If you are interested in preventing unauthorized access to your computer system, cybersecurity is a top priority. As an industry, information technology is one of the fastest-growing and most complex. While cybersecurity requires buy-in from the top of an organization, the practice is not only complex but sometimes expensive. Here are some tips on enhancing cybersecurity in your organization. Keep reading! Listed below are some best practices.
Information technology is arguably the fastest-evolving industry in the world
In order to keep up with these trends, companies must update their existing IT security strategies. Traditional security strategies, focusing on compliance, may no longer be enough to keep up with the evolving cyberthreat landscape. Instead, companies must embrace automation, big data solutions, and artificial intelligence (AI), and establish a network of trusted partners. Reviewing your existing cybersecurity strategy, it’s important to consider whether certain processes should be outsourced or handled in-house.
While traditionally government and financial firms have been the target of cyberattacks, these sectors are increasingly connected to one another. In 2011, a group called Dragonfly attacked energy companies with malicious software. In 2017, ransomware attacks like WannaCry hit scores of computer systems and hit a number of large companies. In 2017, WannaCry ransomware was launched, using stolen tools from intelligence agencies. The attack also targeted the National Health Service and affected scores of computer systems.
It is a multi-billion-dollar industry
The security industry has recently undergone massive growth, thanks in part to the widespread use of social media. With more than 2.5 billion active users on social media, it is easy to imagine that cybercrime is a big business. Furthermore, ecommerce sales have exceeded $3 trillion globally. And, with the growth of the Internet of Things, cybersecurity has become even more important. With this growth, the industry is expected to continue expanding at a rapid pace.
Today, every type of industry is at risk of cybercrime. In fact, the most common targets of cyber criminals include higher education institutions, government entities, and healthcare facilities. Even small businesses can be victims of cybercrime if they aren’t aware of their vulnerabilities. To combat this, businesses should train their employees in cybersecurity and promote awareness about cybercrime and its risks. They should also install antivirus and antispyware software to protect their systems. Finally, they should install a firewall to protect their internet connections from hackers.
It is a complex practice
Despite its importance, cybersecurity is a highly complex practice, with different levels of demands, needs, and responsibilities. For instance, a bank will need higher levels of cybersecurity than a restaurant, which may require only basic security. Additionally, the systems and vulnerabilities of each company vary significantly. In addition, there is no centralized authority that will oversee cybersecurity, and therefore, the practice is not regulated. Instead, it must be driven by the organization’s unique needs and priorities.
Senior management in a major global corporation recently led a cybersecurity-related discussion. The board encouraged increased investment in the practice, but then moved on to a financial committee presentation, in which it voted to consolidate ownership of a minority stake company operating in a region with endemic cyberbreaches and criminal hacking. This example illustrates the complexity of cybersecurity, and the importance of making it simple to implement. Moreover, senior management must be involved in this discussion and create mental models for self-assessment.
It requires buy-in at the highest level of the organization
To implement a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, organizations must have buy-in from the top. Top management’s involvement will vary, depending on the organization’s size and organizational structure. The senior executive team must be involved, as they are ultimately responsible for the organization’s strategic decisions. Involvement from this level is critical for ensuring that the program is effective and the workforce has buy-in.
To get buy-in from executive management, security leaders must first provide a realistic scenario and describe the potential consequences of not implementing a solution. This includes the probability and impact of failure to protect the organization from a security breach. If an outbound email security solution is to be implemented, executives should focus on the “what-ifs” associated with misdirected emails. An example of such a scenario is a CEO or C-suite member telling an executive a story about a security fraud that affected their organization. In addition to identifying the probability of fraud, they should also discuss the effects on the company’s bottom line, including layoffs.
It starts with bulletproof software
With a reputation for innovation, quality and service, Bulletproof has seen explosive growth over the past decade. The company has been recognized as a Microsoft global 2021 security partner of the year, has won Canada’s IMPACT Award three times, and is a long-time Gold Partner. Bulletproof is a member of the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association and holds a Microsoft Threat Protection Advanced Specialization. With a 24/7 Security Operations Center, Bulletproof helps businesses secure their data, network, and people.
Today, the importance of cybersecurity has never been higher. As we move toward the digital age, it is imperative for businesses to implement bulletproof software to protect themselves from cyberattacks. Bulletproof software has a long-term goal of providing the best security solutions for businesses. Having bulletproof software protects against all kinds of attacks, including confidentiality and availability attacks. In a confidentiality attack, hackers steal your personal information. They may try to sell this information or use it for other purposes. Integrity and availability attacks keep hackers from accessing your information, while availability attacks stop unauthorized access to your information.