With four in ten businesses reporting a cyber attack in the last twelve months, and as businesses move toward a new era of hybrid operations post-pandemic, promoting good cybersecurity is more important now than ever.
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, celebrated every October to raise the importance of internet security and cybersecurity measures for businesses and consumers, is an excellent opportunity for everyone to reflect on their cybersecurity practices, and ensure theyre doing all that they can.
With that in mind, we spoke to ten cybersecurity experts, about the evolving threat landscape, and to learn their top tips for bolstering cybersecurity.
The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, and all organisations need to adapt to survive the pernicious threats they face.
Evolving your cybersecurity posture requires top-down engagement from the board, urges Michael Carr, Head of Strategic Development at Six Degrees. The simple fact of the matter is that cybersecurity is a core business issue that requires daily prioritisation to reduce the serious exposure your organisation faces financially and operationally, as well as long-term reputational consequences.
During this years Cybersecurity Awareness Month, I very much hope executive teams realise that employees should not be the only line of defence against cyber attacks, adds Danny Lopez, CEO at Glasswall Solutions. With the growing technological sophistication of data breaches and the sheer volume of threats today, any individual within a network can easily become a target. Unfortunately, most employees are unfamiliar with how to properly protect themselves.
The best option is to remove the threat entirely before the user needs to make a choice. Increasingly, traditional sandboxing and antivirus software arent enough. Implementing solution-based file protection software like Content Disarm and Reconstruction (CDR) can rebuild files to a higher security standard so users can benefit from safe, clean files and organisational leadership can have peace of mind.
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as a reminder for enterprises to make security a strategic imperative, reinforces Anurag Kahol, CTO at Bitglass. A vigilant security posture starts with implementing a unified cloud security platform, like secure access service edge (SASE) and security service edge (SSE), that replaces various disjointed point products and extends consistent security to all sanctioned cloud resources, while following a Zero Trust framework to prevent unauthorised network access.
Jakub Lewandowski, Global Data Governance Officer at Commvault, highlights that prevention is better than a cure. He urges, the best defence is to be proactive, rather than reactive. Dont wait until an attack has happened and the attacker is in your system before you attempt to remove them. Create a strong defence that prevents an attack from penetrating your system in the first place.
He adds, organisations should also always have the ability to recover their data should it be lost because of a ransomware attack backups should therefore be vital elements of any company strategy to prevent disruption, should an attack slip through the defences.
Backup and disaster recovery coupled with regularly audited security measures are the best form of defence, agrees Hugh Scantlebury, Founder and CEO of Aqilla, but adds that firms shouldnt assume that your cloud-based SaaS solutions automatically offer these services.
Aqillas software does. But if youre using cloud-based accounting and financial software indeed, any cloud-based solution wed recommend you check that your solution operates from a secure and well-managed data centre. Ask your provider if they store your data in accordance with the National CyberSecurity Centres 14 Cloud Security Principles.
Finally, check whether disaster recovery and automated backup are taking place (and with what frequency) within your SaaS environments.
Andy Fernandez, Senior Manager, Product Marketing at Zerto, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, reinforces the importance of restoring data as quickly as possible after an attack: Hackers are finding ways to prolong unplanned downtime and increase data loss, and getting operational as quickly as possible is key. Yet legacy data protection solutions arent focused on the speed of recoveryonly on recovering that data. Many organizations pay the ransom simply because of how long it would take their backup systems to restore encrypted data. From web experiences to employee tools, time is money and reducing unplanned downtime is key.
Last year, in the blink of an eye, organisations transitioned entire workforces and operations to an at-home, remote model almost overnight. Dottie Schindlinger, Executive Director at Diligent Institute, highlights: Suddenly collaboration tools and video conferencing were more vital than ever before, but in the haste to deploy them, their security became an afterthought.
As employees navigated their new working environments, a lack in consistently applied good cybersecurity practices was unsurprising but these mishaps, which are often unintentional, lead to bad outcomes. The resulting increase in incidents of ransomware and other malicious cyber attacks that occurred were spurred on by the use of unsecured collaboration tools systems that increased the risk of internal leaks in circumstances where access privileges and security protocols were not rigorously followed or enforced.
Within the working environment, employees sharing personal and private data internally and externally is a constant stress for security teams and IT operations, explains Phil Dunlop, General Manager, EMEA, Progress. The data security risks associated with social platforms like Slack, Teams and WhatsApp only add to the pressure. Whats needed are robust tools and technology to make collaboration as seamless as possible, internally and externally, without sidestepping data security. Without the proper precautions in place, an open, collaborative environment can also be an insecure one, especially where sensitive data is involved.
In todays digital age, companies must continuously train their employees and build a security-minded workforce thats aware of the multitude of threats they face. Indeed, with threats rising across expanding attack surfaces, having a good understanding of cybersecurity is no longer just a nice to have, Don Mowbray, EMEA Lead, Technology & Development at Skillsoft, points out.
New Skillsoft data shows that since 2019, weve observed a 53% increase in the total number of hours that corporate learners are dedicating to security training on an annual basis a positive step in the right direction. Having a creative approach to training can make a significant difference in both engaging employees and making them more proficient in identifying cyber threats. Leveraging blended learning mixes styles, tactics, and content delivery modalities that make for a robust, effective and tailored environment for all.
Terry Storrar, Managing Director UK at Leaseweb, echoes the importance of educating employees. This National Cybersecurity Awareness Month provides the perfect opportunity to remind ourselves and co-workers to do our part and #BeCyberSmart. The simplest way we can do this is by developing good daily routines that work to manage the most common cybersecurity risks facing our organisations. Examples of this include keeping software up to date, backing up data, and maintaining good password practices.
He concludes, At the end of the day, lack of education and human error are two of the largest contributors to data breaches. Businesses need to start implementing more safeguarding protocols and make cyber training not just accessible for all employees, but a basic part of onboarding.
Editor's Recommended Articles
Go here to read the rest:
Keep cyber secure this National Cybersecurity Awareness Month - Open Access Government
- Google researchers have cracked a key internet security tool - Recode [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2017]
- Letter: Internet security is in jeopardy - INFORUM [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2017]
- New internet security device launched to safeguard schools against child abuse - Phys.Org [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2017]
- Everything You Need to Know About Cloudbleed, the Latest Internet Security Disaster - Gizmodo [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2017]
- Data from internet-connected teddy bears held ransom, security expert says - Fox News [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Emsisoft Internet Security 2017.2.0.7219 - TechCentral.ie [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- What you need to know about 'Cloudbleed,' the latest internet security bug - Globalnews.ca [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Google cracks longtime pillar of internet security - MarketWatch [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- BullGuard | Internet Security and Antivirus protection ... [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2017]
- Internet Storm Center - SANS Internet Storm Center [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2017]
- Internet-connected 'smart' devices are dunces about security - ABC News [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- Derry internet security expert warns that advanced internet technology 'a risk to us all' - Derry Now [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- Firewall Test, Web Tools and Free Internet Security Audit ... [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- Internet security in the spotlight: How is the internet safer today than it was 20 years ago? - Mobile Business Insights (blog) [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- Jim Mullen: Unsocial internet security | Columnists | auburnpub.com - Auburn Citizen [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- Internet security company launches a perfume line to promote cybersecurity - Mashable [Last Updated On: March 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 12th, 2017]
- Internet security - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: March 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 12th, 2017]
- Are you undermining your web security by checking on it with the wrong tools? - The Register [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2017]
- Bruce Schneier on New Security Threats from the Internet of Things - Linux.com (blog) [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2017]
- Carpe Diem: home internet security - KFOX El Paso [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2017]
- Motivation Monday: home internet security - KFOX El Paso [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2017]
- Medical records of 26m patients at risk because of GP surgeries' failing internet security - The Sun [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2017]
- Free Internet Security | Why Comodo Internet Security Suite ... [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2017]
- Internet Security Software | Trend Micro USA [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2017]
- Fix crap Internet of Things security, booms Internet daddy Cerf - The Register [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2017]
- Internet of Things security: What happens when every device is smart and you don't even know it? - ZDNet [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2017]
- CUJO is cuter than Wall-E, and it's the only internet security device you'll ever need - Yahoo News [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2017]
- The Senate just voted to undo landmark rules covering your Internet privacy - Washington Post [Last Updated On: March 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 25th, 2017]
- What the Cloudbleed disaster says about the state of internet security - Information Age [Last Updated On: March 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 25th, 2017]
- Google Has Declared Symantec Harmful To Internet Security - UPROXX [Last Updated On: March 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 25th, 2017]
- Internet Security Analysts: North Korea Is Planning a Global Bank Heist - Breitbart News [Last Updated On: March 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 28th, 2017]
- Internet Security Firm Confirms WikiLeaks 'Vault 7' At Least 40 Cyberattacks Tied to the CIA - The Ring of Fire Network [Last Updated On: April 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 14th, 2017]
- Homeland Security warns of 'BrickerBot' malware that destroys unsecured internet-connected devices - ZDNet [Last Updated On: April 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 20th, 2017]
- A Global Industry First: Industrial Internet Consortium and Plattform Industrie 4.0 to Host Joint IIoT Security ... - Business Wire (press release) [Last Updated On: April 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 20th, 2017]
- Mucheru urges private sector to boost investment in internet security - The Standard (press release) [Last Updated On: April 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 25th, 2017]
- Cloudflare debuts a security solution for IoT - TechCrunch [Last Updated On: April 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 28th, 2017]
- Russian-controlled telecom hijacks financial services' Internet traffic - Ars Technica [Last Updated On: April 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 28th, 2017]
- Avira Internet Security Suite v15.0.26 - TechCentral.ie [Last Updated On: April 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 28th, 2017]
- NSA To Limit Some Collection Of Internet Communication - NPR [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2017]
- Report Indicates '10 Concerts' Facebook Trend Could Compromise Your Internet Security - Complex [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2017]
- "Improving the World" through Internet Security: Chatting with David Gorodyansky, CEO of AnchorFree - Huffington Post [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- Don't Fall For This Tech Support Scam Targeting PC Users - KTLA [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- Yikes! Antivirus Software Fails Basic Security Tests - Tom's Guide [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- Watch Hackers Sabotage an Industrial Robot Arm - WIRED [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- Decoding Internet Security: Spear phishing - Washington Post [Last Updated On: May 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 5th, 2017]
- From the Desk of Jay Fallis: To internet vote, or not to internet vote - BarrieToday [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2017]
- Crippling cyberattack continues to spread around the world - Los Angeles Times [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2017]
- Cyber Security Experts: Russia Disproportionately Targeted by Malware - Voice of America [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2017]
- The Latest: 29000 Chinese institutions hit by cyberattack - ABC News [Last Updated On: May 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 15th, 2017]
- Cyberattack Aftershock Feared as US Warns of Its Complexity - New York Times [Last Updated On: May 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 15th, 2017]
- This week's poll: Priorities for improving internet security - The Engineer [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2017]
- Akamai Releases First Quarter 2017 State of the Internet / Security Report - PR Newswire (press release) [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2017]
- Do Macs get viruses? - PC Advisor [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2017]
- Massive Ransomware Attack Underscores Threats To Internet Security - Benzinga [Last Updated On: May 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 19th, 2017]
- Security News This Week: Hoo-Boy, Mar-a-Lago's Internet Is Insecure - WIRED [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2017]
- Internet security firm calls for law to compel information sharing to ... - The Star, Kenya [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2017]
- Check It Out: No need to unplug after reading books on internet security - The Columbian [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2017]
- How to beat security threats to 'internet of things' - BBC News - BBC News [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2017]
- Best Mac antivirus 2017 - Macworld UK [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2017]
- Avira, Kaspersky Top Windows 10 Antivirus Tests - Tom's Guide [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2017]
- Paranoid about internet security? Here are the most secure OS options - The American Genius [Last Updated On: May 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 28th, 2017]
- Blockchain Offers Hope for the Broken Internet - Fortune [Last Updated On: May 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 28th, 2017]
- New uses for RFID and security for the internet of things - Phys.Org [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2017]
- Security Best Practices for the Internet of Things - Web Host Industry Review [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2017]
- Internet infrastructure security guidelines for Africa unveiled - Premium Times [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2017]
- In addressing internet security issues, make sure to provide solutions - Minneapolis Star Tribune [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2017]
- Whistic Partners with the Center for Internet Security to Extend the ... - PR Web (press release) [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- Internet Security Alliance: NIST framework metrics should focus on threats - Inside Cybersecurity (subscription) [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- China cyber-security law will keep citizens' data within the Great Firewall - The Register [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- Cyber security: Africa gets Internet security guidelines - TheNewsGuru [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- China to Implement Its First Law on Internet Security After Ransomware Attack - Sputnik International [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- Decoding Internet Security: Ransomware - Washington Post [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- Internet security upgrade on course - Business Daily (press release) (blog) [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- What's the Safest Laptop For Internet Security? - HuffPost [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2017]
- Every Day Is Internet Security Day - The Chief-Leader [Last Updated On: June 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 3rd, 2017]
- 5 Reasons why internet security is crucial in 2017 - Techworm [Last Updated On: June 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 3rd, 2017]
- Are Pop-Ups An Internet Security Threat? - Good Herald [Last Updated On: June 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 4th, 2017]
- 3 Ways Software Programs Can Help With Internet Security in 2017 - Geek Snack [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2017]
- Inside Social Security: Make every day your internet security day - Santa Ynez Valley News [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2017]
- SOCIAL SECURITY: Every day is internet security day - Palm Beach Post [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2017]