Thursday, 27 March 2014 Blog ehdf

6 Trends in IT Security

1. Encrypt data on the cloud:
Everyone had been suspicious about cloud technology because of security threats to the data stored on the cloud. The fact is, cloud is secure, provided, an expert manages it. All the data stored on the cloud needs to be in encrypted format, in order to keep it secure. [1]

2. Spam filters:
One should use spam filters not so much to protect your business from spammers, but to protect it from the scammers. Cyber criminals often use phishing links in e-mails to trap unsuspecting users. These threats are noticeable to a trained eye, but some users might click on these links and fill in their sensitive personal information. [2] [3]

3. Network-based security:
Network based security is extremely important and businesses usually work with service providers to ensure high end IT security. Does your service provider offer Network Protection, Intrusion Prevention, Anti-Malware, E-mail security and other managed security services? Choose your IT partner wisely. [4]

4. Take care of the Mobile:
People are constantly going to be on the move in 2014 and technology will need to adapt to this. Most organizations are already using enterprise mobility and are also likely to venture into BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). This progress is commendable, but this would also open up new avenues for security threats and would need to be handled with a robust IT security strategy in place.

5. Train the untrained:
Everyone who is exposed to any confidential data in the organization needs to be trained about protecting it consciously and sub-consciously. Password etiquettes, identifying links from suspicious sources, using secured network and browsers at all times are just some examples of the kind of trainings every member of the company should undergo. [5]

6. Be prepared for the worst:
Threats to IT infrastructure exist because of several environmental and social factors. It may be catastrophic for companies, not to take these factors into consideration, while planning their IT investments. A fool-proof Disaster Recovery plan is a smart investment which can potentially save a company from losing data and information in case a disaster strikes. [6]

Sources:
[1] http://www.informationweek.com/traffic-management/5-most-ignored-it-security-best-practices/d/d-id/1099609?

[2] http://www.zdnet.com/10-security-best-practice-guidelines-for-businesses-7000012088/

[3] http://internalaudit.wayne.edu/security-practices.php