The onion approach is how I address security, which involves layering multiple defenses. By restricting access at each layer, I create a series of barriers that an attacker must overcome, significantly enhancing protection. Key things: 1) If a device is compromised how far can it walk on the network? 2) If an admin password is compromised, how many devices can it authenticate to? 3) How long can a device send anomalous traffic across a segment before the device is quarantined? 4) Who is alerted for events and how do they respond? 5) MFA for all accounts including contractors 6) Min 3-2-1 backup strategy with momentum towards an air gap 7) Practice, Practice, Practice….

To prevent further breaches after discovering a contractor compromising network security, consider the following steps: 1- Revoke Access: Immediately disable contractor access and revoke all credentials. 2- Audit Activities: Review the contractor's recent actions to assess breach impact. 3- Strengthen Access Controls: Apply least privilege, restrict permissions, and enable multi-factor authentication. 4- Segment Network: Limit contractor access to necessary network zones only. 5- Implement Monitoring: Set up real-time alerts to detect unusual behavior. 6- Update Agreements: Add security policies and breach liability to contractor agreements. 7- Provide Security Training: Educate all users on security best practices and reporting.

Restrict a contractor's access to all systems, networks, and sensitive data right away if you find them violating network security to avoid more breaches. To ascertain the scope of the breach, perform a forensic analysis and examine access records for any new vulnerabilities or questionable activity. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA), enforce least privilege access, and routinely check contractor permissions to fortify access control regulations. To quickly identify anomalous behavior, improve monitoring using intrusion detection and security information systems. Additionally, interact with internal stakeholders to guarantee coordinated response efforts and revise contractor procedures to incorporate security training.

To prevent further security breaches by contractors revoke the contractor permission, audit and remediate the account. After remediation, grant limited access to essential areas only, monitor network activity in real-time, and enhance staff training on security protocols and identifying red flags.

It is not uncommon for a contractor given access to a secured facility to be a mole.To prevent further breaches, do the following a. Immediate Containment Disconnect the account that has been used while we investigate which of the other accounts has been compromised and determine the severity of the breach. Reset the passwords for all accounts, not excluding those with administrative privileges. b. Incident response and investigation Conduct or outsource a digital forensic analysis that reconstructs the steganographic process of exfoliating the information c. Remediation and Prevention This includes enforcing MFA for all accounts and network segmentation to limit impact if attacks happen. Implement NIDS and NIPS Also ISO 27001.

First, I will try to detect the sources where the compromise took place and act accordingly to remediate the already compromised factors and then will try to impose rules and policies to prevent further breaches. I will leverage network security tools available in the cloud to detect existing breach, network flows, and other network related information.

Jumping to the conclusion that a contractor is responsible for a security incident can lead to bias and affect relationships. This approach risks creating an unfair perception that contractors are less trustworthy than full-time employees, potentially undermining team morale. Effective security policies should treat all individuals with the same level of accountability, ensuring consistent incident responses based on facts, not assumptions. Addressing incidents neutrally promotes fairness, helps maintain a productive work environment, and ensures that the true cause is identified without prejudice.

One of the most overlooked yet dangerous domain, is supply chain security attacks. To prevent breaches from suppliers > implement least privileges > context based access control > utilise NDA, and acceptable use > quarantine/ limit access, create security boundaries > continuously vet contractors, remove implicit trust > remove implicit access > periodic supplier audits, risk assessment, and due deligence > Request and analyse SOC reports > monitor supplier activities > Finally implement zero trust principles

First thing is to research the nature of the breach, and close that vulnerability, at the same time, it is important to determine if how the breach came to be and if it was intentional or accidental. Intentional breaches will be sent to HR and Upper Management, for corrective and/or legal actions as necessary. Accidental breaches, depending on severity will be dealt with as an opportunity to teach the contractor what they did and how to avoid future mishaps. I would also take the opportunity to explore and adjacent vulnerabilities as well. Either way, I would still inform upper management of the breach, who was responsible and what actions I and my team took to resolve the issue and how we will prevent further issues.