Tag: #cybersecurity

North West Region set to take advantage of growth opportunities in cybersecurity

Regional Skills North West and Cyber Ireland have partnered to commission a “Cyber Security Skills Audit Report” to examine the shape of the cybersecurity sector in the North West region of Ireland. The report outlines the region’s strengths to attract companies seeking new locations for cybersecurity services giving a positive outlook for the region, while also highlighting improvements needed for the future of the sector. With the right investment and supports in place, the report forecasts that the North West region could see growth in cybersecurity related jobs quadruple from 250 this year to 830 jobs by 2030.

The research reveals that the region has a number of core strengths that make it an attractive location for cybersecurity investment including a new university in the area, Atlantic Technological University, that now delivers specific IT and cyber security degree and post graduate programmes. The report identifies at least 10 organisations offering cybersecurity services within the region including large multinational operators, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) via its Letterkenny Global Delivery Centre and Optum, the international healthcare services provider, who have stated ambitions to further recruit and grow their cyber security skills talent base locally.

Tim Kelley, Strategic Head of TCS Threat Management Centres in UK, Ireland & Europe said: “This study rightly identifies the urgent need to accelerate investment to satisfy the demand for security skills. Our TCS Cyber Security Practice is committed to grow and strengthen our Ireland Threat Management Centre to service our customers needs from our global delivery centre in Letterkenny.”

He added: “I wholly support the report’s recommendations to ensure Ireland based talent can deliver on the global opportunities in the cyber security sector.”  

Other strengths identified in the report that make the North West region an attractive location for cybersecurity investment include the lower cost base for both employers and employees, in terms of housing, commercial rents and labour costs, the quality of life in the region and the access provided to nearby tech collaborative clusters, including Donegal Digital, Northern Ireland Cyber and Cyber Ireland’s West Chapter.

Co-author of the ‘Cyber Security Skills Audit Report’, Hilary McPartland, manager of the North West Regional Skills Forum said: “This report has captured the opportunity for cybersecurity in the North West.  It finds a vibrant ecosystem with great potential to grow. It’s the first step in our journey to build this sector to be one of the leaders in our region. I look forward to helping develop the talent and skills needed to support this dynamic sector vital to our economy and future success.”

Cyber Ireland’s ‘State of the Cyber Security Sector in Ireland 2023’ report estimates that there are currently 7,350 cyber professionals in the Republic of Ireland of which approximately 3% of these are now based in the NW region.

This latest study puts forward a number of recommendations for improvement and expansion of the cyber security sector within the region that require investment and supports now in order to realise the potential opportunities. This includes the creation of a cybersecurity culture through cyber awareness training for SMEs, driving cyber security standards in the region and enhancing the overall cyber community through more events and networking opportunities.

Continuing to build a talent pipeline from within the region for cyber jobs will also be critical with resources needed to raise awareness of career pathways and job readiness programmes facilitating entry into the sector. Findings from the study indicated that only 30% of cyber roles in the North West are filled by people from within the region.

Regional Skills North West and Cyber Ireland are now calling on all stakeholders in the region to pull together to grasp this growth opportunity by promoting awareness of the North West’s burgeoning cybersecurity ecosystem, its attractiveness as a location and the important contribution it can make to the local economy and innovation in the region.

Paul Brady, Senior Director, Enterprise Information Security at Optum said: “As both a business stakeholder and chapter lead for Cyber Ireland, I am excited to see this report come to fruition.  The report offers clear and sensible direction to promote the growth of cybersecurity in the North West region and I welcome the recommendation that now is the time to invest in cyber talent to take advantage of the opportunities ahead of us.”

TECHGIANT Workplace To Build ‘Foundations Of Change’ In Manchester

Some of the country’s leading technology wizards are converging on Manchester early next month to shape a new era of innovation – inspired by father and son entrepreneurs.

Ian Taylor spearheads disruptive ITC consultancy, TECHGIANT Workplace, with his 20-year-old son Oliver. The company was recently named one of the UK’s top 100 SME businesses and is hosting a digital transformation insight event at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium on June 8th.

It will see guest speakers from top tech companies come together to inspire and educate as part of a ‘Foundations of Change’ theme – spanning cloud-based communications, cybersecurity, devices, infrastructure and AI.

“Manchester’s industrial heritage and rich reputation for innovation makes this the perfect place to inspire new ways of working and the next generation of technology leaders.” Ian explained.

“This is a conference all about UK digital transformation, and aims to provide great insight into the ways in which companies can adopt technology to bring them into the 21st century, allowing them to compete on both a domestic and international stage.

“My son is just 20 (fellow Director and Shareholder), and brings in the understanding and knowledge of just what the next generation (Gen Z) expect from the work environment, therefore helping direct the pillars of change across business enterprises.

“We want to reshape and inspire the next generation of tech innovators based on best practice, research, analysis and insight from many industry experts.”

Ian, who hails from Shevington in Wigan, concluded: “The tech giants are coming to Manchester and I’m coming back home. I’ve missed the pies too!”

To register interest in the event click here: ‘Foundations of Change’  or visit www.techgiantworkplace.com/upcomingevents 

Aspirations

TECHGIANT Workplace has developed a three-year business plan based on annual revenues of over £5m with further exponential growth planned to reach £20-£30m in just five years.

Launched in Autumn 2022, TECHGIANT wants to ensure organisations can fully embrace and exploit digital transformation and reshape their communication and collaboration strategies, helping companies to invest in the core technology areas which support sustainable positive operational change.

“It’s about creating certainty, finding the right technology fit and developing partnerships which last,” Oliver explained.

“I actually see my young age as a real benefit because I truly do understand the aspirations and demands of this emerging generation in relation to business asks, and in the years to come I hope my company, with its vast market knowledge and global partner relationships, will be of great assistance to both employees and employers alike.

“We want to be the first of a new generation of service providers, a true giant of tech. We are changing the rules, bringing the marketplace to customers and guaranteeing IT buyer certainty for the future. Culture and business productivity is underpinned by technology and so it’s about getting involved in the operational challenges themselves, and looking to apply the right change agents to help companies go faster, compete harder and retain more talent for years to come.

“With huge curiosity around areas such as Artificial Intelligence and return to the office mandates – technology and customer demands continue to evolve, which elevates to a level of critical importance the role of the trusted advisor.”

Building a Cyber-Resilient Organization: Strategic Cyber Security Training Tips

Modern businesses are constantly under threat of all kinds of cybercriminal activity. Our increased reliance on the Internet for day-to-day business operations exacerbates the situation further. Because of that, cyber threats, such as data breaches, ransomware attacks, and phishing scams, can devastate an organization’s reputation, financials, and operations.

One effective way to strengthen your organization’s cybersecurity posture is through strategic cyber security training for your employees. This article will explore cyber security training and provide six security training tips for your employees to help build a cyber-resilient organization.

What Is Cyber Security Training?

Cyber security training is an educational program where employees are taught the knowledge and skills necessary to deal with cyber threats, which includes identifying, preventing, and responding. Security training programs cover a wide range of topics, ranging from password risk management practices to email security and even social engineering awareness.

Cyber security training aims to enhance the first line of defense, which includes your employees. Employees are often the most likely target of a potential cyber attack. Therefore, cyber security training improves your organization’s overall cybersecurity by educating them on the industry’s best practices.

Considering the rate of cyber attacks and the fact one in five firms experience some form of data breach, there’s no better way to improve your organization’s cyber resilience than to educate them on the dangers of the cyber world.

6 Security Training Tips for Your Employees

To make your organization more cyber resilient, here are several security training tips to turn your employees into cyber security professionals:

Emphasize Using Strong Passwords

Weak passwords are commonly used by unaware employees. But did you know that they’re also a common gateway for all kinds of security risks? An important part of your cyber security training program must be to train your employees to create strong passwords. The new passwords must be at least 12 characters long and include both upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters.

Encourage them to avoid using easily guessable information, such as birthdates or common words, to reduce the chances of cyber incidents.

Educate Employees on the Dangers of Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks are social engineering attacks where hackers trick your employees into revealing sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, or credit card details. So another important tip is to train your employees to be cautious when opening emails or clicking on links, especially from unknown sources.

Educate them on how to spot phishing attempts, such as identifying suspicious email addresses, spelling or grammar errors, and requests for personal information.

Encourage Keeping Software and Devices Updated

Cybercriminals will often look for common vulnerabilities in the software your organization uses. The software vendors know this, and they will look to reduce the rate of data breaches caused by security holes by implementing security patches. Therefore, you must emphasize and encourage your employees to regularly update their software, including operating systems, web browsers, and applications, to ensure they have the latest security patches.

Additionally, encourage them to keep their personal devices up to date, such as their laptops and smartphones.

Implement the Use Of Two-Factor Authentication

2FA is a security measure that adds another layer of safety to user accounts by requiring an additional verification step, such as a fingerprint, facial recognition, or a one-time code sent to a mobile device.

Most software vendors have 2FA or MFA as a security measure, meaning your employees can already reduce the chances of cyber incidents. But you must make 2FA implementation an organization-wide policy. Train your employees to enable 2FA on all their accounts, especially those that contain sensitive information or have access to critical systems, to reduce the chance of a potential data breach.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Activities

Public Wi-Fi networks are highly unsecured and often a risk to your organization’s cyber resiliency. The risks associated with using public Wi-Fi networks are well documented, as hackers can easily use them to transfer malicious data to connected devices.

Therefore, a large part of your security training program is to educate your employees on the dangers of using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities, such as accessing company email or transferring confidential data. If they must use public Wi-Fi networks, encourage them to use a virtual private network (VPN).

Practice Safe Browsing Habits

Train your employees to practice safe browsing habits by avoiding clicking on suspicious links or downloading files from untrusted websites. Instead, encourage them only to visit reputable websites and to be cautious about pop-up ads or unexpected downloads.

Moreover, you must educate them on how to spot fake or phishing websites by encouraging them to look for the lock icon and the “https” in the URL, which is an indication of a secure website.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity experts recognize that employees are often the first line of defense. While organizations can turn to a host of solutions to enhance their overall cybersecurity measures, one way to prevent cyber incidents and future threats is to offer cyber security training to your employees.

That way, you’re educating your employees on the dangers of the cyber world. Moreover, you’re educating them on how to identify and deal with a potential cyber risk. Security training must be a part of your disaster recovery planning, as there’s no better way to deal with digital threats than to give your employees the necessary knowledge on how to stop them.

Why Are Some Industries at High Risk of Cybersecurity Breaches?

Security is always one of the most important concerns for any business, be it a local supermarket or a global consulting firm. In the digital age, this concern is multiplied due to the immense amount of information and sensitive data that is stored online or on servers. It is no wonder then that cybersecurity has emerged hugely and plays a vital role in keeping an organisation’s data safe.

Interestingly, a survey shows that the percentage of businesses that identified cyber attacks has gone down to 39% in 2021 and 2022 from a high of 46% in 2020. This could be attributed to enhanced cybersecurity.

Of course, there are some industries which are more vulnerable to being hacked as the regular cybersecurity measures might not be enough for them. Some of these are given below.

Healthcare

Medical records often contain sensitive information such as name, date of birth, medical history, address, and so on. Till the time these records were kept in paper format, it was not that easy to access them. However, with more and more such records being digitised every day, hospitals and healthcare facilities have become easy targets for cybercriminals.

Another entry point for hackers could be medical devices such as defibrillators. If they manage to take over these and other lifesaving machines, healthcare professionals would not be able to provide essential services. Ransomware is another such inlet. Through this, hackers can get rid of years of data which could put many patients at risk.

Gaming

To play any sort of game online, you have to provide certain permissions on your device. In some cases, these are very basic and won’t impact security much. However, some of the high-tech more complicated games require access to a whole lot of features on your device, such as the camera and microphone. This is potentially a risk as someone might hack into your device through the game or be able to watch you or listen to your conversations.

Some of the world’s largest casinos also face this potential threat. Some people might say that there is not one major casino, but rather the Internet can be considered the home to the biggest casino. After all, almost all the major land-based casinos are now online, apart from the hundreds of others that are exclusively online only. A huge amount of monetary transactions goes through these casinos which makes it more important to strengthen their cybersecurity. This is a vital way of maintaining good customer relations and keeping them safe at the same time.

Telecommunications

This is a big one as telecom companies are also at risk of being targeted for state-sponsored cyber attacks. Telecom (along with IT) are among the building blocks of crucial infrastructure. As a result, these companies store a lot of customer data and sensitive information. This makes them almost like gold mines for data. The attack could be directed either at the companies or the customers, which could be other businesses. Such an attack could have potentially large-scale ramifications for some countries too. 

To conclude, while some industries are at higher risk of cybersecurity breaches, no company or individual is safe from them if they do not take the necessary measures. Keeping a check on small things like what permissions or consent you are giving can go a long way in keeping your data secure. 

EY CFO Survey 2023 – Cost cutting, cybersecurity, automation and talent are among top strategic priority areas

The latest EY CFO Survey reveals that Irish CFOs are increasingly grappling with more risk factors amid increasing cyber threat levels, supply chain pressures triggered by geo-political events, and rapid digital disruption. The survey, launched to coincide with EY’s annual CFO Summit, also highlights the priorities identified by finance leaders from a variety of sectors, needed to drive efficiencies and support data-led transformation amid mounting challenges on the back of the ongoing energy crisis and recessionary pressures.

These findings are interesting considering the rapid evolution of the CFO’s role in recent years. According to the survey, 61% say their remit has changed to drive strategic automation within the finance function in the past two years.

Cybersecurity tops investment priority

Cybersecurity is moving up the business agenda of the 151 Irish CFOs surveyed by EY, with 60% of respondents having increased investment in cybersecurity tools and technology over the past two years. A similar proportion (59%) over the period have invested in training for employees to improve cybersecurity in their finance functions. The cost of a cyber breach is a constant concern and 30% of respondents have either stepped up their involvement in managing cybersecurity or have increased their organisation’s insurance.

The increased focus on resilience and cybersecurity awareness among finance leaders reflects the growing threat level, the increase in the volume and severity of cyberattacks, and the knock-on significant financial and operational risks this represents for businesses.

ESG agenda: Responsibility versus opportunity

The Irish corporate ESG agenda strikes more of a mixed picture. Despite over half (54%) of respondents claiming their finance role now includes a greater focus on ESG and non-financial reporting, only 15% of the CFOs surveyed claimed that building skills in non-financial/ESG reporting is a key priority for the next five years. 43% of the respondents cite sustainability regulatory compliance as a key area of focus for the next two years, while just 2% say non-financial and ESG reporting will be a key area of focus for the next 24 months.

ESG in the eyes of Irish finance leaders is viewed as a responsibility rather than a business opportunity and the survey findings suggest that ESG and non-financial reporting have fallen down the critical list. Only 6% of the respondents say increasing the sophistication of non-financial reporting is one of the top strategic areas of focus over the next five years, down from 15% in 2022. Just 10% see opportunities in sustainability and decarbonisation as a driver of growth in the year ahead. Spiralling energy costs, inflationary pressures, and wider economic uncertainty may explain the shift in focus.

There are more positive signs in relation to the general direction of travel on non-financial reporting, with 44% of respondents claiming they have increased the sophistication of non-financial reporting over the past year.

“The environmental, social and corporate governance agenda in Irish boardrooms paints a mixed picture this year. ESG cannot be divorced from the broader strategic direction of the business and ESG credentials and sustainability performance will become key competitive differentiators in the near term. This reflects the need for culture change in many organisations while finance teams are still working their way through what non-financial reporting means for their businesses. We anticipate much greater emphasis on building skills in this critical area in the coming years,” said Derarca Dennis, Assurance Partner at EY Ireland.

Automation and talent retention other areas of focus

There is an increasing belief on the part of CFOs that talent shortages can be alleviated, at least in part, through the automation of certain tasks and processes, with 37% saying automating manual tasks and processes will be a key strategic focus over the next five years. This emerged as the second highest priority on after cost reductions/increasing efficiencies for the period.

There is clearly some way to go, though, in terms of automation with 35% of the respondents claiming that it is not leveraged in their organisation at all. Among those who do, transaction processing; internal audit and risk; and consolidation and reporting are key areas where automation is prevalent.

Talent and retention continue to be a significant disruptor for Irish financial leaders, with 40% of the respondents identifying upskilling current staff as a priority for driving growth in the coming year, while a further 34% cited investing in new talent as the best way to drive growth.

Recruitment is clearly a critical success factor, with 44% of respondents citing talent shortages and talent retention as a key challenge to reaching the desired level of growth over the next five years.

On average expected growth for the year ahead is 12%, with 40% saying they are unsure yet of their expected growth.

“CFOs are increasingly playing a strategic role in their organisations beyond the narrow confines of the traditional finance function as their roles are becoming even more encompassing. The finance function had already evolved to become more involved in other areas of the business and that shift was accelerated by the pandemic. The heightened strategic importance of the role should help attract a new generation of finance professionals to support growing Irish businesses,” said George Deegan, Assurance Partner at EY Ireland.

Reflecting on the challenges and opportunities, 64% of Irish CFOs claim to be optimistic about the economic outlook and business prospects for the next 12 to 24 months. Just 23% say they are a little or very pessimistic.

Cybersecurity in the Age of Technology: Protecting Your Business Against Digital Threats

Technology has brought significant advancements in business operations and communication in today’s digital age. With the rise of the internet and the widespread use of electronic devices, businesses now have access to new ways of reaching their customers and conducting transactions. However, this increased connectivity also comes with significant risks, as cyber threats have become more sophisticated and prevalent than ever before. As a business owner or manager, it is essential to understand these threats and take steps to protect your company’s digital assets. This article will discuss some of the most common digital threats facing businesses today and provide tips on mitigating them.

The Importance of Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity refers to the practice of safeguarding electronic devices, networks, and sensitive information from unauthorized access, theft, or damage. Businesses must prioritize cybersecurity to prevent data breaches, financial loss, and damage to their reputation. A successful cyber attack can have devastating consequences, from legal liabilities to loss of customer trust.

In today’s digital age, businesses of all sizes are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Cybercriminals use sophisticated techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in a company’s security systems, gaining access to sensitive data and causing extensive damage. Businesses need to implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect themselves against these threats.

Data breaches and cyber attacks can result in significant financial loss for businesses, including fines, legal fees, and damage to their reputation. These attacks can also result in losing customer trust, which can be challenging to regain. Businesses must invest in cybersecurity measures that can effectively detect and prevent cyber threats.

Common Cyber Threats

  • Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks are a type of cyber attack that is prevalent today. They often use email or social media to trick people into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials or credit card numbers. Phishing attacks usually come in the form of a fake email that appears to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or a social media platform.

  • Ransomware

Ransomware is another type of cyber attack that has become increasingly common. It is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s files and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key. Ransomware attacks can be devastating, leading to permanent data loss if the victim does not pay the ransom.

  • Malware

Malware is a broad software category designed to harm or exploit computer systems. Common types of malware include viruses, Trojans, and spyware. Malware can be used to steal sensitive information, damage computer systems, or control devices remotely. Cybercriminals use malware to gain access to sensitive information, steal financial information, and cause damage to computer systems.

Phishing attacks, ransomware, and malware are serious threats that individuals and businesses must be aware of. Taking proactive steps to protect sensitive information and prevent cyber attacks is essential to safeguard against the potentially devastating consequences of these attacks. Regularly updating software and antivirus programs, being cautious of suspicious emails or messages, and having a backup system in place are all effective ways to protect against cyber threats.

Cybersecurity Best Practices

  • Implement Strong Password Policies

Implementing strong password policies is one of the most effective ways to prevent cyber attacks. A good case in implementing a strong password policy can be low deposit casino UK who also needs to ensure they have strong security measures to protect your personal and financial information. Encourage employees to use complex passwords and to change them frequently. Consider using two-factor authentication to provide an extra layer of security. In addition to implementing strong password policies, businesses should consider using password managers. Password managers can generate complex passwords and securely store them, reducing the risk of employees using weak passwords or reusing passwords across multiple accounts.

  • Keep Software Up-to-Date

Software vulnerabilities are a common entry point for cyber attacks. Ensure that all software your business uses is kept up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates. Regular software updates and security patches can help prevent cyber attacks that exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software. Implementing automatic updates or using a patch management system can ensure that all software is updated promptly.

  • Backup Your Data Regularly

Regularly backing up your data is essential to prevent permanent data loss during a cyber attack. Make sure that backups are stored in a secure location and that they are tested regularly to ensure that they can be restored if needed. Backups should be performed periodically and stored in a secure offsite location to protect against data loss due to cyber-attacks, natural disasters, or hardware failures. It is also essential to regularly test the backups to ensure they can be restored in a disaster.

  • Train Your Employees

Employees are often the weakest link in a company’s cybersecurity defences. Make sure that all employees receive regular training on how to identify and avoid common cyber threats. Encourage employees to report any suspicious activity immediately. Employee training should be ongoing to keep employees aware of the latest cyber threats and best practices for preventing them. This should include regular phishing awareness training, as phishing attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and challenging to detect.

Businesses should also have an incident response plan in place in case of a cyber attack. The plan should include procedures for identifying and containing the attack, notifying stakeholders, and recovering from the attack. Regular testing and updating of the project can ensure it is effective during an attack.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is essential for businesses of all sizes in today’s digital age. By understanding the most common cyber threats and implementing best practices to prevent them, you can protect your company’s digital assets and reputation. Remember to keep your software up-to-date, back up your data regularly, and train your employees to identify and avoid cyber threats. By taking a proactive approach to cybersecurity, you can reduce the risk of a cyber attack and ensure the long-term success of your business.

Cyber Security And Business Protocols: How Do They Work?

In the modern world, cyber-security and business protocols have become major concerns for many organizations. As technology continues to evolve, businesses are increasingly relying on online resources and connected systems to improve their operations, making them vulnerable to malicious attacks. Cyber security is therefore essential for protecting companies from external threats and maintaining a secure environment for their data and systems.

 

1. Understanding the Basics of Cyber Security and Business Protocols

So, what are cyber security and business protocols? Cyber security refers to the range of technologies, processes, and practices designed to protect networks, devices, programs, and data from attack, damage, or unauthorized access.For instance, the ping monitoring tool, which involves regularly checking the availability and responsiveness of network devices or servers, is a crucial component of network security. Business protocols are the rules governing how businesses should interact with each other in a variety of situations.

 

2. Types of CyberSecurity

The three main types of cyber security are computer security, network security, and application security. Computer security involves protecting physical devices, such as laptops and desktops, from unauthorized access or viruses. Network security is designed to protect a business’ networks from outside attacks, while application security focuses on protecting applications from malicious threats.

 

3. Cyber Security Practices

Cyber security best practices include regularly patching software and systems, using strong passwords, configuring firewalls to block unauthorized access, encrypting data stored on networks or devices, monitoring for suspicious activity, and developing incident response plans. For instance, if you find out how XDR works you can use it to better protect your business from cyber-attacks. That way, you can detect and respond to threats before they cause serious damage.

 

4. Types of Business Protocols

Business protocols are a set of rules or guidelines that companies follow when interacting with each other, such as during negotiations or mergers & acquisitions. They help ensure smoother transactions and minimize misunderstandings between businesses. The types of business protocols include conflict resolution, communication protocols, ethical guidelines, and legal compliance.

 

5. Benefits of Adhering to Business Protocols

Adhering to business protocols can help businesses ensure that all employees are held accountable for their actions and that they follow the same standards of conduct. This helps establish trust between companies, which is essential for successful collaborations. Additionally, it can save businesses time and money by preventing costly disputes and misunderstandings.

 

6. Common Business Protocols

Common business protocols include the use of formal communication, maintaining customer confidentiality, responding promptly to requests and inquiries, adhering to industry standards, abiding by data protection laws, and acting in the best interest of the company’s clients. For example, if an employee receives a customer inquiry via email, they should respond promptly and follow the company’s guidelines for responding to customer inquiries. 

Companies should also ensure that customer data is kept secure by implementing appropriate cyber-security measures such as encryption and two-factor authentication. Companies must also take steps to protect their intellectual property and comply with industry standards for protecting confidential information. Finally, businesses should ensure that they follow all relevant laws and regulations pertaining to data protection and privacy. 

 

7. Education Is Key

It is essential for companies to ensure that their employees are educated on cybersecurity protocols and the implications of not following them. A good way to do this is through employee training programs and a phishing simulation, which can help staff better understand how to protect confidential information and company systems from malicious attacks. 

Additionally, businesses should consider implementing a comprehensive corporate cyber-security policy that outlines proper procedures for accessing and using digital assets, as well as the consequences of not following those procedures. All employees should be held accountable for their actions and an appropriate level of enforcement should be provided in order to ensure that protocols are followed. Finally, companies should invest in technology solutions such as firewalls, anti-virus software, malware protection, and data encryption to protect against cyber threats.

 

8. Identifying Potential Threats and Protecting Against Them

As businesses become increasingly reliant on digital technology, it is essential to understand the potential threats posed by cyber-attacks. Businesses need to identify these threats and take steps to protect themselves against them.

The first step in protecting a business from cyber-attacks is to understand what types of attacks are most likely to occur. Common types of cyber-attacks include phishing, malware, ransomware, DDoS attacks, and data breaches. Businesses should be aware of these threats and take steps to protect themselves from them.

Investing in professional LLM security evaluation services can provide businesses with the insights needed to strengthen their defenses against evolving threats. This approach ensures that vulnerabilities are identified early and addressed before they can be exploited.

Once the threats have been identified, businesses can begin to put measures in place to protect against them. This includes establishing protocols for accessing sensitive information, such as passwords or customer data; implementing security measures such as firewalls and antivirus programs; regularly updating software to protect against known threats; and training employees on cyber-security best practices.

 

9. Implementing Robust Access Controls

One of the most important elements of cyber-security is controlling access to sensitive data. Access control protocols can be put in place to ensure that only authorized individuals are able to access and manipulate sensitive data. This usually involves implementing multi-factor authentication, such as requiring a password as well as a physical key or biometric identifier (such as fingerprint scanning).

Two methods of access control that can be employed are role-based access and least privilege. Role-based access involves assigning different privileges (such as read, write, edit, etc) to each user based on their job role or requirement. Least privilege is a security principle that means only granting users the exact amount of access they need to do their job, as opposed to unrestricted access.

It is also important to ensure that all users are authenticated before they can gain access, and this usually involves a combination of protocols such as passwords, encryption keys, and biometric scans. Finally, it is essential to regularly monitor the system for any suspicious activity or unauthorized access attempts. This can be done through various techniques such as audit logs, intrusion detection systems, and activity alerts.

 

10. Keeping Systems Up-To-Date with Security Patches

It is essential to keep all systems up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates in order to prevent them from becoming vulnerable to attack. Security patches are released regularly for both operating systems and applications, and it is important that these are applied as soon as possible. In addition, software should be kept up-to-date by ensuring that new versions are installed whenever they become available. 

It is also important to ensure that any outdated or unsecured versions of applications and software are removed from the system. Regularly checking for updates using an automated process can help make sure that systems remain secure and up-to-date.

Cyber-security and business protocols are essential for any organization. They help protect data and ensure that information is secure from malicious actors, which can prevent financial losses or damage to the company’s reputation. Cyber-security protocols also protect customer information, ensuring that it remains private and inaccessible to unauthorized personnel. Business protocols define policies, procedures, processes, and standards that must be followed in order to ensure operational efficiency. Thanks for reading!

Employee burnout is cybersecurity professionals’ greatest fear amidst rising cyber threats

Integrity360, the UK and Ireland’s largest cyber security services specialist, together with its partner and leading vendor in AI-driven threat detection and response, Vectra, today announced new findings from a Twitter poll exploring critical cyber security threats. The poll found that 35% of cyber security professionals cited employee burnout as the most concerning issue amongst increasing cyber threats.

This comes as cyber security teams are put under mounting pressure to tackle the complexity of the modern hybrid enterprise and the necessity to protect corporate data wherever it resides. In fact, almost 63% of respondents highlighted security of data as being most important to their organisation when establishing the need for effective cyber security services. Of lesser concern was securing reputation (19%), productivity (12%) and saving money (7%).

The good news is that organisations are looking to implement critical security measures to ensure greater threat detection and response in 2023, with identity and access management (29.9%) and cloud security (29.7%) on top of the agenda, followed by network (19.6%) and endpoint security (20.6%).

As businesses look to new ways to detect and contain threats that have bypassed preventative security controls, Integrity360 and Vectra have partnered to extend its existing threat detection and response service portfolio, delivering network detection and response and critically, cloud, SaaS and identity detection and response capabilities with the launch of the Vectra Managed Detection and Response Services.

Richard Ford, CTO at Integrity360, said: “Analysts are facing severe burnout from alert fatigue and Security Operations Centre (SOC) overwhelm, and organisations are lacking the experience, skills and bandwidth needed to detect and manage security incidents and data – quickly and effectively. The integration of Vectra into our MDR service is a game changer. It allows us to provide a full end to end capability to monitor and proactively hunt threats across the entire hybrid enterprise, delivering advanced Threat Detection and Threat Response services and relieving SOC teams overwhelmed by noise.”

When questioned on the best approaches to future-proof the security of their organisation, 52% of respondents to the poll pointed to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) as the best means.

The new Vectra Managed Detection and Response Service (MDR) augments the SOC with AI and ML capabilities, adopting behavioural based detection instead of reliance on static or signature-based detection alone. AI combines an understanding of the environment with threat models, and human threat intelligence, to automatically surface the threats, allowing for an 85% increase in efficiency of threat identification and a 2x rise in security operations productivity.

The service enables organisations to detect and respond to threats across Cloud, SaaS, Identity and Network, removing critical blind spots and stopping cyber-attacks before they become breaches through Vectra’s Attack Signal Intelligence, which continuously monitors for use of attacker methods and learns the customers unique environment.

Garry Veale, Regional Director UKI, Vectra, commented: “The partnership sets us apart from the ‘catch and dispatch’, ‘detect and notify’ type providers, by enabling us to proactively hunt threats within the customer environment, integrating with enforcement points, identity, perimeter, and endpoint for effective and rapid response in the event of an active threat. This approach signifies a huge breakthrough in MDR services, and we are excited to see how the partnership evolves.”

Dell Technologies Strengthens Cyber Resiliency with Multicloud Data Protection and Security Innovations

Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL) is expanding its industry leadership in data protection appliances and software1 to help customers protect their data on premises, in public clouds and at the edge.

The Dell PowerProtect Data Manager Appliance leads a series of advancements for multicloud data protection that are simple to use and easy to consume. Dell innovation in AI-powered resilience and operational security accelerates the adoption of Zero Trust architectures, helping protect organisations from the increasing threat of cyberattacks.

The new solutions help address rising data protection challenges facing organisations. According to the 2022 Dell Global Data Protection Index (GDPI) survey, organisations have experienced higher levels of natural and modern disasters than in

previous years, resulting in more data loss, downtime and recovery costs. In the past year, cyberattacks accounted for 48% of all disasters (up from 37% in 2021), leading all other causes of data disruption. The survey also revealed 85% of organisations using multiple data protection vendors see a benefit in reducing their number of vendors. Furthermore, it revealed that organisations using a single data protection vendor incurred 34% less cost recovering from cyberattacks or other cyber incidents than those who used multiple vendors.

“With virtually everything connected to the internet in today’s digital world, the need to protect valuable data is more important than ever,” said Jeff Boudreau, president and general manager, Infrastructure Solutions Group, Dell Technologies. “This digital landscape requires a modern data protection and security strategy to address cyber threats. Point solutions don’t go deep or wide enough to help protect organisations. Dell helps customers strengthen cyber resiliency by offering integrated data protection software, systems and services to help ensure data and applications are protected and resilient wherever they live.”

The GDPI survey found that 91% of organisations are either aware of or planning to deploy a Zero Trust architecture – a cybersecurity model that shifts how organisations approach security from relying solely on perimeter defences to a proactive strategy that only allows known, authorized traffic across system boundaries and data pipelines. However, only 23% are deploying a Zero Trust model and 12% are fully deployed. With embedded security features, designed into the hardware, firmware and security control points, Dell’s holistic approach helps organisations achieve Zero Trust architectures to strengthen cyber resiliency and reduce security complexity.

The simplest path to modern data protection

Dell continues to deliver innovation for its data protection software, Dell PowerProtect Data Manager, to help organisations simplify their IT operations and reduce risk. PowerProtect Data Manager software addresses the increasing need for cyber resiliency and supports Zero Trust principles with new built-in operational security capabilities, such as multifactor authentication, dual authorization, and role-based access controls.

The Dell PowerProtect Data Manager Appliance offers a simple path to adopt modern data protection. The debut system is ideal for small and mid-sized use cases with support that scales from 12 to 96 terabytes of data.

The appliance offers customers a:

  • Modern, software-defined architecture: Allows automated discovery and protection of assets and delivers unique VMware protection to ensure the availability of all VMs without business disruption.
  • Secure, cyber resilient solution: Provides more secure access to restricted functions with Identity and Access Management to strengthen cyber resiliency.
  • Simple, unified user experience: Delivers software-defined data protection, making it easy to deploy and use.

“Dell PowerProtect Data Manager simplifies our backup environment, giving us the business agility needed to protect our data as we digitally transform,” said James McNair, vice president, distributed systems manager, Trustmark Bank. “With the new Dell PowerProtect Data Manager Appliance, we can more simply deploy Data Manager across our infrastructure, helping us be more efficient and strengthening our cyber resiliency.”

Dell expands cyber recovery for fast, easy-to-deploy public cloud vaults

PowerProtect Cyber Recovery for Google Cloud enables customers to deploy an isolated cyber vault in Google Cloud to more securely separate and protect data from a cyberattack. Unlike standard cloud-based backup solutions, access to management interfaces is locked down by networking controls and can require separate security credentials and multi-factor authentication for access.

Organisations can use their existing Google Cloud subscription for purchasing PowerProtect Cyber Recovery through the Google Cloud Marketplace, and the service can be acquired directly from Dell and its channel partners.

The new offering marks the latest expansion of Dell’s cyber recovery capabilities for public clouds, following this year’s introduction of Dell PowerProtect for Microsoft Azure and CyberSense for Dell PowerProtect Cyber Recovery for AWS.

 Dell APEX simplifies backup storage with flexible consumption options

 Dell APEX Data Storage Services is expanding to offer a Backup Target option to provide a more secure backup storage in a pay-per-use, flexible consumption model. The Backup Target service is easy for customers to adopt and streamlines the process of purchasing, deploying and maintaining backup storage. Building on Dell’s data appliance and data protection leadership, the Backup Target helps reduce a customer’s storage footprint and can increase data availability.

The new Dell APEX Data Storage Services Backup Target offer will support the increasing reliance on as-a-Service offerings to help overcome data protection challenges. Nearly every GDPI respondent (99%) identified at least one as-a-Service offering as a high priority to help overcome challenges for their organisation. Storage as-a-Service (44%), Cyber Recovery as-a-Service (41%), and Backup as-a-Service (40%) ranked as the top three as-a-Service priorities.

Additional quote

Seife Teklu, senior solutions architect, Arrow Electronics

“The integrated Dell PowerProtect Data Manager Appliance is easy to use and quick to deploy. This system will be a compelling option for our small to medium-sized customers needing to modernize data protection to help reduce risk and ensure business continuity.” 

Availability

  • Dell PowerProtect Data Manager Appliance is globally available this month in more than 15 countries across North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
  • Dell PowerProtect Data Manager software is globally available today.
  • Dell PowerProtect Cyber Recovery for Google Cloud Platform is globally available today.
  • Dell APEX Data Storage Services Backup Target will be globally available in the first quarter of 2023 in 16 countries across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.