In the digital age, cybersecurity is paramount for protecting an organization’s sensitive information and maintaining trust with stakeholders. Building a robust cybersecurity culture within an organization is essential to safeguard against ever-evolving cyber threats. This article explores best practices for fostering a cybersecurity culture, emphasizing the importance of training, communication, and continuous improvement.

Understanding Cybersecurity Culture

Cybersecurity culture refers to the collective behavior, beliefs, and practices of an organization’s members towards protecting digital assets. A strong cybersecurity culture ensures that every employee, regardless of their role, understands the importance of security and actively participates in safeguarding the organization’s data.

“Creating a cybersecurity culture is not just about implementing technology; it’s about instilling a mindset where security is everyone’s responsibility,” says cybersecurity expert John Smith.

Training and Education

1. Regular Training Programs

One of the most effective ways to build a cybersecurity culture is through regular training programs. These programs should cover the basics of cybersecurity, including recognizing phishing attempts, using strong passwords, and understanding data protection policies.

“Continuous education is key to maintaining a vigilant workforce. Regular training keeps employees updated on the latest threats and security practices,” notes cybersecurity consultant Jane Doe.

2. Role-Specific Training

Different roles within an organization face unique security challenges. Tailoring training programs to address these specific needs ensures that employees have the relevant knowledge to protect their particular domain.

“For instance, IT staff need in-depth training on network security, while marketing teams should focus on safeguarding customer data,” suggests IT manager Maria Gonzalez.

3. Simulated Phishing Exercises

Conducting simulated phishing exercises helps employees recognize and respond to phishing attempts. These exercises provide practical experience in identifying suspicious emails and reinforce the importance of caution when handling unexpected communications.

“Simulated phishing tests are an effective way to assess and improve employees’ ability to spot phishing attacks,” says security analyst David Lee.

Communication and Awareness

4. Clear Communication Channels

Establishing clear communication channels for reporting security incidents is crucial. Employees should feel comfortable reporting potential threats without fear of retribution. Quick reporting can prevent minor issues from escalating into significant breaches.

“Creating an open and transparent communication environment encourages employees to report suspicious activities promptly,” explains HR director Susan Brown.

5. Regular Security Updates

Keeping employees informed about the latest security threats and updates is essential. Regular newsletters, email alerts, and internal meetings can be used to disseminate important security information and updates on new policies or incidents.

“Regular updates keep security at the forefront of employees’ minds and ensure they are aware of new threats,” states communications officer Robert Kim.

6. Visible Leadership Support

Leadership plays a critical role in fostering a cybersecurity culture. When executives prioritize and visibly support cybersecurity initiatives, it sets a tone that emphasizes the importance of security throughout the organization.

“Leadership commitment to cybersecurity is vital. It demonstrates that security is a top priority and encourages employees to take it seriously,” asserts CEO Emily Clark.

Policies and Procedures

7. Clear Security Policies

Establishing clear and comprehensive security policies provides a framework for expected behaviors and procedures. These policies should be easily accessible and regularly reviewed to ensure they remain relevant and effective.

“Well-defined security policies are the backbone of a robust cybersecurity culture. They provide guidelines for acceptable behavior and response procedures,” says policy advisor Thomas Green.

8. Incident Response Plan

Having a well-documented incident response plan ensures that the organization can quickly and effectively respond to security breaches. The plan should outline the steps to take in the event of an incident and designate roles and responsibilities.

“An incident response plan is critical for minimizing the impact of a security breach. It ensures that everyone knows what to do and can act swiftly,” advises risk manager Lisa White.

Continuous Improvement

9. Regular Security Audits

Conducting regular security audits helps identify vulnerabilities and areas for improvement. These audits should be thorough and include both internal and external assessments.

“Security audits are essential for maintaining a strong security posture. They help uncover weaknesses and provide insights for strengthening defenses,” highlights audit specialist Mark Davis.

10. Encouraging a Culture of Continuous Learning

Promoting a culture of continuous learning and improvement is vital. Encourage employees to stay informed about the latest cybersecurity trends and to participate in ongoing education and certification programs.

“Continuous learning ensures that employees are always equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to protect the organization,” mentions training coordinator Sarah Green.

Building a cybersecurity culture is a continuous process that requires commitment from all levels of an organization. By implementing regular training programs, establishing clear communication channels, developing robust policies, and encouraging continuous improvement, organizations can create an environment where cybersecurity is a shared responsibility.

“A strong cybersecurity culture is the foundation of effective security practices. It empowers employees to act as the first line of defense against cyber threats,” concludes security strategist from australian online casinos. As cyber threats continue to evolve, maintaining a proactive and engaged cybersecurity culture will be essential for protecting organizational assets and ensuring long-term success.

The post Building a Cybersecurity Culture: Best Practices for Organizations appeared first on Pol&Des.

Amid the ever-changing cyber threat landscape, businesses must adapt and reinforce their cybersecurity strategies. While technological advancements have granted us access to unprecedented amounts of data, this convenience also exposes us to heightened risks of cyberattacks and security breaches. Let us delve into the significant cybersecurity trends that will shape the landscape in 2023 and beyond.

Importance of Cybersecurity for Businesses

Before delving into the specific trends that are shaping the cybersecurity landscape, it is of utmost importance to fully grasp the significance of cybersecurity for businesses in today’s digital age. A single cyberattack can unleash a torrent of devastating consequences, ranging from severe financial losses to irreparable reputational damage and even potential legal repercussions. To safeguard against such dire outcomes, companies must proactively invest in comprehensive and robust cybersecurity measures. These proactive measures serve as a protective shield, ensuring the safety and integrity of sensitive data, customer information, and valuable intellectual property and preventing them from falling into the hands of malicious actors with nefarious intent.

Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS): A Growing Threat

Ransomware attacks have seen a significant surge in recent years, where cybercriminals encrypt a victim’s data and demand a ransom for its release. In 2023, we can expect the emergence of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) platforms, making it easier for cybercriminals to launch ransomware attacks. To counter RaaS threats, companies must adopt good cyber hygiene practises and create a robust security strategy.

AI-Powered Attacks: Outsmarting Traditional Security Measures

Artificial intelligence (AI) has changed the game for both individuals and organisations. Regrettably, fraudsters are also using AI to create increasingly complex assaults. Attacks driven by AI that eschew conventional security measures are predicted to increase in 2023. AI has the ability to construct malware that can change how it behaves to avoid detection by security tools and produce convincing phishing emails. To effectively prevent such attacks, businesses must maintain vigilance and implement AI-enabled threat detection systems.

Supply Chain Attacks: Targeting the Weakest Link

With businesses relying on a network of suppliers and partners, the risk of supply chain attacks increases. Cybercriminals target third-party vendors and service providers to gain access to their customer’s systems and data. In 2023, we can expect more supply chain attacks as cybercriminals seek to exploit the weakest link in an organization’s security chain. To mitigate this risk, companies must assess the security posture of their vendors and partners and implement robust security measures throughout the supply chain.

Application Security: Safeguarding Software and Data

The shift of businesses online has highlighted the importance of application security. Every application is susceptible to hacking, zero-day attacks, and identity theft. Ensuring application security demands professionals write secure code, design secure application architecture, implement robust data entry verification, and promptly address vulnerabilities to prevent unauthorised access or modification of application resources.

Cloud Security: Securing Data in the Cloud

Cloud solutions have witnessed a significant increase in demand, especially after the COVID-19 outbreak. While cloud data storage offers convenience and faster accessibility, it also brings the need to secure data during transmission and storage. Companies must implement robust cloud security measures to prevent unauthorised access to sensitive data.

Mobile Security: Protecting Devices on the Go

With the increasing reliance on mobile devices, they have become potential targets for cyberattacks. Cybercriminals exploit opportunities in e-commerce, banking services, and online booking, making mobile phones a prime target. Companies must focus on enhancing mobile security to safeguard sensitive data stored on these devices.

Internet of Things (IoT) Security: Securing Smart Devices

The proliferation of IoT devices in homes and businesses has introduced new cybersecurity challenges. Smart devices, homes, and voice assistants have become integral to our lives, but each device can be hacked and taken over by a cybercriminal. As the number of connected devices increases, so does the potential attack surface. Strengthening IoT security is vital to prevent unauthorised access to these devices.

Identity Fabric Immunity: Strengthening Identity Systems

Identity fabric immunity applies the concept of digital immune systems to identity systems. By investing in prevention, detection, and response, companies can minimise defects and failures, ensuring protection before and during attacks. Strengthening identity systems is crucial to thwarting identity-related cyber threats effectively.

Human-Centric Security Design: Educating Employees for Better Security

Employees play a pivotal role in an organization’s cybersecurity defences. Human-centric security design emphasises the importance of educating employees about cybersecurity best practises. By raising awareness about potential threats and implementing security training programmes, companies can create a security-aware workforce.

Enhancing People Management in Organisations A Crucial Aspect of Cybersecurity

A successful people management strategy is crucial for a strong cybersecurity programme. Employing cybersecurity specialists must be a top priority for businesses, as must funding their ongoing education and advancement. For the overall security posture, it is also critical to give staff the tools and resources they need to stay current on cybersecurity developments.

Conclusion

As cyber threats continue to evolve, businesses must stay one step ahead to protect their sensitive data and assets. The cybersecurity trends discussed in this article are vital for organisations to enhance their security measures and safeguard their digital ecosystem. By adopting a proactive and comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, businesses can mitigate risks and build a resilient defence against cyberattacks.

The post Protecting Business Data: Top Cybersecurity Trends Every Company Should Know appeared first on Pol&Des.

The Growth of Sports Betting

Since the Supreme Court’s historic decision in 2018, the sports betting business has undergone substantial changes. Numerous states seized the chance to legalise sports betting after this judgement gave each state the power to do so. As a result, the sector experienced significant growth, with developments taking place on both land-based and online betting platforms.

Cybersecurity Challenges for Sports Betting Sites

As sports betting in Korea necessitates the gathering of sensitive personal information from its users, these platforms have turned into highly prized targets for cybercriminals. From financial data to location information, bettors are obligated to disclose a substantial amount of personal information, emphasising the paramount importance of data privacy and security within the industry. Safeguarding this data has become a critical concern to ensure the protection and trust of users in the sports betting landscape.

Key Cybersecurity Trends in Sports Betting

Implementing Secure Socket Layers (SSLs)

Secure Socket Layers (SSLs) play a vital role in the world of sportsbooks, as they are extensively employed to ensure the utmost protection of personal and sensitive user information. SSL certificates serve as a robust defence, guaranteeing that all data transmitted between users and the betting platform remains encrypted and impervious to any unauthorised access. By implementing SSL technology, sportsbooks bolster their cybersecurity measures, instilling confidence in their users and reinforcing the trustworthiness of their platforms. With SSLs in place, users can place their bets with peace of mind, knowing that their valuable data is shielded from prying eyes and potential cyber threats.

Strengthening Data Privacy Policies

Sports betting platforms have a paramount responsibility to adopt and enforce robust data privacy policies, ensuring the safeguarding of extensive volumes of personal information collected from their users. The implementation of stringent data privacy measures is crucial for cultivating trust and confidence among customers, assuring them that their sensitive data remains secure and confidential. Moreover, adhering to pertinent data protection regulations becomes an imperative step in the journey towards building a reliable and legally compliant betting platform. By demonstrating a steadfast commitment to data privacy, sports betting platforms can fortify their reputation and strengthen their bond with users, fostering a thriving and secure betting environment.

Defence against Ransomware Attacks

Sports betting platforms are increasingly concerned about ransomware threats. In these assaults, fraudsters encrypt private information and demand a ransom to decrypt it. Sports betting sites should have strong backup and recovery procedures in place to guard against such attacks in order to prevent data loss and avoid paying ransoms.

Mitigating Insider Threats

Platforms that offer sports betting are at a major risk from insider threats, whether intentional or unintentional. Insider dangers can be lessened by implementing access controls, monitoring user behaviour, and regularly training employees.

Strengthening Social Engineering Defences

Cybercriminals are using increasingly sophisticated social engineering tactics to deceive individuals into divulging sensitive information or granting unauthorised access to systems. Sports betting sites should raise awareness among users about phishing attacks and adopt multifactor authentication to bolster their defences.

Ensuring Supply Chain Security

Platforms for sports betting may contain vulnerabilities introduced by third-party suppliers and service providers. These vulnerabilities may be targeted by cybercriminals to obtain access to systems and data. Risks associated with the supply chain can be reduced by conducting extensive security assessments of third-party partners and closely observing their security procedures.

Securing the Internet of Things (IoT)

The growing use of IoT devices in sports betting, such as wearable technology and smart equipment, introduces new vulnerabilities and potential entry points for cybercriminals. Sports betting sites should prioritise IoT security to prevent potential cyber intrusions through these devices.

Real-Time Threat Detection and Response

Rapid identification and response to cybersecurity threats are essential for mitigating potential damages. Sports betting platforms should employ sophisticated threat detection systems and have a well-defined incident response plan to minimise the impact of cyberattacks.

Regular Security Audits and Penetration Testing

Conducting regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing helps identify and address potential security weaknesses proactively. By staying ahead of evolving cyber threats, sports betting platforms can enhance their security posture.

Continuous Security Training

Educating and training staff about cybersecurity is crucial for sports betting platforms. By raising employee awareness of potential threats and best security practices, these platforms can strengthen their overall security strategy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cybersecurity is of utmost importance for sports betting sites to protect their users’ data and maintain their reputation in the industry. Implementing the discussed cybersecurity trends, such as SSL encryption, data privacy policies, and real-time threat detection, can help safeguard the game and provide a secure betting experience for users.

The post Safeguarding the Game: Cybersecurity Trends Every Sports Betting Site Must Know appeared first on Pol&Des.

What prompts hospitals and clinics to continually invest in cybersecurity services instead of enhancing their management systems? The simple answer lies in the sensitive nature of healthcare. Hospitals need to collect data that should remain confidential and secure. All this is to offer the required services for each patient.

More than 77 percent of healthcare institutions have already encountered breaches of the information. These scenarios can lead to serious repercussions for any medical establishment. They range from patient loss to the potential closure of the facility.

In an interview with HealthTech, Tom Kellermann, Chief Cybersecurity Officer of Carbon Black, stated: “Health information is a gold mine for criminals. By compromising, stealing, and selling it, you have 7 to 10 personal identifying characteristics of an individual.”

Misappropriated data can serve many illegal purposes, such as extortion. CBS News also reported on the theft and sale of medical records on the dark web.

But extortion isn’t the only motivation behind medical records stealing. This information can also be used to create fraudulent ID cards for the purchase of medical devices or drugs and to submit bogus insurance claims.

Another challenge arises from the increasing adoption of connected systems in healthcare. Electronic health records and the Internet of Medical Things bring lots of benefits. Yet, they introduce new vulnerabilities and expand the attack surface that criminals can exploit.

What can healthcare organizations do to reduce the data breach risk?

We intend to delve into cybersecurity issues within hospitals.

Furthermore, there will be an inclusive cybersecurity checklist. It can be beneficial for software development in any healthcare institution: clinics, hospitals, or nursing centers.

We aim to give an overview of the influence of cybersecurity on hospital practices and the potential consequences of neglecting healthcare cybersecurity.

Why a Healthcare Cybersecurity Audit is Essential

Effective cybersecurity in the health sector begins with recognizing the prevalent issue. Now 62% of clinics feel ill-equipped to address cyber threats. In the meantime, the average expense of a healthcare data breach has soared up to $6.5 million.

Statista examined cybersecurity incidents impacting US organizations in 2020. 57% of clinics were affected by phishing, 21% faced credential harvesting attacks, and 20% experienced ransomware.

A security risk assessment can spotlight weaknesses and identify potential future security concerns. An effective hospital cybersecurity checklist should begin with a thorough cybersecurity audit.

The main goal of this audit is to protect the data from potential electronic threats and ensure the security of electronic documentation and ePHI. It involves conducting a thorough vulnerability check and developing a plan to establish a strong data management system.

We highlight five key reasons for conducting a cybersecurity audit in your healthcare facility.

Find potential security gaps

Cybersecurity checklists for healthcare institutions consistently highlight one major point: awareness of your organization’s weaknesses in security.

Unfortunately, many clinics and hospitals overlook this issue, dedicating insufficient time to identify gaps. Yet, it’s important to implement a framework to pinpoint security issues. This can ensure patient data safety.

Establishing a breach response plan

In the quest to bolster hospital cybersecurity, many institutions adopt fresh security strategies. One of them is the development of contingency plans for data breaches. As such, in the case of an issue, the healthcare facility is prepared to mitigate risks and minimize damage.

Employee training and awareness

Introducing cyber security implementation services in hospitals also necessitates extra staff training. Everyone within your organization should understand the potential repercussions of data breaches. Formulating a set of stringent rules and regulations about software use is advisable. Assigning roles with different levels of information access to staff members could also be beneficial.

Insider threats also pose a significant challenge. Employees, contractors, and other insiders within healthcare organizations can unintentionally or intentionally compromise security through human error, negligence, or even malicious intent. Mitigating these insider risks is crucial for maintaining robust cybersecurity.

Preventing cyberattacks

If your organization is under constant attack, you need to find solutions immediately. But even if you were able to avoid such situations, preventative measures should be implemented right away. Keep your software updated and ensure robust endpoint protection.

Minimizing risks associated with third-party devices

Many institutions often use third-party devices. Even so, it’s crucial to ensure these devices are secure, which can help protect your portals and networks.

Hospital Cybersecurity Guidelines

Creating a hospital cybersecurity protocol necessitates proficiency in both healthcare and cybersecurity sectors. A staggering 66% of healthcare organizations acknowledge difficulties in recruiting such professionals.

If you have a similar case, our healthcare cybersecurity guide can assist you in navigating the initial stages of your journey.

Embrace Cloud Storage for the protection of the data

With cloud services, think about incorporating cloud visibility and control tools to supervise cloud usage. Recent studies indicate this can minimize security issues by up to 30%.

Obtain compliance certifications

Internal assessments may not suffice for the successful operation of your healthcare institution. In many instances, additional third-party audits are required. Thus you need to get all essential certifications: HIPAA, FISMA, GDPR, and PCI DSS.

Monitor all potential threat vectors

Presently, the threat landscape has expanded substantially. Whether it’s IoT, BYOD, big data, or any mobile device, you need to ensure all potential threat vectors are adequately safeguarded.

Implement a security breach detection protocol

According to an IBM report, the average duration to contain a breach in 2021 was 80 days. If you are oblivious to your cybersecurity weaknesses, you are in a danger zone. Hence, it is vital to often monitor the status of potential data breaches.

Ensure Firewall usage

Every organization should recognize that cybersecurity begins with a firewall. It is a primary line of defense against cyber attacks. The firewall operates by thwarting the attack. It provides you with an opportunity to prepare for it, particularly if you have a breach response plan.

Regularly back up your data

Disasters are unpredictable. Even the most robust cybersecurity measures cannot completely prevent them. However, you can mitigate the damage. By maintaining regular backups of all data, you can ensure that system downtime won’t hamper your staff’s operations.

Restrict system access

It is crucial to limit access to various system directories. Assign roles to your staff to ensure appropriate access levels. Seek a vendor who can assist with this task, as many providers offer extensive services enabling role-based access limitations.

Secure your WiFi

Cybersecurity protocols in healthcare unequivocally state that a network should be designated for personal usage and a secure network for professional purposes. The more devices that can connect to your network, the more vulnerable it becomes.

Stay up-to-date with system updates

Consistently updating all systems and software is vital to maintaining their security. Each update automatically fixes some security issues and identifies vulnerabilities. Thereby it enhances your systems’ protection.

Create individual accounts for all staff members

We have already highlighted the need for role-based access, but it’s worth stressing the importance of individual accounts for each employee. Consolidating multiple employees under a single account puts your hospital at risk.

This 10-step hospital cybersecurity guide explains critical factors affecting your organization’s security. Healthcare organizations must understand and address the unique challenges they face in cybersecurity. This includes safeguarding patient information and mitigating the risks of cyber threats. By taking proactive measures, they can create secure and resilient environment for healthcare.

Top 5 Hospital Cybersecurity Strategies

Best security practices for hospitals encapsulate the basic cybersecurity principles. They apply to all organizations employing electronic records. Here are the five best ways to enhance a hospital’s security.

Compliance with HIPAA rules is a must

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act governs the operations of all healthcare organizations, both offline and online. Currently, any healthcare-related product must be developed in compliance with HIPAA rules. Meeting these requirements while ensuring effective cybersecurity measures can be a daunting task. Otherwise, it cannot operate legally.

Always have a data recovery security plan

Safeguarding information and having a backup for emergencies is an important part of the healthcare cybersecurity protocol. However, a recovery plan must follow certain guidelines. It is crucial to separate the backed-up data and disconnect it from the production system.

Regulate the information shared with your staff

According to Forbes, insiders initiated 58% of all data breaches. Hence, it is a must to control the information shared within your organization. You can start by managing and segregating domain names, files, and folder attributes. The same applies to cryptographic attributes, physical or IP addresses, and digital signatures.

Encrypt your data

One of the practices adopted by healthcare is data encryption. Whenever it is transferred to or from your organization, it must be encrypted so that only the intended recipient is able to access it. At present, data encryption is a critical issue for the entire healthcare industry.

Regular risk assessments are vital

A single risk assessment won’t suffice in creating a secure data environment. Hence, you should conduct them on a regular basis, especially if you don’t have an IT specialist managing security issues. Limited resources and expertise can be challenging for healthcare organizations, particularly smaller ones. It may be difficult for them to implement and maintain strong cybersecurity measures. It often requires dedicated resources and specialized expertise in this area.

Enhancing Healthcare Cybersecurity: Why You Should Hire a Tech Firm

The realm of healthcare cybersecurity demands rigorous attention. Many organizations are regularly confronted with numerous challenges. The very examples are service attacks, spear phishing, malware, ransomware, and spyware. Thankfully, you don’t have to wrestle with these issues alone.

“I firmly believe that cybersecurity is the backbone of digital healthcare. We are committed to ensuring the safety of patient data while optimizing the efficiency of healthcare operations. At Softermii, we understand the multifaceted challenges faced by healthcare providers. We navigate the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats with innovation, rigorous security standards, and a relentless dedication to safeguarding our clients’ trust.” – Slava Vaniukov, CEO of Softermii. 

Ensuring data security is important when developing software and apps for clinics and hospitals. Recognizing the possible harm caused by data breaches, we take proactive measures to prevent failures and make significant investments in safeguarding your data. Utilizing a cross-dependent modular approach, we streamline the handling of potential breaches.

Organizations should focus on security right from the beginning when obtaining healthcare management systems or any applications for hospitals or clinics. Thus, every client maintains full control over security aspects during the development process.

All requisite systems and certificates are integrated seamlessly, which facilitates the safe operation of software or apps. Moreover, it’s important to provide maintenance services to our clients. These include data backup, regular software updates, and data breach detection.

Assert Cybersecurity Control

Cybersecurity in hospitals continues to be a pressing issue in the industry. Clinics, hospitals, and nursing centers are committed to investing in the development of secure, robust systems to avert any data breach or attack.

Thankfully, development companies are actively addressing this concern. They craft effective systems to mitigate risks and bolster the organization’s security. They are also introducing innovative solutions such as virtual nurse apps.

We firmly believe the healthcare industry necessitates a detail-oriented, professional approach. It’s important to ensure that all the latest trends in medical software development are incorporated without compromising security.

The post The Cyber Pulse: A Checklist for Strengthening Cybersecurity in Healthcare appeared first on Pol&Des.

Managing all aspects of your business yourself is convenient, but not easy. You’re your own marketer, sales rep, relationship manager and IT support all in one. This is especially important when problems start to arise.

Why cybersecurity is important for small businesses

Earning customer loyalty and trust is an important factor in growing your business. As a sole proprietor, you are responsible for keeping all of the files, materials and contracts that come into your possession while you work. In addition, your work documents are probably almost entirely online and on computer.

What happens if someone unauthorized accesses it or you are subjected to a cyberattack?

There are many cybersecurity threats that can ruin your life: viruses, malware, blackmail software attacks, phishing attacks.
“It will never happen to us, we’re too small a company!”

The conventional wisdom is that only large companies are of interest to hackers, but small businesses are targeted more often than you think. According to Verizon’s 2021 Data Breach Report, 56% of cyberattacks target small business organizations.

When you think about it, that’s not surprising. Large businesses tend to have the resources and means to invest in high-quality cybersecurity solutions and strategies. They likely have employees dedicated to detecting DDOS attacks, malware, phishing attacks and the like. But if you have a small company, there is usually only one person responsible for all that. But if you are a self-employed person, you have to deal with these things. That’s why you need to implement cybersecurity strategies to protect your business and customer data.

What is a cybersecurity strategy?

Cybersecurity strategies are steps you can take to protect your business assets and minimize cyber risks. They can range from simple actions, such as periodic password changes, to regular backups of work materials.

In fact, one does not preclude the other, as every small business needs a different approach to cyber strategy. Nevertheless, sole proprietors should pay attention to the following cybersecurity strategies.

Install regular updates

Simple but effective. It’s easy to overlook this aspect when developing cybersecurity strategies, but it’s more important than most people think.

Most hackers and cybercriminals take advantage of this opportunity. They exploit web vulnerabilities, of which there are many. To combat this, install only reliable software with strong security features. Your software provider should release regular updates to protect their customers from cyberattacks. All you have to do is install these updates.

Don’t put off installing software and hardware updates because you don’t want to reboot your computer. Instead, make checking for them part of your workflow. Start with a weekly reminder to do this. If you have employees, institute rules for installing updates. When everyone complies with cybersecurity measures, the likelihood of breaches is greatly reduced.

Check your Wi-Fi settings

No matter how robust the software is installed on your computer, if you use the Internet for work, you need to take care of network security.

First of all, change your default router name to avoid attracting the attention of potential hackers. A wireless network identifier (SSID) such as “Axz3de” may seem difficult to recognize, but all routers from the same manufacturer use the same identifier by default. This means that if attackers were able to access one of them, they can access all the others as well.

Then set a unique, strong password. The password should be changed every 3 months, so if it’s fall and you haven’t changed it since summer, it’s probably time to change it.

Turn on network encryption, such as WPA2. This feature is usually disabled by default, but you can enable it in your router’s security settings.

Prevent your network name from being displayed to outsiders. This can also be done in your router’s wireless network settings.

Install firmware updates regularly to keep your router software up to date.

We recommend using two-factor authentication (2FA) to verify users when they enter your network.

In addition to those listed above, there are other ways to further protect your network.

Use VPNs and firewalls if necessary

Firewalls have been around since the advent of the Internet, and for good reason: they’re effective. Installing a firewall to control network traffic helps protect your computer and prevent data leaks. Unwanted incoming network traffic and malware are blocked automatically, and most of the time you won’t even know the firewall is doing its job.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a new tool in the small business arsenal. A VPN is used to create a secure, encrypted connection to the Internet. This is very useful if you work remotely, as it provides secure communication between team members. However, not every small business needs a VPN. If you work remotely but share files that aren’t private, you probably don’t need this technology.

Secure your cloud data

There are a variety of different types of cloud services:

• Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), such as Amazon Web Services (AWS);
• Platform as a Service (PaaS), such as Microsoft Azure;
• Software as a Service (SaaS), e.g., Dropbox.

Using cloud services of any type helps make workflows more flexible and adaptive. However, you need to make sure that all necessary measures are in place to protect your data.

For example, hackers hacked into an important customer’s email. In that case, they could have accessed all of the files and folders you worked on together, including personal client data.

Fortunately, you’ve set up password protection for all files and folders shared. By changing passwords quickly, you will prevent the hacker from continuing the attack.
Set permissions for shared documents

Secure cloud storage is the perfect way to keep your materials safe and easily accessible. The best platforms also have built-in tools to share files and folders securely. This means that when you send a new set of promotional materials to a happy client, you don’t have to worry about the files getting into the wrong hands.

In Dropbox, you can set file permissions to restrict or control access to any files, folders, and content. This means that you can share files with anyone and set access for them to edit or view only. You can track file access and changes in real time, allowing you to more effectively control the content delivery process.

The user submits a file with “view only” permission, which requires a password to access.

As an added layer of security, Dropbox can also password protect any files or folders that are accessed. So even if an attacker gets hold of a link to the content you’ve shared, they won’t be able to view it.

Check password security

Checking password security is one of the most important cybersecurity strategies.

Frequently used passwords like “Password123” or “123456789” pose a huge risk to your business. If you are self-employed, you have no one to ask for a quick password change if a hacker breaks into your account.

Even if you’ve taken care to make sure your login information is secure, there’s still the possibility that your password could be compromised. According to a 2019 Ponemon Institutute study, 47% of SMBs were attacked with hacked employee passwords.

You can purchase a password manager to protect your credentials. Dropbox Passwords allows you to create and store passwords in the cloud. They can be accessed directly from a browser if needed. The Dropbox Passwords feature also includes a built-in tool to track password leaks. If your data is at risk, we’ll notify you immediately to give you time to reset your passwords.

Set up backups and backup backups

Keeping your business growing and running smoothly will always be your top priority. However, the day-to-day hustle and bustle can cause some worries to fall by the wayside.

Administrative tasks such as backing up files and folders play an important role in the cybersecurity of your business. As a sole proprietor, you are personally responsible for keeping your work files and assets safe.

You can manually copy files to an external hard drive, but there is always the possibility that they will be corrupted. Besides, you hardly want to carry around some device “just in case”. Backing up your files with Dropbox Backup is much more reliable. This way you can back up and restore files from any device at any time.
The user selects a file in Dropbox to restore.

But what if something happens to the work computer on which your entire business rests? What if it gets stolen or you spill coffee on it? Such a turn of events is the worst nightmare for any entrepreneur.

With Dropbox Backup, you will never have to worry about that again. With the ability to restore all of your computer’s data, you can pick up where you left off.
No need to go it alone when it comes to cybersecurity

Cyberattacks happen, and self-employed businesses have to deal with them. These situations are frustrating, but thoughtful cybersecurity strategies can help protect your business. Fortunately, implementing them is easier than it looks.

For starters, we recommend choosing a reliable cloud storage service and setting up regular backups to keep your work documents and business safe with Dropbox. Security is at the core of our vision. Your business deserves that level of security, too.

The post Cyber Security Strategies for Individual Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners appeared first on Pol&Des.

Cybersecurity compliance includes the following:

• Conducting a risk assessment for your business, including risks associated with external threats, such as viruses and malware, and internal threats, such as the misuse of confidential information by insiders.
• Establishing an incident response team that can respond quickly to any incident. They should also be trained on how to respond to cyberattacks.
• Implement an intrusion detection system that monitors the network and email traffic for unauthorized activity, such as a DMARC analyzer. DMARC Analyzer.
• Developing a strong cybersecurity strategy that includes best practices for developing security controls and training employees on how to use them properly and how to prevent online fraud.

What is cybersecurity compliance?

Cybersecurity compliance is a set of standards that companies and organizations must follow in order to be considered “compliant.” These standards can vary depending on the type of business or organization, but they typically include policies, procedures, and controls that ensure a company is protected from cyberattacks.

For example, if your organization uses email as a method of communication, you need to implement email security and authentication protocols, such as DMARC, to protect email transactions and verify sending sources. The lack of such protocols can make your domain vulnerable to domain spoofing, phishing attacks, and ransomware.

One of the most important things you can do to protect your company is to make sure your cybersecurity practices are up to par. You can’t afford to ignore cybersecurity breaches – it’s the easiest way for hackers to infiltrate your network and do serious damage to you.

But what is cybersecurity compliance?

Cybersecurity compliance is a set of best practices that companies use in their day-to-day operations to provide protection against cyberattacks. These best practices include:

• Maintaining a secure network
• Maintaining systems and updating security patches
• Protecting customer information and data
• Protecting your own data and email communications

Where do I start with cybersecurity compliance?

The first step in achieving cybersecurity compliance is understanding what you are trying to accomplish.

What are your goals? What are the specific expectations of the organization or person managing cybersecurity compliance? Is this about the enterprise itself or a third-party organization, which could be a government agency, an organization like the NSA, or even a third-party vendor?

If it’s about the enterprise itself, you’ll need to understand how your organization works and how it interacts with other organizations. You also need to know what data they collect and where they store it. And if they’re using cloud services like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Microsoft Azure, or Oracle Cloud Platform (OCP), you need to find out if there are any security controls in those services.

If you’re working with a third-party organization, such as a government agency or a third-party vendor, you want to make sure that they have a good understanding of both your organization and its needs, as well as their own process for monitoring and responding to threats. You also want them to be familiar with the types of attacks that can happen to your company’s systems and how.
A cybersecurity compliance strategy: A plan in action

Email Security

Let’s start with the basics: You need to secure your email system. This means protecting your emails with a password, even if it’s just a single password for the entire system. You also need to make sure that any external services that send or receive email from your organization are also secure and have the same password requirements as your internal systems.

Your company’s email system is a critical part of your business. You use it to communicate with potential clients, customers and employees, and to send out important updates and announcements.

But it’s also one of the most vulnerable parts of your company.

So if you want to make sure your emails remain private and protected from hackers, cybersecurity compliance is essential. Here are some tips for ensuring your email is cybersecurity compliant:

Make sure you use encryption(SSL) when sending sensitive information via email. This will help ensure that no one can intercept or read what is sent between your computer and the recipient’s device.

Set a password policy so that all users have unique passwords that are changed regularly and never used in other services or applications on the same account or device as the email service provider (ESP).

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible so that only authorized people can access accounts with 2FA enabled – and even then only if they’ve already gained access from someone else with 2FA already enabled

Protect your email domain from spoofing, phishing, ransomware, etc. by implementing email authentication protocols like DMARC, SPF and DKIM

Protect your emails during transmission from the prying eyes of intruders by enforcing TLS encryption of emails with MTA-STS

The importance of cybersecurity compliance

There are many ways in which a company can become non-compliant with cybersecurity requirements. For example, if your company has an outdated firewall, hackers can use your system as a launching point for malware attacks. Or if your network isn’t protected by two-factor authentication, you could be at risk of having your website compromised. Or if your email isn’t authenticated, it could open the door to spoofing and phishing attacks.

It’s important to note that compliance doesn’t protect against all types of threat vectors. Cybersecurity solutions can help organizations prevent hackers from accessing their networks, prevent intellectual property theft, protect physical assets such as computers and servers, prevent malware infections that can limit access to critical systems or information, detect online payment transaction fraud and stop other cyberattacks before they occur.

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Understand what IoT security is significant in your industry and business model

All industries require some minimum level of IoT security as part of “hygiene.” The recent WannaCry attack greatly exposed organizations with outdated operating systems that were not patched appropriately. Simple patch management is a matter of adequate IT management, which should be routine, but it is the added cost that customers must pay for sophisticated cyber security.

However, we believe there is an opportunity to view security as more than just “hygiene.” Over the past decade, many companies have seen IT evolve from an MVH into a source of real differentiation, ensuring customer satisfaction and their willingness to pay. A similar change awaits IoT security in the future, but in certain industries we are already seeing it today. One example is the physical security industry. Door lock companies can already put added value on products with particularly strong cybersecurity features because cybersecurity can make or break a product’s core function.

Executives need to understand the role and relevance of IoT security in their industries and how to monetize solutions to fit their business model. However, a thorough understanding of what IoT security means for a company cannot end at the strategic level. Executives need to know the basics of vulnerability. Typically, reviewing the best attack scenarios for a particular company and understanding the attackers and their motivations will be a good basis for further strategy and budget allocations. Security investments should focus on the risk most likely to occur for a particular business or industry.

Set up clear roles and responsibilities for IoT security along your supply chain

IoT requires a holistic cybersecurity framework that extends across the entire IoT stack – all levels of application, communication and sensors. Of course, every layer needs to be protected, but companies also need to prepare for cross-layer threats.

This will require a strategic dialogue with upstream and downstream business partners, whether suppliers or customers, to determine security responsibilities throughout the supply chain. The starting point for this discussion should be to identify the weak links in the holistic model; from an attacker’s perspective, they will be targeted to harm the entire chain. Everyone then assumes a role, which should depend on who has the competence and incentives to include monetization. The industry players operating in each part of the IoT stack bring certain advantages that they can use to provide an integrated solution:

• Device and semiconductor manufacturers operating at a lower level of the stack can use their low-level (hardware) security design capabilities as an advantage to develop higher-level (software) security.
• Network equipment manufacturers benefit from the fact that many of the key competencies in transport layer security are applicable to the application layer. In addition, they can use their hardware development capabilities to offer an integrated solution.
• Application developers can use their control over application interfaces or client access as an advantage in defining low-level architectures.

Engage in strategic conversations with your regulator and collaborate with other industry players

A company’s cybersecurity creates externalities that go far beyond the impact of the company’s own operations and therefore must be addressed within the classic government-business divide. Most current cybersecurity standards are weakening because they are neither industry-specific nor detailed enough, and they neglect most layers of the IoT stack, including manufacturing and product development. Regulators will eventually begin to address this gap, and companies need to get involved in the discussion or set the tone.

Industry leaders can form these structures by bringing together key players to create IoT security standards for their industry. Partnerships with other players, including competitors, can also result in mutually beneficial pooling of resources that exceed official industry standards. For example, in the banking sector, one company brought together several competitors to create “common assessments” to evaluate security technology vendors, resulting in huge efficiency gains for both banks and their vendors. Another example of this sector is FS-ISAC, an information community through which competing banks share information about security weaknesses, attacks, and successful countermeasures.

Capturing cybersecurity as a priority for the entire product lifecycle and developing the appropriate skills to achieve it

Security should be part of the entire product lifecycle, from product development through the development process and continuous use of the product every day. The foundation of product safety in the field is “safety by design” during the product development phase. It is also important to ensure security during the manufacturing process, given Industry 4.0’s role in driving IoT proliferation on retail sites and in other manufacturing environments. Finally, a vision is needed to protect products after they are sold. To that end, companies need to develop a strategy to provide security patches for products in this area, for example, through automatic update capabilities.

Ensuring cybersecurity throughout the product lifecycle requires organizational and technological change. The organizational component involves clear responsibility for cybersecurity in the product and manufacturing environment. Several companies have acted by giving the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO- Chief Information Security Officer) responsibility for cybersecurity in both information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT). Regardless of the structural setup, alignment of goals is critical because there must be strong collaboration between the CISO’s work and other departments, whether in product development, production, or even customer service. In addition, new roles must be created that systematically integrate security into all relevant products and processes. For example, a European telecommunications company and a media company use large-scale training programs to create a community of “security advocates” throughout the organization. These security advocates gain additional decision-making power within their teams as a result of achieving “cybersecurity” status. CISOs have used these trainings to quadruple their share.

Be rigorous in transforming mindsets and skills

Executives around the world are increasingly adopting a business model where security is constantly evolving and where people are rewarded, not punished, for identifying weaknesses.

In addition, managers must see to it that security-related knowledge and skills become a standard requirement for employees in information technology, product development and manufacturing. On the one hand, additional training programs for current employees can help; on the other hand, a specific IoT security standard must be developed. To develop these crossover skills at scale, companies should consider working with other players in the industry, for example, to create university programs and professional learning curricula.

Create a contact system for external security researchers and develop a response plan after completion

Companies should implement a single visible contact for notifications or complaints related to IT security. Over the past two years, and especially in the IoT context, there have been numerous examples of security researchers attempting to notify the company multiple times after a breach was discovered, and the company either didn’t follow up at all, or the researcher was passed from one department to the next without taking responsibility.

In addition, companies need a response plan for different attack scenarios. The consequences of an unprofessional response to an incident are often more devastating than the incident itself. In the IoT world, incidents can impact company operations, so cybersecurity must be part of business continuity management and disaster recovery planning. Perhaps most importantly, organizations must develop a strong communications strategy specific to certain scenarios and provide ongoing, transparent and relevant messages to users, regulators, investors and perhaps the general public.

Cybersecurity is still much talked about, but it is not yet being used as a differentiating factor on the business side. With the advent of the Internet of Things, there is an opportunity to move forward and designate the security of products, manufacturing processes and platforms as a strategic priority. The breadth of this challenge spans the entire supply chain and product lifecycle and includes both regulatory and communication strategies. For IT leaders, we believe cybersecurity should be on the agenda until rigorous processes are in place, resiliency is established, and priorities are transformed.

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The study was conducted from September to November 2020. Security professionals, as well as IT engineers and business executives from various industries participated. Companies answered questions about 2020 events and plans for the next two years.

The year of the pandemic highlighted the many challenges that exist in cybersecurity, as companies were forced to adapt urgently to the new remote and hybrid work environment. This led to an increase in vulnerabilities and the formation of new risks.

79% of respondents cited secure remote access to corporate networks as a key need that needs more attention. It is worth noting that previously the first place and priority for companies was endpoint protection (69%).

The survey found that cybersecurity has grown in importance, with 9 out of 10 companies planning to maintain or increase their security budget over the next two years.

Only 42% of companies in Central and Eastern Europe have developed a comprehensive security strategy, with the majority of respondents (86%) stating that they are satisfied with their organization’s level of cyber security. This may indicate that some companies have a misleading sense of security. It is imperative that the approach to cybersecurity is dynamic and provides protection against attacks that are becoming more sophisticated by the day.

Leading the ranking in terms of developing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy was Greece, where 63% of companies have already developed a strategy and 66% intend to increase their cybersecurity budget.

One of the factors affecting the level of IS is cloud solutions: 54% of respondents said they plan to move to the cloud within two years. This is a positive trend for companies seeking to preserve the flexibility of their approach, because cloud services tend to be more secure and allow for faster updates of IS systems.

The survey also identified the main directions of companies’ development in the field of IS for the next two years. It is worth noting the growing importance of continuous training, both for employees and IT specialists in the field of IS. In 2020, most organizations (54%) conducted IS training only on an ad hoc basis. This seems likely to change, as companies view professional development as a key driver of cybersecurity improvement.

At the same time, 68% of companies in CEE plan to provide cyber hygiene training within two years, with 56% focusing on improving the knowledge of technicians.

The past 12 months have brought unprecedented change to all areas of work life and prompted many organizations to accelerate their digital transformation. The survey results underscore the need for a proactive approach to cybersecurity to keep up with this rapid evolution.

European executives expect only 5% of employees to return to the office on a full-time basis. To mitigate the risks associated with securing remote workers, CEOs must support their employees: both by improving cyber hygiene and by providing tools that mitigate risks while allowing them to remain productive.

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• Designing the system with security recommendations in mind.
• Ensuring critical data is protected.
• Educating staff and the general public.
• Preparedness for possible incidents.

Clearly, there is no fully secure system in cyberspace. However, the probability of a cyber attack is much higher than a physical attack, and their level will only increase over time. That said, human error and insider threats remain the most frequent causes of successful cyberattacks. Personnel with access to important information use social networks, cloud technologies and portable storage devices (USB cards, external storage devices). Therefore, the main challenge is to increase cyber hygiene awareness of these personnel.

Thus, one of the most important factors determining the success of a national strategy is how much of a place the public will have in these issues. As mentioned above, cybersecurity issues should be of interest not only to government and business, but also to society as a whole. Therefore, it is necessary to understand that educational programs conducted for this purpose should not be aimed only at information security specialists, but should cover the broadest strata of the population. After all, many employees who have access to confidential information use personal computers and information storage devices. These same computers may also be used by other members of their families. So it is not difficult to imagine the risks that can be faced in the absence of basic knowledge of information security. As an example, the practice used in the U.S. to raise awareness among citizens can be cited:

National Cybersecurity Month (NCSAM). Since 2001, October has been National Cybersecurity Month in the United States. The Cybersecurity Month initiative is supported by the Department of Homeland Security (NSF). The month includes a series of events across the country to encourage vigilant use of cyberspace under the slogan “Our Shared Responsibility.

Data Privacy Day. On January 28 every year, Data Privacy Day is held with top government officials. The campaign includes a number of events and training sessions throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe and several other countries to draw attention to the importance of protecting personal information.

In conclusion, we would like to provide a list of strategic priorities that should be reflected in a national cyber security strategy:

Threat Awareness: Enhancing detection, analysis, mitigation and response to complex threats against the state, critical infrastructures and other vital systems.

Cyber Hygiene: Educational programs for the general citizenry that provide the necessary information resources and tools for personal online protection.

Government-business partnerships: working with business to advocate for secure and resilient infrastructure, networks, products and services.

Government Infrastructure: Modeling best practices for securing government systems, including systems that support on-line transactions of government services for citizens.

International Engagement: Promoting a secure, resilient and trusted global electronic environment that supports national interests. Law and Regulations: supporting an effective legislative framework and law enforcement system to prosecute cybercriminals.

Knowledge, expertise and innovation: Support the development of a workforce deeply specialized in cybersecurity, with access to cutting-edge research and development in the field to support in-house development and innovation.

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Confidentiality. Measures to protect sensitive information resources from unauthorized access in accordance with a security policy.

Accessibility. Provision of unhindered confidential access to the information system and information on an ongoing basis.

Integrity. Ensuring protection of information resources from unauthorized modification and proper functioning of the information system.

Next we will classify the goals of cyberattacks:

Sabotage. A cyberattack, which is aimed at disrupting the normal operation of information and communication systems (Denial Of Service Attack).

Espionage. A cyber attack that aims to allow an unauthorized third party to enter a system to read, change and delete information. This type of attack can also be used to use the victim system to attack other systems.

According to international practice, cyber security is based on three main components: cyber defense, cyber intelligence and cyber counterattack.

Cybersecurity includes the application of special protective measures necessary to guarantee the operation and functionality of systems. And these measures must reduce possible risks to an acceptable level. Cyber defense in turn includes the following steps: shielding, detection, response, and recovery.

Cyber reconnaissance is a combination of processes of collection, processing, production and distribution of information in cyberspace in order to detect and prevent possible cyber attacks and cyber crimes. At the same time, it is very important to include experts in big data analysis in the process in order to increase the effectiveness of this task.

A cyber counterattack consists of neutralizing an active attack, identifying the perpetrators, and executing, if possible, a retaliatory cyberattack to damage the perpetrator’s infrastructure.

Challenges to the application of the inevitability of punishment principle:

Attempts are being made internationally today to recognize cyber attacks as armed attacks. But it is still not clear that this will be a solution to the problem, and that such recognition and subsequent developments will not lead to more problems. By the way, according to NATO’s strategic concept, a cyber attack can be qualified as a military attack on a member of the Alliance, and after the appropriate decision, actions can be taken under Article 5 of the Alliance, which states that an attack on one NATO member will be considered an attack on the entire alliance.

The role of international organizations in addressing cybersecurity issues remains very limited, and many states (mostly developed ones) are not prepared to cooperate more closely and in a meaningful way on this topic.

The perpetrators of cyber attacks can easily dismiss charges because it is virtually impossible to prove the direct involvement of individuals, groups or organizations in a cyber attack.

Due to the difficulty of detecting an attack at the time of its commission, it becomes difficult or impossible to implement countermeasures and use international law.

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