There are multiple ways malicious cyber attacks can infiltrate your organization. Recent global cyber breaches help to underscore the importance of taking precautionary measures to ensure your system doesn’t fall victim. When it comes to cybersecurity, what can you do to diminish your risks?
Preparing for potential pitfalls or ‘worst-case scenarios’ is an essential part of building your cyber defenses. If you can envision all the possible situations, you can build a strategy to navigate any scenario. Preparation means that when an attack impacts your operations, you’ll be able to implement the plan and recover.
The challenge is anticipating the unexpected. Cyberattacks are always evolving, which makes these situations are hard to predict. Understanding your weak spots and vulnerabilities is vital to developing a strategy that will protect your company against cyber thieves. You might not be able to anticipate every version of malware that could be directed at your business, but if you know what hackers are interested in, it will give you a headstart to protecting those assets.
A full risk assessment plan is a great way to increase your cybersecurity. You will receive a comprehensive review of all your company’s assets with a particular focus on the most likely targets of cybercriminals. Intellectual property (IP) might be your company’s great asset, but hackers are increasingly targeting data. Data breaches that compromise your customers’ data can lead to the most fines should you become compromised.
Analyzing your systems and networks will help you identify weak areas. One of the most basic ways to shore up some areas is to make sure your software is up to date. Many vendors offer security solutions in their updates that can help prevent attacks. You can also work with an intrusion detection and prevention system to identify internal risks and activity that occurs outside of your network.
You are going to find that there are hazards that exist internally and externally. Keep a close eye on these and what entities might be most interested in compromising these areas. For instance, stay informed on the cybercrimes that relate to these hazard areas and understand how they’re carried out. Some attacks come from the inside, which means you need to identify who has access to what.
It can feel overwhelming. You know the risks of a cyber breach, and in today’s environment, it can feel like a matter of when not if that theft occurs. With worldwide security spending expected to exceed $133 billion in 2022, it is clear that the number of technologies available to help you defend against hackers will only grow. More risk, more options, and more uncertainty make strategic planning challenging.
Don’t panic. Once you understand your exposure, vital assets, and the current cyber attacks, you can begin formulating your cyber strategy. Go through your list one by one and establish what protocols will help remediate risk. Don’t forget employee education on the priority. Arming your team with the information they need to stay vigilant and help protect your company will bolster your defenses.
At BlackPoint IT Services, we have more than three decades of experience in business IT and telecommunications technology. We also have a 99 percent customer satisfaction rating, and that’s due in part to our 24/7 support services. Our advanced IT and telecom services keep your data safe and secure. Talk to us today about how we can help you get cyber-savvy and prevent an attack
