This blog post is part of a series of cyber incident top tips, you can view them all here.
Anti-virus software is a key element of any cyber security strategy, yet simply deploying it is not enough. Aggregating and correlating anti-virus activity through security information and event management (SIEM) is essential for comprehensive threat detection.
Organisations rely heavily on anti-virus software to detect and neutralise malware, seeing these routine events as critical defences against potential threats. However, beneath this level of security lies a potential pitfall. While detecting and removing malware from a device may seem like a routine occurrence – often rightly so – it can also mask significant vulnerabilities. This oversight could lead to missing a breach in progress, which might escalate into a ransomware attack within just 24 hours. Viruses and malware typically infiltrate IT systems through a range of user behaviours, such as visiting suspicious websites, opening dubious email attachments, or connecting untrusted personal devices.
So, when your anti-virus software detects and removes a virus, it’s easy to view this as a perfectly normal event and give it minimal attention. But this assumption can be dangerously wrong.
Integrating SIEM for Enhanced Security
SIEM solutions play a crucial role here. They aggregate and analyse security data from various sources, providing real-time insights into potential threats. By integrating SIEM with your anti-virus software, you can gain a holistic view of your entire security posture. SIEM enhances your ability to correlate events across your entire network, identifying anomalies that may indicate a more significant breach or imminent ransomware attempt. This proactive approach ensures that any unexpected detections are promptly investigated, allowing for a thorough understanding of how malware entered the system and whether it poses a broader threat.
The Importance of Context and Immediate Action
Consider the context of each anti-virus malware removal event, particularly if it involves critical systems such as domain controllers. A virus removed from such a device outside of regular user activity hours should immediately raise red flags. This anomaly could signify an ongoing, sophisticated attack aiming to compromise administrative access—a scenario demanding swift and decisive action.
The critical lesson is clear: scrutinise all anti-virus detections, considering the context and timing of each event. Treat any unexpected detection as a potential breach and conduct immediate investigations to mitigate risks promptly. By leveraging SIEM technology alongside robust cyber security practices, organisations can effectively safeguard against sophisticated attacks, ensuring resilience against evolving cyber threats.
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For expert guidance on enhancing your cyber security defences and implementing proactive monitoring strategies, reach out to us today. Our dedicated security specialists are available round-the-clock to assist in identifying, detecting, and mitigating cyber threats before they escalate.
This blog post is part of a series of cyber incident top tips, you can view them all below:
- Tip 01: Taking advantage of ransomware’s biggest secret!
- Tip 02: Securing your backups from vulnerabilities
- Tip 03: Beware of automated response dangers!
- Tip 04: The importance of disconnecting yourself during a breach
- Tip 05: How to integrate your anti-virus protection with SIEM
- Tip 06: Ensure that your insurance covers cyber incidents
- Tip 07: Preparing for the worst – rebuilding after a major ransomware attack
- Tip 08: Who you should call first during a cyber breach
- Tip 09: Hold onto the evidence – why securing system logs is essential for cyber incident response
- Tip 10: What you need to know to make sure your penetration testing is effective
- Tip 11: Why tabletop exercises are crucial for incident response
- Tip 12: Famous last words – misconceptions before a major cyber breach