Security Breaches

In 2020, as the world navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, another crisis loomed large: a significant cybersecurity exploit known as the SolarWinds breach. This exploit impacted many organizations using the widely accepted SolarWinds security software, bringing attention to the vulnerabilities lurking in widely adopted enterprise systems.

At IP Services, we utilize best-in-class enterprise tools, including SolarWinds, to manage services while adhering to ITIL processes and strict release management practices. We have always been vigilant in ensuring that networks and systems are protected from potential threats. The SolarWinds breach reaffirmed the importance of this vigilance and our approach of maintaining strict controls over system changes and software updates.

Best Practices and Response

At IP Services, our practice is to avoid deploying the latest software versions immediately after release. Instead, we thoroughly evaluate whether the update addresses known security gaps or operational needs. This cautious approach helped us avoid the vulnerabilities exploited in the SolarWinds incident.

Our Security Management Awareness Response Team (SMART) monitors all software releases, assessing each one’s potential impact on our clients’ networks. Zero-day vulnerabilities are treated with urgency through our Zero Day Emergency Response Team (ZERT), ensuring that critical patches are applied promptly when necessary.

Impact and Future Outlook

Our rigorous processes helped protect our clients from the SolarWinds breach, and we continue to maintain best practices to prevent future security breaches. By implementing strict release management and change controls, IP Services ensures that security threats are mitigated before they can cause damage.

As cybersecurity threats evolve, IP Services remains committed to protecting its clients through continuous monitoring, proactive threat detection, and rapid incident response. We help our clients strike the optimal balance between system availability and security, ensuring that their networks remain resilient in the face of cyber threats.