One of organizations’ enduring concerns regarding data management is how to keep IT systems secure. Although cybersecurity threats are common concerns among small businesses with fewer resources to spare, large-scale corporations are more prone to cyberattacks as the potentially large payday they offer may be too alluring for hackers.
On March 22, 2022, tech giant Microsoft fell victim to hacker group Lapsus$. Fortunately, only one account was compromised, thanks to Microsoft’s efficient cybersecurity response. Effective IT security practices minimize the chances of data theft, which is why you need to prioritize cybersecurity
What are the 3 main goals of IT security?
Integrating, maintaining, and updating your IT security systems can make it difficult to target your data maliciously. However, these processes can be challenging and resource-draining. To make your implementations more efficient, you’ll need to set your goals according to the following benchmarks.
Confidentiality
Your IT security system should provide data only to authorized parties. For example, you might compromise confidentiality when you let unauthorized personnel access sensitive data or when hackers acquire them through social engineering schemes like phishing and baiting.
Integrity
Your security system must protect company and customer information against tampering and unauthorized modification during data transmission and storage. The goal is to ensure that your data is accurate, complete, consistent, and safe from malware.
Availability
Company data must be available and functioning when needed. Here, your IT system must keep that data safe against software and system failures, which might restrict access and usability.
What are IT security best practices?
With your objectives in mind, choosing appropriate strategies among many may seem easy. However, it is best to have multiple layers of protection to keep hacking attempts at bay. To help you out, here are some of the best cybersecurity practices you can implement in your business to keep its IT systems secure.
1. Provide basic cybersecurity training to employees
Some employees might not be well-versed in cybersecurity practices, resulting in a weak link in your IT security system. A fundamental approach to remedy this situation is educating your staff about essential IT security habits they must observe, such as protecting their passwords and recognizing phishing attempts.
2. Use multi-factor authentication
Once malicious entities obtain your login credentials, your business’s sensitive information is out for the taking. Fortunately, multi-factor authentication across platforms can help prevent this.
Multi-factor authentication systems guarantee that sensitive company data doesn’t rely on passwords alone. Instead, they allow you to use security keys and biometrics activation as additional defenses against security attacks.
3. Update basic cyber hygiene software
Standard cyber hygiene software includes antivirus scanners, firewalls, and VPNs—essential tools you must update regularly. This practice ensures that your data’s protection is up to date and can thwart new security attacks.
Besides antivirus, your operating systems and web browsers also require regular security checks aside from the automatic updates that these programs often utilize.
4. Conduct regular cybersecurity audits
Frequently auditing your IT systems helps you track suspicious activities of employees, third parties, and visitors, allowing you to take proactive measures against potential threats. Moreover, it helps you identify weaknesses and the necessary improvements in your cybersecurity measures.
Utilizing managed IT services can help you perform regular IT audits. In addition, a trained in-house IT staff can address your business’s cybersecurity whenever needed.
5. Monitor third-party access to your data
Your employees aren’t the only ones who might compromise your IT security; you must also keep an eye on third-party entities such as consultants and former employees.
As such, you must monitor third-party access to your database and identify suspicious activities. You could also restrict or deactivate unnecessary third-party access during security audits to minimize the risk of unauthorized data access.
6. Practice sound password management
Passwords are your data’s first defense, making proper password management a crucial component in maximizing your IT security.
Never use the same password for different accounts to ensure security. Moreover, it is best to implement a password expiry date so that entities no longer connected with your company cannot use their old credentials to access your data. Use password management software to manage and store passwords safely.
7. Create a policy for data authorizations and privileges
This security measure lets you dictate who has access to information, thereby adding another layer of security to your IT system. Restricting unnecessary access and limiting users’ privileges only to the data they need can minimize cybersecurity threats.
Similarly, creating data handling and management protocols can help track and log data access, which can help identify culprits of security attacks.
We’re Here to Help You Out
As technology progresses by the day, so do security threats seeking to exploit company systems. Constantly looking for new threats and innovative solutions to implement cybersecurity best practices can minimize threats targeting your business.
Maintaining and updating your IT system’s security is a never-ending endeavor that demands constant attention. Yondu offers tried-and-tested cybersecurity solutions to do the heavy lifting for you.
To kickstart your cybersecurity enhancements, schedule a consultation with one of our experts today.
