Today’s technology allows organizations to use the cyberworld to store valuable data and information. These could be among the reasons cybersecurity threats and attacks were launched against them. Thus, ensuring the cybersecurity of data is as important as maintaining the economic and organizational stability of any business.
Cybersecurity risks can originate from two sources—either internal or external sources. Internal sources are risks stemming from the organization’s actions. External sources of risks are those from outside of the organization, such as data breaches.
But how do we prevent these threats from happening? Some companies offer their experience and expertise in security architecture across industries. If you’re interested in learning more about this, you can find more information here.
Tips To Keep You Safe From Cyber Risks
Below are seven ways to protect your organization against any cyber risks.
- Use Data Encryption
One of the best ways to protect your organization’s data against cybersecurity risks is to use data encryption. Data encryption is a security method wherein valuable information is transformed into codes or other forms.
The use of the data encryption method can prevent any internal or external risks since information is only accessible to those authorized with the decryption key. Simply speaking, only authorized people who can access a secret decryption key or password can open it.
- Identity Access Management (IAM)
Internal sources of cyber risk in your organization can be in the form of system sabotage or data theft by an erring employee. Access management is a method of controlling data accessibility instead of leaving it open to all your employees. By controlling the number of individuals who can access specific files and folders in the system and blocking installations in your network, you can limit access to specific data and help prevent any risk of cyberattac0ks.
An IAM system may give you peace of mind and help you keep track of your employees’ activities. Implementing this system allows only certain workers to access services and software, which can fortify an organization’s cybersecurity and operational programs.
- Install Firewalls And Anti-Malware Software
An example of the external risk of cyberattacks is a data breach by an outsider. To protect your organization from such a disaster, installing firewalls and anti-malware software could be the answer. A firewall is a security system that detects and prevents unauthorized access from outside networks. Such a system serves as a barrier between a trusted network and an untrusted network, particularly when internet access is involved.
Another form of cyber risk is the installation of a virus into your system. Malware and viruses are designed to cause damage to a server or computer network. Installation of malware or a virus can be countered by installing anti-malware software that searches out and removes any of its forms in your system.
- Educate And Train Employees
Employees can be the source of either internal or external risks, whether unintentionally or intentionally. However, these employees can also be a source of excellent security for your organization. They can help mitigate cyber risks by getting educated on using unsecured sites and networks, proper sharing of data and information across social media sites, and accessing suspicious emails. Training employees to know which links and data are safe and legitimate is an efficient way to prevent cyber-attacks and data breaches.
Many companies regularly assess their employees’ knowledge of how to access and secure the company’s digital information. You can do this too by providing modules and manuals on how they can adequately secure their log-in credentials, identify and report phishing emails, and many others. You can then perform a regular assessment to evaluate what they’ve learned. You may also perform tests regularly to check if your cybersecurity is intact.
- Always Back Up Data And Information.
A person or entity’s sensitive data are encrypted, making it impossible for anyone to access files, databases, or applications. However, there’s certain malware that encrypts the victim’s data and holds them for ransom. They call this kind of malware, ransomware.
Ransomware is typically spread via phishing emails with malicious attachments or drive-by downloads. Drive-by installation happens when an unsuspected user visits an infected website, downloads an application, and installs it in their computer system. Before you know it, your organizations’ data are already in the hands of cybercriminals.
When they get a hold of your organization’s valuable information, these hackers would demand something from you in exchange for the data they possess. It’s a dangerous situation for an organization because this can lead to devastating effects on the company’s reputation and property.
One strategy to prevent this from happening is to make sure that there’s a backup copy of all the data you have. This way, you won’t bend to the hackers’ demand.
- Use Patch Management
Cyber risks occur when the systems and software aren’t fully updated. This leaves vulnerabilities in the system. When this happens, hackers take advantage of these weaknesses to access your network, and it would become difficult to take any preventative measures.
One way to counteract this risk is through patch management. Patch management is a security process for updating systems and software with a code change. Simply put, it fixes problems within the programs of your system and adds new functions to them.
- Change Passwords Regularly
Using the same set of passwords increases the risk of cybersecurity attacks. When hackers become aware and get a hold of the passwords used in your network, this provides them with limitless access to everything inside your organization. Thus, regularly changing your passwords and setup will help maintain security and protect against any type of internal and external cyber risks.
It’s also recommended not to use easy-to-guess passwords. Common examples of these are your birthday, age, anniversary date, and all password combinations related to any of your public information. Cybercriminals know many ways to get this personal and general information. Some even have their way of simultaneously generating different password combinations using your information.
Final Words
One may think that cybersecurity is insignificant in achieving and maintaining a company’s goals, purposes, and daily operations. However, this opinion seems outdated. As the world becomes more involved in the cyber world, awareness of cybersecurity must also be promoted. Following the simple ways stated above can help you and your business prevent and avoid any unwanted casualties in the future.