What is the Best Way to Begin Investing in Cybersecurity

It is the order of the day to hear about phishing, identity theft, and computer viruses. However, investing in cybersecurity is still a pending task in many companies despite being a priority. 

According to a study by Trend Micro security experts, more than 90% of IT and business decision-makers are highly concerned about ransomware attacks. This malicious program restricts access to parts or operating system files by infecting them and demands a ransom to remove this restriction. An even bigger cybersecurity problem in times of crisis.

How to start investing in cybersecurity in my company?

Therefore, companies must take measures to protect themselves against any cybercrime. To do this, different measures can be adopted that requires investing in cybersecurity:

Applying patches and security updates

Patches and security updates in operating systems and software allow vulnerabilities to be eliminated since the lack of updating implies more attack probabilities. It is convenient to consult the INCIBE page, the National Institute of Cybersecurity, daily. Because in addition, it offers personalized attention, whether minors, companies, or citizens.

Using strong passwords

Private network connections to the Internet and other associated networks expose their systems and technologies to potential attack. A common way is to get hold of usernames and passwords. Therefore, users should be encouraged not to use standard, easy-to-guess passwords and instead use a password manager. Any device on the network with default passwords must change the device on the network with default passwords.

Suppose users are given unnecessary system privileges or data access rights, and the risk of misuse or compromise increases. The granting of very high system privileges must be carefully controlled and managed. This principle is sometimes called ‘ least privilege. ‘

Use multi-factor authentication

Multi-factor authentication, or MFA, is a security technology that requires multiple authentication methods from independent categories of credentials to verify a user’s identity upon login or other transactions. It requires investing in cybersecurity, but the goal of MFA is to create a layered defense that makes it difficult for an unauthorized person to gain access to a target, such as a physical location, computing device, network, or database.

The three most common categories of this authentication are the knowledge factor, the possession factor, and the inherence factor. Can combine two or more factors these categories can combine two or more factors from these categories.

Make your employees aware of phishing

Through training from experts in the field, it is also good to make employees aware of investing in cybersecurity. And about new threats like phishing. Likewise, they must be taught to correctly use the technology in the workplace. In this sense, some rules to be followed by employees would be:

1. Delete all suspicious emails or emails from unknown accounts.

2. Be careful with the impersonation of logos and images of signatures.

3. Do not simply insert a USB into the computer. Limit the types of external media and their use. Scan all external media for malware before importing it into the corporate system.

4. Use an HTTPS connection instead of HTTP. If you telecommute, connect to the private Wi-Fi network with a password. 

The main difference between HTTP and HTTPS is security. The HTTPS protocol prevents other users from intercepting sensitive information transferred between the client and the web server over the Internet. That is, the HTTPS protocol would be the secure version of HTTP.

To enable HTTPS, a security certificate must be obtained, issued by a certification authority (CA) taking the necessary steps to verify that the web address belongs to the company.

Install antivirus software

Antivirus software and firewalls can help detect suspicious links, malware, and other threats distributed by cyberattacks.

Get to know your network in depth

You can’t defend your company network if you don’t know what’s on it, so all information security teams and network users must be identified. This is the first step in detecting where potentially suspicious activities are taking place.

Another way could be system monitoring to detect actual or attempted attacks on business systems and services. Good monitoring is essential to respond effectively to attacks. In addition, monitoring helps ensure that systems are correctly used following organization policies. Monitoring is often a critical capability needed to meet legal or regulatory requirements.

Make a security copy

Make backup copies of your company network and check them periodically to ensure cyber resiliency. This is important to minimize damage in a cyber attack, although it requires investing in cybersecurity.

Consider third-party access

IT network management is complex. Organizations must have a comprehensive view of what access external users may have. Any access that is no longer needed should be removed.

Develop a response plan

Even if all relevant advice is followed, a plan should be made for how to react in the event of a cyber attack. For example, how will a response be communicated if the network is down? You have to think about the different scenarios. Foresight is the best defense. Can prepare this plan and phases can prepare this plan and its phases with an external security company or the company’s security department.

Keep employees informed of cybersecurity

Staff must be aware of the importance of cybersecurity and know how to report suspected security events. For a company to be safe, everyone must participate and can train employees.