As mentioned in our previous article, cyber criminality is increasing, making it vital that you explore all options to defend your business’s digital data. We’ve covered two common user-based cyber-attacks and now, in this article, we will explore the controls and measures all managers should establish to protect the integrity of IT systems.
Firewalls
A Firewall serves as a protective shield, positioned at the edge of your network, separating your trusted network from the vast internet. Firewalls inspect network traffic flows (both outbound and inbound) to ensure that factors like source IP address, port number, protocol type, and application layer data adhere to a set of preconfigured ‘rules.’ Traffic that is non-compliant with these rules is effectively blocked, with the aim of ensuring users are prevented from accessing high-risk corners of the web.
By effectively denying access, the Firewall acts as an impenetrable barrier against cybercriminals, safeguarding your data and systems. Simultaneously, it permits authorised external users to access your network, ensuring a seamless experience for those with proper permissions. The Firewall plays a vital role in preserving the integrity and security of your digital infrastructure.
How Do I Work a Firewall?
Small businesses can opt for device-level Firewalls to enhance network security, alongside anti-malware software and diligent patch management. Educating your staff is crucial.
Device-level Firewalls may not suffice for larger businesses due to the management challenges. Instead, boundary Firewalls, such as physical or cloud-hosted Firewall servers, are essential investments to ensure effective network security. Properly managing these Firewalls is crucial for robust protection.
Access Controls
User accounts in your organisation control access to information, and it’s important to restrict access based on the user’s role. Only provide access to those who require the information, and ensure that access levels are consistent across devices. Managing access diligently significantly mitigates the risk of data theft, damage, and loss.
Accounts with special access privileges must be subject to heightened protections to prevent severe consequences for the business. If compromised, these accounts can be used to facilitate future large-scale attacks, lying dormant waiting for the optimum time to strike, potentially causing irreparable damage to your business’s reputation, finances, and operations.
In simple terms, limit access to authorized personnel only, relevant to their job description – if you don’t the consequences could be disastrous.
Malware Protection
Malware is software that intentionally causes damage to computers or servers. It replicates itself and spreads to other connected devices, posing a significant threat to software and systems.
Malware poses a significant risk to businesses, and is capable of disrupting operations, encrypting files, overwhelming service resources and inflicting severe reputational and financial harm. However, there are proactive measures you can take to protect against it. Listed below are some of the most effective malware countermeasures…
- Stick to manufacturer-approved apps: Avoid downloading apps from unknown/untrusted sources, as they may not have been thoroughly checked for malware. Educate used about the risks of purchasing apps from unreliable sources. Instead, rely on legitimate sources like the Apple App Store and Google Play, which are regularly monitored for safety and offer reduced malware risk.
- Install Anti-virus software on ALL computers! While free versions are available, they offer limited protection against sophisticated cyber-attacks.
- Use a Sandbox. A Sandbox is a secure and isolate environment within your network that separates from the main network. Running apps in this separate environment safeguards your network by containing potential threats and keeping them away from sensitive data.
Data Backup
With the increase of cybercrime, it is crucial to be prepared for worst-case scenarios, and an effective data backup strategy is imperative.
Implementing the 3-2-1 backup rule is highly recommended. It involves creating 3 copies of your data, 2 of which are stored on separate media, and 1 copy kept offside for disaster recovery. This approach ensures data redundancy and minimises the risk of losing all copies simultaneously to an attack.
Adhering to the principle of “data risk management”, diversifying your data backups has numerous advantages. It not only safeguards against cyber-attacks but also mitigates risks posed by hardware failures, natural disasters, and other unforeseen events, ensuring data recoverability and minimising potential business disruption.
Data Backup – Where to Start
Due to the unique nature of each business, a personalised and tailored approach to data backup is crucial. With a multitude of backup options available, it is challenging to provide a one-size-fits-all solution. However, here are some fundamental guidelines to consider when making decisions regarding data backup for your specific needs.
- Embrace Cloud Storage: Cloud Storage is cost-effective, convenient, and easily accessible, and it serves as the all-important off-site location for your data: ensuring its recoverability following a serious incident.
- Expand Storage Locations: Replicating data across more than 3 separate storage locations further enhances security and aids recoverability.
- Preserve Physical Copies: If possible and relevant, maintain physical copies of critical information. Despite the digital era, filing cabinets still serve a purpose in certain situations.
By gaining insights from both articles, you should now grasp the gravity of cyber security, the various methods employed by cyber criminals, and the effective countermeasures you can deploy to mitigate cyber risks and safeguard your business.
Keep your team cyber safe – Provident IT Solutions
Are you concerned about the cyber security of your systems? Is your team equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills in cyber security? At Provident IT Solutions, we understand the importance of securing your digital landscape. With our extensive experience and expertise, we can guide you towards a future where you no longer need to worry about the security of your systems. Let’s embark on this journey together. Contact our team at Provident IT Solutions today and take the first step towards a secure future.
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