With technology changing over the past 5 years, so too has the cybersecurity threat landscape. Previously, businesses were concerned with securing a small number of systems, such as networks, phone systems and endpoint devices, such as PCs and printers. But now, as businesses have introduced new technologies to increase productivity, collaboration, and connectivity, they now must consider how they can keep all these systems safe from a cyberattack.
What’s more is that hackers are becoming more advanced and invasive in their methods, and such data breaches and hacks have in fact become more prevalent in recent years. So, ensuring a company’s cybersecurity ecosystem is robust enough to combat this should be of top most priority in any business.
And yet, here’s the thing: there is not a single security software that is able to promise this. This means that businesses must implement a holistic security ecosystem, with multiple solutions working together to secure their IT systems.
So what are the 5 Elements of a Security Ecosystem?
Endpoint Security
Endpoint security focuses on securing any device that is connected to a network or IT system. This includes laptops, mobile phone, desktops, IoT devices, servers and virtual environments. This is essential, as endpoints are key vulnerability points of entry for cybercriminals. If a hacker gains access to an endpoint and executes malicious code, they can potentially steal private data or launch a larger attack.
When deciding on an endpoint security solution, it is important to implement a solution that goes beyond traditional antivirus and has smart features with an emphasis on user behaviour.
Update & Patch Management
Many cyberattacks and data breaches can be avoided by ensuring all operating systems and software are up to date. Although this is simple in theory, often employees will delay updates and patches due to the inconvenience of having to restart their device.
This can be avoided with the use of a solution such a Microsoft Intune. Intune is a mobile device management and mobile application management tool that allows IT administrators to remotely manage employee devices.
Email Security
In 2021, 83% of reported cyberattacks or breaches were phishing attacks. This is no surprise as email has been the number one attack vector for many years. A successful phishing attack can launch a multitude of other cyberattacks, including ransomware, that can have devastating consequences.
A comprehensive email security solution can stop phishing emails before they reach a user’s inbox. Similarly, many modern email security solutions have features that combat internal threats, if a user’s email account is compromised.
Business Continuity Disaster Recovery
Although security solutions are typically designed to prevent an attack in the first place, it is also important to have a solution in place that allows for data recovery in the event of an attack, or other disaster. This is only possible with a disaster recovery plan, such a plan requires two key objectives, the recovery point objective (RPO) and the recovery time objective (RTO). The RPO how frequently a business must backup their data to recover from a disaster. The RTO is the amount of time a business’s systems can be down without causing significant damage to the business.
A comprehensive business continuity disaster recovery solution may also automatically quarantine any ransomware and revert back to a safe backup to limit the impact of the disaster.
Cyber Security Awareness Training
While the previous solutions should stop many attacks before they pose a threat to a business’s IT systems, in the case of a cybercriminal passing the layers of defence, employees should be able to identify and report potential threats. Cybersecurity awareness training encourages employees to understand the cybersecurity threat landscape, how to identify security risks and the process of reporting potential cyberattacks or poor security practices. Effective cybersecurity training can decrease the chance of a business falling victim to a cyberattack, whilst developing a positive security culture within a business.
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