Sophos X-Ops Continues to Protect Against Advanced EDR Killers 

At Cyfer Tech, we understand that the cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, with attackers relentlessly developing new tools to bypass and disable security measures. Recently, Sophos X-Ops published an update about a persistent threat they’ve been tracking for years: an advanced toolset designed to sabotage endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions, making it easier for ransomware gangs to carry out their attacks. This blog will explore the ongoing battle against this EDR killer, known as Poortry, and how Sophos X-Ops remains at the forefront of protecting organizations. 

The Evolution of Poortry: A Threat to EDR 

Poortry is a malicious kernel-level driver that, along with its loader application Stonestop, has been used by multiple ransomware groups to disable EDR software. Since Sophos first reported on Poortry in 2022, the developers behind this tool have continued to refine and enhance its capabilities, making it more difficult to detect and neutralize. Despite Microsoft’s efforts to close loopholes that allowed these drivers to be signed and trusted, the creators of Poortry have not been deterred. Instead, they have found new methods to bypass security measures and continue their attacks. 

How Poortry Works: A Deeper Dive 

To understand how Poortry operates, it’s important to know how Windows drivers function. Drivers in Windows operate at the kernel level, granting them access to critical system functions. Poortry exploits this by loading a malicious driver into the kernel, which then disables or modifies protection software. 

There are several ways Poortry developers bypass security checks: 

1.  Abusing Leaked Certificates: Attackers use stolen or compromised code-signing certificates from legitimate companies to sign their malicious drivers. These signed drivers can then be loaded onto a system, bypassing security checks. 
2.  Forging Signature Timestamps: By manipulating the signing process, attackers can create fake timestamps that allow their drivers to appear legitimate, even when the certificates used are outdated or revoked. 
3.  Exploiting Microsoft’s Attestation Signing Process: In some cases, attackers manage to get their malicious drivers signed by Microsoft itself, giving them a powerful, legitimate-looking signature. 

Poortry’s Impact on Ransomware Attacks 

Since its discovery, Poortry has been linked to several major ransomware families, including CUBA, BlackCat, Medusa, LockBit, and RansomHub. The tool’s developers have continuously adapted, using different methods to ensure that their drivers are signed and trusted. This persistence has made Poortry a significant threat to organizations worldwide. 

One of the more recent developments is Poortry’s ability to not only disable EDR software but also to completely delete critical EDR components. This new capability was first observed during an incident involving RansomHub ransomware, where Sophos X-Ops identified Poortry as a key tool in the attackers’ arsenal. 

Sophos X-Ops: Leading the Fight Against Advanced Threats 

Sophos X-Ops has been instrumental in uncovering and mitigating the risks posed by Poortry and other advanced threats. Through a combination of static and dynamic analysis, they have tracked the evolution of Poortry, from its early versions that simply disabled EDR software to its current iteration that can also delete files off disk. Their ongoing research and collaboration with Microsoft have led to the deactivation of accounts used to sign malicious drivers, disrupting the attackers’ operations. 

Protecting Your Organization with Cyfer Tech and Sophos 

At Cyfer Tech, we are committed to providing our clients with the best cybersecurity solutions available. Partnering with Sophos allows us to offer advanced protection against threats like Poortry. Sophos’ cutting-edge technology and expert threat intelligence ensure that your organization stays ahead of attackers. 

As threats continue to evolve, so must our defenses. By staying informed and working with trusted cybersecurity partners like Cyfer Tech and Sophos, you can protect your organization from even the most sophisticated attacks. 

Contact us today to learn more about how Cyfer Tech and Sophos can help safeguard your business from the latest cybersecurity threats. 

Cyfer Tech Celebrates Sophos’ Recognition as a 2024 Gartner Peer Insights Customers’ Choice for Network Firewalls and Endpoint Protection Platforms 

Cyfer Tech, a proud Sophos Gold Partner, is thrilled to announce that Sophos has been named a 2024 Gartner® Peer Insights™ Customers’ Choice for Network Firewalls and Endpoint Protection Platforms. This marks the third consecutive year that Sophos has been honored with this prestigious recognition, a testament to the unwavering trust and satisfaction of its customers. 

Consistent Excellence in Network Security 

In the 2024 Gartner Peer Insights Voice of the Customer Report for Network Firewalls, Sophos achieved an impressive 4.8/5.0 rating based on 377 verified customer reviews as of March 31, 2024. This is the highest number of reviews for any vendor in this category. Additionally, Sophos has been recognized with a Customers’ Choice distinction in five industry segments and is the sole vendor positioned in the Customers’ Choice Quadrant for the Services Industry segment. 

Here’s what customers are saying about Sophos Firewall: 

• “Bravo Sophos for this outstanding firewall solution; you make our life easier!” – Technical Engineer in the Media Industry 
• “Sophos Firewall empowers secure networks with robust protection and scalable solutions.” – Senior Manager, IT in the Banking Industry 
• “Sophos Firewall is the best option out there to stay ahead of the threats!” – Associate Manager in the Manufacturing Industry 
• “Sophos Firewall is a marvelous solution that protects us against zero-day threats.” – Security Engineer in the Media Industry 

Leading the Way in Endpoint Protection 

Sophos has also excelled in the 2024 Gartner Peer Insights Voice of the Customer Report for Endpoint Protection Platforms, earning a 4.8/5.0 rating from 682 reviews as of April 30, 2024. This is again the highest number of reviews among all vendors in this report. Sophos has been named a Customers’ Choice vendor in all 11 industry segments covered by the report. 

Customers praised Sophos Endpoint Protection for its unmatched security features: 

• “Sophos Endpoint provides the most robust anti-ransomware protection in the industry.” – IT Manager in the Manufacturing Industry 
• “Sophos Endpoint protection combines multiple prevention techniques to reduce the attack surface.” – IT Manager in the Education Industry 
• “Unmatched protection: Sophos Intercept X Endpoint delivers peace of mind.” – Network Administrator in the Manufacturing Industry 
• “Sophos Intercept X is one of the best products we have ever used.” – IT Admin in the Transportation Industry 

Why Choose Sophos? 

Sophos’ consistent recognition by Gartner Peer Insights reflects the company’s dedication to delivering cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions that meet the evolving needs of businesses across various industries. At Cyfer Tech, we are committed to providing our clients with the best in network security and endpoint protection through our partnership with Sophos. 

We encourage you to explore Sophos’ innovative products: 

• Sophos Intercept X Endpoint 
• Sophos Firewall 

For more information and resources, visit our IT Security page. 

About Cyfer Tech 

Cyfer Tech is a leading IT solutions provider and a trusted Sophos Gold Partner. We specialize in delivering comprehensive cybersecurity solutions tailored to protect businesses from ever-evolving threats. Our partnership with Sophos ensures that our clients receive the highest level of protection and support. 

Stay updated with the latest in cybersecurity by following our blog and connecting with us on LinkedIn. 

Enhancing Cybersecurity with Sophos ZTNA 2.1 

As a Sophos Gold Partner, Cyfer Tech is excited to share the latest advancements in cybersecurity from Sophos. The newly released Sophos ZTNA 2.1 is a game-changer for organizations looking to enhance their security posture and streamline their network access management. 

Key Features of Sophos ZTNA 2.1 

1. Support for On-Premise Microsoft Active Directory: Sophos ZTNA 2.1 introduces support for on-premise Microsoft Active Directory (AD) as an identity provider. This addition complements the existing cloud-based Microsoft Entra ID and Okta solutions. Organizations without cloud infrastructure can now leverage their in-house Microsoft AD system for authentication, providing a seamless and secure access management solution. The integration supports multi-factor authentication (MFA) through captchas or email OTPs, enhancing security further. 
2. Zero Downtime and Seamless Failover: One of the standout features of this release is the support for zero downtime and seamless failover between cloud points-of-presence. This ensures that in the event of an outage in the preferred gateway region, the system automatically transitions to the next closest regional gateway, maintaining uninterrupted ZTNA access. This capability is available for cloud gateways running on virtual platforms such as ESXi and Hyper-V and will soon be available for Sophos Firewall-integrated ZTNA Gateways with the release of firmware update v20 MR2 later this month. 
3. Enhanced Security: Sophos ZTNA 2.1.1 includes crucial security and vulnerability fixes. After updating to ZTNA 2.1, it is essential to apply the 2.1.1 update to ensure the highest level of security. These updates fortify the system against emerging threats, keeping your network secure and resilient. 

How to Get the Updates 

To take advantage of these new features, follow these steps: 

1. Gateway Image Updates: 

• Navigate to the gateways page on Sophos Central and look for the update notification. This is applicable to gateways hosted on ESXi and Hyper-V platforms. For gateways on Sophos Firewall, the update will be available with the firmware update v20 MR2. 
• Initiate or schedule the upgrade, which may take up to 30 minutes. 
• Once the gateway is back to the “Active” state, verify the gateway’s diagnostics console before proceeding to the next update. 

1. Security Update 2.1.1: 

• After updating to ZTNA 2.1, apply the 2.1.1 update for important security enhancements. 
• The upgrade to version 2.1.1 also takes around 30 minutes for a single node. Multi-node clusters will take proportionately longer. 
• Check the diagnostics console after the update to ensure all tests pass and resume resource access. 

Conclusion 

The Sophos ZTNA 2.1 update is a significant leap forward in providing robust, seamless, and secure network access management. By supporting on-premise Microsoft AD, ensuring zero downtime, and offering critical security enhancements, Sophos continues to lead the way in cybersecurity solutions. 

At Cyfer Tech, we are committed to helping our clients implement these cutting-edge technologies to protect their networks and data. For more information on how Sophos ZTNA 2.1 can benefit your organization, contact our team today! 

Cyfer Tech and Sophos: Leading the Way with CISA’s Secure by Design Initiative 

Embracing a Secure Future with Sophos and Cyfer Tech 

At Cyfer Tech, a proud Sophos Gold Partner, we are excited to share the significant strides Sophos is making in cybersecurity. As part of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure by Design initiative, Sophos has committed to an industry-leading pledge to enhance technology and product security. This initiative, launched on May 8, 2024, aims to foster a trustworthy digital ecosystem by embedding security as a core principle in all software design. 

A Commitment to Secure Design 

Sophos’s commitment to the Secure by Design pledge is built on seven core pillars: 

1. Multi-factor authentication 
2. Default passwords 
3. Reducing entire classes of vulnerability 
4. Security patches 
5. Vulnerability disclosure policy 
6. CVEs 
7. Evidence of intrusions 

These pillars are not just principles but actionable commitments that Sophos is integrating into their processes and products. 

Our Shared Vision 

At Cyfer Tech, we align with Sophos’s philosophy that trust must be earned and verified. Transparency and continuous improvement are fundamental to maintaining the integrity of security solutions. We recognize that cybersecurity is a challenging and dynamic field, and we are committed to providing our clients with secure, reliable solutions that evolve with the threat landscape. 

Progress on the Secure by Design Pillars 

1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) 

Sophos Central enforces MFA by default, providing customers with robust security without additional costs. Efforts to reduce internet-exposed administrative interfaces have led to a 21.5% reduction over the past 18 months. 

Pledge: In the next 12 months, Sophos will release passkey support in Sophos Central and publish adoption statistics. 

2. Default Passwords 

Sophos Firewall requires users to create strong passwords during setup and leverages TPM-backed Zero Touch functionality for secure deployments. 

Pledge: Sophos will continue to disallow default credentials in all current and future products. 

3. Reducing Entire Classes of Vulnerability 

Sophos uses memory-safe languages and frameworks, systematically eliminating common vulnerabilities. Significant improvements, such as the rewrite of the Sophos Firewall VPN provisioning portal, demonstrate their commitment to security. 

Pledge: In SFOS version v21 and v22, Sophos will further enhance containerization to improve security. 

4. Security Patches 

Automatic security updates are standard for all Sophos SaaS services, ensuring customers always have the latest protections. 

Pledge: By September 2025, Sophos will introduce a feature to automatically schedule firewall firmware updates. 

5. Vulnerability Disclosure Policy 

Sophos’s responsible disclosure program has rewarded over $500,000 to researchers, fostering a collaborative security environment. 

Pledge: Sophos will increase transparency and rewards in their vulnerability disclosure program within the next year. 

6. CVEs 

Sophos prioritizes publishing CVEs for identified vulnerabilities and is committed to extending this practice to internal findings of high or critical severity. 

Pledge: Sophos will ensure consistent publication of CVEs for all identified high-severity internal vulnerabilities. 

7. Evidence of Intrusions 

Sophos provides comprehensive logging and auditing capabilities, essential for incident response. 

Pledge: Sophos will enhance integration capabilities in Sophos Central for better log management by July 2025. 

Looking Forward 

As we continue to collaborate with Sophos, Cyfer Tech is dedicated to keeping you informed about our progress. Our commitment to security and transparency ensures that our clients are always protected with the latest advancements in cybersecurity. 

Stay tuned for future updates as we move forward in our journey toward a secure digital future. 

At Cyfer Tech, we are not just keeping up with the latest in cybersecurity – we are helping to shape it. For more information on our partnership with Sophos and how we can support your cybersecurity needs, contact us today. 

Sophos XDR: Expanding their defense against active adversaries 

Sophos latest capabilities to help defend against sophisticated multi-stage attacks. 

Active adversaries are highly skilled cybercriminals who use advanced methods to bypass traditional security measures and execute multi-stage attacks. To combat these sophisticated threats, organizations need adaptive security controls that can detect, investigate, and respond effectively. 

Sophos continuously enhance their capabilities to provide robust defense against these advanced attacks. Leveraging the expertise of their Sophos X-Ops unit and telemetry from both Sophos and third-party solutions, they deliver top-notch protection, detection, and response. Their latest enhancements to the Sophos Extended Detection and Response (XDR) platform are designed to offer even greater power against active adversaries. 

Enhanced Sophos XDR Detections 

Configurable Suppression Rules 

Security operators now have more control over the detections generated by the Sophos XDR platform. With an intuitive suppression wizard, analysts can focus on critical detections by suppressing confirmed-benign events. These granular rules can be tailored based on severity, detection type, MITRE ATT&CK details, and more. 

Comprehensive Detection Summaries 

To aid quick decision-making and task execution, Sophos XDR detections now come with “natural language” descriptions. This enhancement ensures that threat alerts are immediately understandable to analysts of all skill levels, accelerating investigation and response times. 

Streamlined SophosLabs Intelix Integration 

Sophos Endpoint detections are automatically sent to SophosLabs Intelix for threat classification and analysis. This integration enriches detection details with high-fidelity threat intelligence, eliminating the need for manual submissions to SophosLabs. 

Enhanced Microsoft 365 Detections 

Sophos XDR now collects and analyzes comprehensive audit log data from Microsoft 365, identifying more threats than Microsoft’s own security tools. The latest platform detections focus on compromised accounts and Business Email Compromise. The integration with the “Microsoft Office 365 Management Activity API” is included at no additional cost. 

Sophos XDR Public APIs 

Sophos has introduced two new APIs to integrate Sophos XDR data into existing security operations tools and workflows. These APIs allow organizations to: 

• Accelerate investigation and response with automated workflows. 
• Centralize analysis of security telemetry. 
• Enrich Sophos XDR detections with additional threat intelligence. 

Increase Multi-Dimensional Visibility with Technology Integrations 

To provide a comprehensive view of active adversaries’ activities, Sophos XDR collects, correlates, and analyzes data from a wide range of sources. New integrations available for Sophos XDR and Sophos MDR customers include: 

• Forcepoint Next-Gen Firewall 
• F5 BIG IP Application Security Manager (ASM) 
• Cisco Umbrella 
• Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) 

Microsoft Graph Security Integration (Version 2) 

Their new version of the Microsoft Graph security integration, “Microsoft Graph security API (Alerts v2),” offers additional information from a range of Microsoft security solutions. This integration helps analysts accelerate detection, investigation, and response, and is included at no extra cost. 

Quickly Identify Vulnerable Endpoints and Servers 

Their new Device Exposure dashboard in the Sophos Central console provides an overview of endpoint and server devices missing critical OS updates. This visualization helps manage cybersecurity risks by highlighting the time elapsed since the last updates and offering customizable queries for further details. 

Vulnerability Management Delivered as a Managed Service 

Sophos Managed Risk, powered by Tenable, helps organizations identify and prioritize remediation efforts for their external attack surface. This service eliminates blind spots and focuses on exposures posing the highest risk. 

Recognized by Industry Experts and Customers 

Sophos XDR and Sophos MDR continue to receive high praise for their superior capabilities: 

• Leader in the 2024 IDC MarketScape for Worldwide Managed Detection and Response (MDR). 
• Leader in Frost & Sullivan’s 2024 Frost Radar™ for Global Managed Detection and Response. 
• The only vendor named a Gartner Customers’ Choice in multiple categories including Endpoint Protection Platforms and Managed Detection & Response Services. 
• Leader in G2 Winter 2024 Reports for EPP, EDR, MDR, XDR, and Firewall. 
• Leader for the 14th consecutive time in the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Endpoint Protection Platforms. 

To learn more and explore how Sophos XDR can elevate defenses against active adversaries, contact our Cyfer Tech team.  

Sophos Email Awarded VBSpam+ Certification: A Benchmark in Email Security

At Cyfer Tech, we are thrilled to share some exciting news from our partners at Sophos. Sophos Email has achieved the prestigious VBSpam+ certification in Virus Bulletin’s latest email comparative review for June 2024. This recognition underscores Sophos Email’s outstanding performance and commitment to keeping your inboxes safe from threats. 

Unmatched Protection Against Malware and Phishing 

In a rigorous 16-day evaluation, Sophos Email was tested against over 140,000 malicious and spam-related emails. The results were nothing short of exceptional: 

• 100% Block Rate: Sophos Email successfully blocked all malware and phishing samples, making it the only solution in the test to achieve this feat. 
• Zero False Positives: The solution accurately classified all legitimate “ham” and newsletter emails without any false positives. 
• High Accuracy: Sophos Email identified over 99.98% of other unwanted mail, demonstrating its precision and reliability. 

This achievement reflects the high standards and continuous innovation that Sophos invests in their email security solutions, ensuring customers receive top-notch protection for their communication channels. 

A Testament to Sophos’ Commitment 

The VBSpam+ certification is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the Sophos Email and X-Ops teams. This accolade highlights the comprehensive approach Sophos takes to develop and refine their email security technologies, ensuring they stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape. 

Why This Matters 

In today’s digital-first world, email remains a primary vector for cyberattacks. The ability to effectively filter and block malicious emails is crucial for safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining operational integrity. Sophos Email’s stellar performance in this evaluation provides a strong assurance to businesses that their email communications are well-protected. 

Conclusion 

Cyfer Tech is proud to partner with industry leaders like Sophos, who continually push the boundaries of cybersecurity excellence. The VBSpam+ certification awarded to Sophos Email is not just an achievement; it is a promise of quality, reliability, and superior protection for our customers. 

Stay tuned for more updates and advancements from Cyfer Tech and Sophos. Together, we are committed to creating a safer, more secure digital environment for businesses worldwide. 

For more information, please visit our website or contact our support team. 

Introducing Active Threat Response for Sophos Switch and Sophos Wireless (AP6 Series) 

We are thrilled to announce the latest advancement in the Sophos cybersecurity suite—Active Threat Response for our network access layer products, Sophos Switch, and Sophos Wireless (AP6 Series only). This new functionality represents a significant leap forward in their mission to provide comprehensive, multi-layered security solutions to protect your networks from evolving threats. 

What is Active Threat Response? 

Active Threat Response is an innovative feature designed to enhance the security and management capabilities of your network infrastructure. It works in conjunction with Sophos Managed Detection and Response (MDR), Sophos Extended Detection and Response (XDR), and even third-party solutions. Threat feeds sent via an API trigger an automatic response to isolate compromised hosts across all Sophos AP6 Series access points and Sophos switches on the network. This rapid isolation prevents lateral movement, facilitating quicker remediation at the critical access layer. 

For customers using Sophos Network Detection and Response (NDR), this new functionality adds a responsive action to detections from deep within the network, ensuring a robust and comprehensive defense mechanism. 

Key Benefits of Active Threat Response 

Active Threat Response introduces a new, unique dimension to the Sophos ecosystem by: 

Isolating Wired and Wireless Hosts 

Active Threat Response can isolate both wired and wireless, managed, and unmanaged hosts, ensuring that any compromised device is swiftly contained to prevent further spread of threats across the network. 

Preventing Lateral Movement 

By stopping lateral movement, Active Threat Response buys valuable time for remediation. This is crucial in minimizing the impact of threats and protecting sensitive data from being accessed or exfiltrated by attackers. 

Utilizing Multiple Trusted Threat Feeds 

Active Threat Response uses threat feeds from multiple, trusted sources, including Sophos and third-party solutions. This multi-source intelligence ensures a broad and reliable detection capability, enabling a swift and accurate response to threats. 

Immediate Availability 

Active Threat Response is available immediately via Sophos Central for Sophos Switch and Sophos Wireless (AP6 Series only). To leverage this functionality, a valid support subscription for each switch or AP6 access point is required. 

Enhanced Protection with Sophos Firewall 

While a Sophos Firewall is not a prerequisite for utilizing Active Threat Response, combining it with Sophos Switch, Sophos Wireless, and Sophos Firewall ensures the highest level of protection at every network layer. This integrated approach provides a seamless and robust defense strategy against sophisticated cyber threats. 

Contact Us for More Information 

We are committed to providing our customers with cutting-edge security solutions to stay ahead of threats. For further information about Active Threat Response and how it can enhance your network security, please contact our team! 

#Sophos #CyberSecurity #ActiveThreatResponse #NetworkSecurity #CyferTech 

Introducing Sophos Central Custom Dashboards: A Game-Changer for Cybersecurity Management 

At Cyfer Tech, we are dedicated to bringing our customers the latest advancements in cybersecurity to help you stay ahead of threats and streamline your operations. As a proud Sophos Gold Partner, we are excited to share the latest innovation from Sophos that will transform the way you manage your security landscape: Sophos Central Custom Dashboards. 

A New Era of Security Management 

Sophos Central is the AI-native security platform trusted by over 600,000 organizations worldwide. This powerful platform connects and controls all your cyber defenses through a single interface, simplifying management and accelerating protection against ransomware and breaches. Today, Sophos takes another significant step in enhancing security management with the introduction of custom dashboards. 

What Are Custom Dashboards? 

Custom dashboards in Sophos Central provide a flexible, interactive experience designed to optimize user operations and workflows. This new feature allows you to curate a single view within a managed customer environment using various data points, from threats and endpoint signals to alerts and firewall telemetry. Now, you can replace your default Sophos Central landing page with a dashboard tailored to your specific needs. 

Key Benefits 

1. Simplified Security Management: Custom dashboards bring all critical information to your fingertips, reducing the time and effort required to manage your security infrastructure. 

2. Enhanced Operational Efficiency: With an intuitive user interface and flexible layout, creating and modifying dashboards is quick and easy. This ensures that the most relevant content is always accessible, helping you to make informed decisions faster. 

3. Actionable Data: Interactive data visualizations (widgets) provide actionable insights, allowing you to drill down for further details and context as needed. This means you can respond to threats and incidents more effectively. 

Feature Highlights 

User-Based Customization: Create and modify dashboards to build bespoke views of the information you need across managed tenants within the same data region. This personalized approach ensures that each user sees the data most relevant to their role and responsibilities. 

Flexible Layout: The customizable layout allows for resizing and rearranging widgets, giving you control over how information is presented. Whether you need a single comprehensive dashboard or multiple targeted views, the choice is yours. 

Extensive Widget Library: Sophos Central offers over 17 interactive widgets, each providing multiple views. These include: 

•  Account health 
• Device health 
• Threats 
• Firewall connectivity 
• XDR (Extended Detection and Response) 
• MDR (Managed Detection and Response) 

Interactive Filtering 

Filter data by relative attributes and adjust time ranges to focus on the information that matters most. Context-aware click-throughs open detailed information in new browser tabs, making it easy to delve deeper into specific issues. 

Sophos-Curated Dashboards 

Alongside custom dashboards, Sophos has introduced new curated dashboards for Threat Analysis and Device Health. These ready-made dashboards provide critical insights and help you quickly assess the health and security posture of your environment. 

Elevate Your Security with Cyfer Tech 

At Cyfer Tech, we are here to help you leverage the full potential of Sophos Central Custom Dashboards. Our team of experts can assist you in setting up and optimizing these dashboards to ensure you get the most out of your investment. 

Ready to take your cybersecurity management to the next level? Contact us today to learn more about Sophos Central Custom Dashboards and how Cyfer Tech can support your security needs. 

Thank you for trusting Cyfer Tech with your cybersecurity. Together, we can achieve a safer, more secure digital environment. 

For more information, please visit our website or contact our support team. 

Overcoming Common Excuses Against Multi-Factor Authentication 

At Cyfer Tech, we understand the critical importance of multi-factor authentication (MFA) in safeguarding our digital assets. Yet, despite its proven effectiveness, many organizations encounter resistance from users, management, and even IT teams. Here, we address the ten most common excuses for avoiding MFA and provide effective counterarguments to ensure your organization can bolster its security posture. 

My password is already strong enough 

While a robust password is a good start, it isn’t sufficient on its own. With cyberattacks becoming more advanced, even the best passwords can be compromised. MFA adds an additional layer of security, ensuring that even if passwords are stolen, your account remains protected. 

I don’t want to use my phone number for MFA 

You don’t need to use your phone number. There are alternatives like authenticator apps that don’t require personal contact information. These apps can provide secure, convenient MFA without compromising personal data. 

My phone number will be used for marketing or sold 

Reassure your employees that their information is safe. Your IT department or MFA provider should have strict policies against using or selling personal data for non-security purposes, complying with privacy guidelines. 

MFA is too new and untested 

MFA has been around for a long time. For instance, banks have used debit cards with PINs—an early form of two-factor authentication—for years. Emphasizing this can help alleviate concerns and show the reliability of MFA. 

Our IT team is too busy with other priorities 

Implementing MFA can prevent more severe issues in the future, such as ransomware attacks that could halt operations. Without MFA, the risk of security breaches is higher, ultimately increasing the workload for your IT team. 

MFA setup is too complicated 

Modern MFA solutions are user-friendly and typically require just a single click to enable. Gone are the days of complex setups. Most applications now include easy-to-use APIs that simplify the MFA implementation process. 

MFA doesn’t work with our older systems 

Today’s MFA solutions are designed to be compatible with a wide range of systems, including legacy applications. Techniques like identity orchestration and out-of-band MFA can integrate with older systems, mitigating risks without major overhauls. 

The risk doesn’t justify the investment in MFA 

The cybersecurity landscape has changed significantly. With the move to cloud services and remote work, strong authentication is essential. MFA is a crucial part of a layered security strategy, protecting against both internal and external threats. 

I don’t understand MFA well enough to use it 

Education is crucial. Simplifying the concept of MFA and providing straightforward explanations can make users more comfortable. Communicating the importance of security and how MFA protects their data is essential. 

I don’t have anything worth stealing 

Every piece of personally identifiable information (PII) is valuable to cybercriminals. Even if you think you have nothing worth stealing, hackers target all kinds of data for fraudulent activities. Major breaches at companies like Equifax and Marriott have shown that everyone is a potential target. 

Conclusion 

By addressing these common excuses and providing clear, factual counterarguments, organizations can overcome resistance to MFA and significantly enhance their security measures. At Cyfer Tech, we are committed to helping our clients implement effective security strategies, including the critical adoption of multi-factor authentication. Let’s work together to ensure a safer digital environment for all. 

Cyfer Tech Celebrates Excellence: Proud Sophos Gold Partners 

At Cyfer Tech, we’re committed to partnering with industry leaders who exemplify excellence and innovation in cybersecurity. That’s why we’re thrilled to highlight our partnership with Sophos, a company renowned for its dedication to channel excellence and commitment to empowering partners like us. 

Recently, CRN®, a leading authority in the technology industry, unveiled its prestigious 2024 Women of the Channel list, and we’re proud to announce that an impressive 19 Sophos executives have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to the channel. These remarkable women have demonstrated creative and strategic leadership that continues to shape the technology landscape and drive success for channel partners and customers alike. 

Among the distinguished honorees are Kendra Krause, Senior Vice President of Global Channels and Small Business Sales; Justine Lewis, Chief Marketing Officer; and Caralyn Stern, Vice President of Americas and Global Marketing – Channel, Brand, and Content. Their visionary leadership has propelled Sophos to the forefront of the cybersecurity industry, inspiring innovation and driving positive change. 

Notably, Krause, Lewis, and Stern have also been honored on CRN’s Power 100 Elite List of Distinguished Leaders, further underscoring their influence and impact within the IT channel ecosystem. This elite recognition acknowledges their advocacy, expertise, and unwavering dedication to advancing opportunities for their organizations and the broader channel community. 

At Cyfer Tech, we deeply value our partnership with Sophos and the exceptional leadership demonstrated by its executives. Kendra Krause aptly describes Sophos as a “channel-first, channel-best company,” and we wholeheartedly agree. With a steadfast commitment to providing innovative cybersecurity solutions and unparalleled support, Sophos enables us to deliver cutting-edge protection to our clients and stay ahead of evolving threats. 

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the Sophos executives recognized in CRN’s 2024 Women of the Channel list. Your remarkable achievements inspire us and drive us to continually raise the bar in cybersecurity excellence. Together, we’re shaping the future of technology and making the digital world safer for all. 

As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our dedication to delivering Sophos’ industry-leading solutions and empowering our clients to navigate the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape with confidence. Cheers to a bright future of collaboration, innovation, and success with Sophos!