Making Cyber Security Part Of Standard Operations

The best way to ensure that your organization is secure from cyber threats is by implementing security measures that are pervasive and deeply embedded throughout the IT infrastructure. This approach ensures that security isn’t simply viewed as an afterthought but instead integrated into the foundation of operations. Doing so reinforces the security of the system and makes it more difficult for malicious actors to circumvent it. With this approach, your organization will benefit from improved cybersecurity and a secure IT infrastructure. Implementing security at the foundation is essential for protecting your business and safeguarding against cyber threats.

Key steps that you can take to implement security at an operational level  

Updating is Important  

Keeping your devices updated from a cybersecurity perspective is essential for staying secure online. Updating software on your devices will ensure that you have the latest security patches and features, which can help protect you against the latest cyber threats. It can also help prevent malicious actors from exploiting vulnerabilities in out-of-date versions of software. Additionally, updated software may include bug fixes that can improve the performance of your device, as well as reduce the risk of system crashes or data loss due to glitches or memory leaks in older versions. Regularly updating your devices and apps can provide an extra layer of protection against attackers, and make sure you’re always using the most secure version available.

Password Security  

Having a strong password policy is essential for maintaining the cyber security of any organization. By enforcing a password policy, organizations can help protect their networks from unauthorized access, data breaches, and other malicious activities. An effective password policy requires that users use complex passwords as well as change them frequently to minimize the risk of an attack. Strong passwords should contain uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters and should be at least twelve characters long. Additionally, users should not share their passwords with anyone or store them in an unencrypted form.

Enforcing a secure password policy is critical for protecting against cyber security threats such as phishing attacks or malware infections that may occur when hackers gain access to accounts with weak credentials. A good password policy will also help organizations comply with relevant regulatory requirements such as GDPR or HIPAA which require strong authentication methods for accessing sensitive data. Having a secure password policy helps ensure that only authorized individuals can access data and systems within an organization’s network environment while also providing an additional layer of protection against internal threats such as disgruntled employees who may try to misuse confidential information.   

Multi-factor Authentication is now a requirement  

From a cyber security perspective, it is essential to have multi-factor authentication (MFA) enforced on all accounts. MFA adds an extra layer of security to user accounts by requiring the user to provide multiple pieces of evidence before granting access - usually, something they know (i.e. a password), something they have (i.e. a physical token or device), and/or something they are (i.e. biometrics). This makes it much more difficult for malicious actors to gain unauthorized access, as it requires the possession of two or more credentials, which significantly increases the difficulty for attackers to breach an account and execute malicious activities. In addition, MFA also helps protect data from external threats such as phishing attempts and malware infections, since it prevents attackers from obtaining access credentials if the initial attack is successful. Cybercriminals can gain access to your systems and data, putting your organization at risk of various cyber attacks such as brute force attacks, password guessing, phishing, and social engineering, highlighting the importance of implementing MFA as a critical component of any organization's cybersecurity strategy to safeguard against these threats. ‍

Only give people the access they need not what they want  

The rule of least privilege is an important principle in cyber security that involves granting users the minimum level of access necessary to perform their required tasks. By enforcing this rule, we can ensure that users are only able to access the data they need, and not sensitive or confidential data. For example, a customer service representative might have access to customer data such as contact information and order history, but not financial or account information.  Security measures must go beyond simply being an afterthought and should be integrated into the very fabric of an organization's IT infrastructure. By doing so, it will not only be harder for nefarious actors to bypass protective measures but also offer greater security in general. It is important to consider cybersecurity when constructing any business operations, as failing to do so could leave the organization open to exploitation. Implementing strong security protocols at the foundational level is essential for any business, as it will ensure that no matter what happens, your data remains safe and secure.

Your employees are only as good as their training  

The most cost-effective way to access organizations is to hack their people. Phishing emails and social engineering account for over 90% of IT security breaches.  Having an effective cyber security training program is essential for any organization's security. By providing employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and avoid threats, you not only help protect your organization but also ensure that your staff has the confidence to respond quickly and appropriately in the event of a potential attack. Cybersecurity training should cover topics such as phishing and human engineering hacks, which are becoming increasingly common. Training should also include how to detect malicious links or emails, how to securely access company data from public networks, how to use two-factor authentication for added security, as well as best practices for password management. By investing in comprehensive cyber security training for your staff, you will have a more secure system in place that helps reduce the risk of a successful attack on your business. 

You need visibility on your IT infrastructure  

It is essential to have a robust cyber security program in place to monitor and log activities and events on computers and the network. With a strong cyber security program, organizations can detect suspicious activity early, protect against malicious attacks, and maintain data integrity. Cybersecurity programs are critical for companies of all sizes as they provide visibility into what’s happening on their networks and provide insights into potential issues. With SIEM systems, organizations can detect suspicious activity by monitoring traffic patterns across the network, identifying anomalies in user behavior, detecting malware or viruses that may be present on a device, and detecting unauthorized access attempts. This helps companies stay ahead of any potential threats by providing real-time alerts of malicious activity. Moreover, logging activities allow security teams to review past events to gain insights into how threats were able to infiltrate the system to plan better defense strategies going forward. A robust cyber security infrastructure is essential for businesses looking to improve their ability to detect threats quickly and efficiently while avoiding costly data breaches.

Level Up Your Cybersecurity Now 

Don’t wait until it’s too late - contact us today and take control of your digital safety! The online world is constantly changing, and it’s important to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to cybersecurity. By following these recommendations, you can ensure that your data remains safe from potential cyber threats. If you need help creating an effective cybersecurity plan or want more information on how we can protect your digital assets, don't hesitate to contact us today! Our team of experts is here to provide peace of mind so that you can focus on what matters most - running a successful business in this ever-changing landscape. Get started now and take control over your digital safety - with our help, you'll be well prepared for whatever tomorrow brings!

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