October 22, 2019

10 Digital security tactics to protect your business from cyberthreats

Cybersecurity is something that every organization, no matter its scope or industry, needs to take seriously. Given the growing complexity of business technology and the increasing amount of digital data they need to protect, it’s never been more important to implement multiple layers of security. Here are 10 of the most important ones:

#1. Endpoint security

In the old days, cybersecurity typically started and ended with antivirus software installed on every computer. Today, computer viruses are just one form of malware, and malware attacks account for only a small portion of the threats out there. Still, every device with an internet connection needs sophisticated and up-to-date malware protection with heuristic scanning.

#2. Network firewalls

A network firewall is the digital equivalent to the physical barriers in construction designed to keep fires contained. In other words, it monitors all outgoing and incoming traffic to block any suspicious activities. Today’s enterprise-grade firewalls usually come as part of a unified threat management (UTM) solution, which incorporates intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) that actively monitor networks for malicious activity and respond to detected intrusions.

#3. Patch management

Outdated software is one of the most common entry points of hacking-based threats and malicious software. If a device, operating system (OS), application, or device driver isn’t supported by its original manufacturer or developer, there won’t be any more critical security updates. To mitigate risk, patch management enables automatic updates and product life cycle planning

#4. Risk assessments

IT risk assessments aim to uncover potential vulnerabilities in a technology infrastructure with a view to patching them. They’re often conducted alongside threat analyses to determine the business impact of an incident and help prioritize fixes. These assessments are normally carried out by specialized experts and incorporate both human and technological elements.

#5. Spam filtering

Most cyberattacks begin with a phishing email. Fortunately, most phishing emails are caught by spam filters. But a consumer-grade solution typically won’t be able to handle the volume or nature of spam typically targeted at business users. Spam filtering helps reduce bandwidth consumption and eliminate everyday threats, thus boosting productivity and security.

#6. Threat intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics have given enterprises the means to learn more about the threats that face them and how cybercriminals might hack into their networks and exploit their digital resources. These sophisticated solutions enable proactive security through real-time monitoring, automated reporting, and detailed threat modeling to reveal the dangers.

#7. Mobile device management (MDM)

Businesses are now heavily reliant on laptops and smartphones, both of which are at a heightened risk of loss or theft. To retain complete visibility over these portable assets, administrators need MDM, which provides a centralized dashboard for keeping track of employee- and business-owned mobile devices used for work.

#8. Data loss prevention (DLP)

Most cyberattacks involve an element of targeted social engineering, in which an attacker tries to dupe an unsuspecting victim into surrendering confidential information through an unsecure channel. In some cases, giving away information might be deliberately malicious. DLP helps businesses enforce their policies by monitoring the outflow of information.

#9. Disaster recovery

No matter how many layers of security your business has, there’s no such thing as an entirely foolproof infrastructure. If the worst happens, and you fall victim to a data breach or leak or any other threat against your digital assets, you need a documented way to prevent further damage and remediate. Incident response and disaster recovery planning make this possible.

#10. Employee training

Last, but not least, let’s not forget that almost all incidents involve a human element with social engineering attacks and human error being the most common causes of a breach. Employee training is a must both for the sake of security and compliance and to turn the weakest link in security into your first and last line of defense.

Frontline provides IT support services for businesses in Los Angeles. Our unique approach to IT support and planning helps you achieve better results for less. Call us today to schedule a consultation with our team.

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