What are "indicators" (identifiers) and why are they very important as part of the organization's information security fabric

Indicators or otherwise called "identifiers" are digital signs that have been detected in other large-scale attacks. These "signs" are published by entities such as the Cyber Headquarters and other international entities.

Just for the record, there are hundreds of thousands of IP addresses that are used for cyber attacks.
The same digital sign is entered into the firewall in the organization's security systems, either manually or with the help of an automatic system, which is obviously preferable, and thus the organization is protected from the same large-scale attack

Key reasons why it is important to include an automatic system for entering indicators:

Detection and prevention of threats:
Indicators, such as known malicious IP addresses, domains or signatures, help the firewall identify and block potential threats in real time. This proactive approach is essential to prevent unauthorized access, data breaches and other malicious activities.

Detection and prevention of infiltration:
Indicators help detect intrusions by alerting the firewall to suspicious patterns of network traffic. This allows the protection systems to take preventive action, such as blocking or throttling the malicious traffic, before it can compromise the network.

Protection against malware:
Indicators can include signatures of known malware. By incorporating these indicators into security systems, organizations can block or close connections that attempt to inject malware, preventing malware infection and the spread of malware within the network.

Compatibility Requirements:
Many industry regulations and compliance standards require the implementation of security measures, including the use of indicator entry tools. Compliance with these standards is essential for organizations to demonstrate their commitment to information security and to avoid legal and financial consequences.

Response to the event:
In the case of an information security incident, the indicators enable a faster and more effective response to the incident. They provide valuable information for investigating the root of the incident, containing its impact and implementing corrective measures.

In conclusion, Feeding indicators into a firewall is a fundamental aspect of a comprehensive cyber security strategy. It helps organizations stay ahead of emerging threats, protect sensitive data, and maintain a secure and resilient network infrastructure.
 
The author: Zabri Idan, VP of expert services and information security at Genie