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The frequency of Data breaches is growing because companies aren't adhering to Cyber Security basics. As is the news exposure they attract and business impact they cause. Not only can they lead to financial losses, but they can also damage a company’s reputation and erode customer trust.
What is a data breach?
A cybersecurity data breach refers to an incident where an unauthorized party gains access to sensitive or confidential information without permission. This can happen in various ways, such as through hacking, phishing, or malware attacks, and can result in the compromise of personal information, financial records, trade secrets or other types of valuable data.
When a data breach occurs, it can have serious consequences for individuals or organizations. For example, personal information such as passport details or credit card numbers can be stolen and used for identity theft or financial fraud. Trade secrets or intellectual property can be compromised, leading to loss of competitive advantage or business disruption. As a result, it is essential for all companies to take proactive steps to protect themselves from data breaches.
Cyber Security Basics to avoid a Data Breach
Staying up to date with the latest Cyber Security news and following these Cyber Security basics will help you protect your organisation's data.
Implement Strong Access Controls
Access controls are an essential aspect of data security. Companies should ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive data. This can be achieved by implementing strict password policies, two-factor authentication and access controls that limit who can access what data. Additionally, companies should ensure that employees have access only to the data they need to perform their job duties.
Regularly Conduct Security Audits
Regular security audits are crucial to identifying potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Companies should conduct regular security audits to identify potential vulnerabilities in their systems and take steps to address them promptly. This can involve identifying and patching software vulnerabilities, testing for weak passwords and ensuring that access controls are working as intended.
Encrypt Sensitive Data - Cyber Security Basics
Encryption is an essential aspect of data security. Companies should ensure that all sensitive data is encrypted both at rest and in transit. Encryption can help protect data from unauthorized access, even if a data breach occurs.
Train Employees on Cyber Security Awareness
Employees can be a significant source of vulnerability for companies. Phishing scams, weak passwords, and social engineering tactics are all common methods used to exploit employees. Therefore, companies should provide regular training to their employees on how to identify and prevent these types of attacks.
Implement Data Backup and Recovery Procedures
In the event of a data breach, having a backup of critical data is essential. Companies should implement regular backups of critical data and have procedures in place for recovering data in the event of a breach.
Monitor Network Activity - Cyber Security Basics
Monitoring network activity can help companies detect potential breaches before they cause significant damage. Companies should implement network monitoring tools to detect potential breaches and respond promptly to any suspicious activity.
Follow Cyber Security News Industry Best Practices
Companies should follow industry best practices for data security. This includes regularly updating software and systems, following security guidelines from industry bodies, and staying up to date with the latest Cyber Security news. Some industries will have regulatory requirements that they need to adhere to when it comes to Cyber Security.
Managing Cyber Security Basics Allows You to Adapt to New Threats
Protection from data breaches requires a comprehensive approach that includes implementing strong access controls, conducting regular security audits, encrypting sensitive data, training employees on security awareness, implementing data backup and recovery procedures, monitoring network activity, and following industry best practices. By taking these Cyber Security basics, companies can significantly reduce their risk of a data breach and protect their reputation and financial stability.
This list is just the beginning and breaches can still occur. You will need to maintain cyber awareness to new threats. Without cyber secuirty awareness breaches can still occur. In the event of a data breach, it is important to respond quickly and effectively to minimize the damage and prevent further unauthorized access to sensitive data. Register for our newsletter here to find out what to do in case of a breach.
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Written by Mark Williams - Founder - www.quigly.com.au