Solving all your cyber security problems

Definition Of Cyber Security

Cyber security refers to the body of technologies, processes, and practices designed to protect networks, devices, programs, and data from attack, damage, or unauthorised access. Cyber security may also be referred to as information technology security.

 

The Importance Of Cyber Security

Cyber security is important because government, military, corporate, financial, and medical organisations collect, process, and store unprecedented amounts of data on computers and other devices. A significant portion of that data can be sensitive information, whether that be intellectual property, financial data, personal information, or other types of data for which unauthorized access or exposure could have negative

consequences. Organisations transmit sensitive data across networks and to other devices in the way of doing business, and cyber security describes this as a discipline dedicated to protecting that information and systems used to process or store it. As the volume and sophistication of cyber attacks grow, companies and organisations are tasked with safeguarding information relating to national security, health, client records, sensitive personal information and financial records etc, need to take steps to protect their sensitive information. As early as March 2013, the nation’s top intelligence officials cautioned that cyber attacks and digital spying are the top threat to national security, eclipsing even terrorism.

Elements of cyber practices encompasses all the following:

  • Network security: 

The process of protecting the network from unwanted users, attacks and intrusions.

  • Application security: 

Apps require constant updates and testing to ensure these programs are secure from attacks.

  • Endpoint security: 

Remote access is a necessary part of business, although can also be a weak point for data endpoint security in the process of protecting remote access within your company network.

  • Data security:

Inside of networks and applications is data. Protecting company and customer information is a separate layer of security.

  • Identity management: 

Essentially, this is a process of understanding the access every individual has in an organisation.

  • Database and infrastructure security:

Everything in a network involves databases and physical equipment. Protecting these devices is equally important.

  • Cloud security: 

Many files are in digital environments or “the cloud”. Protecting data in a 100% online environment presents a large profile of challenges.

  • Mobile security: 

Cell phones and tablets involve virtually every type of security challenge in and of themselves.

  • Disaster recovery/business continuity planning: 

In the event of a breach, natural disaster or other event data must be protected and business must go on. For this, you will require a plan. End-user education: Users may be employees accessing the network or customers logging on to a company app. Educating good habits (password changes, 2-factor authentication, etc.) is an important part of cybersecurity.

 

The most difficult challenge in cyber security is the ever-evolving nature of security risks themselves. Traditionally, companies and government have focused most of their cyber security resources on perimeter security to protect only their most crucial system components and defend against known treats. Today, this approach is insufficient, as digital threats have advanced and are ever changing more quickly than companies can keep up with.

 

Managing Cyber Security:

The National Cyber Security Alliance recommends a top-down approach to cyber security in which corporate management must lead the charge in prioritising cyber security management across all business practices. Companies must be prepared to “respond to the inevitable cyber incident, restore normal operations, and ensure that company assets and reputation are protected. In conducting cyber risk assessments should focus on three key areas: identifying your companies “crown jewels,” or your most valuable information requiring protection; identifying the threats and risks facing that information; and outlining the damage your company would incur should that data be lost or wrongfully exposed. Cyber risk assessments should also consider any regulations that impact the way your company collects, stores, and secures data. Following a cyber risk assessment, develop and implement a plan to mitigate cyber risk, protect the “crown jewels” outlined in your assessment, and effectively detect and respond security incidents. This plan should encompass both the processes and technologies required to build a mature cyber security program. An ever-evolving field, cyber security best practices must evolve to accommodate the increasingly sophisticated attacks carried out by attackers. Combining sound cyber security measures with an educated and security-minded employee base provides the best defense against cyber criminals attempting to gain access to your company’s sensitive data. While it may seem like a daunting task, start small and focus on your most sensitive data, scaling your efforts as your cyber program matures.

 

 

PDF Brochures are available below.

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