Every October, Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as a reminder for businesses of all sizes to take a closer look at their security measures. With the rise of remote work, multi-cloud environments, and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, maintaining robust cybersecurity practices is more critical than ever. This month-long initiative aims to educate businesses and individuals on the importance of staying vigilant and adopting essential security practices.

Key Areas of Cybersecurity for Businesses

Data Protection Every business handles sensitive data—whether it’s customer information, financial records, or intellectual property. A data breach can expose this information to malicious actors, leading to fines, legal action, and a loss of customer trust. For many businesses, a breach of personal data could also mean non-compliance with data protection laws like GDPR or CCPA, which can result in substantial fines. Implement encryption, both at rest and in transit, to protect sensitive data from unauthorised access. Regularly review and update access control policies to ensure that only authorised personnel can access critical information. Data loss prevention (DLP) tools can also help monitor and safeguard data. Password Management Passwords are often the first line of defence in securing your accounts and data. However, traditional password practices, such as frequently changing passwords or using overly complex combinations, can create vulnerabilities. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has updated its password guidelines to reflect a more secure approach.

• Use long passphrases (at least 8 characters, but ideally 12 or more) instead of complex short passwords.
  • A passphrase is a memorised secret consisting of a sequence of words or other text that a claimant uses to authenticate their identity. A passphrase is similar to a password in usage, but is generally longer for added security.
• Avoid frequent password changes unless there’s evidence of compromise.
  • Contrary to popular belief and prior standards, NIST does not suggest frequent password changes (example: every 60 or 90 days); individuals who are asked to change passwords frequently are much more likely to reuse an old password and merely append a number, letter, or special character to the end of it.
• Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added security.
  • NIST is not alone in recommending that MFA be incorporated into password policies and password security processes — increasingly, third parties, auditors, and customers are looking for MFA in the products and solutions they choose to combat the prevalence of identity theft, cyber threats, and fraud.
• Use password managers to generate and store strong passwords securely.
  • NIST suggests companies use a password manager to help their employees and stakeholders encrypt and generate strong passwords. Even if you’re securing your own servers, you will want to help reduce human error by giving your users access to a password manager, which will automatically generate long, strong passwords and passphrases for them. Password managers that plug into the browser, can seamlessly determine the access to your frequent passwords for cloud services, web applications, or even local applications.

By following these updated recommendations, businesses can mitigate the risks associated with poor password practices and reduce the likelihood of unauthorised access. Software Updates Hackers constantly look for vulnerabilities in software. When software providers discover these vulnerabilities, they release patches and updates to fix them. Failing to keep your software up to date means leaving your systems exposed to known vulnerabilities, which can be exploited by attackers. Automate software updates across your network to ensure that all devices and applications are using the latest versions. This includes everything from operating systems and web browsers to third-party applications and plug-ins. Keeping software current not only protects your business from attacks but also ensures that you’re taking advantage of the latest performance and security features. Backup Systems No cybersecurity strategy is foolproof, which is why having a reliable backup system is essential for every business. Whether it’s a ransomware attack, human error, or a hardware failure, data loss can cripple your operations. A robust backup system ensures you can quickly restore critical data, minimising downtime and preventing data loss from becoming catastrophic. Implement a 3-2-1 backup strategy - keep three copies of your data, on two different types of storage media, with one copy stored offsite or in the cloud. Ensure that your backup system is automated and regularly tested to verify data integrity and the speed of recovery. Backup solutions like Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud can provide both backup and disaster recovery, ensuring business continuity in the face of cyberattacks or data loss. Employee Training The human element is often the weakest link in cybersecurity. Phishing attacks and social engineering are two of the most common ways cybercriminals infiltrate businesses, exploiting human error rather than technical vulnerabilities. Well-trained employees can act as your first line of defence against these types of attacks. Conduct regular training sessions to educate employees on identifying and avoiding phishing scams, recognising suspicious links, and practicing good cyber hygiene. Employees should be empowered to report suspicious activity, and regular simulations can help reinforce the training. Security awareness tools can also provide ongoing, interactive education to keep cybersecurity top of mind. Take Action The first step to securing your business is understanding where your vulnerabilities lie. At EveryCloud, we offer a comprehensive Cybersecurity Assessment that leverages the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Cyber Security Framework (CSF 2.0) to provide in-depth, risk-based analysis tailored to your business. Our assessment is vendor and solution agnostic, focusing on highlighting gaps and prioritising the best security practices based on your specific needs. We deliver both high-level and detailed reports to provide valuable insights for board members and IT/security teams. This includes a gap analysis, risk prioritisation, and recommendations for improving cybersecurity maturity, with an emphasis on continuous improvement. Contact us today to schedule your Cybersecurity Assessment and take the first step toward safeguarding your business and ensuring long-term protection.