How to protect your company
In the age of digitalization, cyber security is not just a task for the IT department, but affects all employees of a company. Everyday behavior and simple measures in particular can make a significant contribution to strengthening security within the company. Conscious action can minimize many risks and protect the integrity of sensitive company data.
Below, I present ten key measures that companies and employees can take into account in their day-to-day work to actively contribute to cyber security.
Minimize risks and protect sensitive data
1. strong password guidelines
Creating a complex password makes it more difficult for attackers to guess or crack passwords and protects companies from unauthorized access. With this in mind, it is advisable to encourage employees to use complex passwords. The tips in the BSI's checklist for secure passwords can help here, for example. However, passwords should not be changed regularly and should only be changed in the event of suspicion or even an incident of compromise.
2. authentication authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication acts as an additional second factor alongside a secure password, e.g. in the form of a unique code. The introduction of an MFA makes it more difficult for attackers to access systems with stolen passwords. The use of multi-factor authentication is particularly suitable for system access that can be reached via the Internet.
3. regular software updates and patch management
In order to close vulnerabilities such as security gaps and minimize the risk of attacks, the prompt installation of software updates and security patches is unavoidable. The most important thing here is structured and documented patch management.
4. regular safety audits
The systematic review of the IT infrastructure identifies weak points at an early stage, which counteracts the exploitation of data.
5. awareness training for employees
To strengthen security awareness among employees, there should be regular and recurring awareness training courses that sensitize them to phishing attacks, social engineering and other threats. This significantly minimizes the risk of security incidents caused by human error.
6. regular data backup
Regular and secure backups ensure that data can be restored in the event of ransomware attacks or data loss. Regular testing of the backups is important here.
7. network segmentation
The advantage of dividing the network into different segments is that the spread of malware is systematically limited and access to sensitive data can be better controlled.
8. intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS)
By using IDS and IPS to monitor all network traffic for suspicious activity, it is possible to detect and prevent attacks in real time in the best case scenario.
9. assignment of minimum access rights
Only having access to data and systems that are relevant to employees' work and that they need for their work minimizes the risk of insider threats and unintentional data leaks. Rights should be assigned according to the principles of "need-to-know" and "need-to-use".
10. emergency plans and incident response strategies
A clearly defined emergency plan for dealing with security incidents enables a quick and effective response to minimize damage and reduce downtime. It also provides a structured approach in stressful and confusing situations.
Strengthen cyber security strategy to protect companies
The consistent implementation of these measures can strengthen your company and your cybersecurity strategy and provides effective protection against digital threats. In order to successfully protect against cyber attacks, cyber security must be understood and practiced as a holistic corporate strategy. All employees must be aware that cyber security is no longer just a matter for the IT department, but that everyone is involved in implementing the measures.
Cyber security is a very exciting, important but also extensive subject area, which can be very demanding and stressful, especially in potential incident situations. As IT Security Coordinator, however, I made a conscious decision to take on this role, as the variety of daily changing tasks in particular represents a new and challenging task and I can make my contribution to advancing IT security for Governikus.