What is Cyber Security?
Cyber Security is a collection of technologies, processes and best practices that help protect your devices, networks, programs and data from being attacked, stolen or unauthorised access.
So why is it important?
Cyber Security is important because all organisations large and small (especially government, medical & military facilities) collect data and store it on computers, servers and other devices. A large amount of
that data can be sensitive information, this information could be financial data, personal information, or other types of data for which unauthorized access from an unknown source and leaking to the world could have a huge negative impact to the person who's data it is, let alone your business.
Organisations transmit sensitive data across networks and to other devices as part of doing everyday business. If you have an understanding of the implications, your organisation will be better placed in the fight against data breaches and will better protect your data.
The cyber security challenges your organisation is facing right now!
Network security:
Network security is the protection of your organisations network from unwanted attackers and intrusions. Unwanted users pose a threat to the integrity of your network.
Data security:
Data security is protecting all company and customer information that exists within the network and applications of your organisation.
Application security:
Application security is making sure all applications are always updated and tested to ensure these programs are secure from attacks.
Database and infrastructure security:
Database and infrastructure security is the protection of all the databases and physical equipment in your organisation. This is very important to the overall security
of your organisations systems.
Identity management:
Identity management is fundamentally understanding the information access requirements of every individual within your organisation.
Cloud security:
Cloud security refers to the fact that many of us store information in a digital way that is not on your premises. This is reffered to as being in "the cloud".
Company data that is in a 100% online "cloud" system is often seen as an easy answer but also has a lot of challenges to overcome.
Endpoint security:
Remote working is a necessary part of business now more than ever, remote working and remote access can also be seen as a weakness for your data. Endpoint security protects remote
access to your organisations network.
Mobile security:
Mobile security is a challenge for every size of organisation as mobile phones and tablets can be used anywhere and anytime and are prone to being misused, lost or stolen.
Disaster recovery/business continuity planning:
Disaster recovery and business continuity planning is what you do in the event of a breach, natural disaster or any other event where the data
must be protected and business must continue. In order to be up and running with least disruption possible for your organisation, you WILL need to have a plan.
And finally, but arguably the most important....
User education:
Staff members logging into your network and using applications are generally considered the weakest link in your defence against attackers. Users need to be educated in establishing good habits like choosing complex passwords,
enabling 2-factor authentication where available, etc. This is a very important part of cyber security as it helps protect your organisation from the inside.
At HW Wolverhampton IT Services we help organisations on their cyber security journey from implementing network security devices to helping educate staff on how to spot phishing attacks and email fraud. If you would like to discuss your cyber security requirements please contact us here
Author: Matthew Wilkinson-Foster - Email
