Business cybersecurity is one of the most critical for smooth operations in the modern world. Without a solid defense against common threats like ransomware, your company runs the risk of costly engagement and even failure.
You are also responsible for keeping sensitive data secure from getting into the hands of bad people. But how can you be more secure? From enlisting expert support to backing up and securing data, here are some solid security ideas.
Establishing a Risk Strategy
Most medium to large companies use risk assessment and management as part of ongoing plans for success. Risk management includes threats to operations, which in turn includes external threats such as cybercrime.
An OT risk assessment should, therefore, form part of a comprehensive plan for business operations. While risk management that includes cybercrime helps for a defense, it also helps your company stay compliant with cyber and privacy laws.
Getting Expert Support
Maybe you are well-versed in cybersecurity. But even then, the extreme levels that modern cybercriminals are willing to go to mean you can’t possibly secure against them alone. A managed service with experts in network administration, IT, and cybersecurity will help secure your computer infrastructure.
A reliable and secure implementation with software and hardware configurations provides a solid and stable security defense against malicious hackers.
Business Cybersecurity through Employees
A reliable setup against hackers from professional experts is an excellent first step towards better cybersecurity. However, around 70% of data breaches are caused by human error or manipulation.
Therefore, it makes sense to ensure your staff are aware of cyber threats. Ongoing training is a massive help. Awareness of phishing and email scams, social engineering, and password security are all excellent and can be tested using penetration testing methods.
Data Security and Backups
Data loss can potentially be disastrous for a business. Modern companies rely almost entirely on data, and data plays a key role in many business operations. So what would happen if sensitive, private, and internal data was lost? Your company would take a long time to recover and lose reputation.
Data security, such as cloud and cold storage, are robust tactics. However, a good strategy also includes applying encryption to data, drives, and portable devices.
Software and Hardware Updates
There are many ways a hacker gains entry into a business system. Human manipulation is by far the most common. But did you know the software and hardware you use also allow them in? Software and hardware come with “backdoors” that can be exploited by hackers.
Manufacturers and developers usually become aware of these and issue “patches” to close backdoors. But if you don’t apply updates to software, apps and firmware, you leave yourself wide open!
Summary
Including cyber threats in risk assessments enhances business cybersecurity. Employee training is also a powerful way to avoid some of the most common issues. Software and hardware must also be updated to help prevent hackers from using open backdoors on systems.
With some simple inclusions and amendments, hackers may not even take the time to bother!
Article and permission to publish here provided as Contributed Content. Originally written for Supply Chain Game Changer and published on December 9, 2024.
Cover image provided by pexels.com.