Cyber Security Checklist
Cybersecurity involves techniques that help secure various digital components, networks, data, and computer systems from unauthorized digital access. Organizations use cyber security policies to protect from any attack which could alter, delete, or destroy their data, system, network, etc.
A cyber security report of 2020 states that there is a triple-digit increase across all malware types around 358% overall, and ransomware increased by 435% as compared with last year. Therefore, it’s important for an organization to follow some rules which can prevent many issues, leading to safer cyber life.
Top 10 Cyber security checklist:
These are some of the points you must keep in mind as an organization to strengthen your cybersecurity program.
- Perform Internal and External Vulnerability Tests and scans to identify cybersecurity risks.
To identify the vulnerabilities present in your system it’s recommended to perform vulnerability scans. By conducting these scans you can understand the potential security threats and gaps in your security and after knowing this you can establish a concise action plan.
2. Create a well-defined remote access policy
A remote access policy is defined as a document containing the guidelines for connecting to a company’s network from a location other than the office. As remote work continues to gain popularity, it is one technique to help secure corporate data and networks.
3. Timely OS and Application Updates
Outdated software could be a serious risk to your business and can create a huge security gap through which attackers can penetrate your system. It is suggested to ensure that the software is updated with the latest patches. And as an organization, it is best to avoid using operating systems for which the provider no longer offers security updates.
4. Create a Strong Authentication Policy
Companies must maintain a strong authentication policy to ensure that their employees are not using simple usernames and passwords which can be easily compromised. A Password must be a complex alphanumeric and the employees must never reuse the same credentials across different platforms they should also add a third authentication factor to enhance security.
5. Reduce Administrative Access Privileges
It is important for an organization to make sure that not every user has administrative access to their computers, networks, or software. This will help them to lower the number of users that unintentionally install malware, interfere with security protocols, and expose important data to danger.
6. Data Backups and Establish a Breach Recovery Plan
Companies must maintain a data backup as it is one of the most crucial methods for safeguarding your data. This strategy will let you act fast and lessen the overwhelming threat of a security breach. It is preferred to have regular backup scheduled to guarantee that your data is backed up to a safe, encrypted, and off-site place.
7. Segment and Segregate Your Networks
Segmenting and segregating a network help to reduce the impact of an attack. This ensures organization that their all data is not accessed and confidential data remain safe.
8. Regular Training for Employees
In order to protect company assets from harmful assaults, employees need to be regularly trained by their employers on the newest cybersecurity developments. The organiation must include the cybersecurity training part of the onboarding process. Employees would then be aware of cybersecurity breaches and what they may do to safeguard critical information.
9. Perform Regular Security Assessments
The organization must perform regular security assessments to remain aware of their vulnerabilities. The organization will stay ahead of the changing threat landscape if they have a rigorous and consistent assessment method.
10. Apply patches and updates promptly
Software patching is a crucial component of safeguarding your company and avoiding cyberattacks. As data breaches continue to dominate the headline it is important for an organization to patch the vulnerabilities or update their software continuously and if they don’t pay attention to this they might be leaving their organization open to attacks and may suffer from consequences.