Critical Approaches to Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity refers to processes, technologies and controls that are put in place to protect internet-connected systems, networks and data from cyber attacks. It is important to note that information security is an element of cybersecurity and is used to protect the integrity, availability and confidentiality of data.

Cyber attacks may lead to far reaching consequences, such as reputational and financial damage regardless of the size of the corporation. Other problems associated with cyber attacks are loss of assets, reputational damage, loss of business, litigation, regulatory fines and remediation costs.

Elements of Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity entails the coordination of efforts throughout an information system and this can include:

• Application security
• Information security
• Network security
• Disaster recovery/Business continuity planning
• Operational security
• End-user education

The constantly evolving nature of security risks presents a big challenge to cybersecurity. The traditional approach that focused on crucial system components left many components without protection against attacks and risks. A more proactive and adaptive approach is necessary in the current environment to ensure that information systems are protected even from the most mundane risks.

Notable Types of Cyber Threats

Cyber threats may take up numerous forms as new technologies emerge. Due to this reason, we suggest a proactive and adaptive approach to counter the challenges of protecting information and other assets.

• Ransomware involves the locking of a victim’s computer system files through encryption and a demand for payment is required to decrypt and unlock the files.
• Malware refers to a file or program that is used to harm a computer user and includes worms, viruses, Trojan horses and spyware.
• Social engineering is a process that relies on human interaction to deceive users into breaking security procedures to gain sensitive information that is typically protected.
• Phishing is carried using fraudulent emails designed to resemble genuine emails from reputable sources. The intention of phishing emails is to steal sensitive data such as credit card information or login details.

Effective Cybersecurity Strategy

Cybersecurity aids in the prevention of cyberattacks, identity theft, data breaches and is a risk management tool. Through strong cybersecurity and effective incident response plans, an organization is best placed to prevent and mitigate the cyberattacks.

Successful cybersecurity has multiple layers of protection across networks, programs, computers and data with the sole purpose of safety. Within the organization, everything including people, processes and technology must complement each other to form effective defense against cyber attacks.

• People have to understand and comply with basic security principles such as choosing strong passwords, backing up data, and caution against email attachments.
• Processes entails having a plan to deal with attempted and successful cyber attacks. The plan gives guidelines on how to identify attacks, protect systems, respond to threats and recover from a successful attack.
• Technology provides computer security tools that protect against cyber attacks. Entities to be protected include endpoint devices such as routers, smart devices and computers, networks, and the cloud. Technologies used include domain name system (DNS) filtering/blocking, next-generation firewalls, email security solutions, malware protection, and antivirus software.

Looking to review your cybersecurity strategy? Please feel free to contact ITRS and we would be more than happy to assist you with your needs.