Security Best Practices

Comprehensive guidance to protect your digital assets and maintain a strong security posture

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Introduction

This guide presents comprehensive security best practices developed by Tridacom IT Solutions, based on recommendations from the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS) and other leading security authorities. Implementing these practices will help your organization build a robust security posture, protect sensitive data, and maintain compliance with relevant regulations.

Why Security Matters

Canada continues to be a target for financially motivated cybercriminals and state-sponsored cyber threats, as highlighted in the National Cyber Threat Assessment 2025-2026. The intensity and impact of these threats can be mitigated through awareness and implementation of cybersecurity best practices.

How to Use This Guide

This guide is organized into key security domains. Each section provides actionable recommendations suitable for organizations of all sizes. We recommend starting with the Authentication and Data Protection sections, as these form the foundation of a strong security program.

Authentication Best Practices

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA is one of the most effective security controls available. It requires two or more different factors to authenticate, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

MFA Implementation Recommendations

Require MFA for all users accessing sensitive systems, especially administrators
Implement MFA for cloud services, VPNs, and email accounts
Use hardware security keys or authenticator apps rather than SMS when possible
Develop a clear recovery process for lost authentication factors
Limit the number of services that only allow single-factor authentication

Password and Passphrase Security

Despite the rise of other authentication methods, passwords remain a critical security control. Follow these guidelines to strengthen password security:

Do's

Use passphrases of at least 4 words and 15 characters
Implement a password manager for your organization
Use different passwords for different accounts
Change passwords immediately if compromised
Enable password complexity requirements

Don'ts

Use personal information in passwords
Reuse passwords across multiple accounts
Share credentials, even with trusted colleagues
Store passwords in unsecured locations
Use common words or patterns

Critical Note on Password Managers

While password managers are recommended, secure their use with MFA and limit their use for lower-sensitivity accounts. Critical accounts (administrator accounts, banking credentials) should use unique, manually created passwords with MFA whenever possible.

Privileged Access Management

Privileged accounts with administrative access require extra protection:

Implement just-in-time access for administrative privileges
Use separate accounts for administrative and regular activities
Apply the principle of least privilege to all user accounts
Regularly audit and review administrative access rights
Consider Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions for larger organizations

Data Protection

Data Classification

Effective data protection begins with knowing what data you have and its sensitivity level:

Public Data: Information that can be freely disclosed (marketing materials, public facing documents)
Internal Data: Information for internal use that isn't sensitive (internal policies, procedures)
Confidential Data: Sensitive information requiring protection (employee records, financial data)
Restricted Data: Highly sensitive information requiring strict controls (customer PII, health data, payment cards)

Encryption

Encryption is essential for protecting data both at rest and in transit:

Data at Rest

Encrypt all endpoints (laptops, desktops, mobile devices)
Encrypt sensitive data in databases
Use transparent data encryption for database servers
Implement file-level encryption for highly sensitive documents

Data in Transit

Use TLS 1.2 or higher for all web applications
Implement HTTPS across all websites
Use secure protocols for email (STARTTLS, S/MIME)
Encrypt VPN connections with strong protocols

Organizations subject to GDPR must implement "appropriate technical and organizational measures" to protect personal data. Encryption is explicitly mentioned as an example of such measures.

Data Retention and Disposal

Proper data lifecycle management reduces risk and supports compliance:

Establish clear data retention policies based on legal requirements and business needs
Implement automated processes to archive or delete data at the end of its retention period
Use secure data destruction methods for physical media (shredding, degaussing)
Ensure cloud data is securely deleted, including from backups and archives
Maintain documented evidence of data destruction for compliance purposes

Device Security

Endpoint Protection

Endpoints (laptops, desktops, mobile devices) are common targets for attackers. Protect them with:

Next-generation antivirus and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions
Automated patch management for operating systems and applications
Application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized software execution
Full-disk encryption to protect data in case of device loss or theft
Endpoint firewall configuration to block unnecessary inbound connections

Mobile Device Security

Mobile devices require specific security controls:

Mobile Device Management (MDM) Recommendations

Implement Mobile Device Management (MDM) for company-owned and BYOD devices
Enforce screen locks with biometric or strong passcode requirements
Enable remote wipe capabilities for lost or stolen devices
Install security apps that provide anti-malware and privacy protection
Configure automatic OS updates to patch security vulnerabilities quickly

BYOD Considerations

When allowing personal devices to access company data, implement clear policies that balance security with privacy concerns. Use containerization to separate work and personal data, and ensure users understand their responsibilities for protecting company information.

Network Security

Network Infrastructure Protection

A secure network is fundamental to your overall security posture:

Perimeter Security

Deploy next-generation firewalls with application awareness
Implement intrusion detection and prevention systems
Filter DNS requests to block malicious domains
Use web application firewalls (WAF) for public-facing applications

Internal Network Security

Segment networks to contain potential breaches
Implement strict access controls between segments
Monitor internal traffic for suspicious activity
Secure wireless networks with WPA3 and strong authentication

Zero Trust Architecture

Zero Trust is a security model that assumes no implicit trust based on network location:

Zero Trust Principles

Verify explicitly: Always authenticate and authorize based on all available data points
Use least privilege access: Limit user access with just-in-time and just-enough access
Assume breach: Minimize blast radius and segment access with network micro-segmentation
Implement continuous verification instead of one-time authentication
Apply security controls consistently across all resource types

Zero Trust is becoming the standard approach for network security in 2025, with guidance from the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security recommending its adoption to combat sophisticated threats.

Cloud Security

Secure Cloud Configuration

As organizations increasingly rely on cloud services, proper configuration is essential:

Implement strong Identity and Access Management (IAM) with least privilege
Enable multi-factor authentication for all cloud service accounts
Use Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) tools to detect misconfigurations
Encrypt data both at rest and in transit within cloud environments
Implement API security for all cloud service integrations

Shared Responsibility Model

Understanding the division of security responsibilities between your organization and cloud providers is crucial:

Typical Responsibility Division

Cloud Provider: Physical security, infrastructure, virtualization
Customer (You): Data classification, access management, application security
Shared: Network controls, identity management, patch management (varies by service model)

Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) Guidance

Consider implementing the Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM) from CSA to systematically address cloud-specific security risks. The CCM maps to major regulatory frameworks including GDPR, helping ensure compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

Phishing Awareness

Phishing Attack Prevention

Phishing remains one of the most common attack vectors, with techniques becoming increasingly sophisticated:

Technical Controls

Implement email filtering solutions with anti-phishing capabilities
Deploy DNS filtering to block known malicious domains
Use browser isolation technology for high-risk users
Enable email authentication (DMARC, SPF, DKIM)

User Training

Conduct regular phishing simulation exercises
Provide targeted training based on simulation results
Train users to identify signs of phishing attempts
Establish clear procedures for reporting suspicious emails

Common Phishing Red Flags

Urgent or threatening language demanding immediate action
Requests for sensitive information or credentials
Suspicious or mismatched email domains
Poor grammar, spelling errors, or unusual formatting
Unexpected attachments or links to external websites
Messages that are too good to be true (prizes, discounts)

AI-powered phishing attacks are becoming more prevalent in 2025, with highly personalized content that can bypass traditional defenses. Combine technical controls with continuous user education to effectively combat these sophisticated threats.

Incident Response Planning

A well-defined incident response plan is essential for effectively managing security incidents:

Key Components of an Incident Response Plan

Preparation: Define roles and responsibilities, establish communication protocols
Identification: Develop procedures to detect and analyze potential incidents
Containment: Create strategies for limiting incident impact
Eradication: Define processes for removing the threat from the environment
Recovery: Establish procedures for restoring affected systems securely
Lessons Learned: Document the incident and update procedures accordingly

Canadian Breach Notification Requirements

Organizations in Canada must report breaches of security safeguards to the Privacy Commissioner and affected individuals if the breach poses a real risk of significant harm. Maintain detailed documentation of all breaches for at least 24 months.

Remote Work Security

With remote and hybrid work becoming the norm, organizations must adapt their security strategies:

Remote Work Security Checklist

Implement secure access solutions like VPN or zero trust network access (ZTNA)
Require multi-factor authentication for all remote access
Use endpoint security solutions that function both on and off the corporate network
Conduct security awareness training specific to remote work risks
Ensure secure configurations for home networks and personal devices if used for work
Implement data loss prevention controls for remote endpoints

Home Network Risk Mitigation

Home networks often lack the security controls of corporate environments. Consider providing employees with secure home network solutions, such as enterprise-grade routers or VPN-enabled devices, to create a more secure perimeter for remote work.

Physical Security

Digital security must be complemented by physical security controls to protect assets effectively:

Implement appropriate access controls for facilities (badge readers, biometrics, etc.)
Secure server rooms and network closets with restricted access
Use surveillance systems to monitor sensitive areas
Implement a clean desk policy for sensitive documents and information
Properly secure and dispose of physical media containing sensitive data
Create visitor management procedures for all locations

Workplace Device Security

Physical protections for devices in the workplace are essential:

Use cable locks for laptops in open office environments
Implement screen privacy filters for workstations in high-traffic areas
Enable automatic screen locking with short timeouts
Secure mobile devices with proper storage when not in use
Restrict the use of removable media (USB drives, external hard drives)

Regulatory Compliance

Canadian organizations must navigate various compliance requirements:

PIPEDA/CPPA Compliance

Obtain meaningful consent for personal information collection
Limit collection to what is necessary for identified purposes
Implement appropriate security safeguards
Establish a privacy management program
Develop breach response procedures

Industry-Specific Requirements

Financial: FINTRAC, OSFI, PCI DSS requirements
Healthcare: Provincial health information privacy laws
Critical Infrastructure: Security of Canada Information Sharing Act
International: GDPR if serving EU customers

Compliance Documentation

Maintain comprehensive documentation of security controls, risk assessments, and compliance activities. This documentation is crucial both for demonstrating compliance to regulators and for internal governance purposes.

Additional Resources

For more detailed guidance on enhancing your security posture, refer to these authoritative resources:

Need Personalized Security Guidance?

Tridacom IT Solutions offers comprehensive security services tailored to your organization's specific needs and compliance requirements:

Security Assessments and Gap Analysis - Identify vulnerabilities and compliance gaps
Security Program Development - Build comprehensive security frameworks and policies
Managed Security Services - 24/7 monitoring and threat management
Security Awareness Training - Educate employees on security best practices
Incident Response Planning - Develop and test incident handling procedures
Cloud Security Implementation - Secure migration and protection for cloud environments

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