The connectivity that the internet affords is truly remarkable. It can bring together businesses, customers, and clients from all corners of the globe in the blink of an eye or even faster. Unfortunately, it has also revolutionized the way unethical people commit unethical acts.

If they succeed, Cybercriminals can siphon vast amounts of money, steal sensitive information, and disrupt business operations in an instant.
Although online security is by no means guaranteed, there are steps that companies can take to protect themselves from Cyberattack. Beefing up Cyber Security, from installing firewalls to conducting penetration testing, is your best chance in thwarting hackers or minimizing the damage that they can do.

What is Cyber Security?

A good Cyber Security system has people, technology, and processes working together seamlessly to create a holistic approach in managing online threats. It has three levels of protection distributed across computers, networks, data, and other work processes of value that need to be protected. It includes your antivirus software and firewalls, data encryption and backup systems, and security for other endpoint devices such as smartphones and laptops.

Why is Cyber Security important to a company?

Most companies have become dependent on the internet in conducting business, from digital marketing, online banking, to innovating business plans. Testing and survey can be done online, and the data can be used to come up with a better product or service. Transactions and financial accounts can be stored online. The internet has become an essential tool in the success of most companies, and even a requirement for their survival.

How can you beef up Cyber Security?

Among your company’s first line of defense against Cyberattack is your people. Users must be aware of and follow basic data security guidelines such as setting up a strong password, recognizing and dealing with phishing emails, proper handling of restricted information, and not leaving unlocked devices unattended. Even indiscriminate browsing using company networks or sharing of seemingly harmless information over social media could compromise your security.

Penetration testing is another essential activity in the first line of defense in Cyber Security. It is, basically, hiring an IT expert to think like a Cybercriminal and find the weaknesses in your security system. This will help you find out where you are most vulnerable so you can strengthen it and discourage potential attackers. Along with maintaining up-to-date security software, protecting the flow of network traffic, data encryption, and other similar activities, these make up your first line of defense against Cyberattack.

The second line of defense makes sure that the first line is operational and effective. It involves monitoring threats of Cyberattack, assessing the vulnerability of your Cyber Security to exposure, keeping the company updated with any changes to relevant laws and regulations, and assessing interactions with any external partners such as suppliers and service providers.

The third and last line of defense is an internal audit activity that aims to provide management with ongoing evaluation of your cybersecurity’s ability to detect and prevent risks.

It also overlaps with the second line of defense in conducting risk assessments of external partners like contractors or service providers. During an internal audit, you would be able to assess if your remediation activities, such as penetration testing, and response times, are sufficient to protect your company.

Protect your business

The skill level needed to be able to carry out a cyberattack is continuously decreasing, and with it, the need to beef up cybersecurity. Defending against Cyberattack does not end with having the latest software or the best IT expert, but is a continuous process of improvement by constantly assessing and preventing threats.

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