Talking about cybersecurity can be scary. It’s daunting to think about the armies of hackers out there trying to access your data, and the potential risks of a successful breach.
There is some good news, though. You are not powerless. In fact, the right approach to security could make you almost invulnerable to hackers and other threats to your data.
And this is true even if you have limited IT resources within your organization. By being smart and having a plan, you can repel the majority of attacks.
The three elements of cybersecurity
When you’re designing any kind of IT strategy–whether it’s launching an online business or implementing a new employee timesheet system–you have to consider three separate factors:
- People: Who is using the new technology? What are their strengths and weaknesses? How can you create an experience that makes their lives easier?
- Processes: What are the organizational processes surrounding your new technology? For example, imagine that you install a new system for managing customer files. Who can read those files? Who can edit them? Who is responsible for keeping files up-to-date?
- Technology: Your new system should link up neatly with your people and processes. This might require some additional steps, like offering user training or documenting a new process.
This three-pronged approach also applies to cybersecurity. When you’re thinking about keeping your data safe, you need to think about the physical security of your systems, the technical safeguards that keep hackers out, and the administrative processes that make security a priority. Let’s look at each one in more detail.
Physical security: Safeguarding people and devices
Hackers will try every trick in the book to access your systems, including the old-fashioned method of burglary. If someone can steal a laptop or mobile phone, they might gain unrestricted access to all of your data.
There are other physical threats, too. If a malicious actor can get past your front door, they might sit at a computer and try to log in. Remote workers are especially at risk–if they leave their laptop unattended, someone might exploit that weakness to your detriment.
Physical security controls are things that prevent in-person access to your network. Examples of such controls include:
- Security guards
- Locked doors
- ID badge systems
- Anti-theft protection (such as tracking devices)
- Security alarms
- CCTV cameras
- Desk locks to prevent device removal
- Visitor management protocols
You might already have some of these measures in place, especially if you need to protect other physical assets such as your inventory. The principle here is the same. Ultimately, your goal is to prevent theft, but you’re focusing on the potential theft of devices and data.
Technical security: Your anti-hacker software
Most hackers will attack through digital methods, so you will need software solutions to keep you safe.
Criminals will try to attack in a variety of ways, which means that you need a variety of solutions in place. Some of the most basic ones include:
- Firewall: A firewall manages traffic in and out of your network. Your firewall can stop a lot of malicious attempts to break in, and it can also stop sensitive information from being sent elsewhere.
- Antivirus: This software looks out for malware that will attempt to infect your computer. The typical antivirus suite will check downloaded software, email attachments, webpages, and other common sources of infection.
- Encryption tools: Encrypted data is unreadable until it’s decrypted. This means that hackers can’t read your data, even if they do manage to access it.
- Software updates: Hackers are good at finding vulnerable points in popular software packages. Software publishers issue regular updates that will close off these vulnerabilities and keep you safe.
- User authentication: Usernames and passwords are the most common forms of authentication. You might also have fingerprint scanners, facial recognition, or a security code sent to the user’s phone.
None of these solutions are, by themselves, sufficient to keep your business safe. Instead, you’ll need a combination of these technologies, all of which will need to be supported by intelligent business processes.
Administrative security: The processes that tie it all together
Want to make life really difficult for hackers? Make sure your team is organized, that they follow best practices, and that your organization has a security-first mentality.
This is an ongoing part of your security strategy. It requires constant review and refinement, plus regular training for your team (especially new hires). Every security incident is a chance to grow, learn, and do better the next time.
Some essential steps here include:
- Role-based access control: Each user should only have the power that they need. For example, a junior employee doesn’t need administrative access to the customer database. It’s important to have a policy for assigning and reviewing those permissions for each role.
- Security policy: Your organization should have a clear security policy that outlines rules like internet usage, equipment management, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy, and so on. Your team should know this policy verbatim, which may require additional training.
- Cybersecurity reporting: Regular audits and scans can reveal potential issues. Leaders need to discuss these issues and work towards sustainable solutions. Users should also have a facility for reporting their security concerns.
- SIEM review: Security and Information Event Management (SIEM) tools gather all of the security logs in one place, making it easier to identify suspicious activity. You’ll need a process to review your SIEM tool or look through individual logs if you don’t have SIEM.
- Threat preparedness testing: You can test your current defense posture in a number of ways. Penetration Testing firms will attempt to hack your network and let you know if they’re successful. You can also send fake phishing emails to your team and see who falls for them!
Administrative controls depend on your team being organized. That means writing down processes, training your staff, and communicating any changes.
It also means leading by example. Make sure that you take a security-first approach to every aspect of your business.
Which type of security control is most effective?
Unfortunately, your business will need all three types of security controls. Think about what happens if you’re missing one of these approaches:
- Poor physical security: Your best practices and sophisticated security software are no match for a hacker who has stolen your laptop.
- Poor technical security: Hackers are working 24/7 to find vulnerable networks. If you have any weaknesses, they will exploit them–even when your team is logged out.
- Poor administrative controls: You might have strong security barriers in place, but your team could inadvertently create an opportunity for malicious actors. This is highly likely if your team isn’t fully trained on best practices.
You will need to think about all three types of security control when you’re building you’re cybersecurity framework. But the good news is that many of these controls are non-technical and don’t require a lot of investment. Common sense, attention to detail, and good team communication can protect against a lot of the biggest digital threats.