Cyber With Debra!

Care. Learn. Secure.

  • What Christmas Taught Me About Security

    A Year-End Reflection from Cyber With Debra.

    As the year comes to a close, I have shared many stories through Cyber With Debra. Stories about preparation, protection, response, and restoration. But Christmas reminds us that long before cybersecurity existed, God was already teaching humanity these same principles through redemption.

    The story of Christmas did not begin in the New Testament. It began with prophecy.

    Prophecy and Preparation
    From the beginning, Scripture pointed forward to salvation.

    Genesis 3:15 promised that redemption would come after the fall.
    Isaiah 7:14 spoke of a child born as a sign.
    Micah 5:2 identified Bethlehem as the place of His birth.
    Isaiah 9:6 revealed who He would be, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
    Isaiah 53 showed what salvation would cost, suffering, sacrifice, and death.

    These were not scattered guesses. They were intentional signals. They prepared the way.

    In cybersecurity, we do not wait for an incident to understand what matters. We study patterns. We look for warnings. We prepare before failure because what we protect has value.

    God did the same. Christmas was not a reaction. It was a plan fulfilled.

    Fulfillment and Salvation
    Jesus came not only to be born, but to die.
    The manger points to the cross.
    The New Testament makes this clear.

    Ephesians 2:19 tells us that through Christ, we are no longer strangers, but members of God’s household.
    Romans 5:8 shows us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
    John 3:16 reminds us why He came, because God so loved the world.

    This is the real story of Christmas.
    The Son of God entered a broken world to restore it.
    Salvation is not symbolic. It is necessary.

    In cybersecurity, recovery restores systems after damage.
    In the gospel, salvation restores humanity’s relationship with God.

    Protection Is Rooted in Value

    We protect what matters.
    We secure systems because data has value. We prepare defenses because people and operations matter.

    God sent His only Son because humanity mattered.
    Christmas tells us that protection begins with love, preparation, and purpose. It tells us that restoration was always the goal.

    Closing the Year

    As this year ends, I am grateful for every lesson shared through Cyber With Debra. But more than anything, I am grateful for the truth that anchors it all.

    Jesus came.
    The promise was kept.
    Salvation was accomplished.
    That is the story Christmas tells.
    That is the hope we carry into the new year.

    Merry Christmas. 🎄 
    See you in the new year! ✨

  • Backups Are Not Enough: Recovery Explained

    When people think about backups, they often picture a safety net. Something you set up once and hope you never need. But in the real world, backups and recovery are not the same thing, and understanding the difference matters more than most people realize.

    In this comic, Joe walks into Debra’s office with a real concern. Shared files went missing earlier, and he wants to know what recovery actually looks like in that situation. It is a familiar moment in many organizations, especially in environments where data is constantly being created, edited, and shared.

    What this means

    Backups exist to preserve trusted versions of data. They give organizations a reliable point in time copy from before something went wrong, whether that was accidental deletion, system failure, or a security incident.

    Recovery is what happens next. It is the process of restoring files, systems, and services so people can get back to work. Recovery is not only about bringing data back. It is about making systems usable again, reconnecting services, and minimizing disruption to daily operations.

    That distinction is important. A backup that cannot be restored quickly or correctly does not help when systems are down and work has stopped.

    Why it matters

    Data loss and system disruption are not rare events. They are realities every organization must plan for, especially in healthcare, finance, and other critical environments where downtime can have serious consequences.

    Effective backup and recovery planning helps limit how long systems are unavailable, reduces operational stress, and supports business continuity. It also plays a key role in incident response, giving teams a way to recover safely without relying on compromised or corrupted data.

    Recovery planning forces organizations to think beyond saving data and focus on how quickly and reliably they can return to normal operations.

    Everyday takeaway

    Backups protect the data.

    Recovery restores the business.

    Both are needed, and neither should be treated as an afterthought.

    Thanks for reading. If this series has been helpful, feel free to share it with someone who works with systems, data, or operations. 🗂️

  • Stay Updated, Stay Protected: Patch Management Explained

    Software updates appear often, but many people click remind me later without a second thought. What seems like a small delay can create a real security risk. Updates exist for a reason, and one of the most important reasons is patching vulnerabilities before attackers find them.

    Patch management is the process of keeping systems updated with the latest fixes. These fixes, called patches, repair weaknesses that could otherwise be used to break into a device or application.

    In this week’s comic, Maria mentions that she often ignores update prompts. Debra explains that patches close security gaps that attackers look for, and delaying updates leaves the door open. Maria compares it to fixing a broken lock before someone tries to break in. Debra reminds her that patch management keeps devices protected by staying ahead of known issues.

    What patch management does

    Patch management is more than installing updates. It is a routine that ensures systems stay healthy, secure, and ready for use.

    With patch management, organizations can:

    • Fix vulnerabilities before attackers find them

    • Improve stability by repairing software bugs

    • Stay compliant with security and privacy requirements

    • Reduce risk by keeping all systems aligned with current protections

    • Minimize downtime by preventing issues that could grow into larger problems

    A device with outdated software is easier to compromise. A device with current patches is much harder to attack.

    Why it matters

    Many cyber attacks begin with something simple: a known vulnerability that was never patched. Attackers actively scan the internet for systems running old versions of software because they already know how to break into them. Every unpatched device becomes an easy entry point.

    In industries like healthcare, finance, and public service, keeping systems updated is not just a best practice. It is essential for protecting sensitive data and maintaining trust.

    Everyday takeaway

    Think of patching like repairing things in your home. If you discover a weak spot in a window frame or a loose lock on a door, you fix it before someone notices. The longer you wait, the more opportunity you give for something to go wrong.

    Security works the same way. Regular updates remove weaknesses and keep systems safe.

    Thank you for reading. I hope you have subscribed. Let me know in the comments how often you update your devices and apps. 🔄

  • Strong From the Start: Secure Configuration Explained

    When a new device is unboxed, most people assume it is ready to use. The truth is that many laptops and systems come with default settings that are far more open than they seem. Features that are rarely needed may be turned on, extra apps may be installed, and unnecessary services may be running in the background. All of these create opportunities that attackers can take advantage of.

    Secure configuration, also called system hardening, reduces those risks. It removes the parts a device does not need and strengthens the settings that matter most.

    In this week’s comic, Joe mentions that his new work laptop came with many features active by default. Debra explains that secure configuration helps remove weak defaults and unnecessary access points. Ray adds that simple steps, such as turning off unused features and uninstalling extra apps, make a device safer from the beginning. Together, they highlight how important it is to tighten systems before problems appear.

    What secure configuration does

    Secure configuration focuses on preparing a device so it is not easy to exploit. The goal is to reduce the number of ways an attacker could get in and to strengthen the areas that protect sensitive information.

    With secure configuration, organizations can:

    • Remove unnecessary apps that offer no value but add risk

    • Disable unused services and features to limit exposure

    • Apply strong settings such as password requirements and access controls

    • Ensure devices follow a standard baseline across the organization

    • Reduce the attack surface by closing entry points that should not be open

    Secure configuration is not about making a device complicated. It is about making sure it runs only what it needs to run.

    Why it matters

    Attackers often look for the easiest way into a system. Default settings make that easier than most people realize. A service left on, a trial app that was never removed, or a feature that no one uses can each become an entry point.

    By hardening systems from the start, organizations reduce the chances of an attacker finding a weak spot. It also helps protect users, keeps devices consistent, and supports compliance requirements in industries like healthcare and finance.

    Everyday takeaway

    Think of secure configuration like moving into a new home. Even if everything looks clean and ready, you still lock windows, remove items you do not need, and make sure doors are secure. You prepare the space so it is safe, not just functional.

    Good security works the same way. A strong setup at the beginning prevents trouble later.

    Thank you for reading. I hope you have subscribed. Let me know in the comments if you have ever noticed default settings you did not expect on a new device. 🧰

  • Breaking the Chain: Privileged Access Management Explained

    There are certain accounts in a system that hold more power than others. They can install software, change settings, view sensitive information, or even shut things down if needed. These are called privileged accounts, and when they are misused or left unmanaged the impact can spread very quickly.

    In this week’s comic, Brittany asks why companies make such a big deal about admin accounts. Debra explains that the more an account can unlock, the bigger the risk if anything goes wrong. It is like holding a master key that opens every door in a building. Convenient, yes, but dangerous if it ever lands in the wrong hands.

    That is where Privileged Access Management, or PAM, comes in. PAM controls who gets high level access, when they get it, and how long they keep it. Instead of leaving powerful accounts always on and always available, PAM makes that access temporary, monitored, and intentional.

    This keeps the impact small if something goes wrong and removes unnecessary opportunities for misuse.

    Why It Matters

    Privileged accounts sit at the heart of every organization. In a hospital that can mean installing updates on medical devices, accessing patient information for troubleshooting, managing electronic health record systems, or configuring imaging or lab equipment. These are tasks that require trust and precision because one wrong change can affect patient care or the flow of information.

    If a privileged account is compromised, the attacker does not start at the bottom. They start with power. They start with reach. And they start with a path that can spread quickly.

    PAM reduces that risk by limiting what those accounts can do and when they can do it. It also adds layers such as

    • Just in time access that appears only when needed

    • Automatic expiration once the task is complete

    • Session monitoring that records what was accessed and why

    • Least privilege so people only get the access they truly need

    PAM keeps elevated access from becoming an open invitation.

    Everyday Takeaway

    Power is not the problem. Uncontrolled power is. When high level accounts are tightly managed, monitored, and temporary, security becomes stronger for everyone.

    Security always comes back to awareness. Privileged accounts make our work easier, but they also remind us to be intentional about who gets high level access and when.

    So the question becomes simple. How is privileged access handled in your world and what guardrails are in place to keep it safe Today’s choices shape tomorrow’s security. 🛡️

  • Proving It Is You: Multi Factor Authentication Explained

    Passwords have been around for a long time, but they are no longer enough to keep accounts safe. They can be guessed, shared, reused, or stolen without anyone noticing. That is why many apps and systems now use Multi Factor Authentication, or MFA. It adds another step to confirm identity before access is granted.

    In this week’s comic, Sandy asks Debra why some logins require more than a password. Debra explains that MFA uses more than one way to verify who is signing in. A password is something you know, but MFA adds something you have, such as a code, or something you are, such as a fingerprint. Even if an attacker steals a password, they cannot get past the next step.

    What MFA does

    MFA works by combining different types of checks so access is not based on a password alone. These checks fall into three categories.

    • Something you know such as a password or PIN

    • Something you have such as an authentication app or one time code

    • Something you are such as a fingerprint or face scan

    By using more than one factor, MFA makes it much harder for attackers to break into accounts. Even if one layer fails, the others stand in the way.

    Why it matters

    Most security breaches start with compromised credentials. That means an attacker found or guessed someone’s password. MFA strengthens the sign in process by confirming a person’s identity from more than one angle. It protects email accounts, banking apps, health portals, and workplace systems from unauthorized access.

    For industries like healthcare and finance, where sensitive information is constantly protected, MFA helps keep data safe without slowing down daily work.

    Everyday takeaway

    Think of MFA like the locks on your front door. A key alone is helpful, but pairing it with a door code makes your home safer. Even if someone finds the key, they still cannot enter without the code.

    Good security uses layers, not a single barrier. MFA gives that extra layer that stops attackers before they get inside.

    Thank you for reading. I hope you have subscribed. Let me know in the comments if you use MFA in your daily apps and services. 🔐

  • Right Access, Right Time: Identity and Access Management Explained

    Every organization runs on access. Employees need to reach files, systems, and tools to get their work done. But if everyone can access everything, sensitive data quickly becomes exposed. That is where Identity and Access Management, or IAM, comes in.

    IAM controls who can do what within a system. It makes sure the right people have the right access at the right time.

    In this week’s comic, Michelle tries to open a folder and is surprised when access is denied. Debra explains that the folder is restricted to the finance team. IAM uses roles and permissions to make sure only authorized users can reach certain data. Each request is reviewed before access is granted, keeping systems secure and organized.

    What IAM does

    IAM gives organizations the structure to manage identities and permissions efficiently. It is the foundation of access control and accountability.

    With IAM, organizations can:

    • Authenticate users to verify who they are

    • Authorize access to only what is needed for each role

    • Manage permissions through approval workflows

    • Monitor activity to detect unusual access patterns

    Together, these steps help maintain visibility and trust across digital systems.

    Why it matters

    When access is too open, a single compromised account can cause major damage. IAM limits that risk by enforcing clear boundaries. It is especially important in industries like healthcare and finance, where privacy laws require strict control over who can view or modify sensitive information.

    IAM also supports the principle of least privilege, meaning every user has exactly what they need to do their job and nothing more. That balance keeps security strong without slowing down productivity.

    Everyday takeaway

    Think of IAM like a building with secure rooms. Employees can enter the lobby freely, but only those with the right clearance can open specific doors. Each level of access protects something valuable inside.

    Good security is not only about keeping outsiders away. It is also about managing trust within.

    Thank you for reading. I hope you have subscribed. Let me know in the comments how your organization handles access control and user permissions. 🔑

  • Keeping Data In: Data Loss Prevention Explained

    It does not always take a hacker to cause a data breach. Sometimes, information leaves an organization by accident, such as a file emailed to the wrong person, a report uploaded to a public folder, or sensitive data saved on an unsecured drive.

    That is where Data Loss Prevention, or DLP, comes in.

    DLP is a security approach that helps organizations protect sensitive information by monitoring, detecting, and blocking risky actions. It keeps data from being shared where it should not go, whether the leak is intentional or not.

    In this week’s comic, Brittany tries to email a report to her personal account to finish it later. The system immediately blocks the message, recognizing that it contains confidential data. Debra explains that this is how DLP helps prevent leaks before they happen. Data protection is not just about keeping threats out. It is also about keeping information where it belongs.

    What DLP does

    DLP solutions look for patterns or rules that match sensitive information such as credit card numbers, health records, or financial data. When a match is found, the system can alert the user, block the action, or encrypt the data automatically.

    With DLP, organizations can:

    • Identify sensitive data across emails, files, and cloud storage

    • Monitor how that data is being shared or moved

    • Prevent unauthorized transfers through alerts or blocks

    • Comply with privacy laws and data protection standards

    Why it matters

    Every organization handles sensitive data, from patient information in healthcare to financial details in banking. A single accidental email or upload can expose private information and lead to costly consequences.

    DLP adds a layer of protection that focuses not on systems but on the data itself. It keeps security grounded in what truly matters, protecting the information people trust organizations to handle safely.

    Everyday takeaway

    Think of DLP like the locks on file cabinets in an office. Even if someone walks in with good intentions, they cannot open a drawer without permission. It is not about mistrust. It is about keeping private information private.

    Good security is not only about stopping attacks from the outside. It is also about preventing mistakes from the inside.

    Thank you for reading. I hope you have subscribed. Let me know in the comments how you make sure sensitive information stays where it should. 🗂️

  • Working Smarter: SOAR Explained

    Security teams today face more alerts than they can count. Each one might represent a potential threat, but reviewing them all takes time. The longer it takes to respond, the greater the risk. That is where SOAR comes in.

    SOAR stands for Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response. It helps organizations manage alerts by connecting tools, automating repetitive steps, and coordinating how teams respond. Instead of getting buried in notifications, analysts can focus on the alerts that matter most.

    In this week’s comic, Maria feels overwhelmed by the constant flow of alerts. Debra explains how SOAR handles the routine work, like opening tickets or isolating a suspicious device, so the team can move faster. Together, they show how automation supports people, not replaces them.

    What SOAR actually does

    SOAR combines information from tools like SIEM systems, firewalls, and endpoint protection platforms. It uses workflows, sometimes called playbooks, to perform certain tasks automatically.

    With SOAR, teams can:

    • Automate simple but time-consuming actions, such as blocking IPs or collecting logs

    • Orchestrate different tools so they work together instead of separately

    • Respond consistently to incidents using structured workflows

    • Improve efficiency by saving time on repetitive steps

    Why it matters

    Even the best analysts can only handle so much. SOAR makes security operations more efficient by reducing alert fatigue and ensuring quick, consistent responses. It does not replace human judgment but strengthens it by removing the repetitive noise that slows analysts down.

    In fast-moving industries like finance and healthcare, that speed matters. Automated responses keep systems resilient and ensure threats are handled before they spread.

    Everyday takeaway

    Think of SOAR like an automated assistant in a busy office. Instead of manually sorting every document or email, the assistant organizes them so you can focus on what really needs your attention. The work still gets done, just smarter.

    Automation does not take away from the human side of security. It gives people more time to think, plan, and protect.

    Thank you for reading. I hope you have subscribed. Let me know in the comments what routine task you wish could be automated in your daily work. ⚙️

  • Never Assume: Zero Trust Explained

    In cybersecurity, trust without verification is a risk few organizations can afford. The idea that everyone inside a network is automatically safe no longer holds up. That is why more industries, including banking, are turning to a Zero Trust approach.

    Zero Trust means no one is trusted automatically. Every user, device, and connection must verify who they are before gaining access. It is not about suspicion. It is about assurance.

    In this week’s comic, Debra and Ray walk through a bank where security depends on constant verification. Ray is surprised that even employees must reverify to move between areas. Debra explains that this is the point of Zero Trust, protecting data by confirming access at every step.

    What Zero Trust really means

    Zero Trust is built on a straightforward principle, never trust, always verify. It recognizes that modern threats can come from anywhere, even from inside an organization. The model focuses on controlling access, validating identity, and monitoring activity continuously.

    A strong Zero Trust framework often includes:

    • Identity verification using methods like multi-factor authentication

    • Device validation to confirm systems are updated and secure

    • Least privilege access so users only have the permissions they need

    • Ongoing monitoring to detect and respond to unusual behavior

    Why it matters

    In sectors like banking or healthcare, where information is sensitive and regulated, Zero Trust limits the damage one compromised account or device can cause. It replaces broad, open access with a model built on context and verification.

    Zero Trust works because it closes gaps quietly and consistently. It is less about walls and more about awareness, knowing who is connected, what they are doing, and why.

    Everyday takeaway

    Think of it like walking through different parts of a bank. Even as an employee, you cannot enter every area without checking in first. Those extra steps protect the vault, the data, and everyone who depends on them.

    Zero Trust brings that same discipline to cybersecurity. It turns verification into protection, one access request at a time.

    Thank you for reading. I hope you have subscribed. Let me know in the comments how your view of trust has evolved in the digital age. 🔐