Breaches are on the rise too. According to IBM, for 83% of companies, it’s not if a data breach will happen, but when, while research by Vodafone Business in the UK found more than half (54%) of SMEs in the UK had experienced some form of cyber-attack in 2022, up from 39% in 2020.
IP data solutions company Digital Element has put together expert tips to help businesses secure their networks and systems and prevent cyberattacks should they occur:
Provide Training
Over 75% of cyberattacks begin with an email. In fact, since 2016, $43 billion has been stolen through business email compromise. Therefore, it is vastly important to ensure all employees are well-trained to detect suspicious emails and phone calls so that they don’t click any dangerous links or divulge any information that could be leveraged to gain access to protected systems.
Create a System Security Plan (SSP)
A system security plan (SSP) is a document that provides a comprehensive overview of all security requirements and practices employed to keep your systems and data secure. The benefits of an SSP include being able to monitor all aspects of your security system and protocols to determine any weak points and ensure all security requirements are being met daily.
Deploy and Enforce Secure Password Policies
Secure password policies require passwords to meet certain criteria, like length and complexity requirements. Additionally, two-factor authentication helps to ensure that only authorized users are accessing sensitive data, which many people have on their phones and social accounts. These policies also ensure employees stay up to date with current requirements, don’t repeat passwords across accounts, and change their passwords frequently in keeping with the policy.
Use a VPN
One-third (32%) of SMBs say they haven’t changed their security plan since the pandemic forced them to shift to remote and hybrid working models. A virtual private network (VPN) provides remote employees with the ability to access the corporate network from a secure connection that harnesses all the security systems put in place by the business.
Leverage Third-Party Data
Third-party data provides security professionals with invaluable insights into how and when attacks occur, identifying breaches, and limiting the damage of a successful attack. IP data, for example, can be leveraged to gain keen insights on users attempting to access your network, such as where they’re located, what type of connection they are using, and whether they’re using a VPN or proxy.
Keep Software and Security Systems Up to Date
Keeping software up to date is integral to ensuring your systems are secure. Cybercriminals will study the latest software update notes to determine previously existing vulnerabilities. Therefore, any business that has not updated to the latest software version is still exposed to those vulnerabilities.
Sure, let's dive into each concept covered in the article and offer insights into their significance and impact on cybersecurity:
-
Email Security and Employee Training: The statistic stating that over 75% of cyberattacks start with an email is rooted in the reality of phishing attacks. These attacks are designed to deceive individuals into sharing sensitive information or clicking malicious links. Training employees to recognize these threats is crucial since human error is often the weakest link in cybersecurity.
-
System Security Plan (SSP): An SSP serves as a blueprint detailing security measures and practices. It's not just about having security protocols in place but also regularly monitoring and updating them. This allows for the identification of weaknesses and ensures ongoing compliance with security standards.
-
Secure Password Policies and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Weak passwords are an invitation for cybercriminals. Enforcing strong password policies and implementing 2FA significantly bolsters security. This not only prevents unauthorized access but also promotes regular password changes and avoids password reuse across multiple accounts.
-
Use of a VPN: With the increase in remote work, VPNs are vital for securing connections to a company's network. They provide encrypted pathways, ensuring that data transmitted between remote employees and the corporate network remains secure from potential threats.
-
Leveraging Third-Party Data: Gathering insights from third-party data sources, such as IP data, assists in understanding potential threats. It helps in identifying patterns, detecting anomalies, and strengthening the overall security posture by allowing preemptive measures against attacks.
-
Regular Software Updates: Cyber attackers actively seek out vulnerabilities in software. Failing to update software regularly means missing out on patches that fix these vulnerabilities, leaving systems exposed to exploitation.
These concepts collectively emphasize a proactive approach to cybersecurity. They underscore the importance of continuous vigilance, education, and adaptation to evolving cyber threats. Implementing these measures helps businesses minimize the risk of data breaches and fortify their defenses against cyberattacks.
