Global cybercrime damages are estimated to cost up to $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. In today’s digital landscape, organizations face many cyber risks that can compromise sensitive data and disrupt operations. Businesses must prioritize cybersecurity measures and implement strategies to mitigate these risks effectively.
This section provides valuable tips and insights on reducing cyber risks within your organization. By following these guidelines, you can enhance your organization’s resilience against cyber threats and safeguard your valuable assets.
From implementing robust security protocols to fostering a culture of awareness among employees, there are various proactive steps you can take to minimize vulnerabilities and protect your organization from potential cyberattacks. Let us delve into the practical strategies that can help you strengthen your cybersecurity posture and ensure the safety of your digital infrastructure.
Ensure Continuous Identity Verification
From data breaches to identity theft, businesses and individuals alike are constantly at risk of falling victim to malicious cyberattacks. That’s why implementing strong security measures, such as credentialed identity verification, is crucial in reducing these risks.
Verifiable credentials consist of digital records that provide information about the identity of an individual or an entity. These credentials are built using cryptographic principles to ensure their integrity and unalterable nature. Verifiable credentials are typically made up of three components: the issuer (or the person issuing the credential), the holder, and the verifier.
The credential is issued by a trusted entity, while its holder is an individual or organization that holds it. The verifier’s job is to verify the validity and authenticity of the credential. Verifiable credentials tend to be associated with decentralized identity systems where individuals have greater control over the use of their data. By implementing verifiable credentials, organizations can improve security, streamline processes and protect their clients ‘ privacy.
Secure Your Data and Create Backups
Be sure to encrypt all sensitive information. Your data will be easier to hack if you save it in plain text. Data encryption on the other hand limits access to data only for parties who have the encryption key. The encryption ensures that unauthorized parties cannot read the data even if they gain access. Data encryption software can even alert you when someone tries to change or alter the data.
Backups of important data should be performed regularly. Data loss can sometimes be caused by cybersecurity breaches. If you do not have a secure and reliable backup, this could lead to operational disruptions and loss of revenue for your business. The 3-2-1 rule is one of the best data backup strategies. According to this strategy, your data should be stored in at least three copies. Two of the copies should be on different media and one in an offsite location.
Regularly Train Your Employees
Phishing emails sent to employees are one of the most common ways hackers can gain access to your databases. In 2021, almost 50% of emails sent were phishing emails. These emails contain malicious malware that is sent in the form of links. This gives hackers access to data including login credentials.
It is difficult to detect phishing emails because they look legitimate. Hackers may, for example, send emails impersonating company leaders and asking for details. The employee could end up disclosing the information without proper training. It is therefore vital to conduct cybersecurity training. Inform your employees about the most common forms of cyberattacks and how to best prevent them.
It is also important to stress the importance of double-checking email addresses and links before responding or clicking. Remember the organization’s policy on sharing sensitive information even through social media.
Take Physical Security Very Seriously
Most cyber-risk management policies are based on digital aspects and ignore the physical location. Assess your critical infrastructure to determine if it is protected from security breaches. Analyze your data protection policies and determine if they have data disposal strategies.
Imagine a situation: your online systems were safe from cybercriminals but you experienced a breach when someone broke into your office and went through your filing cabinets. This would be tragic. Even other cases have been reported where janitors have retrieved personal information from customers and employees by going through garbage.
Make sure that any restricted areas are protected with high-value systems. Use two-factor authentication, such as biometrics or keycards, to prevent unauthorized access.
Use Strong Passwords
Passwords can be used to verify identity and restrict access to certain resources or information. The stronger your password system, the less likely you are to be hacked by weak or stolen credentials.
Implement a strong password policy requiring a minimum password length and complexity for all accounts, and two-factor authentication when possible. A password manager can also be used to stop people from storing their passwords insecurely.
Final Thoughts
Reducing cyber risks should be a top priority for every organization to safeguard its reputation, financial stability, and overall business operations. Take action today by implementing the above tips and you’ll be able to strengthen your defenses against cyber threats and secure the future success of your organization.
