4 Elements to Include in Your Cybersecurity Strategy

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March 10, 2022 Business

A robust cybersecurity strategy is no longer considered a cost of doing business. It’s a decisive factor in whether a company will be able to continue operating and thrive.

When organizations think of cybersecurity, two things cross their minds: hackers and unauthorized computer access.

And it’s true, cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated and using more advanced phishing and malware techniques to find vulnerabilities in large and small-sized organizations, in both the public and private sectors.

The real cost of a cyberattack – in terms of lost productivity and reputable capital – can be staggering. According to some estimates, the global cost of cybercrime will amount to $10.5 trillion annually by 2025.

A proactive approach to cyber security, that is, putting the right systems and technology in place, will not only respond to cyber-attacks but also enable growth.

In this post, we look at the top 4 elements to include in your cybersecurity strategy.

Create a Good Password Strategy

The first step towards better cyber security for businesses, especially those starting, is to secure unique passwords. Too many people use weak passwords that are easy to hack.

Unique passwords are very important for cyber security. In the event of data leaks, passwords come out and if they’re used on several platforms, your protection disappears at once. So, it’s good to change your passwords regularly and have unique login details for different services and websites.

To facilitate the practical aspects of having unique passwords, you can use a password manager. Then you as a user only need to remember one password. Additionally, get in the habit of not sharing passwords with others.

Choose a Colocation Data Center Provider

If you own a business, you already know the importance of having a resilient and dependable data infrastructure so your operations run smoothly and effectively. Today, many companies turn to data colocation centers, also known as colo, which refers to outsourcing the data center environment for facilities that host and manage the computer hardware, servers, and data storage equipment.

Colocation centers are crucial as they help businesses reduce costs, support long-term growth, and offer top-quality secure services.

Keep in mind that when choosing a colocation data center provider, the location should be the main consideration as it affects access to the facility, which directly affects the organization’s ability to perform upgrades or service any equipment at the site by being physically present.

For example, if your business is based in Detroit, Michigan, you might want to look at the possibility of choosing a Detroit colocation provider that is no more than 100 miles away from your business. If your provider is located farther away, it could increase your costs and not be a wise decision from a financial and logistical standpoint.

VPN to Improve Your Cyber Security Posture

Generally speaking, all companies use the internet for running daily operations. When you surf, your information is vulnerable, which entails a security risk. To encrypt the traffic sent back and forth, a virtual private network, VPN can be used. When you and your employees use VPN for cyber security in businesses, you can more securely access sensitive documents.

In addition to improving security when transferring files and the like, your anonymity also increases. VPN services protect your IP address and reduce your digital footprint. As a result, there is less data that can leak in the event of a data breach.

Patching and Updating

If possible, make sure that the systems update themselves automatically with new security patches. But also be aware that there is an opportunity for backdoors to get in that way. What we’re trying to say is that you should make a careful consideration of the respective disadvantages of automatic security patching. For the majority, this is the right way to go but it might not be for everyone.

While updating software is important, you shouldn’t forget about printers, firmware, and other equipment that also need updating. Additionally, keep track of whether products or systems are starting to approach End-of-Life.

If you have systems that are older and cannot be updated but which you are still dependent on, make sure to isolate these extra carefully. For example, a separate segment in the network where everything is filtered in and out and a special jump host must be used to access this old system.

Maintain the systems and ensure that only software that’s used is exposed or turned on.

Final Thoughts

Cybersecurity is often perceived as costly and tedious. But cyber threats are a growing problem for businesses and must be taken seriously. By including these elements in your cybersecurity strategy, you’ll enable your business to operate without the threat of an attack.