Cybersecurity is not simply a buzzword that is used to incite fear or action from businesses, it is now a crucial aspect for organisations. Safeguarding your business from cyberattacks and hackers is priority number one, as there are now a wide range of potential threats and technologies that are at the disposal of those with ill intentions.
For businesses, a great first step is educating all members of staff on what cybersecurity is all about, how it prevents cyberattacks, and implementing the necessary measures to safeguard your organisation.
Adept IT Solutions, a leading provider of IT services in Newcastle, Hunter, and Central Coast areas, provides comprehensive Managed IT Services, as well as a cutting-edge cyber security awareness and training platform.
Let’s delve into the concept of cybersecurity, and what businesses can do to combat cyberattacks.
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computers, networks, data and systems from unauthorised access, cyberattacks, damage or theft. It involves a comprehensive approach to safeguarding digital assets and mitigating risks posed by various cyber threats.
There are many common types of cyberattacks, such as:
- Malware
- Phishing Scams
- Ransomware Attacks
- Data Breaches
- Denial of Service (DoS)
- Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS)
- Credential Stuffing
- Social Engineering
Cybersecurity is designed as a deterrent to the above methods of cyberattack.
Why do Businesses need Cybersecurity?
Businesses in the modern day, whether small, medium, or large, require cybersecurity to conduct operations without interruption, store sensitive data and communicate with customers efficiently.
It is also a matter of customer trust, with current and potential clients wanting to ensure that they, and their private or sensitive information, is kept safe and secure.
As well as this, businesses are legally required to protect their customers’ personal information from theft, misuse, or unauthorised access. The Australian Government notes this on their business page about customer’s personal information.
Investing in cybersecurity is not simply a box to tick, rather it is a necessary requirement to provide the level of protection that your client deserves, as well as defending your own interests.
How to Implement Cybersecurity into your Business
IT Compliance and Auditing
Now that your business has some cybersecurity and cyberattack awareness, the next steps are to ensure that your organisation remains safe from hackers. A fantastic first step is to perform IT Compliance and Auditing on the business’s current system setup. This will allow you to see if the systems are compromised or are requiring further protection.
Security Policies and Procedures
Following this, establishing clear security policies and procedures in relation to the acceptable use of company technology, password management, data encryption and incident responses is required. This provides a clear vision of what employees and business owners will then need to do to meet this criteria.
Employee Training
IT security training is then a crucial component in implementing efficient cybersecurity into your business processes. Whilst auditing, policies, and procedures are a fantastic first step, it is then necessary to train staff to effectively implement the theory into practice.
Common cyberattacks such as phishing scams and social engineering tactics will be two of the most prominent types of attacks. Performing training using simulated examples of these cyberattacks allows businesses to identify what this looks like, and to be aware of when a real attack occurs.
System Access Control
Implementing strict access controls and authentication methods limits access to sensitive systems and data for those who should not have access. Examples of effective access methods include multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access control (RBAC). This further reduces the risk of systems being compromised, as only those who are deemed as necessary to view these files will be allowed access.
Patch Management
Regularly updating your system’s software, operating systems, and firmware, addresses known vulnerabilities within the platform. Patch Management is a crucial part of ensuring your cybersecurity is up to scratch, as it effectively minimises the risk of exploitation from cyberattacks. Cyber attackers often target unpatched systems or outdated software versions vulnerable to known exploits. Patch management helps defend against these exploits by keeping software up-to-date with the latest security patches, closing off avenues for attackers to infiltrate systems and networks.
Backup and Recovery
Implementing regular data backups and disaster recovery plans is essential to ensuring business continuity in the event of a cybersecurity incident or data breach. Testing backup systems regularly helps to verify not only their status, but their effectiveness as well.
This is incredibly important when it comes to business continuity and effectiveness in their market. Rapid recovery of data and systems is essential to minimise downtime and maintain service levels for your clients.
Incident Response Plan
Developing a detailed incident response plan that outlines procedures for detecting, responding to, and recovering from cybersecurity incidents, is another implementation of efficient cyber safety.
This includes creating roles and responsibilities for staff within the business, communication protocols to follow and as a worst-case scenario, coordination with law enforcement and regulatory agencies related to cybersecurity.
Adept IT Solutions can assist your business with all of your Managed IT Services and cybersecurity needs. If you would like to learn more about our extensive list of services, please contact us at 1300 423 378 (ADEPT) or email us at info@adept-it.com.au.
