Latin America. Protecting your organization against cyber attacks is becoming an increasingly demanding task. Here are five ways you can help protect your organization from cyberattacks, keeping in mind that in Mexico alone, around $9 billion is lost to cyberattacks.
These five steps can help protect your organization from a growing number of cyber threats
Cybercriminals are getting more and more creative and social engineering attacks are continually evolving, making it increasingly difficult to protect your organization. Here are five steps to help put your organization in the best possible position to defend against cyber threats lurking on the Internet.
1. Avoid social engineering attacks
Whether in the form of phishing, ransomware, or pretexting, social engineering attacks are dangerous and often difficult to identify. The ability to detect them as early as possible is vital to protect your organization against such cyber threats.
"Every member of your organization must learn how to detect a potential social engineering attack. It only takes an employee clicking on the wrong link or sending personal information to the wrong person for a large-scale data breach to occur," said Philippe Verrier, Strategic Account Manager at Genetec Mexico.
Here's a list of requests for data exchanges and communications that you should think twice about before clicking or participating:
• Requests for user credentials or shared credentials
• Requests for contractual or financial information
• Requests for personal information
• Unusual or suspicious links and files
• Unusual or suspicious phone calls
2. Educate users about device protection
In the face of security threats, educating users on how to protect enterprise devices is a simple but vital step. Ensure that every member of your organization knows best practices for protecting company data. Although this starts at the time of induction, educating your employees on how to secure their devices is an ongoing process.
Whether it's for a 5-minute break in the bathroom or a 10-minute chat with your co-worker, locking your devices before leaving your workstation is an essential starting point as your password acts as the first line of defense.
Refraining from using third-party applications that have not been approved by your IT department is also a key factor, as it ensures that you are not using any vulnerable programs that can be exploited. You should also limit any unnecessary use of personal devices for work. Instead, use the devices your organization puts at your disposal to help reduce the risk of a cyberattack.
3. Implement multi-factor authentication and password management
Mexico is the second country with the most cyberattacks on businesses in Latin America(2), so the importance of password management policies and multi-factor authentication (MFA) are essential when it comes to securing your devices. Although the role of a password is straightforward, the constant rotation of a strong, random password is just as crucial.
It is important to change all the default passwords of your devices, as this is a vulnerability that is often exploited by cybercriminals and, of course, never share your passwords with anyone.
MFA is also key to securing your systems, as it forces the user to confirm their credentials through a secure, secondary app every time a device is used.
4. Stay up-to-date with software and hardware best practices
Software and hardware physical security best practices help ensure you're doing everything you can to secure your organization, whether it's choosing systems with built-in defense features or regularly updating your software and hardware.
"Choosing systems with built-in layers of defense reinforces your organization's cybersecurity from the moment you put them to work. Solutions like those offered by Genetec with built-in security features, such as data encryption and endpoint protection, offer obstacles that hinder cybercriminals from penetrating your systems," said Philippe.
When it comes to software updates, many overlook the important role they play in helping protect their organization. Prioritize updating the software and firmware of all your devices, as this allows them to perform at their optimal level. Product updates often provide critical fixes for new vulnerabilities found.
5. Select the right technology
Finding a technology provider that offers the solutions you need, and operates with transparency, is not easy. While it may take time to decide which vendor is right for your organization, it's an important step in shaping your ideal security solution.
Most providers offer their customers hardening guides – guides that provide advice on how to keep their system secure – so ask the right questions to make sure you receive the relevant data from your providers and privacy protection policies.
Choosing the right technology is critical to a strong cybersecurity strategy, as operating with transparency and maintaining clear communication around vulnerabilities allows your organization to create an optimal cybersecurity strategy.
Maintaining cybersecurity is an ongoing process
With the constant flow of people throughout your organization, especially with new and outgoing employees, educating every member of your organization on cybersecurity best practices is a never-ending process.
While it starts at the time of onboarding and induction, both new and existing employees require constant reminders and updates about the steps they need to take, every day, to protect the organization against an increasing number of cyber threats.
To keep up with best practices, Genetec shares several tools and tips that you can check out here.
