Effective cyber security measures are of paramount importance in today’s interconnected world. All organizations, no matter how big or small, need to prioritize the practices of safeguarding sensitive information with the proliferation and sophistication of cyber-attacks.
For the smooth running of business activities, cybersecurity uses various techniques for preventing intruders, detecting and neutralizing threats, and reacting swiftly to security breaches. The Australian Cyber Security Centre has created a framework called ACSC Essential 8 which outlines the crucial measures you can use in the face of cyber threats.
Let’s delve into each cyber security strategy companies can use to protect their data and defend against cyber-attacks.
1. Patch Applications
The ACSC essential 8 maturity models rank patch applications at the top of the list as the ideal cyber security strategy in which business applications are up-to-date and have effective security patches.
Keeping software updated is one of the most effective ways to protect your business against security vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals frequently use known software weaknesses to obtain unauthorized access or launch attacks.
The most effective defense against these and other known exploits is a regularly updated operating system and applications. Identifying, testing, and deploying updates on time lowers the risk of exploitation; thus, businesses should implement a patch management strategy.
2. Restrict Administrative Privileges
In most cases, cyber attacks happen because unauthorized individuals have access to sensitive information that they can easily manipulate. Irresponsible uses of the provided credentials also put the business at risk of many cyber assaults, such as data breaches, phishing attacks, ransomware attacks, and social engineering attacks.
The ACSC Essential 8 developed the most basic form of security to restrict administrative access to those who genuinely need it. Organizations can lessen the likelihood of exploitation by limiting access to sensitive information and dividing up responsibilities.
Limiting administrative access ensures those with special permissions are held accountable in cases of unprecedented attacks. It also lessens the damage due to the theft of sensitive data or the modification of vital infrastructure.
3. Use of Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for any website or application makes the authentication procedure more secure. For example, implementing 2-factor authentication (2FA) necessitates using more than one authentication factor, such as a password and a one-time code texted to a mobile device.
Even if credentials are hacked, the multi-factor authentication strategy improves security by preventing unwanted access. The danger of unwanted access to critical systems and data can be significantly reduced if firms use multi-factor authentication such as:
- Biometric authentication
- Hardware tokens
- SMS-based verification codes
- Email-based verification codes
- Mobile app-based authentication
4. User Training and Awareness Programs
Building a culture centered around security within an organization requires substantial investment in user education and awareness campaigns. Since employees may fall for phishing scams or other forms of social engineering without realizing it, they are frequently the most susceptible component in a company’s safety measures.
Employees are taught how to spot phishing emails, the need for strong passwords, and how to report suspicious activity as part of user training programs. Businesses may encourage employee participation in their security initiatives by increasing awareness and equipping workers with the information they need to do their jobs safely and securely.
5. Email Filtering and Blocking of Malicious Attachments
Two of the most common types of cyberattacks involve phishing emails and malicious attachments. Advanced screening systems from ACSC essential 8 maturity model are crucial since emails, URLs, and attachments can all contain malicious malware.
Email filtering tools and removing attachments can prevent malicious messages from reaching recipients’ inboxes. Implementing these measures ensures that businesses are safe against phishing and malware attacks that use email as a delivery mechanism.
6. Daily Operating System and Application Vulnerability Scanning
Businesses and individuals can detect and fix security holes in their systems and software by scanning them regularly for vulnerabilities. Scanners for vulnerabilities examine computer systems and software for defects and security breaches.
Preventing vulnerabilities and responding quickly by scanning their systems routinely is possible. This tactic lessens the likelihood of successful cyber assaults while keeping systems secure against known exploits.
7. Daily Backups
Regular data backups help mitigate the damages due to hardware failures or ransomware attacks, among other sources of data loss. If regular backups are performed and safely preserved, businesses can recover data and return to work after a security breach.
To ensure that the backed-up data is accessible, it’s crucial to have a clearly defined backup plan. That involves routinely assessing the integrity of backup and recovery methods.
Conclusion
As said above, in 2023, businesses must implement cyber security tactics such as application whitelisting, patching software, and restricting administrator power. Multi-factor authentication, daily data backups, user training, email filtering, and vulnerability checks are also helpful.
You must develop stringent security processes to protect customers’ personal information and provide a solid line of defense against cyberattacks. You will make significant improvements to cyber security with ACSC’s Essential 8 Maturity Model.
