Increasing security functions is achievable with a limited budget by utilizing free cybersecurity tools and services. Numerous tools and services were created by government institutions, the cybersecurity community, and the public and private industry that could be utilized to boost defenses against damaging cyberattacks, identify possible intrusions quickly, and help providers respond to and manage security breaches.
Getting suitable free cybersecurity tools and services is often a time-consuming undertaking. To aid critical infrastructure companies lessen cybersecurity risk, the DHS’ Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has put together a listing of services offered by CISA and other government agencies, open-source tools, and tools and services made and serviced by the cybersecurity community that may be used to strengthen protection, identification, response and the management of cyber threats.
The list of free cybersecurity tools and services is broken into four categories, dependent on the four goals described in already released guidance: CISA Insights: Implement Cybersecurity Measures Now to Protect Against Critical Threats.
- Minimizing the possibility of a damaging cyber incident;
- Identifying malicious activity fast;
- Responding properly to verified incidents; and
- Boosting resilience
All of the tools and services included in the listing were evaluated by CISA utilizing neutral principles and conditions; nevertheless, CISA does not confirm the suitability of any product or service, nor the efficiency of any solution for any specific use scenario. Although a number of commercial products and services were added to the list, CISA doesn’t recommend or provide any recommendations for employing those products and services. The information will be regularly modified by CISA to add new products and services and CISA welcomes any recommendations of additional products and services for future addition to the list.
Though all included tools and services may be beneficial for the enhancement or inclusion of new security features, they are no alternative for creating and enforcing a strong cybersecurity program. It is important to create such a system and make certain several foundational cybersecurity steps are implemented, such as dealing with known flaws in software and operating systems, placing strong passwords, employing multi-factor authentication, and ending bad cybersecurity practices like the extended use of legacy solutions that have arrived at end-of-life and are not supported anymore. CISA advises registering for its Cyber Hygiene Vulnerability Scanning service and obtaining sensitive Stuff of Search (S.O.S) to decrease Internet attack surfaces that are apparent to anyone making use of a web-based platform.