If you work for a medium or big corporation, chances are you’ve heard the words ‘cyber resilience’ being thrown around. Several employees tend to assume it is a part of cybersecurity. However, it is so much more than a basic computer security technique.
Simply put, cybersecurity is defined as the strategy put in place to prevent cyberattacks. It involves measures and tools used to block hackers from accessing networks and devices. Cyber resilience, on the other hand, is the framework created to cushion the effect of a security breach. Cybersecurity prevents security breaches while cyber resilience ensures smooth running after a security breach.
Firms are increasingly taking to cyber resilience because of evolutions in the hackspace. Even with the best cybersecurity practices, hackers can still find ways to penetrate a company’s network. Big firms with top-notch cybersecurity strategies get hacked once in a while and this makes other firms face reality.
Cyber Threats that Organizations Face
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Stolen/Lost Devices
While the means to achieve this is physical, the end is to steal information from a device. A highly-placed official in a firm can experience loss or theft of a device. In the case of a theft, the attack is highly likely to be targeted.
The robber will then deliver the device to a hacker who can steal the login credentials of the employee. Firm operations, projects, and consumer information can get leaked on the internet this way. This typically leads to lawsuits and reputational damage.
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Malicious Software
A form of malicious software called ransomware is typically targeted at businesses of all sizes. This program encrypts the information on a victim’s device, making it inaccessible. Hackers behind ransomware attacks do this because of ransom payments.
Cybersecurity Measures used by Most Firms
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Employee Training
Since employees are the gateways to infecting a company with malware or stealing login details, most companies train them. Workers are kept up-to-date through seminars with cybersecurity trends and hacks in the business space discussed.
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Security Tools
Network security tools like Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are highly used by companies. A VPN encrypts the flow of information through an organization’s network, blocking all forms of data espionage.
A firm typically implements this by downloading a VPN onto each office device. Other companies that use a single network simply install the VPN on the router to protect all the devices connected to the network.
Creating a Solid Cyber Resilience Program
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Backup your Information
If your business gets hit with ransomware, you’ll need to have alternate access to your data. Ransomware hackers usually threaten to delete all the data on victims’ devices if a payment deadline is not met. What’s worse, there have been cases where financial remuneration is made and the firm is still losing all its information.
An organization with access to data backup will pay no attention to ransomware hackers. Data can be backed up on the cloud or physical hard drives.
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Cybersecurity Breach Simulations
Implementing cybersecurity breach drills can improve employee response to a real breach. The steps involved in this simulation include a report to law enforcement and the general public. A swift response like this will help to reassure customers and maintain confidence.
When each employee fully understands how to manage cybersecurity penetration, better decisions will be made.
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Recovery Planning
Consumers get frustrated when a service they’re using goes offline at any time. This sometimes leads to loss of customers and money. The quicker your response to a privacy breach, the better you can mitigate the effects.
Your firm will need a plan for restoring systems online. This includes data backup maintenance and regular checks of the backups.
Contributor: Matthew Stern
