Today’s Internet and network security environment differs greatly from just a few short years ago. As we’ve discussed, legacy tools, basic firewalls, and basic anti-virus/malware are no longer sufficient to keep your network safe.
Many districts have implemented next-generation firewalls. However, these new next-generation firewalls need consistent monitoring of their generated Event Logs to be most effective. You should be consistently monitoring its many security information data feeds to ensure they are operating properly. You should also be monitoring the latest required software updates to assure they have been applied. Attention to these activities assures that your firewall is performing at peak capacity in protecting your network.
Unfortunately, for many districts, the required consistent attention necessary to maintain security is an additional support burden that is difficult for district staff to maintain. This opens up districts to possible security exposures. Is your firewall trying to warn you about potential issues, but no one is listening?
This week’s suggestion:
Talk to your Tech Director about what type of firewall you have and if patches are being consistently applied and Event Logs are being read
Continue (or start) the process of coming into line with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework guidelines
If you would like more information on how to monitor/update your firewall or navigate the NIST CSF journey, please contact Lisa MacDougall at lmacdougall@csiny.com or call 845.897.9480.