In 2020, a worldwide pandemic caused a worldwide shift towards working remotely, forcing organisations to pivot the way they operate practically overnight – with little to no preparation. Where most organisations saw a crisis, cybercriminals saw an opportunity. Cybercriminals have changed the way that they do business, and so, Cybersecurity and IT teams must do the same.
Cybersecurity, Computer security, or Information Technology security can be explained as the protection of computer systems and networks from information disclosure, theft thereof, or damage to their software, hardware, or any electronic data. It also offers protection against the disruption or misdirection of the services that your organisation provides. Information Security threats can be Software attacks, identity theft, theft of intellectual property, theft of information, sabotage, as well as information blackmail.
Now, it is more important than ever to protect ourselves and our organisations online. Cyberattacks can happen right under our noses, and with even more of our personal details online, it can be difficult to keep track of all of the private information we store on the internet.
Did you know there are different types of cyber security? Let’s break it down for you:
Cybersecurity, or Electronic Information Security, protects computers, mobile devices, networks, servers, and data from illegal external attacks. It serves as a ‘security gate’ to ensure that your information, and what you store on any of your devices, is not hackable by external threats. With cybercrime increasing at a rapid pace, it is crucial to have cybersecurity in place in your personal life and in your organisation.
Life without the internet is quite difficult to imagine. Over the past decade, a significant increase in the usage of the Internet has been observed with laptops and smartphones becoming part of everyday activities. Every individual is just one click away from gaining information about anything and everything. However, despite many attributes of the Internet, one major challenge observed by almost all enterprises is possible cyberattacks and malware.
Please tell me how I can protect my organisation?
A Strategic approach must be formulated to mitigate the risk of cyberattacks. Below are four types of cybersecurity techniques, which will assist in reducing cyberattacks amongst organisations:
1. Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity
The Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity technique is installed to secure the systems that have critical infrastructure. They are systems upon which societies heavily rely. These include the electricity grid, water purification, traffic lights, shopping centres, and hospitals.
To mitigate the possibility of cyber malware or reduce cyberattacks, the organisations responsible for maintaining critical infrastructures must assess the vulnerable points to protect the organisations to whom they are liable. Organisations must also evaluate the amount of damage caused by cyberattacks and should have a contingency plan that would help their businesses to be less affected by the cyberattacks.
2. Network Security
Network security is a technique that enables organisations to secure computer networks from intruders, targeted attackers, and opportunistic malware. As the Internet consists of a range of networks associated with various websites, it is often observed that the organisations become targeted with unauthorised disturbance and with malicious intent. Many websites contain third-party cookies, therefor users’ activities are being tracked.
To counter cyberattacks and malware associated with the network, organisations must install a security program to monitor the internal network and infrastructure. Organisations must continue to upgrade their network security by implementing policies that can prevent cyberattacks. Cybersecurity professionals suggest the following methods for upgraded network security:
- Extra Logins
- New Passwords
- Antivirus programs
- Firewalls
- Incognito Mode
- Monitored Internet access
- Encryption
3. Cloud Security
Most organisations are now inclined towards utilising artificial intelligence to improve their businesses, improve customer experience, and efficient operations. With a plethora of data available at each step of the organisational setup, it becomes difficult for organisations to store data in physical form. It has been observed that this data is often unstructured and is derived from unknown sources, which can cause a potential threat to the organisation’s network. Companies like Microsoft, Amazon Web, Apple Cloud, and Google present their customers with a cloud-based computing platform, where the users can store and monitor data by implementing this security tool. By integrating your organisation’s system with a cloud security platform, users will be rendered with secured data, thus mitigating the possibility of a cyberattack.
Application Security
4. Application Security
Users get obsessed with different applications, which include software, hardware, and devices. However, an application becomes equally prone to cyberattacks or malware like all networks. Application security prevents cybersecurity breaches by adapting the hardware and software methods at the development phase of the project. With the help of an application security network, organisations can detect sensitive data and secure them with specific applications. Some of the methods associated with application security are:
- Anti-virus Programs
- Firewalls
- Encryption Programs
A few last tips on Cybersecurity before we say goodbye…
- Keep your login information and passwords secure.
- Change your passwords at least every three months.
- Keep track of who has access to your devices, network, and data.
- Update your devices and applications often.
- Do not open junk emails.
- Do not click on unknown links.
- Back up your data to a cloud service.
Contact WWISE today on 0861 099 473/ (021) 525 9159 (Cape Town), or email us at admin@wwise.co.za, to assist you and your organisation with Cybersecurity.