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It's crucial to keep these components updated with security patches and enhancements.
For example, the Equifax data breach in 2017 which exposed data of 147 million individuals was mainly caused by software that hadn't been patched.
Here are some recommended practises:
Foster a company culture that values software updates.
Use automated systems for updates to ensure components stay current without manual effort.
Backups: Why They Matter
Ensuring your data is safe in case of a cyber attack or system breakdown.
Helping businesses bounce back quickly with data loss.
Real life Example: The cyber assault on the City of Atlanta back in 2018 caused chaos in city operations.. Organisations following solid backup procedures managed to recover their systems and information without giving in to ransom demands, underscoring the vital role of regular backups.
Frequency of Identified Attacks
Observing the number and variety of attacks stopped by your security systems offers insights into how well your security defences are working.
Real life Example: Microsoft recently shared that they successfully blocked than 1.5 million phishing attempts every day through their advanced threat protection tools showcasing the significance of promptly identifying and handling attacks.
User Activity Logs
By keeping an eye on user activity logs, we can spot any behaviours that could signal a security threat. Consistently checking these logs can help us capture compromised accounts and insider risks on.
For instance, Target used user activity logs to uncover a data breach in 2013 that led to the exposure of 40 million credit card numbers. The logs provided evidence to track down the source of the breach.
Encouraging individuals to report any activities without fear of facing consequences.
When you collaborate with cybersecurity professionals you gain access to their expertise and customised strategies tailored to your specific requirements. These experts can perform security assessments, suggest solutions and stay proactive in anticipating new threats.
For instance, partnering with a firm like Mandiant can offer crucial response capabilities and strategic insights, as demonstrated by their involvement in supporting organisations during the SolarWinds cyber incident.
Investing in cutting edge security technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) can strengthen the defence mechanisms of your website. These technologies have the ability to detect threats in real time and adjust to evolving attack methods, providing a dynamic and intelligent approach to safeguarding your data.
Noteworthy advantages include AI powered systems predicting and preventing attacks before they happen while Machine Learning continuously learns from emerging risks to enhance defence mechanisms.
As an illustration, Fortinet’s AI-driven security fabric safeguards networks by anticipating threats in advance, elevating the security readiness of the organisation.
Crafting a thought out incident response plan involves detailing protocols for handling security breaches effectively. This includes defining roles, communication strategies and steps for recovery.Being prepared is crucial; understanding how to respond and effectively can reduce the impact of security incidents.
Significance of Regular Testing;
Validate the efficacy of the plan.
Keep the team ready to address threats.
Update your plan regularly to adapt to emerging security risks.
Implementing access controls based on employee roles helps ensure that they only have access to information and systems for their specific job functions, thereby lowering the risk of insider threats.
When it comes to cybersecurity, overlooking the importance of data backups can have catastrophic consequences during a cyber attack. Having backups in place is essential for data recovery and maintaining operational continuity.
For instance, the ransomware incident that targeted the hosting provider NAYANA in 2018 underscored the significance of having robust backup protocols. The company ended up paying a $1 million ransom due to inadequate backup measures for their clients data.
Furthermore, failing to recognise the value of data encryption can expose information to potential security breaches. Encrypting all data, whether at rest or in transit, plays a role in bolstering overall security measures.
Enhance website security by strategically embracing a Zero Trust model is recommended. This approach revolves around the core principle of "never trust or verify." Any access request undergoes scrutiny without relying solely on your network location or credentials for trust validation. By adopting this model, organisations can reduce their attack surface strengthening protection, against insider threats and ensure verification of access requests.
Regular security checks conducted by both external teams are vital to uncover vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with the latest security standards. These audits offer a view of your current security status and pinpoint areas that need enhancement.
For instance, JP Morgan Chase, a financial institution, used regular audits to detect and address potential vulnerabilities safeguarding their extensive digital assets.
Developing partnerships with organisations and engaging in information sharing networks can enhance your security strategies. By learning from other people's experiences and staying updated on the threats, you can stay one step ahead with your security measures.
Establishing defined security policies and procedures is crucial for maintaining strong security measures. These guidelines should be easily accessible to all employees and address areas, like password management, data handling and incident response protocols.
Encouraging hacking involves allowing authorised professionals to test your website for vulnerabilities. These ethical hackers can pinpoint weaknesses. Offer valuable insights to strengthen your security measures preventing malicious actors from exploiting any gaps.
Facebook's Bug Bounty initiative has resulted in the detection and resolution of security vulnerabilities bolstering the overall security of their platform.
Startups must prioritise legal protections, such as incorporation, IP rights, clear contracts, data security, compliance, and dispute resolution, to avoid liabilities and thrive.
Efficiently managing a startup's burn rate involves accurate cash flow forecasting, expense segmentation, operational efficiencies, regular reviews, KPIs, scenario planning, and maintaining cash reserves.
Effective cost-control measures for bootstrapped startups: focus on core competencies, outsource non-core functions, adopt lean staffing, maintain rigorous budgeting, and optimise procurement.
Mark Ridgeon
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