Implementing a plan for your businesses’ cybersecurity is akin to a retailer making sure that the security cameras are working and that the door is locked with the alarm turned on after closing time. You never know when the threat of hackers will become a reality for your business. Taking regular tests and checks does help the risk of this become lower, so if your company hasn’t done so already, you should consider looking into testing. Any form of online activity by your business opens it up to attack. That is why formulating a cybersecurity plan is a key to keeping your business operational. Here are some ways to mitigate the hacker threat to your business.
Assessment
Start formulating your plan by assessing your computer network and any weaknesses that it has. There are services that can take a quick look at your security risks so that you can begin to address them. Your internet service provider may have assessment services available for businesses, and many security software providers will do an assessment as well. It’s a good idea to perform something called a penetration (or pen) test on your computer systems, something that can be carried out by a company like OnSecurity. A pen-test simulates a malicious attack on your network, helping to expose any weaknesses and allowing you to take action against it.
Plan Formulation
A big resource for cyber security plan formation is the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). They have a Cyber Security Planning Guide to help businesses plan to address their cyber risk exposures. The FCC guide addresses network, data, and website security, as well as threats to email. Also included are policy development and incident response resources and tips.
Having an employee who has training in cyber security is a way to have a leader in plan formation as well as implementation. For example, students that get Maryville’s bachelor’s in cyber security learn how to make computer networks safe and to ensure that they stay that way.
Training
The biggest threat to the robustness of your computer network might come in the form of your employees, so training about techniques of hackers and awareness of the traps they set is essential. Situational training and cyber security drills can help to bring the message home to the reality of risks online.
Controlling Access
Another response to the possibility of employee error compromising your security is to control access to information. In fact, it can be the cornerstone of a comprehensive plan of prevention. The key is to have an access protocol that balances security with the needs of the business. Hiring employees that are conversant with computer data systems and management may help as well. Careers for library science master degree holders include a variety of experience with computer systems.
Layering
It is a good thing to be prepared for a variety of weather by bundling up in layers, and the same approach is also a good measure of computer security. By layering your security solutions on top of one another, you can better protect your system from a variety of malicious attacks.
Coverage
If a malicious attack on your computer network is successful, your business needs to be prepared to make restitution to injured parties and keep the business operational. Companies need insurance coverage for cyber attacks and the resulting identity and property thefts that may result.
As technology continues to develop, the crime that follows it will develop as well. For example, the exploding use of mobile technology to conduct business makes it imperative to include its protection in companies’ security plans. It is extremely important to keep your business up to date on the latest computer network threats and the methods to lessen those threats.
