Defending Against Cybercrime

A Look Into Cybersecurity

Network security breaches are never far from the headlines, making cybersecurity a priority for many organizations. In order to protect information from theft, damage and disruptions, organizations must keep their network security up to date, using the best practices and procedures. This article will look deeper into how the enemy works and how you can defend your organization from hackers. 

Corporations around the globe are keeping network security a top priority due to the growing number of famous – or infamous – security breaches happening to other corporations. The hackers are becoming more advanced with their tactics, and they prey on finding gaps and weak spots in network security.

More than ever, hackers are able to successfully strike by targeting outdated technology and relying on human error. Security demands investment, which means having secure systems that are used and implemented correctly. However, it doesn’t matter how powerful or expensive your system is if you don’t know how to properly manage and use it.

As a professional, you need to understand how the enemy works so you can better prepare yourself and be cautious of where the enemy may be. From spam to spear phishing, social engineering and confederates inside the target institutions, these items are all tools hackers are using. Cyber criminals will study your business and habits as they scan for open ports, look for SSL vulnerabilities and do automated testing. All it takes is for an inattentive person to click a link that allows malware in. Over 80 percent of malware that reaches its target is done by phishing or someone clicking a link on a compromised website. Be cautious of what you open and click on, because all hackers need is for one attempt to be successful.

Are you prepared to defend yourself against cyber criminals? Imagine your business is a castle that you must defend on all fronts possible. Be at all of the doors and gates ready to protect yourself against external threats. Consider how a castle is built with several elements of security, and compare those to tactics and procedures your organization can use to protect against hackers. For instance:

• Moat – Start with a secure base in which nobody has access to your castle. This includes keeping limitations on applications and only granting admin rights to certain individuals and on certain systems. Be sure to audit who has access to certain systems and what they are doing that they need the access for.
• Drawbridge – In order to gain access to the organization, its systems or its information, users should be required to follow company policies and provide passwords that are complex and in compliance with company standards.
• Four Outer Walls – Never let your guard down when it comes to cybersecurity. The outer walls are the foundation that helps keep your organization secure.
  1. A single sign-on (SSO) allows users to use one set of login credentials to access multiple applications. SSO is authenticated by a trusted server within the company network.
  2. A multi-factor authentication (MFA) combines something you know, such as a password, with something you have, such as a physical token with an encrypted security code or a message sent to a mobile device. This makes it more difficult for hackers because they must have both items to proceed with their attack.
  3. A firewall serves to monitor and block access of unauthorized users to your organization’s systems or networks.
  4. An IP whitelisting. Compose a list of blocked senders or users, because they can be tied to spam users trying to make an attack.

In addition to securing your castle with these several elements, you should still be on the lookout for hackers that can be lurking just about anywhere. Be aware of your surroundings, especially when working from home or on a mobile device. Do not join public Wi-Fi networks just because you think they look legitimate.

Even if your castle seems secure, know that defense wins championships, and you should still have a detailed game plan of security policies and procedures. Have an in-depth defense consisting of limitations on access, passwords, policies, SSO and MFA. And lastly, be sure to keep your employees educated about cybersecurity and prepared for anything that may come their way.

For more information, check out A Look Into Cyber Security.