Cyber Security refers to technologies, practices and processes that defend data, devices, networks and users from malicious attacks.
The Importance of Cyber Security
Cyber attacks have been on the rise during recent world events. Attackers are increasingly targeting businesses of all sizes. Information Technology is a continuously evolving industry in a constant state of growth. Since attackers are continuously leveraging new technologies and vulnerabilities for malicious purposes; business must continue to leverage new technologies to defend themselves.
Businesses collect sensitive data throughout everyday processes. This can include financial data, personal information, or other types data. Unauthorized access or exposure to this data could be detrimental to an organization. Many organizations also fall under the governance of regulatory agencies, such as: FISMA, HIPAA, NIST, PCI or SOX. This further increase the important of comprehensive cyber security to ensure that data is properly being protected.
Most Common Attack Types
According to recent data, phishing and social engineering type attacks are the most commonly utilized methods. This applies to both small and large businesses. Phishing is one of the most common attack methods utilized, simply because it takes advantage of the end user and is easily automated. Attackers are able to leverage social media to learn about organisations, like when executives are on business trips. This allows for easy creation of phishing email campaigns that appear to originate from inside of the company. Another common phishing attack mimics an organizations spam filter, pretending to need credentials to release quarantined emails.
How to Protect both Company & Customer Data
Customer data is just an important as your own company’s data. Companies bear the responsibility of protecting any sensitive data that they collect. This has increase the demand for cyber security professionals, and forced many organizations to search for IT security consultants they can trust to protect their companies. Although you can never 100% prevent an attack, you can greatly reduce the chances of an attack and develop a plan for recovery.
Developing a Cyber Security Roadmap is critical for businesses. There is no one-size-fits-all plan for addressing IT security inside of a continuously evolving technology industry. Therefore, companies need to create a roadmap for integrating security and adopting safe practices.
An effective Cyber Security Roadmap should begin with an internal assessment of security practices. Companies will often find that they can significantly increase their security just by adopting good user security polices and implementing user training. In addition to these behavioral changes, adoption of cost-effective cyber security tools will make a huge difference. Right Hand Advising can help you assess your current state of Cyber Security and plan for a successful future together.