Protecting your business from cyber threats is non-negotiable

Cybersecurity should be as important to your business as it is to the United States government.

Since 2004, Congress recognized its significance so much so that it declared October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Now in its 21^st year, the initiative brings together the public and private sectors to promote safer online practices, reduce cyber risks, and spark conversations about threats on a national and global level.

How it started and where it’s going

When cyber attacks first emerged, they were typically pranks. Hackers just did it out of curiosity and to boast about their technical skills rather than for malicious intent. As the internet grew and became integral to business operations, hackers started targeting systems for financial gain. The focus shifted toward more structured attacks aimed at stealing company data and disrupting its services.

Then came the rise of viruses and worms, which replicated themselves and spread rapidly across networks, causing significant damage. The programs highlighted the vulnerabilities of computer systems and paved the way for more sophisticated attacks that could result in significant financial rewards.

Today, cyber attacks have evolved into more sophisticated operations, with ransomware and phishing scams being the most dominant tactics. Ransomware can paralyze organizations and require large payments to restore access to encrypted data, while phishing scams use social engineering to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information.

Looking ahead, cybercriminals are likely to leverage emerging technologies, such as AI and machine learning, to develop more targeted and convincing attacks. As attackers refine their techniques, the attacks will create even greater threats to organizations - making it essential to stay vigilant and adopt proactive cybersecurity measures.

There’s so much that your business can do to protect itself

Following the recent CrowdStrike outage (yes, the one that brought airports, banks, and several industries to a halt), our team shared tips on the kind of conditions that might make a business vulnerable to cyber threats. More importantly, we explored ways to address and prevent them. 

The general rule of thumb when it comes to protecting your sensitive data is to adopt a multi-layered approach. This includes using advanced security platforms, educating users on cyber threats, enforcing strong authentication methods, and keeping systems and software up to date. Additionally, backing-up data in separate locations, monitoring for vulnerabilities, and controlling access to sensitive information also reduces risks and improves overall security.

Here’s an expanded 12-step process that your business can follow to stay secure: 

1. Adopt a next-generation security platform: Take advantage of solutions that integrate multiple security features and provide advanced protection. This allows real-time monitoring of network traffic for suspicious activity, automatic blocking of known threats, and rapid incident response.
2. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA): MFA requires users to provide two or more verification methods, such as a password and a one-time code. For example, Microsoft 365 accounts benefit from MFA because even if a password is compromised, unauthorized access is prevented by requiring a second form of authentication.
3. Regularly update software: Keeping systems updated is important to fix vulnerabilities. For instance, the 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack exploited a flaw in outdated Windows systems. Companies that applied the patch avoided the attack.
4. Train employees on cybersecurity: Phishing emails trick employees into clicking harmful links. Regular training, such as teaching staff to identify suspicious emails, helps prevent these attacks. A company might run simulated phishing campaigns to assess and improve employee readiness.
5. Segment data backups: Back up sensitive data in separate locations, such as the cloud and offline storage. If ransomware locks a company’s files, a clean, segmented backup ensures quick recovery without paying a ransom. For example, financial institutions often maintain multiple backup versions to avoid disruption.
6. Monitor network activity: Continuous monitoring using tools like intrusion detection systems helps flag unusual behavior, such as unauthorized access attempts. For example, a sudden spike in network traffic could signal an attack, prompting immediate action to mitigate the threat.
7. Implement application whitelisting: Restrict application usage to only those that are approved. For example, a company could use software to create a whitelist of applications that employees can install and run. By doing this, if an employee tries to download and execute a potentially harmful program, the system will block it, preventing malware from infiltrating the network. 
8. Enhance email and web filtering: Utilize strong filters to block phishing attempts and malicious websites. A business can implement a solution that scans incoming emails for known phishing patterns and harmful attachments. If a suspicious email is detected, the system can quarantine it before it reaches the employee’s inbox. Similarly, by using web filtering tools to restrict access to harmful websites, organizations can prevent employees from inadvertently downloading malware or falling victim to phishing schemes.
9. Manage firewall settings: Ensure firewalls are properly configured and maintained to protect against unauthorized access. A company can set specific rules that determine which traffic is allowed and which is blocked. Regularly reviewing and updating these rules can help address new vulnerabilities and ensure that only trusted IP addresses have access to sensitive data. 
10.  Conduct dark web monitoring: Regularly check the dark web for compromised credentials related to your organization. If compromised data is discovered, the organization can quickly enforce password resets and implement additional security measures to protect accounts. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
11. Admin access management: Monitor and control administrative access to sensitive systems and data - ensuring only authorized personnel can make changes. By defining user roles and permissions, the system can automatically restrict administrative access to only those who need it. This minimizes the risk of unauthorized changes and helps prevent insider threats.
12. Utilize disk encryption: Encrypt the data that’s stored on local devices and servers. This means that if a laptop is lost or stolen, the encrypted data remains inaccessible without the correct decryption key. Additionally, encrypting sensitive data on servers ensures that even if a cybercriminal gains access to it, they cannot read the information without the proper authorization.

With new cyber threats emerging by the minute, the need for airtight cybersecurity systems is no longer optional—it’s essential. With the right strategies and controls in place, you can safeguard your business and stay one step ahead of the threats.

Protect every layer of your network with our cybersecurity services 

Now is the time to proactively manage risks - before it’s too late. Our expert cybersecurity services provide strong multi-layered protection, from managed networks to threat detection and everything in between. By understanding your unique needs, we deliver tailored solutions to secure your IT infrastructure. Don’t wait for a breach - contact us now to start building a safer future.