Cybersecurity Business Insights and Best Practices for 2024

CyberSecurity
January 15, 2024

As we enter the year 2024, the digital realm continues to expand, offering unprecedented opportunities for growth and innovation. However, it also presents a growing threat landscape, with cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated and relentless in their attacks. Staying up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity tips and best practices is essential to navigate this challenging environment and safeguard your business’s sensitive data, financial assets, and reputation.

In this article, we will explore the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity and provide you with practical insights and strategies to fortify your business against the evolving threats of the digital age. Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, these tips will help you build a robust defense and ensure the safety and security of your digital operations in 2024 and beyond.

5 Expert Cybersecurity Tips for Leaders to Consider in 2024

In an article by siliconrepublic, they wrote, “2023 was anything but a dull year in terms of cybersecurity. We saw various emerging technologies, such as AI, dominate the cybersecurity space, for better and for worse, and we witnessed several devastating cyberattacks that affected not only individual companies but entire nations as well.

In Ireland, a recent report revealed that 60pc of businesses experienced a cyberattack in 2023. According to the same report, 32pc of respondents had not received any cybersecurity training in the past 12 months.

As 2024 rolls around, there is no indication that this year will be less turbulent – if anything, the importance of cybersecurity is going to intensify.

For the past year, SiliconRepublic.com has heard from top CIOs, CTOs, and other IT and cybersecurity leaders as part of our Five-Minute CIO series. One question that we like to ask them is what strategies and tips they have to address current and developing issues in the cybersecurity space.

From tackling internal cyber strategies to addressing the current skills shortages in the space, here are some of the top tips we received.

Zero trust is a must

One area that cyber leaders think needs to be prioritized is the strategy of zero trust, which means that everything inside and outside of an organization needs to be verified.

Alvina Antar, CIO of Okta, says that zero-trust strategies are needed to combat the new security challenges brought on by the advent of hybrid working and the cloud.

“Trust, and specifically zero trust, is fast becoming an entity’s most critical resource and one of the biggest differentiators for businesses,” she says. “Having a strategic approach to zero trust and identity is the key to making zero trust a reality.

“With this approach and the right tech partner, you can ensure the right people have the right access at the right time and for the right reason, such as just-in-time provisioning and removing admin access for most of the employees.”

The skills shortage must be addressed

A common issue cybersecurity experts and leaders pointed out is the ongoing talent shortage affecting the cybersecurity industry. With the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals growing constantly, how can we solve this problem?

“Companies need to be flexible in what they offer,” says Linh Lam, CIO at Jamf. “The standard nine-to-five in the office doesn’t work for everybody, so offer flexible hours as well as hybrid and remote working. Furthermore, expand employee benefits – for example, offer competitive parental leave policies and childcare support.”

Puneet Kukreja, UK and Ireland cyber leader at EY, proposes that companies should also consider other methods to solve this issue, such as externally sourcing cyber talent.

“Collaborating with a team specializing in cyber advisory, cyber engineering, and managed SOC [security operations center] services presents a cost-efficient solution,” he says. “This approach enables the freeing up of technical personnel to optimize high-value technology initiatives, allowing leadership to center its efforts on strategic decision-making.”

AI and automation can be used to improve practices

While we have seen some examples of bad actors using AI and automation to wreak havoc, cyber leaders have pointed out how it can also be used to benefit cyber defenses.

Kayla Williams, CISO at Devo Technology, believes that AI and automation can be beneficial to cybersecurity professionals by helping them manage their workloads and prioritize the most important duties.

“By using AI-powered automation to flag false positives, analysts are able to avoid manual investigation of every alert and focus on the most high-risk items. This reduces their workload and increases their efficiency and effectiveness in detecting and mediating threats.”

This belief is also shared by Ginna Raahauge, CIO at Zayo, who says that AI and machine learning can be used to stay ahead of cyber attackers. “Innovation is key.”

“Automation is an organization’s friend when it comes to security,” adds Sesh Tirumala, CIO of PagerDuty. “Consider an employee who may have previously had top-level security clearance and access within an organization who changed roles and no longer needs those same privileges.

“By leveraging automation, seemingly tedious (but nevertheless critical) processes such as provisioning and de-provisioning become more consistent and leave less room for operational error.”

Companies need to share tactics

With the importance of cybersecurity reaching practically every industry, some experts think that a strong defense strategy lies within the cooperation of companies that share industries.

“When multiple companies are dealing with the same issues, you’re able to talk about tactics and learnings, so the concept of an industry standing together and sharing becomes really important,” says PayPal’s CIO and executive VP, Archana (Archie) Deskus.

Des Morley, chief digital and technology officer at An Post, agrees. “The whole industry would benefit from stronger and more structured centralized security knowledge sharing, insights, and expertise.

“Right now, it feels very much that most organizations are battling away on their own, in particular with regards to educating customers on issues such as phishing/smishing. A more collaborative approach would be more effective and efficient.”

Security needs to be prioritized at every level

One of the most common pieces of advice we documented is the need for robust knowledge and responsibility for strong security protocols in every area of a company instead of just those who work primarily in the security space.

“You need everyone within the business thinking about their role within security and how even the lowest employee within the chain could be the victim of a phishing attack that opens the door to a much larger attack,” says Tas Giakouminakis, CTO and co-founder of Rapid7.

“It’s crucial that we start building cultures where cybersecurity matters and senior decision-makers know where they are within the supply chain.”

Michelle Grover, CTO at Slalom, says: “Keeping employees educated, informed, and actively thinking about how to keep our data secure is important, but we all know that anyone, with enough time and/or money, can surmount any defense.” James Hogan, CTO of Bundledocs, shares a similar view. “All companies should implement a cybersecurity awareness training program to educate staff on the current cybersecurity threat landscape and how they as individuals can protect their organization from the threats they will undoubtedly encounter.”

This idea of a strong security culture is emphasized by Rob Houghton, founder and CTO of Insightful Technology, who believes that the two major factors that cause security risks are people and policies.

“[People] are fallible and sometimes malicious. They lose devices and passwords, have them stolen, or willingly do something they shouldn’t,” he says. “When it comes to policies, there’s often a lack of control or implementation.

“In my view, most security breaches could be stopped if we all took more personal responsibility’.”

21 Cybersecurity Tips and Best Practices for Your Business

In an article by Titanfile, they wrote, “Cybercrime is undoubtedly one of the fastest-growing crimes in the world, and it continues to impact businesses in all industries. Unless you want your company or firm’s name to end up in the headlines as a result of a security breach, you need to be aware of the most up-to-date cybersecurity tips and best practices.

Staying protected from cyberattacks is challenging, however. It’s difficult to keep up when cybercriminals are persistently looking for new ways to expose security risks. Still, there are a number of cybersecurity tips that will help you prevent cyber attacks.

Here, we’ve compiled a list of the top cybersecurity tips and best practices for you to implement and share with others. We’ll continue to update this list to help keep your business secure.

1. Keep software up-to-date

Software companies typically provide software updates for 3 reasons: to add new features, fix known bugs, and upgrade security. Always update your software’s latest version to protect yourself from new or existing security vulnerabilities.

2. Avoid opening suspicious emails

If an email looks suspicious, don’t open it because it might be a phishing scam. Someone might be impersonating another individual or company to gain access to your personal information. Sometimes, the emails may also include attachments or links that can infect your devices.

3. Keep hardware up-to-date

Out doing some last minute shopping and need to jump on some WiFi? Be careful which network you connect to, especially if you have to create an account with a provider you’ve not heard of. As always, don’t use the same password for all your accounts, particularly business accounts! It only takes one password being leaked to compromise the lot.

4. Use a secure file-sharing solution to encrypt data

If you regularly share confidential information, you absolutely need to start using a secure file-sharing solution. Regular email is not meant for exchanging sensitive documents because if the emails are intercepted, unauthorized users will have access to your precious data.

On the other hand, using a secure file-sharing solution will automatically encrypt sensitive files so that you don’t have to worry about a data breach. Remember, your files are only as secure as the tools you choose to share them with.

5. Use anti-virus and anti-malware

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Top-end tech toys and designer clothes are unlikely to be heavily discounted this time of year, so don’t rush to grab deals and forget basic online cybersecurity practices.

6. Use a VPN to privatize your connections

All year round, this is a significant threat. Some studies have found as many as 90% of cyber incidents arise from human error. In many ways, the biggest threat to your organization is your employees or even yourself.

7. Check links before you click

Links can easily be disguised as something they’re not, so it’s best to double-check before you click on a hyperlink. On most browsers, you can see the target URL by hovering over the link. Do this to check links before you click on them.

8. Don’t be lazy with your passwords!

Put more effort into creating your passwords. You can use a tool like howsecureismypassword.net to find out how secure your passwords are.

9. Disable Bluetooth when you don’t need it

Devices can be hacked via Bluetooth, and your private information can be stolen. If there’s no reason to have your Bluetooth on, turn it off!

10. Enable 2-Factor Authentication

Be aware that your data is only as safe as the weakest link in the chain. It’s no use spending on an impenetrable network for your organization if you’re going to store vital information with the cheapest cloud provider you can find. Research the security of third-party suppliers.

11. Remove adware from your machines

This one’s a no-brainer and is often the first thing we recommend to an organization looking to improve their cyber security. MFA makes brute-force password attacks no longer viable and exponentially improves your security with little effort or cost.

12. Double-check for HTTPS on websites

Make sure your organization is using a robust password system. A long password featuring upper and lowercase letters, symbols, and numbers is best. Randomized passwords are tough but very hard to remember. Use a series of words or a phrase and swap out and add some characters:

13. Don’t store important information in non-secure places

When storing information online, you want to keep it in a location that can’t be accessed by unauthorized users.

14. Scan external storage devices for viruses

External storage devices are just as prone to malware as internal storage devices. The malware can spread if you connect an infected external device to your computer. Always scan external devices for malware before accessing them.

15. Avoid using public networks

When you connect to a public network, you’re sharing the network with everyone who is also connected. Any information you send or retrieve on the network is vulnerable. Stay away from public networks or use a VPN when you’re connected to one.

16. Avoid the “secure enough” mentality

Unless you’re completely isolated from the rest of the world, there’s no such thing as being “secure enough.” Big companies like Facebook invest a fortune into security every year but are still affected by cyber attacks.

17. Invest in security upgrades

Following the previous tip, invest in security upgrades when they’re available. It’s better to eat the costs of security than pay for the consequences of a security breach!

18. Back up important data

Important data can be lost as a result of a security breach. To make sure you’re prepared to restore data once it’s lost, you should ensure your important information is backed up frequently on the cloud or a local storage device.

19. Train employees

The key to making cybersecurity work is ensuring your employees are well-trained, in sync, and consistently exercising security practices. Sometimes, one mistake from an improperly trained employee can cause an entire security system to crumble.

20. Use HTTPS on your website

Having an SSL certificate installed and HTTPS enabled on your website will help encrypt all information that travels between a visitor’s browser and your web server.

21. Employ a “White Hat” hacker

Not all hackers are bad. Some hackers expose security risks for the sake of helping others improve their cybersecurity by keeping them aware of security flaws and patching them. These hackers are known as “white hat” hackers. Hiring one to help you find risks you never knew you had might benefit you.”

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, staying ahead of the curve is not just a necessity; it’s a fundamental responsibility for every business as we venture into the year 2024. We’ve explored a myriad of expert insights and practical strategies throughout this article, all geared toward fortifying your digital defenses. However, there’s one critical aspect we can’t afford to overlook – the role of mobile devices.

While it’s natural to focus on securing desktops and laptops, mobile devices have become integral to our work environments. Smartphones and tablets are not just personal gadgets but essential tools for business operations. As we embrace the mobile-first era, it’s imperative to extend our cybersecurity considerations to these devices.

Mobile devices can be gateways for cyber threats if left unguarded. Phishing attacks, malware, and data breaches are not exclusive to desktops. Cybercriminals are adapting their tactics to target mobile platforms as well. Therefore, implementing robust cybersecurity measures for mobile devices is paramount.

Consider implementing mobile device management (MDM) solutions, enforcing strong password policies, and regularly updating mobile operating systems and applications. Educating your employees about mobile security best practices is equally vital, as they are often the first line of defense against mobile threats.

In short, cybersecurity in 2024 is a multifaceted endeavor that demands constant vigilance and adaptation. By incorporating the insights shared in this article and extending your security efforts to encompass all types of mobile devices, you can better protect your business in the digital age. Remember, a comprehensive cybersecurity approach is not just a shield; it’s your armor in the ongoing battle against cyber threats.

At Adaptive Office Solutions, cybersecurity is our specialty. We keep cybercrimes at bay by using analysis, forensics, and reverse engineering to prevent malware attempts and patch vulnerability issues. By making an investment in multilayered cybersecurity, you can leverage our expertise to boost your defenses, mitigate risks, and protect your data with next-gen IT security solutions.

Every device connecting to the internet poses a cyber security threat, including that innocent-looking smartwatch you’re wearing. Adaptive’s wide range of experience and certifications fills the gaps in your business’s IT infrastructure and dramatically increases the effectiveness of your cybersecurity posture.

Using our proactive cybersecurity management, cutting-edge network security tools, and comprehensive business IT solutions, you can lower your costs through systems that are running at their prime, creating greater efficiency and preventing data loss and costly downtime. With Adaptive Office Solutions by your side, we’ll help you navigate the complexities of cybersecurity so you can achieve business success without worrying about online threats.

To schedule a Cyber Security Risk Review, call the Adaptive Office Solutions’ hotline at 506-624-9480 or email us at helpdesk@adaptiveoffice.ca