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• Training: Train employees on the classification system and its importance in protecting sensitive information.

2. Separation of Duties:

• Minimize Access: Grant access to confidential information only to employees with a legitimate business need.
• Restrict Permissions: Separate duties related to creating, storing, accessing, and sharing confidential data. (e.g., Design team creates plans, separate team manages access controls)
• Minimize Privileged Accounts: Limit the number of accounts with high-level access to critical systems containing sensitive data.

3. Least Privilege:

• Principle of Least Privilege: Grant users the minimum level of access required to perform their jobs effectively. This reduces the potential damage if an account is compromised.
• Regular Reviews: Regularly review and update user access permissions to ensure they remain aligned with current job roles and responsibilities.
• Disable Dormant Accounts: Disable accounts of employees who are no longer with the company to prevent unauthorized access.

4. Additional Security Measures:

• Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Implement DLP solutions to monitor and control the transfer of sensitive data through emails, USB drives, or cloud storage.
• Endpoint Security: Deploy robust endpoint security software to detect and prevent malware or unauthorized access attempts on employee devices.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enforce MFA for access to sensitive systems and cloud storage, adding an extra layer of security beyond passwords.
• User Education: Regularly educate employees on social engineering tactics and best practices for protecting confidential information. This includes being cautious about suspicious emails and links, and avoiding sharing sensitive data on unsecure platforms.
• Incident Response Plan: Develop and maintain a comprehensive incident response plan outlining procedures for detecting, containing, and remediating security breaches.

Addressing the APT Threat:

• Investigate Further: Conduct a deeper investigation to identify the specific APT methods used and potential vulnerabilities exploited.
• Cybersecurity Assessments: Perform regular cybersecurity assessments to identify and address weaknesses in the company’s IT infrastructure and security posture.
• Threat Intelligence: Subscribe to threat intelligence feeds to stay updated on the latest APT tactics and malware signatures.

By implementing these processes and procedures, Padgett-Beale can create a more robust security environment that discourages or hinders both inadvertent and malicious attempts to misuse or steal the company’s intellectual property. Remember, security is an ongoing process that requires continuous improvement and adaptation to evolving threats.