Elevating Partners Your Digital Platform

The increasing incidence of cyber attacks in present times has prompted organizations to employ efficient solutions to protect sensitive data from falling into the wrong hands. The security framework of organizations is being put to test as they strain to find innovative ways of operating in the pandemic world. In the last two years, the incidence of sophisticated cyber attacks has increased manifold, with big and small companies of any type falling victim to ransomware attacks and data breaches.
What can organizations do to defend themselves against cyber attacks in 2022?

Organizations must develop a multi-layered strategic approach to mitigate the risk of cyber attacks which must include:

Integration of cybersecurity with data protection
Management and monitoring of endpoints
Data protection across cloud management systems

Here are 5 smart tips to reduce the risk of cyber attacks:

Tip#1: An airtight cyber security policy:

Every organization must incorporate a security policy according to its operating parameters. If you are an IT company, for instance, your security policy must be designed to protect your intellectual property. If you are a hospital, you may create a security policy to protect your database.
A security policy document that clearly outlines expected behaviors by users to protect data , information and people, is of paramount importance to secure your business. In addition, conduct regular training to create awareness among your workforce about the security requirements of the network infrastructure of your business.

Tip#2: Create visibility across systems

Ransomware is predicted to remain at the top of the list of cyber attacks affecting organizations in 2022 despite the best efforts of global cybercrime prevention agencies. A vigilant security system that tracks anomalies at runtime can stop a ransomware attack before it brings operations to a halt. With remote working continuing to remain a norm for most workplaces across the world, clear visibility on endpoints has proven to be a challenge.
Organizations must grant full access to their security personnel to enable them to monitor every device including remote mobile devices, across the enterprise.

Tip#3: Control Data Spread

Data breaches are predicted to rise in 2022 as companies remain unsuccessful in harnessing the spread of data. Instant communication and file exchanges with IoT devices and M2M communications lead to further spread of data across insecure channels with the risk of data leaks and breaches. You can secure your data by using sophisticated encryption and allowing data transfer through secure channels across the enterprise. Ensure data privacy protocols are in place for sensitive data (personal, financial or intellectual) that meet data regulatory requirements.

Tip#4: Security Management

There are several ways to manage the security of your enterprise network.

Install next generated firewalls and antivirus software to protect your network against malicious code and viruses that can unleash havoc on your systems.
Install spam filters and anti-malware software to guard your systems from unnecessary and malevolent data that can compromise your system.
Before installing patches for software updates, ensure their origins. Check the schedule of patch releases before you automate their installation across your network.

Tip#5: Incident Response Plan

Unfortunately, your best efforts may still not be enough to thwart a cyber attack on your business. Therefore, draw up an incident response plan to help in damage control. Identify a set of tools and processes that can detect a security breach, eliminate threats and recover data. Having an incident response plan allows your security team to respond quickly against cyber threats and reduce damage.

The Takeaway

Cybercriminals constantly seek out vulnerabilities in their targets to find a doorway to enter and attack. Thwarting a cyber attack requires a combination of strict security measures and robust security systems management. Vigilance is key to protecting your enterprise - constant monitoring of traffic on your network can save you against vicious cyber attacks. Unless your security protocols cover every access point across the enterprise, your network will remain vulnerable to hackers and cyber criminals. Certain companies find it easier to hire the services of a managed service provider (MSP) to handle the cyber security needs of their enterprise.

Author Bio:

Sachin Agrawal is an Enterprise Architect and heads up Business & Technology at Tarika Technologies . He carries expertise and a flair for writing on Management Consulting, Software & Analytics and Digital Media. Apart from distilling his technical ideas into creating innovative solutions, he is a practitioner of Haidong Gumdo and at his leisure, taps the Cajon and strums his Guitar! You can connect with him on LinkedIn .