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Cyber Security Basics For Businesses

Cyber attacks are becoming more common and it is important that businesses stay safe from them. In this blog post, we will discuss the basics of cyber security for businesses and how you can put them into practice. We will also cover the 4 principles of cyber security, the 5 C’s of cyber security and how to conduct a cyber security risk assessment. By following these tips and implementing an effective IT security strategy, you can reduce the risk of a cyber attack and keep your business safe!

Cyber security is the study of how to secure sensitive data, computer systems, networks and pieces of software applications against cyber assaults. Nowadays, keeping your business technology systems secure is a continual task due to the constant battle against cybercriminals.

What are the 4 principles of cybersecurity?

Cyber security is a hot topic these days. You may have heard that there are four basic principles, but what are they?

The four basic principles of cyber security are:

  • Confidentiality
  • Integrity
  • Availability
  • and non-repudiation

Confidentiality

Confidentiality means that authorised users are the only ones able to share certain information.

Integrity

Integrity means that authorised users can alter information.

Availability

Availability means that authorised users have access to the information when they need it.

Non-repudiation

Non-repudiation means that the sender of a message cannot deny sending it.

What are the 5 Cs of security?

Cyber security is a constantly evolving field, and there are many factors to consider. The 5 Cs of Cyber security help your company or business’ information technology department have the best chance at preventing hackers from accessing their networks and stealing data.

The five Cs of cyber security are:

  • Compliance
  • Cost
  • Change
  • Continuity
  • and Coverage

Compliance

Compliance refers to the regulations and laws that businesses must adhere to.

Cost

Cost refers to the investment needed to implement security measures.

Change

Change refers to the need for constant vigilance to help stay ahead of cyber criminals.

Continuity

Continuity refers to the ability to maintain operations in the event of a cyber attack.

Coverage

Coverage refers to the extent of protection offered by security measures.

What are the basics of cyber security?

Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability are the foundations of cyber security. These concepts are known as “The CIA Triad” and are the basis for all information security.

The basics for cyber security are:

  • Identify what assets need to be protected
  • Classify the data and systems
  • Select the appropriate controls
  • Implement the controls
  • Test and monitor the controls

By following these steps, you can create a strong cyber security strategy that will protect your business from when attack occurs. However, it is important to note that cyber security is an ongoing process and you should regularly review your program to ensure that it is still effective.

If you are not sure where to start, our team of cyber security experts can help you assess your risks and put in place the appropriate controls. We offer a range of cyber security risk assessment services that can be tailored to your business needs.

How can businesses keep their cyber security safe?

The term “cyber security” refers to software and monitoring that protects email, operating systems, networks and printing devices from hacking or data theft. This is a significant and vital aspect of cyber security for businesses although employees also have an important role in ensuring the safety of your business IT systems. Breaches in security can be prevented through the correct training and to be made aware of the techniques used by hackers.

User education is vital and should be ongoing, as the methods used by cyber criminals are constantly evolving. Employees should know how to spot a phishing email, such as when not to click on links or attachments from unknown senders. They should also know not to use the same password for all their accounts and best practices to adhere to when working remotely.

Pieces of software need to be kept up to date with the latest security patches, as these often close vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Firewalls should also be in place and configured correctly, as well as intrusion detection and prevention systems. Data breaches can have severe consequences for businesses, so it is important to take cyber security seriously. Attempts to gain access to systems should be logged and investigated, as this can help to identify trends and potential threats.

Regular backups of data are essential in case of a ransomware attack where files are encrypted and a ransom demanded for the decryption key. By having backups, you can restore your systems without having to pay the ransom.

Get the Basics Right

In conclusion, cyber security is vital for all businesses to protect their data and systems from attack. By following the cyber security basics and educating employees on best practices, you can reduce the risk of a breach in your system. If you are unsure of where to start, seek out our professional help from Venom IT to assess your risks and put in place the appropriate controls. Together, we can keep your business safe from cybercrime.