Introduction
This document provides you with a comprehensive security
recommendations checklist. We follow these guidelines and
expect our 3rd party integrators to do the same. These
guidelines cover various aspects of security including network,
endpoint, data, identity and access management, application, and
incident response. Adherence to these recommendations will help
mitigate security risks and ensure compliance.
General Best Practices
- Regular Updates: Ensure all systems, applications, and devices
are regularly updated with the latest security patches.
- Backups: Implement regular data backup procedures and store
backups in secure, off-site locations.
- User Training: Conduct regular security awareness training for
all employees to recognize phishing, social engineering attacks,
and other common threats.
- Security Policies: Establish and enforce comprehensive security
policies and procedures.
Network Security
- Firewalls: Deploy firewalls to monitor and control incoming and
outgoing network traffic.
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention
Systems (IPS): Use IDS/IPS to detect and prevent unauthorized
access to the network.
- Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Use VPNs to secure remote
access to the network.
Segmentation: Segment the network to limit access to sensitive
data and systems to only those who need it.
Endpoint Security
- Antivirus and Anti-malware: Install and maintain up-to-date
antivirus and anti-malware software on all endpoints.
- Encryption: Encrypt sensitive data on endpoints, especially
mobile devices and laptops.
- Device Management: Implement mobile device management (MDM)
solutions to control and secure mobile devices.
- Patch Management: Regularly update endpoint operating systems
and applications to protect against vulnerabilities.
Data
Security
- Data Encryption: Encrypt data at rest and in transit using
strong encryption protocols.
- Access Controls: Implement strict access controls to ensure only
authorized personnel can access sensitive data.
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Use DLP solutions to monitor and
protect data from unauthorized access and exfiltration.
- Data Classification: Classify data based on its sensitivity and
apply appropriate security measures to each classification
level.
Identity and Access Management
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA for all user
accounts to add an additional layer of security.
- Password Policies: Enforce strong password policies, including
complexity requirements and regular password changes.
- Least Privilege: Apply the principle of least privilege,
ensuring users have the minimum level of access necessary for
their roles.
- Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits of user accounts and
permissions to detect and remove unnecessary access.
Application Security
- Secure Development: Follow secure coding practices and conduct
regular code reviews and security testing.
- Vulnerability Management: Regularly scan applications for
vulnerabilities and apply patches promptly.
- Web Application Firewalls (WAF): Use WAFs to protect web
applications from common attacks such as SQL injection and
cross-site scripting (XSS).
- API Security: Secure APIs by using authentication,
authorization, and input validation.
Incident Response
- Incident Response Plan: Develop and maintain an incident
response plan to handle security breaches effectively.
- Regular Drills: Conduct regular incident response drills to
ensure preparedness.
- Monitoring and Logging: Implement continuous monitoring and
logging to detect and respond to security incidents in
real-time.
- Forensics: Have procedures in place for digital forensics to
investigate and understand security incidents.
Compliance and Auditing
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with relevant laws and
regulations, such as PDA and PCI-DSS.
- Regular Audits: Perform regular security audits and assessments
to identify and address vulnerabilities.
- Documentation: Maintain thorough documentation of security
policies, procedures, and incidents.
Last updated on 19 May 2024