Cyber Security: Is Your Network Compromise Ready?

Technology continues to be on the rise and experts predict that there will be 200 billion connected things by 2020. It will continue to change the way we work, live, behave and interact. Can you imagine your life without technology?

According to Social Media Week, millennials alone check their phones 157 times a day while average adult checks their phone 30 times a day. This figure no longer comes as a surprise as we are living in the digital age. It is proof that most people heavily rely on their smartphones. This is why it is essential for technology to be always available. However, with cyber hackers on the look out for another hapless victim of their digital schemes, it is also important to have access to secure and protected technology.

High levels of security is needed not only by businesses but by anyone who uses technology. Whether you are an avid online shopper who uses your credit card for every online transaction or an e-commerce website owner, advanced layers of encryption is a need rather than a hype. Unfortunately, technology is vulnerable to hackers. As technology progresses, cybersecurity problems also continue to exist.

As cybersecurity threats  increase, educating people on how security is compromised should be a priority. Hackers, cyber criminals, cyber terrorists, nation states and hacktivists can attack your network at any given time.

Cloud technology provides an easier way for employees to gain access to information regardless of their location. More often than not, people access the database with shared passwords. If users are not properly educated about the risk of using easy-to-guess password or accessing the website through a public network, they are more likely to run the risk of becoming victim to data breach and cyber intrusion. Keep in mind that increasing cyber security is a shared responsibility. Aside from securing devices,  using strong and unique password is also crucial to improving your network's level of security.

What can you do to protect your data?

Full Encryption: Organisations use portable devices to collaborate. However, when devices are lost or stolen, sensitive information may fall into the wrong hands. Full encryption of portable storage and devices ensures that sensitive information remains protected.

Awareness and Training on Data Security: Human error such as opening a company website on a public network or disposing of devices without removing sensitive data can contribute to the prevalence of cyberattack. Educating employees about the importance of data security teaches them how to handle sensitive information.

Maintain Security Policies and Procedures: Access rights and privileges must also be kept to a minimum to reduce the likelihood for human error and attacks. Organisations should make it a point to monitor users' privileges to know which information should be accessed.