It Starts With You

In the era of organizations bringing their most vital data online, information security professionals whose expertise can reduce cybersecurity risks are in high demand. Additionally, the increasing use of outsourcing as well as government regulations focusing on third party risk management are reasons why vendors risk management and third party risk management frameworks are more important now than ever. However, taking steps starts with you.

Cyberattacks can lead to the loss of sensitive customer data, including credit card numbers and personal information. The dark web is used by cybercriminals to sell customer information, demand ransom, or harass customers.

Breaches can have huge regulatory, financial, legal, and most importantly reputational repercussions. Personal information can also be used for identity theft or impersonation.

There are many ways to protect your business from cyberattacks. Having a strong cybersecurity plan, from creating strong passwords to using sophisticated software, is critical to prevent cyberattacks. Learning the components of the NIST SP 800-171 cybersecurity framework, along with basic cybersecurity practices can help address the gaps and vulnerabilities that your company may be compromised by.

Here are four effective places to start protecting your business against cyberattacks:

Enforce strong security practices: Use strong passwords and password managers across your organization to decrease the risk that your password will be leaked or cracked and unauthorized access can result. Educate your employees about phishing scams and don't download email attachments from unknown senders.
Back up and ensure there is an audit trail for critical business information: Secure backups and audit trails for all business data will let you know whether your data has been hacked, accessed by unauthorized individuals, or altered without causing you any loss in business operations.
Encrypt all business data and customer information: As part of corporate espionage, make sure all business and customer data is encrypted. This will ensure cybercriminals will be less likely to access customer information or trade secrets if they are exposed.
Use sophisticated cybersecurity software: Traditional antivirus and anti-malware applications are critical, but they may not be sufficient. We recommend you send automated vendor security questionnaires out continuously and monitor for data exposures.