Cyber Security: Effective measures for more information security

Digitalization has arrived in small and medium-sized enterprises and opens up a variety of opportunities. However, this also comes with risks. The security of one's IT can be significantly improved with a few simple measures.

The fact that our communication channels are operated digitally requires that companies take the issue of information security seriously. The primary goal is to prevent attackers from accessing internal data. One of the most effective and simplest measures to improve security is to raise employee awareness on this topic. This awareness, also referred to as awareness training, plays a crucial role in protecting a company. Protection against cyber threats, protection from cybercriminals; because the greatest weakness in IT security is often the human factor.

Create awareness for the safe handling of IT and data

Entrepreneurs should therefore act proactively and regularly train their employees. The valuable significance of employee awareness cannot be emphasized enough! The goal is to create awareness and sensitivity to cyber security and the safe handling of data among employees. Through regular training, employees can learn to identify potential threats and cyber risks and respond correctly. This type of training is an important component of IT security. They do not need to be lengthy or complex; what matters is that they occur regularly and cover current topics. They should also be tailored to the specific corporate culture.

The human factor remains a high risk when it comes to protection against potential cyber attacks. A significant advantage of employee awareness is the comparatively low effort relative to the benefits. Through targeted training, companies can significantly reduce this risk. Investing in employee training can therefore prevent substantial damage from cyber attacks in the long term.

Cyber security is a matter for the boss!

Cyber security is primarily a matter for management and should therefore have priority at the executive level. Companies should be well-prepared for conceivable incidents and occurrences. Every employee should know what to do in case X happens. Training to raise awareness of IT security as well as drills that simulate potential scenarios in the event of a cyber attack help minimize risks.

Insufficiently protected systems open the door to attackers. They can gain access to sensitive data or disrupt entire corporate processes. Companies are responsible for securing all conceivable vulnerabilities and closing security gaps as quickly as possible. The foundation for this is, first and foremost, a comprehensive security concept or security strategy with appropriate measures to protect against cyber threats. It is particularly important to protect data from unauthorized access and to prevent access to sensitive information.

A good IT security concept with internal company guidelines must be regularly reviewed and adjusted if necessary. This includes first gaining an overview to accurately assess the threat situation of your company. Which data and sensitive information are particularly important and should be protected from unauthorized access? An overview of the hardware and software used in the company is also advisable. This way, responsible individuals gain an overview of the IT systems and can simultaneously identify outdated software. Companies must always work to ensure that their systems are up to date because protecting against cyber threats is an ongoing task.

Regular data backups as a foundation

Fundamentally, data backup is essential. Regular backups are important here. For smaller companies, simply saving to an external hard drive is usually sufficient. However, this should be stored in a secure, separate location. In some cases, it may even be sensible to store data backups on multiple media and keep them in different locations. For larger companies, this approach is often not sufficient. Here, it is advisable to consult an expert about the best solution for data backup and recovery. In addition, regular updates for software and security updates, as recommended by the manufacturer, should be carried out.

The proper handling of emails also provides protection against cyber attacks. The email program should be able to filter out suspicious emails and potentially dangerous email attachments, also concerning phishing. A good spam filter is therefore essential. Every PC in the company should also have antivirus software that is regularly updated and thus always up to date. In addition to antivirus software, a firewall is essential for cyber security. Regular system scans can help detect potential viruses.

Depending on the company, it can also be beneficial to divide the corporate network into individual areas to minimize the risk of cyber attacks. This can be advisable even with as few as 20 employees. For example, production has its own sub-network, just like the accounting department. This prevents security gaps from arising because, for instance, a control computer of a technical system can no longer be updated. Additionally, sensitive and personal data, such as in the HR department, can be secured separately.

Implement organizational measures

Technical measures alone do not adequately protect a system, so alongside technical protective measures, organizational measures are crucial. What would be the consequences of a complete failure of all PCs in the company? How high could the costs be in the worst-case scenario? Can at least some of the tasks still be accomplished if IT fails? Keep in mind that power outages can also trigger such an emergency.

A contingency plan for protecting critical infrastructures first includes defining responsibilities. Who is allowed to shut down a server or terminate software? Which parts of the network must not be taken offline under any circumstances? And who is reachable outside of office hours in an emergency?

In general, the responsibilities should be clear. Who can employees turn to if they have a question regarding IT security? A password policy that is binding for all employees also belongs to the IT concept of every company. Clear password rules are necessary here. The current rule of thumb is that a good password should have at least 15 characters (better more), including numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters, as well as special characters. A password should never be reused. Additionally, multifactor authentication or two-factor authentication (2FA) can be implemented in IT systems.

A good assessment to better understand the security risk is also through penetration tests. In these security tests, computers or entire networks are thoroughly checked, which means that security gaps can be identified through penetration testing. However, these tests should only be carried out by experts, as they can best assess the results and take appropriate measures.

More security through encryption

Wherever possible, encryption should be utilized. This is especially true when sending data and on the company website. An SSL certificate is standard for the latter. Additionally, PCs, laptops, smartphones, and other devices should at least be password protected, ideally even encrypted. The corresponding technology is usually already present in the devices; it just needs to be activated and configured.

This is particularly important if employees are allowed to use their own PCs. However, for the encryption of devices, a professional should be consulted, as there is a risk that, for example, the employee forgets the password. Normally, the password is documented in the IT department and professionally secured.

Corporate computers should also be well protected against ransomware. If these penetrate the corporate IT, hackers can disable single data or even the entire IT. This is often associated with ransom demands; only when payment is made will the affected data or IT systems be released. This threat alone shows that security strategies for companies are of crucial importance. Early detection of threats and taking action against them before something happens.

Physical protection – an underestimated "triviality"?

A seemingly trivial matter that is often overlooked is the physical protection of devices. Every PC should be kept in a secure location protected from theft. There are also special locks for laptops similar to a locker lock. Server rooms should also be well secured - no entry for unauthorized persons. And last but not least: Get cyber security support.

The expert team from SecTepe is here to assist you with advice and support!