Provided by Rube Sayed, General Manager ‑ Cloud & Cybersecurity, Datcom
The majority of security breaches are a result of human error and that users play the most pivotal role in protecting their organisation’s data and stopping cyber breaches. It is simply not enough to assume all your staff – and even your clients – are aware of the importance surrounding data privacy and compliance. Conducting ongoing Cybersecurity Awareness Training for all employees is highly recommended, as learning and education are key contributors to reducing your business’ overall risk.
Weak passwords are an easy target and opening for cyberattacks. Using a Password Manager to help store and create complex, unique passwords for each log in or account you have is imperative and should be enforced via policies across the entire organisation, as well as in your personal handlings. Furthermore, implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) provides an extra layer of security to any sensitive accounts and systems.
Ensure all software and operating systems are up to date to fix known vulnerabilities. Hackers tend to exploit outdated software to gain unauthorised access into systems. You can streamline the process and ensure timely updates across your organisation by employing automated Patch Management Tools.
Installing Next-Gen Firewalls and Managed Detection & Response (MDR) Antivirus Software are necessary to protect against malware, viruses, and other malicious threats. The important role of a Firewall is to monitor and filter incoming and outgoing network traffic, blocking any unauthorised access and flagging suspicious activities.
Email is commonly known as the leading threat vector for cyberattacks, and cybercriminals are using sophisticated tactics and techniques to take advantage of email vulnerabilities. We have all been on the receiving end of a scammer’s email and sadly, it takes only one click on a bad link to expose an organisation and in some cases, devastatingly drive them out of business. Adopting an Email Security solution is essential to keeping phishing and spoofing attempts at bay, safeguarding sensitive information, and avoiding compromised accounts and identity theft.
Having robust network security measures in place, such as, Encryption Protocols, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), will help decrease an organisation’s risk and vulnerabilities. Achieve Identity and Access Management (IAM) by partitioning your network to control entry according to user-based roles and limiting those exposed to confidential information.
In the event of a cyberattack, ensuring your data is backed up regularly and there are copies stored in secure offsite locations or cloud-based services is essential to having your business back up and running in the shortest timeframe possible. Even without a cybersecurity incident occurring, backups should be checked and tested frequently to verify their reliability and effectiveness in restoring operations.
A Cybersecurity Risk Assessment (CSRA) provides a comprehensive view of their environment, but it also exposes your cybersecurity posture and how it stacks up to industry-leading best practice methodologies. Once a report is run, we then present our findings and recommendations to the customer which usually focuses on their vulnerabilities such as passwords being up for sale on the dark web. As a MSSP (Managed Security Services Partner), it is our responsibility to inform our clients of any loopholes and risks to their business, and to help combat these with the right tools and knowledge. We also provide Penetration Testing whereby we assess your IT environment with simulated cyberattacks to uncover any weak spots and demonstrate how these can be exploited.
You can monitor your environment around the clock with a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) [platform], and proactively hunt for threats to stop attackers in their tracks. SOC and SIEM work together to reduce data breaches and alert organisations to upcoming cyber events.
With the ability to work remotely from anywhere in the world, this is both a blessing and a major security risk. Having secure mobile devices and remote workstations is critical. Organisations are encouraged to invest in Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies and ensure encryption of sensitive data being transmitted over mobile networks.
Cyber Insurance forms have notably changed from being a simple one-liner in the past, to multi-paged documents now, as insurance companies are no longer willing to pay out claims for gross negligence. Work with your MSSP or IT Security Department to ensure you have all bases covered and insurance requirements met.
Keep up to date with the latest cybersecurity trends, threats (e.g. Quantum Computing), and best practices through continuous learning and sharing of information i.e. posts via LinkedIn, attending related events/ forums, etc. Knowledge itself is power and staying informed will help you to evaluate and adapt your business’ cybersecurity policies and strategy to address any developing risks and challenges that may lie ahead.
