According to a study from Inc, around 60 percent of small businesses that suffer a malware infection or data breach end up closing within six months of the event.
Because cybersecurity is so critical to the survival of a business, it’s important to have a plan in place that covers several key components. These components are related to areas of risk that could expose your business to anything from a phishing attack to malware.
The Main Components of Cybersecurity
The following essential elements of cybersecurity should be top of mind when looking to protect every single component of your IT infrastructure.
Application Security
Applications are primary targets for cybercriminals because they are often vulnerable due to misconfiguration. An application’s default security settings are rarely adequate and ought to be customized based on how the application is used. Setting up multi-factor authentication and administration controls are just two simple steps, but they go a long way to keeping applications secure.
Information Security
Industries such as healthcare and finance have strict standards when it comes to information security. These standards often mandate things like firewalls and end-to-end encryption. That being said, companies in every industry can be devastated by a data breach and must take steps to ensure that all the sensitive information they handle, such as credit card and Social Security numbers, are protected from cyberattacks.
Network Security
Your company’s network contains all kinds of valuable information. Network security measures are designed to make sure that only authorized users can access a network. Some security measures are able to detect suspicious activity and alert administrators of a breach.
Network security encompasses the network itself and all of the devices that are able to connect to it. Firewalls and network monitoring or two primary elements of network security. Many networks use encryption for remote connections to ensure that only authorized users can connect.
End-point Security
Endpoint security deals specifically with network-connected devices and the users behind them. This involves keeping devices updated, using antivirus software, DNS filters, firmware protection, and password protection on devices.
Cybersecurity awareness is another key aspect of end-point security. Employees should receive regular training on common scams and how to spot them. They should also be trained on password security and best practices for handling sensitive information.
Operational Security
Operational security refers to a comprehensive approach that scrutinizes all of a company’s operations related to cybersecurity. Operational security measures involve regular analysis and maintenance. Security measures are assessed collectively to ensure that one isn’t compromising another. Operational security also involves regularly updating processes and countermeasures in accordance with the latest threats.
Disaster Recovery Planning
Unfortunately, cyber criminals only need a single success to breach your network and wreak havoc. Despite the best planning and intentions, a data breach may happen to your company. Because of this, disaster recovery is a key part of any cybersecurity plan. Disaster recovery
User Access Control
A key cyber security component that often gets overlooked is physical access control. Your company’s network should be protected from both intruders and disgruntled or unethical employees. Typically based on badges and electronic locks, a user access control system offers several benefits, such as:
- Audit trail. A modern user access control system is capable of tracking door openings and attempted door openings. This can be useful to prevent unauthorized access and conduct an analysis after an event has happened.
- Variable access. For companies that have people working outside standard business hours, access can be granted based on time-of-day and day of the week.
- Remote access. Access can easily and quickly be changed over the Internet. This function can be critical when there is a need to rapidly lockdown your facility or change access during an emergency situation.
- Systems integration. Modern access control systems can be integrated with existing systems like fire alarms. During a fire, for example, an access control system can be programmed to unlock all doors for an evacuation.
- Easy credentialing. Because access is based on digital badges, it can be quickly modified by activating or deactivating a badge. This means there’s no longer the need to worry about stolen or missing keys.
Information Storage, Security, and Recovery
Data is the lifeblood of any business, and because it’s so valuable, attempts to steal or destroy it can happen at any time, and from anywhere. Therefore, a key cybersecurity component is the storage, security and ability to recover data. Many companies use cloud computing solutions to address this cybersecurity component.
A top benefit of cloud storage is the routine patching and updating that cloud providers perform. Security updates are automatically implemented and maintenance can be scheduled for off hours, so that there’s no disruption to your business activities.
Most cloud storage providers also offer regular data backups. This helps your business quickly recover in the event of a data breach and makes it less vulnerable to certain kinds of cyberattacks because your valuable data can quickly be recovered.
How to Plan Your Cybersecurity Needs with These in Mind
Your cybersecurity plan should be comprehensive. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough room in this blog post to cover every single cybersecurity component in detail. However, there are a few key bullet points you should be keeping in mind.
- Security training. Make sure your employees practice good security hygiene and keep up to date with the latest cybersecurity issues.
- Strong password measures. Your company should use only strong and unique passwords. You should also consider using two-factor authentication.
- Software protection. Firewalls and antivirus software are a must on every computer and device your company uses.
- Backup recovery. Regularly backup your data and make sure your backups are kept separate from one another.
Let’s Keep Your Business Protected!
There’s a lot to think about when it comes to the various cybersecurity components, and the experts at Taylored Systems are ready to help your company tackle this important issue. Our cybersecurity solutions for small businesses include IT consulting and managed IT services. We can also help with cybersecurity for cloud computing. Please contact us today to start planning your comprehensive approach to cybersecurity.