New Year Resolution: Recommitting to Data Security and Lessons from the Xfinity Breach
As we ring in 2024, many are reflecting on the past year and making resolutions for the future. For businesses, one resolution should stand out: recommitting to data security.
The late-2023 Xfinity breach, where 36 million customers had their personal information compromised, serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present threat of cyberattacks.
What happened?
The Xfinity breach stemmed from a vulnerability in Citrix software, dubbed “Citrix bleed.” Hackers exploited this vulnerability to gain access to a wealth of customer data, including names, contact information, usernames, passwords, birth dates, parts of Social Security numbers, and answers to security questions. These security questions can be used to attack other accounts at other institutions.
Recommitting to data security in 2024
The Xfinity breach is yet another a wake-up call for businesses to reassess and reaffirm their data security measures.
Securing SQL Server
For businesses, this breach underscores the importance of a robust and multi-layered approach to data security. These measures should consider and include hardening the SQL Server environment.
Here are some key steps to take:
- Minimize the attack surface: Uninstall unused SQL Server components such as SQL Server Reporting Services, SQL Server Integration Services, and other software and services to reduce potential vulnerabilities.
- Leverage Windows Authentication: This can enhance security by eliminating the need for separate passwords for database access.
- Leverage role-based security: Assign roles with specific permissions to limit access to sensitive data.
- Implement the principle of least privilege: Grant roles access only to the data the members of the role need to perform their jobs.
- Conduct regular audits: Track role membership changes. monitor user access for suspicious behavior.
- Consider SQL Server’s Transparent Data Encryption (TDE): This encrypts data at rest, adding another layer of security to sensitive data.
Securing user accounts
The most common vector for breaches over the past several years has been phishing. Users click on realistic looking links sent by bad actors. These links compromise their systems.
Education is the best prophylactic for phishing attempts and ransomware. Additionally, you can harden the environment by:
- Using strong, unique passwords for all accounts. Prohibit easily guessable passwords like birthdays or pet names.
- Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification factor, such as a code sent to your phone, to log in. These should be table stakes in security.
- Being cautious about what information you share online. Avoid posting personal details on social media or other public platforms.
Additional tips
The Xfinity breach was just one of many in 2023. These serve as sobering reminders that no organization or individual is immune to cyberattacks. Municipalities, hospitals, banks, and every other industry are constantly under attack.
If you’re not sure where to start with hardening your SQL Server, here are a couple of resources to help:
If you’d like some assistance, assessing your SQL Server environment, reach out. We’re happy to help.