Cyber security is increasingly a part of life in the business world. Ransomware attacks and other threats are growing by the day and companies are facing increasingly complex challenges. We take you into this world and help you understand how you can better defend yourself as a company against online attacks.
Cyber security is a common term, but what does it mean exactly? In a nutshell, the word ‘cyber’ stands for anything to do with technology. This includes, but is not limited to, computers, the Internet, software, networks, and technology-related hardware. In practice, cybersecurity, or cyber security, is about protecting systems, networks, and programmes against attacks. These are usually digital attacks, but can also be attacks with a physical origin. For example, the unlawful entry of a server room and the modification of servers.
The most common targets of digital, or cyber, attacks are gaining unauthorised access, altering or deleting private data, paying out money to victims, or otherwise disrupting routine business operations. As there are more gadgets than people, implementing adequate cyber security measures is more complex than ever.
A good cyber security strategy consists of many levels of protection to safeguard computers, networks, programs, and data. To successfully combat cyber threats, an organisation’s people, policies, and technology must all work together.
1. Components of Cyber Security
In any Cyber security programme or awareness, there are standard components that are included.
1.1 People
Users and employees must follow basic data security rules, such as setting strong passwords, being careful about opening email attachments, and making backups. People who use the Internet should really understand the basics of cyber security.
1.2 Security plan
Companies need to have a plan to deal with both failed and successful cyber-attacks. A known framework can be used as a starting point. Using a plan, attacks can be identified more quickly, threats can be mitigated, and daily operations can be restored quickly with a good recovery plan.
1.3 Technology
Technology is a crucial part of protecting organisations and individuals from cyber attacks. Endpoint devices (computers, smartphones and routers) and networks need to be secured. Next-gen firewalls, DNS filtering, malware protection, antivirus software, and email security solutions are standard technologies used to protect these organisations.
2. Why Cyber Security Matters
Antivirus and firewall software are no longer effective methods of protecting computers from hackers. Therefore, it is crucial that companies and organisations stop thinking that they cannot become victims. They have to assume that they will be a target of an attack in the foreseeable future. As a result, the importance of cyber security cannot be overstated. Cyber security is crucial because it is about protecting our personal information from those who would use it to harm us.
3. Role of cyber security in businesses, organisations and governments
Every day we all rely on our personal information and data security. For example, we are logging into an app or entering sensitive information into digital health care systems. If these systems, networks, and infrastructures are not adequately protected, our data can be hacked and put at risk. In this context, we discuss technology and regulation as forms of protection.
This affects companies, governments, the military, and other socially important organisations. Data warehouses, computers, and other devices store huge amounts of data. If this information becomes public, public trust in political institutions, companies, individual reputations, and consumer confidence in brands may be jeopardised.
4. Awareness of cybersecurity
Cybersecurity awareness is the understanding of and action taken to protect a company’s information assets. Employees who are aware of the risks of cyber attacks and how to mitigate such threats are critical to ensuring the security of an organisation’s online environment.
The most effective way to protect your business from illegal hacking, ransomware outbreaks, and other threats is by making your employees aware of cyber security.
According to the Ponemon Institute’s Data Breach Report 2020, 95% of data breaches are caused by human error. Employee competency should be trained through frequent training sessions.
Cyber security training is the most effective method of teaching employees about the dangers to be avoided and the procedures to be followed. If this is not applied, there is a higher chance of reputational damage in the long run, when your organisation suffers an attack.