Cyber Security

Outdated software is rife with vulnerabilities, or security holes, that provide hackers with a straightforward entry point into your network. The process of distributing and applying updates to software and firmware is referred to as “patching.” Patches are essential because they fix functionality issues or bugs, enhance performance, and close security holes that might otherwise leave your systems, software, and apps vulnerable to cyberattacks.

(MFA) is one of the most crucial steps you can take to lessen the danger of a cyberattack. MFA, also known as two-factor authentication, needs multiple forms of verification to get access to an application, account, or enterprise network.

Not just laptops, workstations, and mobile devices, but also printers, scanners, copiers, security cameras, and smart devices (such as thermostats) should be considered. Each device linked to your network is a possible point of entry for hackers. All of these “endpoints” must be accounted for in your organization’s cybersecurity plan.

This service prevents users from accessing websites and content deemed unsuitable or hazardous. Content can be restricted based on categories selected at the organization level as well as databases of known dangers and/or sites and sources deemed high-risk for malware or phishing efforts.

Email remains one of the most prevalent cyberattack vectors, as 94% of malware is sent via email. A single click on a malicious link is all it takes for opportunistic cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access to an entire company network. Filtering emails at the gateway mitigates this risk and protects your users and organization from email-borne cyber threats like phishing attacks, ransomware, viruses and malware, and corporate email intrusion.

If a phishing email got past your email filter and into your employees’ inboxes, would they be able to recognize it? More than a third of reported data breaches are the result of phishing emails. When constructing your cybersecurity layers, training on cybersecurity fundamentals and best practices is crucial to assist end-users in identifying phishing emails and other typical cyber scams that pose a threat to the security of your network. This training can be reinforced with frequent phishing simulations that test users’ ability to recognize suspicious emails, thereby bolstering your defenses.

Up to 73 % of passwords in use are duplicates, which implies that if your password is hacked in a data breach, any account that uses the same password is also affected. The purpose of password policy is to discourage password reuse, restrict weak passwords, and enhance network security.

The dark web is home to numerous criminal activities, such as the sale of sensitive and personally-identifiable information obtained through data breaches. Cybercriminals utilize employee credentials to gain access to an organization’s confidential data, send email spam, and install malware, among other activities. Dark web monitoring solutions search the dark web for email addresses and passwords connected with your company’s domain, allowing you to identify and rectify these issues before a hacker can exploit them.

Your security plan addresses internal threats? Firewalls cannot prevent USB drives from being used to copy and steal sensitive data. Therefore, the physical security of your IT infrastructure must be included in your security levels. Physical security measures limit access to your on-premises infrastructure and data storage areas and protect them from unauthorized access. Such safeguards include access control systems, key cards and door locks, surveillance cameras and staff.

Are you certain that your data is secure in the event of a catastrophe such as a cyberattack? Business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) solutions help reduce the downtime and harm caused by a cyberattack by restoring your data and operations from a backup. Two vital recollections: 1) Isolate your backups so that if your network is compromised, they cannot be viewed and encrypted; and 2) Ensure that your business continuity plan is recorded, tested, and updated on a regular basis.

How do you determine whether someone or something has breached your other lines of defence? Managed detection and response (MDR) is an advanced security system that combines next-generation monitoring technologies and a 24/7 (human-staffed) security operations centre to discover and isolate suspicious network activity in real-time and detain confirmed threats to prevent their spread. MDR works as the security camera that catches a cybercriminal sneaking onto your network and the alarm system that notifies you of the breach if your preventative efforts fail.