In a recent study, cyber incidents were the most pressing risk facing companies. Today, the threat of cybercrime is compounded by a variety of new regulations and socially motivated attacks. While the motives for cyberattacks can range from political to ethical, the majority of them are driven by financial intent. Cybercrime is a multi-billion-dollar industry, and the Internet is rapidly becoming a network of routers and connected devices, such as IoT. This gives the cyberlaw group a run for its money.
Endpoint security
Endpoint security is a critical component of enterprise cybersecurity. Today, data is the most important asset of a company, and losing that data could result in financial disaster. Endpoint devices are growing in number and variety. BYOD policies and remote work also add to these challenges. Fortunately, there are a few simple solutions to protect data from being stolen or lost.
Endpoint security is the process of protecting corporate networks from malware and viruses. These solutions can detect malware, ransomware, and viruses, and provide end-user alerts. A good endpoint security solution will also provide DiD-layered protection against master boot record threats. And it can be integrated with existing cybersecurity systems. Choose a service provider that offers a managed security services model.
Malware
Malware is a type of computer code that can interfere with the operation of a targeted system. It can cause computer crashes, corrupt critical OS files, and even physically destroy some systems. Whether malicious or benign, malware can be destructive to a business, or it can be used to carry out large-scale DDOS attacks. There are many types of malware, but there are a few that are especially dangerous for businesses. Let’s take a closer look at these types and how they impact cybersecurity.
Trojan malware can be classified into two types. The first is infection via email attachments that disguise themselves as legitimate programs. Once inside a system, it can replicate and compromise the entire network. Trojan malware is often used to introduce other types of malware. Another type of malware is “adware,” which displays advertisements. “Malvertising” uses advertising to spread malware, injecting malicious ads into legitimate networks. Finally, spyware can gather information without the user’s knowledge.
Government advisories
The Department of Homeland Security has issued a new set of Government advisories for cybersecurity, titled “Shields Up.” The goal of the advisory is to protect the United States and its allies from cyberattacks and to strengthen sovereignty and establish the United Kingdom as a democratic powerhouse. The Government Cybersecurity Advisory Board seeks applications from cybersecurity experts and asks for expressions of interest. The advisory is based on the External Challenge Panel, which brought in academic viewpoints to help government agencies implement cybersecurity practices.
The ACSC recommends patching Microsoft Windows systems. It also recommends applying the August 2020 Security Updates. The advisory details the tactics that cybercriminals use to steal data and disrupt organizations. It serves as a playbook for incident investigation. By following the ACSC advisory, you can better protect your business and data. Further, you can receive updated information about security threats, as well as learn about cybersecurity trends. For more information, visit the ACSC advisory page.
GDPR
As we all know, GDPR is a law aimed at protecting personal information. As an EU regulation, it places a strong emphasis on accountability, which will lead to huge fines for those who do not meet their privacy obligations. But what can businesses do to ensure that their information is secure? GDPR compliance goes beyond just making sure that your servers are secure. Companies must also consider the implications of a breach on customer data. This could be a matter of human error or flawed organizational procedures.
Companies can take GDPR and cybersecurity more seriously if they consider the potential benefits. GDPR introduces new obligations to protect user data, including encryption of connections and strengthening authentication measures. The legislation reinforces the importance of cybersecurity and privacy safeguards, which will improve the overall security of a company’s infrastructure. Businesses must also remember that cybersecurity is not an on/off switch. Businesses must continue to assess their cybersecurity practices and develop transparent action plans to ensure they meet GDPR’s requirements.
Government fines for breaches
If you have suffered from a cybersecurity breach, you’re probably familiar with the federal laws regulating data security. The federal government’s Federal Information Security Management Act (FIPSA) regulates how information is collected, stored, and accessed. The act also covers the privacy of people’s personal information (PII), so organizations must comply with these laws. Violations of this law can lead to significant fines, lawsuits, and loss of federal funding.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco has warned that government agencies will issue massive fines if companies fail to meet cybersecurity standards. Unfortunately, many companies have chosen silence over reporting cybersecurity breaches. But the Department of Justice is determined to hold companies accountable for putting federal information at risk, violating reporting requirements, and misrepresenting cybersecurity practices. Hopefully, these new laws will help to ensure the safety of U.S. citizens and the security of their financial data.
Building a mature cybersecurity program
As the risk of cybercrime continues to grow, organizations face a difficult challenge: building a robust cybersecurity program. Cybercriminals are targeting companies around the clock. Fortunately, modern cybersecurity practices and methods can help mitigate the risk of these attacks. To ensure the success of your cybersecurity program, you should understand your organization’s unique strengths and weaknesses.
While implementing a mature cybersecurity program, be sure to take the time to identify the areas that need improvement. For example, your organization may be underdeveloped if it has legacy systems. These systems can bog down your planning process by focusing on easy things rather than the areas where you need to improve. The best way to plan a mature cybersecurity program is to start with a formal phased approach. Then, gradually build upon the maturity of your program.
