Keeping data secure and privacy protected is a continuous struggle as new IT security risks are constantly erumpent. A full-time focus on the latest cybersecurity risks is required to meet the challenge. For small and medium-sized businesses, it’s nearly impossible to afford the type of equipment and cybersecurity expertise needed for an in-house IT department. That’s where managed IT services come in. For less in overall costs, managed IT security does a much better job of guarding against risks. IT professionals weighed in to share the latest best practices and difficulties associated with IT security, as follows.
A Few of the Current Challenges to IT Security
The EU’s GDPR
Since May 2018, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) established by the European Union (EU) has been complicating things for virtually any business connecting with an IP address in the EU. The types of US companies most affected are likely e-commerce, travel, hospitality, and software services. However, if any US business identifies a market located anywhere in the EU and has localized web content, it should ensure GDPR compliance. Unlike in EU countries, at least in the US it isn’t mandatory in certain circumstances to take on the expense of hiring a highly and specifically qualified data protection officer (DPO).
The Internet of Things (IoT)
Data security is complicated by the many different types of IoT devices being brought into the workplace without coordination with security staff. Experts say these personal devices collect and share data in the cloud. It’s unknown how secure the devices are or what company data is being shared on Fitbits and smart-home devices like Alexis.
Cybercriminals
Threats from malware and hacking alone require almost full-time attention from IT security. Cybercriminals are relentless in their efforts to find new ways of accessing data, monetizing digital theft, and invading computer networks. The old standards in cybersecurity are no longer sufficient to protect against the onslaught of cyber threats. A security stack or multi-layered approach to security is a must.
A Few Current Best Practices for Cybersecurity
Educate All Staff Members
Any business will have greater resilience against cyber-attacks if the company maintains a culture of security. Employees should learn such things as validating emails rather than immediately acting on them. Company rules for setting up strong passwords should be taken seriously and carefully adhered to by all employees. Education on IT security should be ongoing.
Multi-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) should be used so that a hacker is unable to get past a second authentication, even if the password has been deciphered. Another type of authentication is to have a validation code sent to the individual’s phone.
Be Ready for the Inevitable
It’s virtually impossible for every cyber threat to be averted. Hackers are highly motivated because stealing data can be very lucrative. Also, law enforcement agencies, so far, find it difficult to litigate charges against cybercriminals. There are many different ways cyber-attacks come against companies. A data protection and data recovery plan should be in place, and there should be run-throughs to verify that the plan works.
Contact thinkIT Solutions for the Best IT Security
We’ve discovered during our initial assessments of IT networks that 80% of our thinkIT Solutions clients had malware and virus vulnerabilities. Loss of backup, unsuccessful recovery or both were experienced by 75% of our clients before they sought our help with IT security.
