Tuesday, 17 January 2017 Blog ehdf

Cybersecurity Checklist For 2017

Few things are as fundamental to the survival and growth of a business as the integrity of the information and data that is critical to its functions and competitive advantages. Data security and protection against malicious intervention by external entities, seeking to create process disruptions, is a clear and present challenge to several key functional and structural elements that a business is built on. Compromised security can lead to multiple disruptions and losses, ranging from financial losses, loss of competitive advantages, loss of client trust, downtime and compliance breaches.

Until the recent past, firewalls and other technological filters designed to restrict access and effect, have served enterprises well in their pursuit of security. However, with the introduction for several new technologies, such as mobile IT infrastructure, cloud computing, collaborative access to data with clients and partners etc. have introduced a new range of vulnerabilities and security issues. In order to remain secure, in the current era, companies must endeavor to remain abreast of the latest technologies and strategies that provide them with the means to secure their data and other IT related assets. Managed Security Services Providers are an excellent option to place such critical requirements and functions in the hands of experts, who have the specific skills to execute them effectively.

Security risks and challenges can be broadly divided into some specific categories, each requiring its own set of strategic, process and operational approaches to minimize and control. Managed Security Services are a handy way to address these concerns.

Here are the top things you must do to help protect your business in 2017:

Manage vulnerability through mobile access and cloud computing: Technology is best understood and classified as a tool, which inherently makes it vulnerable to incorrect or thoughtless use. All the systems and processes at the disposal of an enterprise require that they are deployed so that their utility is enhanced and their misuse or malicious use is curtailed. Both cloud computing and mobile IT access, by their inherent nature, draw their advantages from the ability of multiple entities to gain advantage from their use through multiple locations, platforms and networks. This multiplicity of access, naturally, also makes these technologies vulnerable to malicious intervention, if they are not properly deployed, with an eye on security. Real world protection against the misuse of these technologies is largely dependent on controlling unnecessary background processes and restricting the access of unauthorized and malicious entities. Delegating these concerns to a Managed Security Services Provider can be a very effective way to address these issues.

Design and enforce IT processes and cybersecurity measures: A response to vulnerabilities should not undermine the core advantages offered by a process or technology, as a whole. Fortunately, with the application of good strategies and design, IT infrastructure offers users an opportunity to introduce high levels of security while still keeping the system functionally agile and effective. Enterprises should invest the time and skill required to identify an appropriate Managed Security Services Provider, who can design their IT infrastructure and systems to enhance the end user experience, but restricting access to unauthorized entities.

Manage Networks, Applications and Platforms with an eye on security: The rise in the delegation of IT process to specialized external support and management companies, businesses are reaping the rewards of lowered costs and enhanced service levels. However, the compatibility of the enterprise and the Managed Security Services Provider needs to take into account the security oriented measures inherent to the design and operation of the IT system. In the risk versus consequence equation, security is one of those concerns that can either enhance or undermine the relationship. Care should be taken in the selection of a Managed Security Services Provider so that these concerns and issues are addressed adequately.

Create best practices and policies around cybersecurity: No system can be secured effectively without the active participation and commitment of its end users. While a Managed Security Services Provider can greatly reduce the vulnerability of a system, the adherence of end users to a well drafted policy governing their use and access is essential to the successful provision of security. Enterprises must train their employees to ensure the optimal use of IT systems without the introduction of vulnerabilities due to work practices.

The increasing trend towards the outsourcing of IT functionality to specialized companies is enhancing the competitiveness of several companies. The benefits of such a move can often be so essential to the future of a company that the decision to embrace the practice seems inevitable. However, as with any change involving an external entity and a new set of processes, care must be taken that the policies, processes and delegation of resources and responsibilities is well considered, well conceived and well executed.