed attck/OpenSSL demonstrated.

Following are the ways for agencies to ensure that their systems uses a secure software supply chain.

Usage of best ingredients: Agencies should ensure that the components used are coming directly from a trusted archive. Search for software that is compatible with CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures). These are a set of standard identifiers known for exposures and security vulnerabilities.

Make a list – IT managers should device and secure a bill of materials, for the components that are used in a piece of software.

Scan the code – Automated code scanners, which are compatible with SCAP (Security Content Automation Protocol), should be used.

Government-certified software should be used – Using cryptography libraries that are FIPS-certified, for writing encryption applications, eliminates the need of obtaining additional FIPS-certification.

Protect Your Business With mobile Security Services @ http://www.avyaan.com/blog/checklist-data-mobile-app-security/

How to Perform Successful Security Audits

One of the most important security measures in Information Technology is web application security audits. They are not just one-time measures, but something that should be done by an organization at least annually. Even if your network security was perfect last year, it is not necessary for it to remain the same way, as hackers keep coming up with new tools and there may be a new mistake that your company made. In some industries, the audit requirements are spelled out by the federal regulations. You can decide how you want to run the audit, in case no regulations apply. 

 Following are some of the best ways you can conduct a security web application security audits :

Hire an Auditor

Hiring an outside auditor is one of the best ways of going about a security check. An outsider may be able to spot weaknesses that your in-house IT staff missed out. Experienced computer-security professionals who are aware of exactly what to look for, prove to be good auditors. You should set specific goals in order to get the maximum out of an auditor. An annual audit will be able to pick up every possible vulnerability. During audits, you may also be able to accomplish smaller objectives such as examining a new firewall's performance.

Prepare for an Audit

A big part of making an audit successful is preparing for the audit. The cost of an audit has to be build into the budget and it has to be scheduled for a time when critical operations will not be interfered with. Someone on your staff should be able to take responsibility of the project, work with the auditor and stay informed about the audit regulations of your firm. Once the auditor arrives, present her with all the documentation – IT procedures, policies and flow diagrams in a single docket.

Making an Assessment and Finding Solutions

Assessing your security, identifying the problem and analyzing them properly, is the first step in the audit process. This includes looking at network weaknesses, as well as weaknesses in the operating system and software. The assessment also includes looking at the security of your network when employees have access to it from home, and also if someone sets up a convenient network bypass.

A good auditor will not only identify problems, but will also tell you the solution. The solution can differ from replacing your firewall, to changing the password policies. Critical issues need to be fixed at once, other changes are not urgent and can be fixed slowly.

For more security information visit here http://www.avyaan.com/

5 Essential Security and Network Infrastructure Trends for 2015

Web Application audit services

 

With the rapid development of networking and security industries, here are some views on the most important technologies to look out for in 2015:

1. Security breaches are difficult to stop

Data leakage and security breaches will continue to cause trouble for most companies. Studies over the last 10-15 years have shown that new threats are answered quickly by a new defense system.  Once the threat evolves, a brand-new defense system is required. This has given rise to a variety of security appliances, management systems and software agents that in a number of cases are not able to talk to each other. The security architectures of the next generation will implement discrete security systems, which can work with threat life elements and crack the infection chain in various places.

2. Cloud technologies finally taking root

 All kinds of cloud are making their way inroad and are being an essential part of the enterprise infrastructure. Most organizations trust the security provider's capabilities and therefore, Software as a Service (SaaS) has reached a high point. For flexibility, infrastructure as a service (IaaS) still focuses on web application security services. Hybrid clouds, personal clouds and cloud bursting will cause more sharing of distributed management, services and security.

3. Variety in mobile apps and management

The market of mobile devices (handsets and tablets), unlike the PC market, are not dominated by Microsoft. There are at least two to three platforms across the world. This diversity means that management systems need to be more open and flexible. Enhanced JavaScript performance pushes the browser and HTML5, as the mainstream enterprise application development environment. This guides towards richer applications with more focus on usability, rather than cumbersome large applications.

4. Software defined modular infrastructure becomes the rule

The control layer is being separated and centralized for various parts of the infrastructure. Initial focus is mainly on virtualization of the data center, Software Defined Storage (SDS), Software Defined Networking (SDN) and standalone switch fabrics. The result is that API's are being used up at a much higher rate. In today's world, where the infrastructure is segmented and dissected, API's are important, but they also pose to be a potential security hole in the network element.

5. Wired access is being continuously replaced by wireless

Wireless access is a norm across most organizations. Enterprises in new building are mostly not wired. Wireless systems are now becoming the main network access mechanism, which means that an authentic system with tight integration is most essential. Wireless technology continues to get better with ac Wave 1 now coming out and Wave 2 being launched in 2015.

http://www.avyaan.com/blog/five-open-source-security-audit-tools/