Cybersecurity in public entities and companies – practical tips

In this article you will find out…

– What is a cyber attack?
– What are the consequences of non-compliance with data protection regulations?
– How can you defend your company from cyber attacks?
– What are the statistics of cybersecurity market and hackers?

What is a cyber attack?

A cyber attack is a deliberate exploitation of your systems and network. Cyber attacks use code to hack your computer, or data and steal, leak or hold your data.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with data protection regulations?

Sanctions when public administrations fail to comply with EU data protection law can include business suspensions, warnings or fines. Here are a few tips on how to prevent this from happening.

1. Train your staff

Your staff needs to:
– Check links before clicking them
– Check email addresses from the received email
– Use common sense before sending sensitive information

2. Keep your software and systems fully up to date

Often cyber attacks happen because your systems or software aren’t fully up to date. Hackers exploit its weaknesses to gain access to your network.

3. Ensure Endpoint Protection

Mobile devices, tablets and laptops that are connected to corporate networks give access paths to security threats. These paths can be protected with specific endpoint protection software.

4. Install a firewall

A firewall system will block any cyber attacks made on your network or systems before they can do any damage.

5. Set reminders for routine cybersecurity activities.

Do you need to change your passwords every three months? Add a reminder in for example Google Calendar. This will help you ensure the safety of your security systems.

6. Back up your data

One of the best measures you can take against cyber attacks is to back up all of your data and store it elsewhere. This way, if your systems are taken offline, or hackers steal and hold your data, you’ll still have access to everything you need to keep your company.

Cybersecurity market and hackers

According to estimated data, the cybersecurity market in 2017 was worth around $120 billion. Large companies and corporations try to protect themselves as best as possible against cyber attacks. That is why cybercriminals are constantly looking for the easiest way to carry out their activities.

Statistics:

– It takes a hacker approximately 4 hours to gain access to systems and data.

– 70% of incidents are caused by the actions of employees.

– 31% of cyber attacks results in the disclosure or modification of company data.

All of this also applies to public institutions!

Good cybersecurity practices in local governments

– Order on the desk and computer. Organized documents and digital resources are not just daily work. Control over them also improves safety.

– The principle of trust. The public controller that is flowed by cybercriminals. There is a risk involved in downloading files or clicking on suspicious links.

– The weakest link. Each system has weak points, cybercriminals know something better. Each effective security issue

– Minimum privileges. When allocating an employee dedicated to such employees as are necessary for the performance of the tasks