In our increasingly digital world, businesses cannot operate without web applications. Enterprise systems provide vital connectivity for supply chain logistics, sales enablement, financial transactions, and more. However, the internet is also fraught with cyber threats – there is a damaging hack every 39 seconds. As an expert in data extraction with over a decade of web scraping experience, I advise corporations to make web security a top priority going into 2023.
In this comprehensive guide, I will provide actionable best practices to help companies lock down their web access and account security. These tips are grounded in my experience consulting with Fortune 500 firms and guiding them on proper secure login implementations. Read on to learn the top techniques to combat credential theft, unauthorized access, and other cyberattacks across your digital assets.
The Rising Threat Landscape
Before diving into the recommendations, it‘s important to understand the scope of risks that corporations face in cyberspace today. Some key statistics:
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274% increase in attempted ransomware attacks against corporations between 2019 to 2020 [1]
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Financial losses from cybercrime now exceed $1 trillion annually [2]
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61% of breach victims were targeted due to web application vulnerabilities [3]
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Average cost of a data breach reached $4.24 million in 2021 [4]
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Nearly 80% of hacking breaches leverage stolen passwords or brute force attacks [5]
With exponentially rising threats, companies cannot rely on legacy security tools alone. A layered defense based on strong encryption, access control, and multi-factor authentication is essential.
Now let‘s explore my top 4 recommended practices for securing corporate web logins.
#1: Filter URLs and DNS Traffic
The first line of defense is filtering internet traffic to block malicious sites and restrict unnecessary bandwidth usage. Web traffic filtering is typically enforced using:
- Firewalls – Blocks traffic to/from domains and IP addresses
- Secure web gateways (SWG) – Scans sessions between users and websites
- Secure access service edge (SASE) – Converges network security into a cloud platform
SWGs and SASE solutions leverage dynamic threat intelligence to restrict access based on a website‘s risk profile, not just static lists. For example, I recently helped a client set up a Zscaler SWG that blocked over 5 million unsafe URLs in one quarter based on real-time analysis.
Key benefits of web filtering include:
- Stopping phishing sites from stealing credentials
- Preventing drive-by malware downloads from infecting devices
- Blocking access to bandwidth-intensive sites and services
- Enforcing acceptable use policies (i.e. limit social media)
- Promoting zero trust "least privilege" access
With granular controls, companies can allow access only to sites required for the user‘s role. This shrinks the threat landscape substantially.
#2: Mandate Strong Passwords
Enforcing password complexity is Security 101, yet still overlooked by many organizations. Weak passwords are fodder for credential stuffing attacks. Best practices include:
- 8+ character length – Increases the entropy against brute forcing
- Mix of cases, numbers, symbols – More permutations multiply difficulty
- No passwords based on personal info – Prevents easy guessing
- Expiration every 90 days – Reduces impact of compromised passwords
Equally important is masking login failures – don‘t indicate if it‘s the username or password that are invalid. Attackers can narrow attempts based on this feedback.
I recommend using zxcvbn, an open-source tool that estimates password strength, to educate users during creation.
#3: Implement Multi-Factor Authentication
MFA adds another layer of protection by requiring 2+ verification methods during login:
- SMS code – Simple option leveraging text messages
- Authenticator apps – More secure with time-based one-time passwords
- Biometrics – Fingerprint/facial recognition on modern devices
- Security keys – Physical dongles that confirm identity
In addition to MFA on login, also enforce re-authentication after a period of inactivity via session timeouts. This provides protection in case a device is left unattended.
Based on my experience, the most cost-effective approach is to roll out MFA using authenticator apps for most employees. Reserve advanced methods like security keys for executives and high-privilege users.
#4: Apply Least Privilege Access
One of the most impactful steps is restricting access to only required resources. This helps mitigate insider threats and abuse.
- Classify data sensitivity (public, private, confidential etc.)
- Physically separate databases holding sensitive data
- Leverage SDP and ZTNA to enforce contextual access
Modern zero trust platforms like software-defined perimeters dynamically authenticate users before granting access to specific apps and resources. This prevents unauthorized lateral movement across the network.
By containing access, companies limit damage from potential threats – whether external or internal.
Don‘t Wait to Lock Down Web Security
Given rising threats, corporations cannot afford to leave web access unprotected. By implementing these four best practices, companies can effectively secure their digital assets and prevent 90% of common attacks.
For assistance hardening your web security posture with technologies like SWGs, connect with my team. With over a decade in the field, we bring extensive expertise in threat modeling, data systems, and access governance. Our passion is leveraging technology like AI to outmaneuver malicious actors.
The time is now to lock down your web presence. Let‘s discuss how to bring your organization to the cutting edge of identity protection and cyber resilience.