To prevent data breaches, organizations need security measures in place at all possible access points to their system. Networks, physical devices and drives, accounts, and communication channels all need adequate protections to thwart a variety of attacks.
Cybersecurity measures should be layered across an organization’s systems, so that a threat to one area is stopped by additional barriers and does not affect other areas.
Strategize
Because data breaches result from a variety of causes, incidents, and purposes, it is important to identify the specific areas you want to focus on. Conduct a security audit and risk assessment to find vulnerabilities, noteworthy threats, levels of acceptable risk, and the effectiveness of current security processes. Understand how breaches would impact operations based on their sources and which types of data they target. Defining goals for data breach prevention measures will help narrow down solutions, keep costs minimal, and reinforce a strategic and purposeful approach.
Know your options
Network Security – Establish security provisions on networks end-user devices. Antivirus software, anti-malware, threat scanning, and firewalls are all basic security protections that everyone should have to prevent access through a network.
Cybersecurity Risk Training – Educate employees about security best practices and how to spot phishing and malware. Have them apply filters and block suspicious addresses in their email accounts. Send out test emails to see if training has been successful.
Device & Data Security – Protect the devices themselves through remote management features such as tracking, remote lock, and remote wipe. Enable encryption with a TPM or additional passcode to protect hard drives from unauthorized access. Establish procedures to destroy data when it is no longer needed. Enforce security policies through a Mobile Device Management solution. When available, use biometric security such as fingerprint scanning.
Updates – Regularly install patches and updates for your operating systems, browsers, and security software so your system is capable of handling new threats. Stay informed on new cybersecurity threats and solutions.
Backups – Have secure backups available on separate devices. This will help your operations to continue as normal in case you experience a ransomware attack, a piece of hardware stops working, or you need to execute a remote wipe on a compromised device.
Access control – Keep data organized so that the only people who can access data are the people who need access to that data. If someone’s credentials are compromised, limited access will minimize breach severity and help with containment. Consider using a CAPTCHA tool to prevent bots from attempting to create accounts or log in to your site.
Password policies – Require passwords to be optimized for security – set length and character requirements, and use multi-factor authentication to verify account access for all sites you use to collect or process data.
Online Privacy – Use a VPN and adjust your browser’s security settings to increase privacy online and hide your IP Address.
Put the “Pro” in Protect
For most businesses, full cybersecurity coverage will involve vendors. Luckily there are tons of options on the market for all elements of a cybersecurity program. Before choosing a security solution, test all the vendors you are considering to be certain the services actually do what they promise. Ensure those services align with the specific needs and priorities of your business.
DriveStrike is a solution that focuses on device and data security. Administrators can remotely wipe, lock, and locate devices on all major platforms and operating systems. These and other OS-specific features help businesses manage devices, enforce security features, and prevent data breaches. Manage all devices on one central console, and execute commands in seconds. DriveStrike’s enterprise-level device and data protection is an essential part of any robust cybersecurity program. Sign up for a free 30-day trial to start protecting your devices and data today.
Testing is Key
The information in this article is provided as a reference – security measures will vary in importance and effectiveness depending on organizational structure and purpose. In general, more security is better than less, but all components of a cybersecurity program should go through constant testing and monitoring to ensure they are functioning well.
Have personnel in your IT staff who are trained in cybersecurity and risk management. Test your cybersecurity program regularly with simulated attacks to find vulnerabilities and determine the levels of risk for specific types of threats. Test contingency protocols to ensure your backups and data safeguards will be effective. Consider using a honeypot to attract real attackers and monitor their methods. Use a sandbox environment to safely learn how different types of malware affect your system.
If you have any questions about preventing data breaches or cybersecurity in general, don’t hesitate to contact us so we can help you achieve your goals. Your security is our priority.