Tag: #cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Mastery: 6 Insider Tips to Safeguard Your Data and Identity

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is a growing concern for individuals and businesses alike. With the constantly evolving technology landscape, the risk of cyber-attacks and data breaches has become more prevalent than ever before. From phishing emails to ransomware attacks, our personal information and sensitive data are under threat every day.

As we continue to rely on technology for work, communication, and daily tasks, we must take proactive measures to protect ourselves from these potential threats. Let’s dive in and learn how to master cybersecurity!

Consider Removing Your Data

Many people are unaware that their personal information is publicly available on various websites, making them vulnerable to identity theft and other cybercrimes. If you no longer need your account or just want to remove your online presence, you should know how to remove info from MyLife and similar websites. By doing so, you will reduce the chances of your data being accessed by unwanted parties.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Having a strong, unique password for each of your online accounts is no longer a recommendation but a necessity. Hackers and cybercriminals constantly come up with new ways to access personal data, and using easily guessed information like birthdays or common words only makes it easier for them. To ensure your online security, it’s best to use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters that aren’t easily tied to your personal information. The next time you’re creating a password, think beyond the obvious and get creative!

Activate Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication, also known as 2FA, is an additional layer of security that requires users to provide two forms of identification before accessing their accounts. This typically involves a password and a unique code sent to your phone or email.

Once you enable 2FA, you add another level of protection against unauthorized access to your accounts, even if someone manages to obtain your password. Many popular websites and apps offer this feature, so be sure to activate it whenever possible.

Stay Alert for Phishing Attempts

Phishing is a common tactic used by hackers to steal personal information through deceptive emails or websites. These fraudulent attempts often appear legitimate and may include links, attachments, or requests for personal information.

To safeguard against phishing attacks, you must stay alert and never click on suspicious links or provide personal data unless you’re absolutely certain of the source. Even some seemingly authentic emails can be phishing attempts, so always double-check the sender’s email address and verify any requests for sensitive information before taking action.

Keep Software and Devices Updated

Regularly updating your devices and software is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your digital footprint. These updates are not just about adding new features or improving performance — they often contain important security patches that safeguard against known vulnerabilities.

If you keep your devices and software up to date, you can minimize the risk of cyber-attacks and protect your sensitive information. Don’t procrastinate on those pesky updates because your cybersecurity depends on it!

Use Reliable Antivirus Software

Reputable antivirus software offers real-time protection and detects any malicious activity or attempts to access your personal information. Make sure to research and choose a trusted antivirus software that fits your needs, and keep it updated regularly. Antivirus software can also provide additional features such as anti-phishing tools and ad blockers to further enhance your online security.

By following these insider tips, you can better protect yourself against potential cyber threats and safeguard your data and identity. Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing effort, so stay vigilant and keep up with the latest best practices to ensure your digital safety. Don’t let cybercriminals get the upper hand — take control of your cybersecurity today!

Strategic Shift: 55% of CISOs Now View Cybersecurity as Top Priority

The issues that Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) encounter are changing dramatically in the ever-changing cybersecurity world. Stott & May’s Cyber Security in Focus report for 2023 offers a comprehensive look at the trends impacting CISOs, shining a light on the industry’s most urgent concerns. Notably, this year’s survey reveals a significant strategic shift, with 55% of CISOs now identifying cybersecurity as their top priority, a break from previous worries.

One of the report’s significant findings is the increasing significance of budget restrictions as the principal barrier to implementing cybersecurity roadmaps. Over the last year, there has been a significant 16% year-on-year rise in CISOs citing financial constraints as their top challenge. This move is representative of a wider industry trend in which economic concerns force security officials to accomplish more with fewer resources.

The scarcity of internal capabilities is a continuous concern for CISOs, as emphasised by 34% of survey respondents. A startling 66% of security leaders say sourcing personnel is a significant challenge, emphasising the continued difficulty of locating and keeping skilled individuals in the area. Organisations are wrestling with the requirement to bolster their defences against an increasingly complex threat landscape as demand for cybersecurity knowledge continues to exceed supply.

The roadblocks to effective plan implementation are numerous, ranging from internal talent gaps to gaining leadership backing and building a security-centric culture. What sticks out in the present scenario, however, is the rising effect of economic issues, which forces CISOs to manage their cybersecurity projects with limited finances.

According to this year’s Cyber Security in Focus poll, money restrictions have eclipsed internal capabilities as the top impediment to plan implementation, with 51% of security leaders citing budgetary constraints as their primary impediment. Internal skills, while still a major issue for 34% of CISOs, have taken a second seat to the acute financial difficulties that organisations worldwide confront. Board-level buy-in (11%) and technology (3%) are also mentioned as hurdles by the CISOs polled.

The cybersecurity talent shortage is a chronic issue, with 66% of security leaders failing to fill open jobs inside their organisations. Alarmingly, approximately 69% of security openings remain vacant even after an 8-week period, highlighting the severity of the skills shortage.

The rising expectation of wage levels in the cybersecurity arena is exacerbating the personnel scarcity. A significant 47% of CISOs say that salaries have climbed by more than 11% year on year, while another 31% estimated salary inflation is between 6 and 10%. The competitive market for cybersecurity specialists is heating up, causing organisations to rethink their remuneration structures in order to recruit and retain top personnel.

Strategic cybersecurity investment remains a priority but with limited flexibility for innovation. A significant 44% of CISOs report that their budgets will either remain the same or decrease, emphasising the importance of resource allocation. Only 53% feel security expenditure is keeping up with digital business expectations, indicating a possible divergence between security goals and organisational strategy.

In terms of investment priorities, CISOs are focusing on cloud security (25%), identity and access management (IAM) (20%), and security and vulnerability management (18%). These goals demonstrate a thorough understanding of the changing threat landscape and the need to strengthen defences in key areas.

 

A notable shift in viewpoint may be seen as CISOs try to link cybersecurity with larger business initiatives. Moreover, 60% of respondents believe that the security function improves the total value proposition to clients. This change highlights the evolution of cybersecurity from a technical requirement to a strategic imperative that directly contributes to corporate objectives.

The Cyber Security in Focus study is a yearly in-depth investigation that draws insights from a high-quality sample of 60 CISOs and security professionals. The report, which was sourced from Stott and May’s professional network across EMEA and North America, combines quantitative research with qualitative interviews with key industry professionals. 

In the fast-expanding realm of cybersecurity, Haris Pylarinos, Founder & CEO of Hack The Box, emphasises the need to be outward-looking and ensure internal capabilities remain current. Crossbeam’s CISO, Chris Castaldo, underlines the need to know the company as a critical barrier to successful cybersecurity roadmap implementation.

Ultimately, the 2023 Cyber Security in Focus study presents a complete picture of the problems and possibilities that CISOs face. The industry’s transformation, driven by fiscal limitations, personnel shortages, and the requirement to connect security measures with larger business plans, has resulted in a strategy shift towards cybersecurity as a primary priority. As CISOs face these issues, intelligent decision-making and creative solutions will be essential in navigating the complicated and evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Cyber threats have real world consequences – it’s important for companies to get ahead and protect themselves today

Information Security Management is the first line of defence for a company against a range of threats, including data breaches, ransomware attacks, and malicious intrusions. With cyber attacks growing in frequency and sophistication, organisations of all sizes face unprecedented risks to their operations, finances, and reputation.  

Almost 54% of international business leaders believe the cybersecurity risk to their organisation has increased over the past 12 months.2 The financial and reputational damage inflicted by a cyber attack can be immense. Organisations operating in every sector – manufacturing, construction, retail, wholesale, health, ICT and all others – are at risk of these threats daily. The cost of recovery from an Information Security Management Breach can often exceed the investment required for preventative cybersecurity measures. 

Stewart Hickey, Head of Business Excellence, NSAI said: 

“Standards and certification can be used by companies to underpin both legal and ethical obligations with respect to information security management and GDPR. Standards provide an important means to give technical effect to a principle or regulation in a way that can be evaluated, compared and certified, thereby offering a compliance pathway. Consequently, every business must protect itself – and ISO/IEC 27001 can help you identify the essential tools and skills to do this. Organisations need to be aware of the most serious threats so they can protect their reputation and finances. ISO/IEC 27001 equips companies with protocols and procedures that minimise the chance of a cybersecurity breach.” 

The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) is urging firms in Ireland to be aware of the importance of cyber security. Cyber criminals are constantly developing new ways to steal data, demand ransoms, and disable IT systems. Any business, large or small, is a potential target. Tackling these ever-evolving dangers can’t be just another management talking point- it is a matter of corporate survival. 

Conor Dowling, Director of Managed Services with ProCloud, commenting on the benefits undertaking the ISO/IEC 27001 certification process said: 

“We applied for and achieved ISO/IEC 27001 certification for how we manage security for our own business, and the benefit of this also extends to our clients. We look after their security, so that gives them confidence. There is a huge concern and consciousness regarding cybersecurity in today’s climate. We also found that the benefits extend to ProCloud’s own staff as we now have clear processes in place from the moment an employee starts with us, so they feel confident and secure in their management of our systems and handling of information on behalf of clients. We would recommend ISO/IEC 27001 to any company looking to improve their cyber resilience and protect the security of their business”. 

Certification to ISO standards is a significant step for any company. The NSAI are hosting free webinars so you can find out more about what is involved and how you can help your company secure itself against today’s most serious cyber threats. Places are limited and you can register at nsai.ie/27001 for the upcoming webinar dates; November 30th 2023, December 6th 2023, and January 25th 2024.  

You can also download a free self-assessment tool to help analyse your current Information Security Management status and how ISO/IEC 27001:2022 could enhance it. Prepare your company now for 2024 – regardless of the size of your business or the sector in which you operate, cybersecurity needs to be a priority. 

[1] https://www.aon.com/2021-global-risk-management-survey/index.html?utm_source=media=&utm_medium=org-digital&utm_campaign=ri_global-risk-management-survey__global_all&utm_content=press-release_all

2 https://www.mazars.ie/Home/Insights/Global-insights/Cyber-security-report-2022

2 in 3 Irish businesses to increase investment in cybersecurity according to Dell Technologies survey

A new survey undertaken by the Dell Technologies in association with the Executive Institute found that two-thirds (66%) of businesses in Ireland are planning to invest in their cyber security as cyber threats continue to increase. Moreover, 93% of organisations have already taken steps to enhance their data protection measures in the past twelve months.

The latest ‘Digital Pulse Survey’ from Dell and the Executive Institute of over 150 business leaders, shows that Irish businesses are struggling under the weight of increasing cyber-attacks. The majority of respondents (64%) say that the ever-growing number of attacks is the main barrier to enhancing their organisation’s cyber resilience, with 13% citing lack of in-house cyber skills and expertise and 9% citing outdated technology and upfront investment in cybersecurity solutions.

Highlighting the cyber dangers posed by hybrid working, 68% of businesses have already taken steps to mitigate the cyber risks of flexible and remote working models.

The Digital Pulse Survey also reveals that Irish businesses are increasingly turning to technology to help them achieve their sustainability goals. Over 8 in 10 business leaders (84%) say that technology has positively impacted their sustainability goals to date. Over one-third (37%) are using technology to increase energy efficiency, 24% are using it to facilitate hybrid or remote working, and 20% are using technology to help reduce carbon emissions.

In addition, almost half (49%) of Irish business leaders say they are considering replacing outdated technology in the next 12 months to reduce higher energy costs.

Commenting on the survey results, Catherine Doyle, Managing Director, Dell Technologies Ireland, said: “It’s clear that cyber risk continues to weigh heavily on business leaders as they advance their digital transformation plans. The vast majority have taken steps to enhance their data protection, and two-thirds are looking to increase this investment in the year ahead. Proactive and timely action will be vital to strengthening cyber defences.  

“As businesses work to enhance their cyber resilience, it’s also positive to see the role of technology in driving sustainable innovation. From using technology to increase energy efficiency and facilitate remote working to achieving operational efficiency, digital transformation can help leaders shape a more sustainable future.”

Conor Morris, Managing Director, Executive Institute, said: “The results of the survey suggests that the threat posed by cyber-attacks continues to grow and threatens the future success of our member organisations. These attacks are becoming more frequent and more sophisticated.  Planning for and adopting a security strategy that remains current and as up to date as new cyber threats themselves will be a key factor going forward.”

How to Develop a Robust Cybersecurity Plan for Your Business

As businesses in the 21st century continue to rely more and more on technology for everyday operations, having a trustworthy cybersecurity plan is becoming increasingly important. As cyberattacks become increasingly common, a strong focus must be placed not only on protecting against breaches but also on investing in best practices that will further shield an organization from malicious attacks or data loss. 

To ensure your business has adequate protection against present and future cyber threats, it is essential to develop a comprehensive and reliable cybersecurity strategy that will harden its defenses without compromising convenience or employees’ ability to work efficiently. In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips to help you create comprehensive yet efficient cybersecurity plans for your business.

Train Your Employees – Educate your staff 

In this age of technological advancement, businesses are facing more cyber threats than ever before. That’s why it’s crucial to properly train your employees on safe cyber hygiene practices. Incorporating cyber training for employees can not only protect your company’s sensitive information but also help prevent reputational damage. Hackers are always on the prowl for vulnerabilities and one click can lead to a complete data breach. 

By investing in the proper training, you can ensure your employees have the knowledge and skills necessary to keep your business safe from cyber threats. Don’t wait until it’s too late, start implementing proper cyber hygiene practices today.

Invest in the Right Tools – Invest in antivirus software

There’s no doubt that our personal and professional lives rely heavily on our electronic devices. However, with that convenience comes an increased risk of cyber-attacks and data breaches. That’s where investing in the right tools comes in. Antivirus software, firewalls, and other necessary security tools provide an essential layer of protection to safeguard our data and prevent unauthorized access. It’s crucial to take proactive steps to secure our devices and data, so investing in these tools is undoubtedly a wise decision. Don’t wait until it’s too late – take action today to protect what matters most.

Create a List of Security Policies – Have clear policies 

Now, it’s more important than ever to have airtight security policies in place when it comes to sensitive information. Not only do these policies protect your company’s data and assets, but they also provide peace of mind for both your employees and clients. Having clear guidelines on who can access what information and how it should be protected is crucial in maintaining the integrity of your organization. By implementing comprehensive security policies, you can ensure that your company is equipped to handle any potential security threats that may arise. So don’t wait until it’s too late – take action now and create a list of security policies to keep your business safe and secure.

Monitor Access and Activity – Establish rules 

As businesses become more digitally integrated, it’s crucial to keep track of who has access to what information and what they’re doing with it. Establishing rules for monitoring user access and activity within your digital environment can mitigate the risk of fraud, data leaks, and other security breaches. Additionally, tracking activity can give you a better understanding of how your systems are being used and identify areas for improvement. By enforcing clear guidelines for access and activity monitoring, you can ensure that your business stays secure and efficient.

Back-Up Data Regularly – Develop a regular schedule

Data is the lifeblood of modern businesses. From important client information to crucial financial figures, it’s essential that the data stored on your systems is secure and backed up regularly. That’s why developing a routine for backing up your data is so important. By establishing a regular schedule, you can ensure that your vital information is protected against unexpected disasters. Whether it’s a simple mistake or a catastrophic hardware failure, your backups will provide a safety net that can help you get back on your feet with minimal disruption. So take the time to develop a backup schedule that works for you, and rest easy knowing that your data is always safe and secure.

Update Software as Needed 

With the increasing number of cyber attacks, it’s more important than ever to keep your software updated. This means regularly checking for and installing the latest security patches to ensure your system is protected. While it may seem like a hassle, taking the time to update your software can save you a lot of headaches down the line. Hackers are constantly looking for vulnerabilities to exploit, and outdated software is like an open invitation for them to wreak havoc on your system. So don’t wait until it’s too late – make sure to update your software as soon as updates become available.

Secure Your Wi-Fi Network – Secured wireless network 

In today’s digital age, having a secure Wi-Fi network is an absolute must. With more and more of our personal and professional lives being conducted online, the last thing you want is for a hacker to gain unauthorized access to your network. One of the easiest ways to make sure your wireless network is secure is to have a strong password that is difficult to guess. Additionally, encryption protocols should be put in place to further protect your network from prying eyes. By taking the time to secure your Wi-Fi network, you can have peace of mind knowing that your personal information is protected.

Utilize Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Set up MFA 

Protecting sensitive information has become a top priority for businesses. That’s why Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a crucial step towards enhancing security and preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data. By setting up MFA for all employees and customers, businesses can add an extra layer of protection against cyber threats. 

With MFA in place, users are required to provide an additional form of identification beyond a username and password, making it much more difficult for attackers to gain access to accounts or confidential information. By utilizing MFA, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to security and provide peace of mind to their employees and customers.

Security should be of utmost priority for all businesses to ensure their data is kept safe and secure. The importance of having the right tools, training your employees, monitoring access and activity, backing up data regularly, updating software as needed, securing Wi-Fi networks, and utilizing MFA should not be taken lightly. Every business has different requirements and needs when it comes to their cyber security needs. 

It’s important to consult with a certified security professional to best evaluate your current system and make any changes and updates as needed. At the end of the day, investing in defense measures is essential for any business’ digital success. Take action today to protect your data from possible threats by ensuring you have the necessary resources in place.

Microsoft marks end of Cybersecurity Awareness Month with event for over 400 secondary school students

To mark the end of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, over 400 secondary school students from post primary schools across the country gathered in Microsoft Ireland’s campus in Leopardstown, Dublin for the CyberSchools Quest event. The gathering was the final in a series of events held during October and focused on equipping the students with cyber security skills and knowledge and opening their minds to the career opportunities within this growing sector.

With the changing nature of cyber-attacks, there is a growing demand for cyber security skills and need to foster the next generation of cybersecurity leaders in Ireland. A recent report by Cyber Ireland reveals that over 8 in 10 businesses (83%) expect to grow their cybersecurity team over the next twelve months and predicts the cyber security sector could add an additional 10,000 jobs to the Irish economy by 2030.

Recognising the opportunity to equip students with these skills, Microsoft Ireland collaborated with the Technological University (TU) Dublin and ZeroDays to deliver the CyberSchools Quest programme. It culminated in what was the largest ‘capture the flag’ cybersecurity event held for post-primary schools in Ireland to mark Cybersecurity Awareness Month which takes place across the month of October each year.

The CyberSchools Quest programme helps to address the cyber skills gap by focusing on developing cyber capabilities across a range of key domains such as confidentiality (keeping data secure); phishing, identifying common social engineering strategies; and reconnaissance, using open source-intelligence to find information online. The initiative also helps to foster computational thinking, problem-solving, collaboration and communication skills.

CyberSchools Quest centered around a week-long series of cyber learning sessions and hands-on challenges designed to introduce post-primary school students to the world of cyber security. Leveraging content developed by ZeroDays in collaboration with TU Dublin, CyberSchools Quest was then delivered in the immersive learning environment within Microsoft Dream Space.

Schools visited Microsoft Dream Space to take part in the week-long series with the final event bringing all students together at Microsoft Ireland’s campus in Leopardstown, Dublin. Here students competed across a number of cybersecurity ‘capture the flag’ challenges. On completion students could apply for a digital badge accredited by TU Dublin, while the winning team, CBS Mullingar from County Westmeath, were crowned CyberSchools Quest champions and can go on to undertake an opportunity to represent Ireland at the European Cybersecurity Challenge finals in 2024.

James O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Leader and Vice-President Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre, said: “We were delighted to mark Cybersecurity Awareness Month by welcoming over 400 secondary school students from across Ireland to the inaugural CyberSchools Quest event at our campus in Dublin. A central part of our mission is to skill up Ireland with the in-demand skills for our digital economy. By way of this initiative, we were able to focus on developing cyber security skills in our young people, opening their minds to not only the changing nature of cyber threats but the job opportunities within the sector.

“By joining forces with TU Dublin and ZeroDays we are helping to ensure that the next generation are provided with fun and engaging ways to develop these capabilities.  The enthusiasm demonstrated by the students at CyberSchools Quest underpins the importance of events such as this and of industry partnering with the education sector to unlock the opportunities of our digital world.   I’d like to thank all the students who participated and importantly their schools and teachers for taking the time to bring them to the events.”

The CyberSchools Quest initiative builds on a collaboration between Microsoft Ireland and TU Dublin focused on supporting the development of Cloud, Cyber and Datacenter skills through existing and new potential courses delivered at TU Dublin. Working together Microsoft and TU Dublin have committed to supporting initiatives that provide greater access into these skilling programs while also remaining focused on the promotion of STEM based programs connecting with existing initiatives such as Microsoft Dream Space.

Speaking about the partnership Dr Anthony Keane, the Head of School of Informatics and Cybersecurity said: “TU Dublin and Microsoft Ireland have forged a strong partnership over recent years as together we aim empower learners and teachers with the skills, they’ll need for a world increasing shaped by technology. The new CyberSchools Quest event builds on those strong ties by equipping secondary school students with in-demand cyber security skills and other problem-solving and computational skills so they are prepared for the digital future that lies ahead.

“Channeling the curiosity and creativity of our young people into digital technology and cyber security at CyberSchools Quest is an important step in addressing digital skills gaps and building a foundational awareness of best practice cyber security. We’re proud to join Microsoft and ZeroDays in bridging the skills gap and supporting the next generation of young people achieve more through technology.”

Ciaran Curran, teacher at Largy College, Clones, Monaghan said: “We were delighted to be at Microsoft Ireland’s campus with our students and have the opportunity to join others from across Ireland for CyberSchools Quest. Through this experience the students have been able to learn new cyber skills and put them to the test. It has not only helped to spark an interest in STEM among the students, it has also opened their eyes to the career opportunities that exist in the cybersecurity sector and helped them to believe that perhaps one day they could become the cybersecurity leaders of the future.”

To learn more about CyberSchools Quest and Microsoft Dream Space, please visit: dreamspace.ie

The Cyber Security Breaches Survey Identifies 39% Of UK Businesses Previously Experienced Cyber Attacks

In the corporate world, where remote workforces and cloud technologies have become the new norm, cyber security has taken centre stage. Recent statistics underscore the growing need for resilient cyber security measures as cyber threats continue to proliferate. 

The Alarming Reality: Cyber Threats on the Rise

The Cyber Security Breaches Survey, a comprehensive report on the state of cyber security in the UK, has unveiled a sobering truth. In 2022, an eye-opening 39% of surveyed businesses in the United Kingdom fell prey to cyber incidents. These attacks, characterised by their sophistication and the difficulty of preventing them, have fundamentally altered the way we perceive cyber security.

Once perceived as a possibility, cyber threats are now considered an inevitability. This shift in mindset has driven an increased demand for disaster recovery solutions that are both comprehensive and capable of rapid response and recovery. The reality is clear: businesses must take proactive measures to fortify their defences in the face of an ever-expanding digital threat landscape.

Outsourcing Proves To Be A Strategic Shift for Large UK Businesses

Among the notable trends stemming from the evolving threat landscape is the growing trend of large UK businesses choosing to outsource their cyber security operations. A staggering 60% of these enterprises have opted for this strategic move, reaping substantial benefits in the process.

The decision to outsource is motivated by several key factors, each of which underscores the wisdom behind this strategic choice:

Access to Specialised Expertise: Cyber threats have grown in complexity and scope, making it challenging for in-house teams to keep pace with the evolving threat landscape. Outsourcing security operations grants access to expert partners who specialise in staying one step ahead of cyber adversaries.

Abundant Resources: Cyber security is resource-intensive, from advanced tools and technology to personnel. By outsourcing, businesses gain access to a wealth of resources that might otherwise be cost-prohibitive.

Stringent Security Standards: Compliance with stringent security standards is imperative, especially for large enterprises. Expert cyber security partners are well-versed in these standards, ensuring businesses meet and exceed regulatory requirements.

By entrusting their cyber security to external partners, large UK businesses are freed from the burden of maintaining in-house cyber security teams, allowing them to focus on their core operations. This strategic shift is not merely a cost-saving measure; it is a proactive step toward enhanced cyber resilience.

The Way Forward: A Comprehensive Approach to Cyber Resilience

In light of the rising threat landscape, businesses must adopt a holistic approach to cyber resilience. This approach encompasses various elements, each essential for safeguarding business operations in an increasingly digital world.

Continuous Data Protection, or CDP, has emerged as a cornerstone of modern cyber security. CDP captures and tracks data changes, automatically saving every version of data as it evolves. This technology enables businesses to recover data at any given point in time, even mere seconds before an outage occurs. In an era of relentless cyber threats, CDP is an indispensable safety net.

Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS) simplifies the complexities of disaster recovery by entrusting them to external partners. These partners provide fully managed services, offering expertise from implementation to recovery. In the face of an impending disaster, DRaaS ensures swift response and recovery, allowing businesses to resume operations with minimal downtime.

Peter Moorhead, Cyber Security CTO at Telefónica Tech, underscores the importance of adopting Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS) solution; “DRaaS not only empowers businesses to tackle modern cybersecurity threats with continuous data protection but also provides the expertise, resources, and standards required to navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape. As cyber attacks become more sophisticated, organisations must invest in resilient disaster recovery strategies to safeguard their operations and maintain business continuity.”

With cloud computing becoming integral to business operations, it is imperative to develop strategies that ensure data security and recovery in the cloud. As businesses transition from legacy infrastructure to the cloud, disaster recovery requirements evolve. Having a trusted partner by your side who comprehends these changes is essential, regardless of whether you are in the early stages of transition or fully immersed in the cloud.

Sustainability is a crucial consideration in all areas of business, including disaster recovery. As businesses seek to minimise their environmental impact. DRaaS can mitigate the ecological footprint. By managing all backups and servers, DRaaS reduces the environmental impact associated with purchasing, maintaining, and upgrading legacy infrastructure. Additionally, the flexibility to add or remove services as needed optimises resource usage and minimises waste.

The Round-Up

The statistics from the Cyber Security Breaches Survey serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for robust security measures. Embracing continuous data protection, disaster recovery as a service, and sustainable practices not only fortifies a business’s resilience but also contributes to a more responsible and secure future. As companies navigate the dynamic landscape of business in the digital age, one thing is certain: cyber threats are a reality, and it’s up to all businesses to fortify their defences and protect their digital assets.

Irish firms urged to prioritise ‘critical trio’ of cybersecurity

Ransomware defence, employee awareness training and encrypted backup of mission-critical data are the ‘critical trio’ of areas that the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) is urging firms to address during European Cybersecurity Month.

Denis Ryan, who has global responsibility for information security management certification systems with NSAI and is a certified Lead Auditor, believes that businesses must become cyber-resilient. He said: “Firms often get caught out by threats they didn’t know existed – the unknown unknowns – so it’s important to stay informed and keep upskilling your IT team so it has the capabilities to cope with whatever threats arise. Regardless of the size of your business or the sector in which you operate, cybersecurity needs to be a priority.”

Ryan was speaking at the launch of NSAI’s free webinar series for organisations interested in certification to information security management systems. The new series, featuring Ryan and other subject matter experts, is called ‘Let’s talk about information security’ and the webinars take place on October 24th, November 1st, November 30th and December 6th.

Ryan recommends that firms look at implementing best practice, so they can evolve as needed to face down emerging threats: “For those unsure of where to start, the critical trio of areas to address are ransomware defence, employee awareness training (especially for non-IT staff) and encrypted backup of mission-critical data, as you can revert to this if you have a breach.”

He added: “Continuous awareness training is vital so that all employees understand that everyone has a role to play by being able to recognise phishing attempts and following security protocols. It’s also important to factor in cybersecurity to your change management protocol, for example. How will new tools or processes affect privacy, record control and other aspects of cyber-resilience for your business?”

Other areas to prioritise, according to Ryan, include vulnerability scanning, patching, having good authentication and password management, and being able to offer incident response plans, – meaning that if something untoward happens, the firm has a plan for handling it.

He said: “For Irish businesses, being smart about cybersecurity pays dividends on multiple fronts. First, when your cybersecurity is up to date, you prevent the financial loss that comes with any breach. Cybersecurity issues such as data theft or service disruption regularly cause companies to incur significant financial losses.”

He added: “It’s a good time to plan ahead and think strategically, as the European Union will be introducing multiple new cybersecurity directives as it focuses on a new cybersecurity certification framework.”

NSAI’s ‘Let’s talk about information security’ webinars are free to attend and bookings can be made at www.nsai.ie/27001.

AIG Ireland and University of Notre Dame Dublin Global Gateway hosted today the 2023 Cybersecurity Symposium & Sports Panel Event.

Over 250 of Ireland’s C-Suite executives, Academia, Government and Sports representatives gathered to hear from some of the world’s leading experts in Cyber Security, Risk, Technology, Law Enforcement, Governance, as well as a panel of leading sporting legends from Ireland and the US before the highly anticipated Notre Dame V Navy game in Dublin.

Guests had the opportunity to hear from: Honorable John F. Plumb, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, US Department of Defense; Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States of America; Jayne Brady, Head of Northern Ireland Civil Service; Mitch Kajzer, University of Notre Dame Cybercrime Investigation.

Research and Education (CIRE) Initiative, Associate Professor of the Practice; Dr. Heather Melville, CEO & Founder, Clarke Smith Advisory, Chancellor of York University and Senior Advisor (DE&I) to Teneo; Professor Joe Carthy, University College Dublin, School of Computer Science; Sophie De Ferranti, Senior Managing Director, Teneo , Global Head of Cybersecurity, Teneo People Advisory; Tracie Grella, Global Head of Cyber Risk Insurance, AIG New York; and, Ryan Lasmaili, CEO, Vaultree.