10-Step Security Validation Checklist for CISOs

Are you confident that your security controls will allow you to relax while you’re away from the office on a well-deserved vacation? More importantly, do you have a solid action plan to ensure a smooth transition? | Security Validation Checklist

Whether you’re leaving or returning to the office, this security validation checklist can help ensure your security posture is in good working order.

1. Examine your key critical systems’ logs and security events. 

Keep up to date on recent events. Examine for changes – and attempted changes – as well as any potential signs of compromise. For example, will you be gone for more than a week? Designate a team member to conduct a weekly review in your absence, reducing the likelihood that a critical event will go undetected.

2. Security Validation Checklist for vulnerabilities. 

Check for any new security vulnerabilities discovered during your vacation. Use your preferred scanning tool or a regularly updated database, such as CVE Details.

3. Look into critical component failures and their root causes.

Then, create an action plan to address the immediate issues and prevent future failures if remediation is required.

4. Examine whether there have been any significant changes to your security products and their associated security controls. 

While now is not the time to make substantial changes to your EDR, SIEM system or other corresponding solutions, make sure you are aware of any updates made while you were away. Then, you can make larger-scale changes to your controls once you’ve returned and monitor the impact on your overall security posture.

5. Inquire with HR about any relevant changes. | Security Validation Checklist

For example, has the company hired new employees who require access to specific systems? Has an employee left the company that needs to have their credentials revoked? Were there any other incidents or red flags you should be aware of?

6. Be aware of new business perspectives.

Did the company launch new services or products that broadened the potential attack surface? For example, was a new website or mobile app launched, or was a new version of a software product released? Ensure that your team is up to date on the most recent changes.

7. Examine your password policies. 

Password policies should not be based on your vacation status, but as you go through this security checklist, make sure policies are adequately protecting the organization. Examine the length, complexity, special character requirements, and policies for expiration and re-use.

8. Examine the firewall configurations. | Security Validation Checklist

With many security experts recommending that firewall configurations be reviewed every three to six months, now is an excellent time for an audit. Examine network traffic filtering rules, configuration parameters, and authorized administrators, among other settings, to ensure you’re using the right ones.

Numerous tools are available to assist in working through this checklist; however, do you have all the resources required to ensure that everything is addressed?

Automated Security Validation can assist you in automating and standardizing your processes and ensuring critical vulnerabilities do not slip through the cracks. It provides what you need to rest easy while you’re away, with real-time visibility, complete attack surface management, and actual exploitation measures – not just simulations. And when will you return? Risk-based remediation plans assist you in developing your roadmap for keeping your organization secure.

We’ll be here when you get back. Request a demo of RhynoGUARD Managed Detection and Response to learn more about protecting your security posture.