Cybersecurity, Make it the New Normal!
Tags: cybersecurity, datasecurity, productivity, opensource
Published: 2022-08-18 13:04:00

Covid 19 has shifted many paradigms in how work has been done. Many organizations were figuring out whether remote work would be a secure idea or not, considering a long-term future. In such circumstances, cybersecurity becomes one of the crucial elements to the lookout for. The ‘good enough’ security was not enough when the attackers took advantage of such a pandemic and recorded about a 330% rise in cyber threats. 

As the business has commenced its work in a post-pandemic time, it becomes vital that cybersecurity becomes the heart of your focus. Putting cybersecurity as one of the prominent elements in focus can turn out to be one of the proactive ways to address the issues that are still on the horizon.

To focus on cybersecurity for your organization, one needs to find out the prominent threats that need to be handled first.

For the present work situation, where remote work has been encouraged in every leading global brand, cyber threats have become a reality; no matter what size or nature your company has, the potential of such a breach increases with each remote device. According to Pew Research, more than 50% of workers are willing to work from home rather than the office.

In such circumstances, the companies should invest their resources to enhance their digital security until it’s too late. As cyber crimes have evolved, and hackers have become more sophisticated. Therefore, one needs to take precise measures. But, first of all, they require to learn how to identify such threats in general. You can find below security threats that cause harm to your company without you even noticing. 

**The Cloud:**
The cloud has become an extensive tool for information security days. Cloud has enhanced protection mechanisms than on-site computing. Investment in digital identity and cloud security, such as multi-factor authentication, should be a priority, making remote work more possible.

**Remote Device security:**
The security of a remote device is another major issue for leading companies. Before, we all followed the conventional ways of using company-issues devices at the workplace. However, when we access the work data or open a work email, cybercriminals get a trail to insert themselves into such huge corporate systems.

**Password protection:**
This seems to be a basic security loophole that everyone tends to take care of. However, each employee needs to be trained in the most profound training that consists of the practice of dual and multi-factor identification tools throughout the entire enterprise. The employees should be encouraged to protect their passwords and keep their digital information confidential.

**Not getting ready for the future:**
Identifying and nullifying the fear of cyber theft is one of the crucial voids that hackers opt to plant ransomware and malware via phishing attacks. In order to deal with certain situations, the IT department needs to be up for training each individual with access to the network on how to avoid such kinds of malpractices. Such kind of practice attracts the practice of digital safety, which could go a long way in any organization.

**Supply chain attacks:**
Generally, hackers target the third-party software developers that work for the company and seek to infiltrate servers and networks with inverse flows and unfiltered security holes. When they try to update the software, the malicious code activates added to the legitimate apps and websites, and it automatically infects the entire device and network during the process. And not only that, but it also targets the home networks of the targetted employees as home networks are one of the easiest targets as it shares the same potential for reward.

**DDoS Attacks:**
DDoS is widely known as Distributed denial of service attacks that basically target the company’s web servers through various botnets. One of the ideal practices to mitigate such attacks is to gain and utilize expertise in DDoS defense to retain third-party services that differentiate bot traffic from friendly traffic. Through rate-limiting, blackhole routing, strong firewalls, and network diffusions, one can accomplish this.

**IoT Attacks:**
IoT attacks are among the leading next-gen attacks that will only become stronger over time. The top global players will continue to automate everything from manufacturing plants to online security. As per Nokia’s report, IoT devices made up around 33% of infections in the past year. And the numbers are only showing a significant rise from there as the number of devices used will definitely be going to increase. Hence, the investment in cybersecurity should be done rigorously. 

Now, the main question arises how you are going to deal with such a global issue with utmost precision. One needs to take proactive actions in order to deal with such a crucial data-sensitive era.

With the aim to confront such core digital challenges, there are numerous ways to solve such issues. However, The most viable and simple one is to increase the usage of VPNs so the employees can access the networks remotely with the utmost security. 

Apart from this, two-factor authentication policies and Zero-trust policies can also be feasible. Though it requires a bit more time when the employee logs in, it ensures the digital security is at the optimum level. The transition from conventional to unconventional remote work culture has been difficult in terms of digital security.

Many paradigms have shifted through the last few years. If companies have started adopting this remote work model for the long term, it will build the foundation for next-generation on a robust base. That makes it more evident not only for the global players but also for the SMEs to invest in cybersecurity to ensure optimum security!