The need for cybersecurity is as old as the computer itself. As long as we continue to store information on these remarkable machines, we will sometimes need to find ways of protecting their contents. Of course, those who have delved into this subject will understand that it’s not a simple one. Cybersecurity is a many-layered thing and no one can truly claim to know every part. However, a lot of this confusing complexity can be alleviated with a well-made cybersecurity plan. In order to help you prepare for the implementation of that plan, let’s go over a few important cybersecurity concepts that are likely to be relevant.
Look For Some Good Examples
If you haven’t done this before, you ought to look at some cybersecurity plans that have been made by others. Not only will this allow you to add anything you may have forgotten, but it will also get you thinking about implementation. For a start, you might look at this cybersecurity planner from the FCC (Federal Communications Commission).
Understand The Need For Education
Have you ever heard of something called “social engineering hacks?” You should, because they are one of the biggest cybersecurity risks of all. Basically, they are hacking techniques that rely on tricking the user into giving up their privileged information. That might be login credentials, bank details, or any number of other things. In any case, these methods have one thing in common: They rely on the ignorance of the victim.
Because of this, everyone who uses your network will need to gain a basic understanding of cybersecurity. They don’t have to become an IT expert, but they at least need to understand common social engineering tricks (like email phishing) so that they can be avoided more effectively.
Take The Greatest Care With Customer Data
There are all kinds of sensitive data, but customer data should be treated as the most sensitive of all. There are quite a few companies that have been harmed (or even sent into destitution) because they failed to follow this simple advice.
The trust of your customers is much like glass: Once broken, it can never be fully repaired. Besides that, mishandling of customer data could easily expose you to harsh fines and other regulatory action.
Consider Hiring A Support Team
If you’ve done your homework then you know about the importance of good network monitoring. Only by keeping a constant eye on the flow of network traffic can you be sure of what your computer is exchanging with the rest of the world. Unfortunately, it is not easy to automate this process because it takes a trained eye to see many problems. Besides, who has the time to sit and watch a packet monitoring program all day long?
The answer to that question is Someone that you hire for that purpose! Here’s the only problem: Finding the right people for the job. That’s why you might want to consider the services of a cybersecurity solution like SKOUT. Through our partnership with SKOUT, we provide a wide range of cybersecurity services (including 24/7 network monitoring). We would recommend that you include us in the implementation of your cybersecurity plan.
Be Prepared To Set Firm Limits
It is important that you understand the concept of “layered security.” Imagine, if you will, an iron age ring-fort. These forts were surrounded by circular mounds that acted like walls. There would be many of them, one inside of the next. The idea was to provide as many barriers as possible. If an enemy gets past one set of fortifications, they are immediately met by another. A good cybersecurity plan works in a similar fashion.
What you want is to have various levels of security, from “most trusted” to “least trusted.” You can bet that some people will not be happy with their lower levels of access, but you must maintain strict compartmentalization. People must understand the limits of their access and be prepared to work within them. Of course, as the employer, you do have an obligation to give them the tools/data necessary for their jobs.
Use Multiple Penetration Testers
Once your plan has been implemented, there is one final step before you can call the thing done. You must test your new setup and make sure that it’s as secure as intended. In the end, there is only one way to be sure, and that is penetration testing. This kind of testing is sometimes called “ethical hacking” because that is basically what it involves. They attempt to hack your system so that they can determine if it can be done. This is one of the best ways to shore up any holes in your defenses.
A penetration tester is what some people call a “white hat” hacker…meaning that they are one of the good guys. Naturally, background checks are of the utmost importance when hiring someone like that! Because you can’t always trust the judgment of any one person, we would recommend using multiple penetration testers. Once their work is done, make sure you change all the passwords and reset everything…just in case!
Make Sure Everything Has Multi-Factor Authentication
You know how some websites make you type a security code to log into them? That is part of a process known as multi-factor authentication. When verifying someone’s identity, it is good to demand more than one type of proof. This can include security questions, a code sent to an established phone number, a CAPTCHA, or any other identity verification tool. Multi-factor authentication may not stop a hacker in their tracks, but it definitely provides significant obstacles to them. When faced with significant obstacles, many criminals will simply seek out an easier target.
Conclusion
These are just a few simple concepts that you should bear in mind as you implement your cybersecurity plan. As a final note, we would remind you that most plans require modification as they are put into action. As such, you shouldn’t hesitate to change your plan as needed. At PCH Technologies, we specialize in all sorts of cybersecurity solutions and we can definitely help with their proper implementation. If you would like to know more, call (856) 754-7500.