Cloud Security for SMBs: Strategies, Risks, and Resources - Adam John - CSP #205

Jessica Hoffman and Melina Scotto discuss the evolution of cybersecurity, focusing on cloud security, business responsibilities, and the importance of basic cyber hygiene. They highlight the role of communication, consulting, and integrating security into business operations, concluding with advice for future cybersecurity professionals. This segment is sponsored by Fortinet Cloud Security. Visit https://cisostoriespodcast.com/fortinet to learn more about them! Visit https://cisostoriespodcast.com for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://cisostoriespodcast.com/csp-206

Jess and Adam discuss cloud security challenges for SMBs, emphasizing strategic planning, compliance with regulations like CMMC, and vendor due diligence. They highlight common pitfalls like the illusion of security and inadequate staffing while offering cost-effective solutions like virtual CISOs. Practical tips help SMBs secure their data, navigate legal concerns, and maximize available resources. This segment is sponsored by Fortinet Cloud Security. Visit https://cisostoriespodcast.com/fortinet to learn more about them! Visit https://cisostoriespodcast.com for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://cisostoriespodcast.com/csp-205

In this episode, we dive into the critical role of proper configurations in cloud environments and why misconfigurations remain the leading cause of security breaches. From overly permissive access controls to unencrypted data stores and default credentials left unchanged, we explore real-world examples that adversaries exploit. Learn how organizations can mitigate these risks through proactive monitoring, automated tools, and a culture of security-first thinking. Tune in to uncover actionable insights to keep your cloud infrastructure secure. This segment is sponsored by Fortinet Cloud Security. Visit https://cisostoriespodcast.com/fortinet to learn more about them! Segment Resources: CoGuard CLI (Select cloud resources can be scanned with a free account): https://portal.coguard.io/auth/realms/coguard/protocol/openid-connect/auth?clientid=client-react-frontend&redirecturi=https%3A%2F%2Fportal.coguard.io%2F&state=7cd7e2ac-aa64-497d-8957-f0b8be3e2f8d&responsemode=fragment&responsetype=code&scope=openid&nonce=86649c48-03f3-44c1-9612-560d42e049d9 More info on the CoGuard CLI on Github: https://github.com/coguardio/ Open AI grant: https://openai.com/index/empowering-defenders-through-our-cybersecurity-grant-program/ Open AI research results on Github: https://github.com/coguardio/coguardopenairuleautogeneration_research Securing Multi Cloud Environments - Tips from Nadia's co-founder/CTO - blog: https://www.coguard.io/post/securing-multi-cloud-environments Visit https://cisostoriespodcast.com for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://cisostoriespodcast.com/csp-204

Bertrum Carroll dives into the evolution of cloud service adoption, comparing early concerns—like data storage, access, and usage—to current apprehensions about AI. We explore how leadership can empower teams with the right training to harness technology effectively. Learn why understanding the shared responsibilities between providers and customers is critical for cloud security success. This segment is sponsored by Fortinet Cloud Security. Visit https://cisostoriespodcast.com/fortinet to learn more about them! Visit https://cisostoriespodcast.com for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://cisostoriespodcast.com/csp-203

In this episode, we’re joined by Tammy Klotz, a 3x CISO in the manufacturing industry, to explore identity security challenges in manufacturing environments. Tammy discusses the differences in access management for frontline workers versus knowledge workers, touching on the unique devices and role-based training requirements. Tune in to learn how tailored security solutions are key to managing access across diverse user groups in industrial settings. This segment is sponsored by CyberArk. Visit https://cisostoriespodcast.com/cyberark to learn more about them! This segment is sponsored by Saviynt. Please visit https://cisostoriespodcast.com/saviynt to learn more and get a free demo! This segment is sponsored by Liminal. Visit https://cisostoriespodcast.com/liminal to learn more about them! Visit https://cisostoriespodcast.com for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://cisostoriespodcast.com/csp-202

In this episode of CSP, we sit down with Dr. Sean Murphy, the CISO of BECU, one of Seattle’s largest credit unions, to discuss the shifts in identity security brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Murphy highlights how Zero Trust architecture became crucial for verifying internal users, especially as remote work became the norm. He shares insights on the unique challenges of securing a remote workforce in the banking sector and underscores the importance of a robust identity security framework in protecting both members and employees in today’s evolving threat landscape. This segment is sponsored by CyberArk. Visit https://cisostoriespodcast.com/cyberark to learn more about them! This segment is sponsored by Saviynt. Please visit https://cisostoriespodcast.com/saviynt to learn more and get a free demo! This segment is sponsored by Liminal. Visit https://cisostoriespodcast.com/liminal to learn more about them! Visit https://cisostoriespodcast.com for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://cisostoriespodcast.com/csp-201

Let’s talk about what CISOs look for when hiring identity and access management team members. What training and experience is most attractive for the business and team. This segment is sponsored by CyberArk. Visit https://cisostoriespodcast.com/cyberark to learn more about them! This segment is sponsored by Saviynt. Please visit https://cisostoriespodcast.com/saviynt to learn more and get a free demo! This segment is sponsored by Liminal. Visit https://cisostoriespodcast.com/liminal to learn more about them! Visit https://cisostoriespodcast.com for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://cisostoriespodcast.com/csp-200

Guessing the answer is yes. Well, let's talk about some of the simple ways you can avoid account compromises by strengthening your identity security through MFA, least privilege, account reviews, and all the things! This segment is sponsored by CyberArk. Visit https://cisostoriespodcast.com/cyberark to learn more about them! This segment is sponsored by Saviynt. Please visit https://cisostoriespodcast.com/saviynt to learn more and get a free demo! This segment is sponsored by Liminal. Visit https://cisostoriespodcast.com/liminal to learn more about them! Visit https://cisostoriespodcast.com for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://cisostoriespodcast.com/csp-199

Let's talk about how important having a customer success manager, or equivalent, to assist you with your tool integration can make the difference between resource fatigue and success. On top of having solid relationships with our tool vendors, long time CISO Jake Lorz, shares with us how important tool interoperability is, proper governance reviews, and looking at your organization's security strategy when planning for current and future tool selection. Visit https://cisostoriespodcast.com for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://cisostoriespodcast.com/csp-198

Let's talk to cybersecurity expert, Lalisha Hurt, about her approach to selecting the right tools for your organization by using proven methods such as referencing the Gartner Magic Quadrant, thinking about the entire IT portfolio as part of your selection process, and what a successful 'Vendor Day' can do! Visit https://cisostoriespodcast.com for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://cisostoriespodcast.com/csp-197