Cybersecurity Tips for 2022
There has been a relentless increase in the frequency and severity of cyber-attacks over 2021 and we should expect further volatility as we delve into 2022. This article aims to offer insight as to how you can best protect your business from becoming another cybercrime statistic.
The first piece of information that we are going to offer you is that The Bare Minimum Is No Longer Enough. For many years, companies could get away with just firewalls and standard data security software that came pre-downloaded on their laptops. Not anymore. Hackers have gotten smarter and hungrier, computers have become more complex, privacy laws now force companies to try harder. Measures used to fight cybercrime have had to adapt and upgrade to compete with the growing threats. Essentially, companies need to consult with expert cyber security companies specialized in the field to understand their requirements.
Secondly, De-Identifying Data is best practice for data privacy. A method of de-identify data is the most important step to achieving holistic data protection from a variety of issues e.g., data breaches, ransomware, and compliance fines. Many privacy-based compliance laws are centered around requiring businesses to de-identify their client’s data, whether it be credit card information, health records, or addresses. Encryption, tokenization. and masking are all effective ways of ensuring that even if your data is stolen, it is still protected.
Thirdly, hackers are far less likely to attack a business that encrypts its data. Cyber Criminals are smart and unwilling to put time into cracking an encryption code. They wouldn’t try and steal data that is encrypted because once they get it, it would take them many many years to crack an encryption code, with no guarantee the data is worth anything. Instead, they target companies that utilize basic defense systems such as firewalls, full disk encryption, anti-virus software, etc. These cyber measures have their place in cyber security and are needed but can be bypassed easily by an experienced hacker. Not all encryption methods are equal.
Finally, auditing access and threat detection should also be used. In the coming years, many Countries Governments wish to be notified within 72 hours of a data breach, or penalties may apply. Auditing file activity is a necessary component to determining where the issue came from and who caused it. Auditing is not a feature that comes standard with operating systems and ties back into the fact that companies can no longer get away with the bare minimum. One needs to be aware that Auditing is an “after the event” indicator and does not actually provide any technical control to block or stop that event.
If you want your company to be threat-free in 2022, you need to consult a Cybersecurity expert ASAP and understand what data security solution would be best tailored to your industry. With the information you provide them, they will likely point you in the direction of an encryption, de-identification masking solution that has auditing and key management properties.
If you wish for a free consultation with a cyber expert about your businesses specific privacy needs send an email to: enquiry@randtronics.com
If you wish to find out more about Randtronics encryption solutions visit: www.randtronics.com
