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In today's digitally-led world, cybersecurity is a top concern for businesses of all shapes and sizes. Every week, we hear about another reputable organisation scuppered by an unexpected cyber attack or data breach, ultimately resulting in irreversible reputational damage and a lack of customer trust.
Companies must take cybersecurity seriously in this day and age by staying up to date with the latest cybersecurity trends and strategies. Doing so will mean your organisation can protect itself from these cyber fiends across the board, saving you potentially millions of pounds further down the line.
In this blog, our cybersecurity experts at Netitude will take you through the evolution of cybersecurity trends and how businesses can navigate these changes to protect their data and systems.
The Evolution of Cybersecurity
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's look at how cybersecurity has evolved in recent years.
The Cyber Attack Epidemic
The first significant cybersecurity trend to emerge was the rise of cyber-attacks. As technology advanced and businesses began to rely on digital systems, cybercriminals saw an opportunity to exploit vulnerabilities and steal sensitive information. In the early days of cyber-attacks, hackers primarily targeted large corporations and government agencies. However, in recent years, they've shifted their focus towards small to medium-sized businesses.
Unfortunately, there are always two sides to a coin; the unprecedented rapid acceleration that we've witnessed in the technology sector has brought about a multitude of benefits. However, it's also left the door ajar for cybercriminals to pounce. The rapid rise of Artificial intelligence (AI), for instance, means hackers can carry out more targeted attacks than they were able to attempt previously.
Deepfake technology, often referred to as 'deepfakes', is a prominent thorn in the side of many organisations and governments across the globe. They comprise tech capable of inflicting reputational damage while spreading disinformation and fake news.
Advances in AI have also resulted in the rise of 'bad bots' (software that can replicate human behaviour with malicious intent), which can run rampant and cause carnage by conducting identity theft and account takeovers.
The probability of businesses being impacted by cyber threats such as deepfakes and bad bots has increased significantly; therefore, navigating exactly how to counteract the risks they pose is vital.
The Shift to Cloud Computing
Cloud computing has shared an equally significant rise in recent years as more businesses have turned to storing their data and critical systems remotely rather than having them on-site. Again, this has resulted in numerous business benefits, but it has also meant businesses are more prone to encounter cybersecurity-related challenges as they have had to adjust accordingly to secure their cloud-based data.
The Wave of Mobile Devices
It would be naïve to think that all business is done from secure, on-site computers and desktops in today's society. The unprecedented and rapid growth of mobile phones has meant businesspeople can carry around advanced computer capabilities whilst on the go, in the form of smartphones and tablets. Hackers have latched on to the increase of mobile devices explicitly used for business as they tend to be easier to target and ultimately gain access to.
Unlike your conventional on-site computers and company laptops, which undergo more stringent security-related updates and testing, mobile devices are easier to access because of guessable credentials and passwords and because they tend to spend 80% of their time outside of their protected networks.
Therefore, it's probably a good idea to think twice about checking your emails on a company device next time you log onto an unprotected network in public.
Navigating Through the Latest Cybersecurity Trends
Stay Up to Date
The first step in navigating cybersecurity trends is to stay informed about the latest threats and vulnerabilities. The best place to start would be to
regularly monitor industry news and updates and stay up to date on security patches and updates for your systems and software. By staying informed, businesses can proactively address potential vulnerabilities and protect their business-critical data and systems.
We've listed a few different ways to stay up to date with the latest cybersecurity trends:
- Regularly read blogs and security news.
- Look at feeds about risks and vulnerabilities.
- Join online groups that talk about current news and trends.
- Keep an eye on your work and find areas to improve.
- Keep up with cybersecurity news from various sources.
Implement Multi-Layered Security Measures
With the rise of cyber-attacks and the evolution of threats, it's no longer enough to rely on a single security solution. This method comprises a combination of firewalls, antivirus software, intrusion detection systems, and other security measures – all of which contribute towards a robust defence against the evolving nature of cyber threats.
A multi-layered security system is a strategy that should, in essence, successfully identify and eliminate the various types of threats that businesses face today. Compiling each layer will bolster your organisation's defences until you eventually have a virtually impregnable wall of protection.
Train Employees on Cybersecurity Best Practices
One of the biggest vulnerabilities in any organisation is its employees. A leading industry-leading publication, the Chief Executive Group, cited that 'almost 90% of cyber-attacks are caused by human error or negligent behaviour'.
Therefore, the best way to mitigate any cyber security threat is by educating your employees business-wide. Businesses should aim to educate their employees on password security, phishing scams, and how to identify potential threats. Training your employees is one of the best ways to counteract cyber security attacks in the workplace.
Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus
Cyber Essentials Scheme
The UK Government describe Cyber Essentials as a government-backed, industry-supported scheme to help organisations protect themselves against common online threats. The Cyber Essentials initiative is a set of principles businesses should have in place to mitigate any potential risk from the more prevalent security threats that exist in today's society.
It's a suitable security self-assessment option for all types of organisations, no matter what size they are or what sector they operate within. Having the certification gives the business peace of mind that your security defences and protocols will protect business-critical data and information against most cyber threats.
Cyber Essentials Plus Certification
The Cyber Essentials Plus certification is an extension of Cyber Essentials and, therefore, includes all of the requirements of the former. Wondering how you can get your hands on one? Well, firstly, you'll need a cyber security assessor, which is lucky for you as our team at Netitude provides a comprehensive Cyber Security Audit to ensure that your business stays safe and compliant.
A cyber security audit is designed to be a risk assessment review and analysis of your business’s IT systems. We can pinpoint weaknesses and gaps in your infrastructure and test if the cyber security safeguards in place are up to scratch.
We really do pride ourselves on our Cyber Security Audit. It covers all the basic security controls of the UK government designed and backed by the Cyber Essentials standard. Plus, some extra controls we've learned through years of protecting businesses like yours.
Here are just some of the potential benefits your business could attain from having either a Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus Certification.
- The ability to provide reassurance to your valued customers, who will realise that you take cyber security seriously.
- You'll also be able to attract new business and prospects, as they'll have the assurance that you have the proper cyber security measures in place.
- Obtaining a Cyber Essentials certification will also give you a clearer picture and understanding of your organisation's current security level.
- You'll also be able to prevent potential fines, mitigate the consequences of a security breach, comply with industry requirements, and MUCH more!
Who Is Responsible for Cybersecurity?
In most organisations, the responsibility for cybersecurity falls on the IT department. However, with the rise of cyber-attacks and the evolution of threats, it's simply unattainable for an entire organisation's security efforts to be placed on one role or team.
Regular training sessions and resources should be provided to employees continually to ensure that businesses can stay one step ahead of cyber criminals by securing their business data and systems successfully.
Conclusion
Now, it's time to put the theory into practice. As highlighted in this post, cybersecurity is a genuine and prevalent threat that all businesses will face in the modern working world.
Rather than facing these issues head-on and battling against the constant barrage of cybersecurity-related risks and threats alone, you can protect your business and gain peace of mind by booking a call with our team today.
Alternatively, you can check out our Managed Cyber Security Services page, which will give you a full breakdown of what we offer in terms of Managed IT Security Services.