As 2022 grows closer, cybersecurity planning has become priority one for companies large and small.
If the answer is no, then now is the time to get to work. By developing a solid Cybersecurity Plan now, you can help your business navigate the persistent security challenges and achieve the success you’re looking for in 2022.
This past year has been rough for many companies and industries. Computer hacks, ransomware, malware, and cybercrime throughout the country seemed relentless. Not to mention a global pandemic. There are no guarantees to what’s ahead, but the smartest way to be prepared and defend against cyberattacks is to take a strategic approach to cybersecurity. When you align your security processes with your business goals the end result is an optimized cybersecurity position.
Cybersecurity is for everyone. It isn’t reserved for enterprise-sized corporations that collect huge sets of data and personal information. Every company that relies on the internet must be aware of today’s cybersecurity risks and take steps to mitigate vulnerabilities.
Components of a Solid Cybersecurity Plan [#1 thru #5]
6. Ensuring Encryption Across Your Network and Devices
Encryption is critically important. It’s the process that encodes your data in such a way that it is unreadable unless you have the right “key” (usually a password). Encryption can be applied to your wireless networks, hard drives, a file, even USB drives.
- What encryption are you using for your wireless networks?
- Any workstation or device that goes online needs to be encrypted. Don’t forget those mobile phones and tablets.
7. Withdrawing Users and Devices
Terminated employees, even those that leave on good terms, can become security liabilities, intentionally or not.
- Have a procedure in place to remove user accounts and devices.
- Your IT department should have a log of which devices are issued to which employees to ensure proprietary equipment is returned.
- Backup the devices before wiping them clean.
- Do not let terminated user IDs linger any longer than necessary.
8. Managed Antivirus and Malware Programs from a Central Point
Viruses, ransomware, keyloggers, botnets, Trojans–the cyber world is full of devious, malicious programs. Unfortunately, there is not really one antivirus or antimalware program to rule them all. The best security system will have multiple layers of protection.
9. Limit Critical Assets
Not everyone in the company will have the same “need to know” access to information and passwords. Your marketing team, for example, doesn’t need to have full access to your developers’ sandboxes. Nor do customer service reps need to see your accounting spreadsheets for the whole company. Set up proper privileges for each employee. Review these on a periodic basis.
10. Third Party Patch Management and Windows Updates
Stay current on patch updates to operating systems and software. Not updating leaves your network and devices vulnerable to hackers. It can become a time-consuming task to follow up on every employee and device to ensure patches have been applied.
11. Advanced Threat Protection: Firewall Packet Inspection
Firewalls are a critical component to your company’s network security. And as cybercrime increases and evolves, so does firewall security by necessity. How comfortable are you with managing your firewall? Determine what your current firewall settings are and if they are optimized for your organization.
12. Continuous Vulnerability Scanning
Cybersecurity requires constant vigilance. While your company laptops may be up-to-date and protected by your resources today, a vulnerability in the software could be discovered overnight–and cyber criminals are quick to pinpoint these weak spots. For large organizations, continuous scanning and monitoring can also provide insight into performance trends of the security system.
13. Disaster Recovery and Replication
Try to imagine your mental state if all of your digital assets were wiped out. But if you have all that data backed-up and securely stored in a location that is not your main server, you can breathe easier. Ensure you have a regular backup schedule and the information is stored securely. Do you have a disaster recovery plan in place? If not, VAZATA can help.
14. Intrusion Detection
With all the focus on defending against incoming cyberattacks, let’s not lose sight that sometimes the attacks can come from within. That’s where intrusion detection comes into play even with a firewall. A firewall guards your front and back doors and watches for incoming threats. Intrusion detection systems, on the other hand, observe what’s happening inside your network and alert you to any suspicious actions.
Making It All Sync — Cybersecurity Planning
The threat of a cyberattack demands a multi-layered approach and proven strategy. Having a Managed Services Provider, such as VAZATA at your side can ease the stress of sourcing, setting up, implementing, and maintaining the resources to keep your business safe and running at optimum levels of performance.
Find out how VAZATA can protect your business around the clock with Cybernetic Cybersecurity, the best-in-class technology with cutting-edge analytics and artificial intelligence to monitor and protect your business, whether your systems are on-premises, in the cloud, or both.