Updating Your Cybersecurity Plan

Updating Your Cybersecurity Plan in the Age of Digital Transformation

Digital transformation is now a top priority for every CXO: whether it's enhancing operational efficiency, improving employee productivity, or boosting business speed - most organizations are starting or promoting their digital transformation initiatives for better results.

 Although most efforts focus on updating older systems or adopting innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence and automation, many are not already driving their energies toward modernizing their cybersecurity strategies. Due to the speed at which data swells and new workplace models emerge, cyberattacks are becoming increasingly frequent - especially as organizations deal with the continuing shortage of skilled resources.

What Is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks and programs from digital attacks. 

Cyberattacks are usually intended to access, change or destroy sensitive information; to extort money from users; or to boycott normal business operations.

Implementing effective cybersecurity measures is particularly difficult today as more devices exist than people, and attackers are becoming more innovative.

Why Is Cybersecurity Important?

In today's connected world, everyone benefits from advanced electronic defence software. On an individual level, a cybersecurity attack can lead to everything from identity theft to extortion attempts and loss of important data such as family photos. Everyone depends on critical infrastructures such as power plants, hospitals and financial services companies. Securing these and other organizations is essential to keep our society working.

Everyone also benefits from the work of cyber threat researchers, such as a team of 250 threat researchers, who investigate new and emerging threats and cyberattack strategies. It reveals new weaknesses, educates the public about the importance of cybersecurity, and strengthens open source tools. Their work makes the internet safer for everyone.

Types Of Cybersecurity Threats

• Phishing is the practice of sending fraudulent emails similar to emails from reputable sources. The goal is to steal sensitive data such as credit card numbers and login information. It's the most common type of cyberattack. You can help protect yourself through education or a technical solution that filters malicious emails.

• Ransomware is a kind of malware. It is designed to extort money by blocking access to files or computer systems until a ransom is paid. Ransom payment does not guarantee that files will be restored or the system restored.

• Malware is a type of software designed to gain unauthorized access or damage your computer. 

• Social engineering is a tactic used by opponents to trick you into disclosing sensitive information. They can request cash payment or access your confidential data. Social engineering can be combined with any of the above threats to increase the likelihood of clicking links, downloading malware, or trusting a malicious source.

Cybersecurity in the Age of Digital Transformation: Pivoting in 2022

Because companies are adopting technologies such as the Internet of Things, big data and the cloud, security should be more than just an afterthought. Although most organizations have secured their surroundings, in an afternoon where data volumes are inflated and devices that reach enterprise networks are deployed, building cybersecurity strategies that spread across systems, devices and the cloud is important. Let's take a look at some of the factors that have made cybersecurity in the age of digital transformation so difficult:

Data Is Everything

In today's digital age, data has become the new fuel, pushing organizations to the fore. As more and more data is generated by systems, processes, devices, people and interactions, there is an increasing need to protect and protect this data 24/7 - especially in light of sophisticated data regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Protecting these increasing amounts of digital information against unauthorized access, use and corruption will go a long way in ensuring the long-term well-being of each company.

Attacks Are More Complex Than Ever

Although innovations in technology enable companies to achieve greater efficiencies in their day-to-day business, bad actors are taking equal advantage of these developments. To deal with complex phishing, social engineering, hacked devices, SQL injection, credential theft and a range of DoS and DDoS attacks, organizations need to make detailed diagnoses of the security program, enable unified endpoint security procedures, select managed detection and response services, as well as invest in modern risk management frameworks to enhance their defensive position.

There Are a Lot Of Cybersecurity Resources

In the world of technology, the skills gap is constantly widening. Despite the growing need for qualified cybersecurity professionals, most organizations face constant scarcity - exposing their businesses to increased risk. To deal with this challenge, organizations can either consider improving or refining their existing resource skills, adopt automated security surveillance solutions, or better with experts who can provide specialized managed security services. Having a partner can help deliver a comprehensive range of services across devices, networks and applications, while also helping to keep up with the rapidly evolving threat scene and proactively deal with threats.

Growth Of Multi-Cloud Environments

For organizations that benefit from multiple storages and cloud computing services in a single heterogeneous structure, securing assets distributed across different cloud hosting environments is particularly difficult. To overcome this challenge, organizations must implement a wide range of security settings and policies across all clouds and maintain them in the same way to ensure consistency. Automating shared security tasks, reducing the use of point security solutions and adopting centralized security frameworks can help improve cloud-level visibility while enabling decision-makers to make critical and timely decisions through actionable insights.

The Widespread Shift to the Hybrid Work Model

The widespread and continuing shift to the hybrid business model has also put enterprises at greater risk of attacks. As more devices now reach enterprise networks -- many of them personally as well -- the attack surface has increased dramatically. To mitigate the risk of unsafe home networks, stolen or lost devices, targeted phishing attacks, and expired antivirus updates, organizations must have strong security controls in place. They must invest in data encryption mechanisms as well as update their authentication procedures to ensure that authorized individuals only have access to enterprise resources. Because the mixed-action model represents the perfect fertile ground for shadow IT, organizations also need to invest in secure cloud solutions, implement multiple layers of security, and constantly participate in user security exercises.

Fortifying Your Cybersecurity Strategy

The effort and money spent on digital transformation are at their highest level ever. In 2022, spending on digital transformation is expected to reach $1.8 trillion and is expected to reach $2.8 trillion by 2025. But just adopting modern technology won't take institutions away; they must be very careful about the cybersecurity risks that come. Leading cybersecurity in the digital transformation era requires focused and sustained efforts to build security in applications and processes from the outset, update authentication and licensing strategies, and select managed security services for long-term growth and success.