Security focus

Has your organisation lost data to viruses or hackers? Has your organisation been down because your IT infrastructure has been compromised? No … not yet.

It is only a matter of time until some nefarious operator gets the better of you, your organisation, your data … your source of income … in extreme cases your existence.

One of the most surreal aspects of the NSA stories based on the Snowden documents is how they made even the most paranoid conspiracy theorists seem like paragons of reason and common sense.
— Bruce Schneier

You might not have to worry about the NSA itself, but the fact that there is technology out there, paired with people who don’t have your best interests at the forefront of their minds means you now need to be better prepared than ever to protect yourself, prevent as far as possible bad things from happening, and in the case of a breach quickly react well to recover as fast as possible.

As part of any engagement of mine I am constantly on the lookout for opportunities to help your organisation be more resilient in the modern digital world we undoubtedly live in.

Here are some bullet points companies can focus on when improving their information technology security:

  • Utilise advances in artificial intelligence to help with information technology security.

  • Conduct regular security assessments to identify vulnerabilities and potential threats.

  • Implement strong authentication measures such as two-factor authentication and biometric authentication to prevent unauthorized access to systems and data.

  • Use encryption to protect sensitive data in transit and at rest.

  • Deploy firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and antivirus software to protect against malware, viruses, and other malicious attacks.

  • Develop and implement security policies and procedures that outline best practices for employees and vendors.

  • Regularly update software and firmware to address security vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of attacks.

  • Conduct employee training and awareness programs to educate them about security risks and how to prevent them.

  • Implement access controls to limit access to sensitive data and systems only to authorized personnel.

  • Develop and test a disaster recovery plan to ensure business continuity in the event of a security breach.

  • Regularly monitor systems and networks for suspicious activity and respond quickly to security incidents.

By focusing on these key areas, companies can enhance their information technology security, reduce the risk of data breaches and cyber attacks, and protect their reputation and financial stability.