7 tips to maximize your cybersecurity

01 June 2022 | Technology

Is your company’s IT security not a priority? It will be after knowing that Mexico is the second country in a ranking of cyberattacks victims in Latin America.

The pandemic not only disrupted health, but also our data. Cybersecurity is not a minor issue; therefore, we share the benefits of having a cybersecurity system and some tips to carry it out.

Beyond Anonymous and Big Corporations: Cyberattacks are a Daily Reality

Digitalization is one of the cornerstones of any business since, in these times, lack of presence on the internet is almost like not existing. In 2021 we are aware of the importance of a company’s ability to operate from a distance. Proof of this is that 57% of companies plan to continue remote work after the pandemic, according to OCC Mundial. However, the widespread practice of telecommuting has also been the target of cyberattacks, which can trigger large losses for businesses or even involve them in serious legal problems.

Before continuing, it is important to define a cyberattack, because it is likely that, when reading that word, the masks of Anonymous appear in our mind. However, cyberattacks can be the reality of any company regardless of its size. A cyberattack is an action against information systems by one or more people who, using vulnerability, access data to use, disseminate or extort from them.

According to Kaspersky, leader in cybersecurity, in Latin America cyberattacks increased by 24% only in the first eight months of 2021, which represents an average of 35 attacks per second. Among Latin American countries, Brazil leads with 1,390 attacks per minute and Mexico is in second place with 299. This increase is closely related to telework because now, the information security of companies is dispersed in the personal devices that working people use from where they work.

The reality is that companies migrated to the home office in a state of emergency, and this triggered security shortages. According to ESET Latin America, 42% of companies were not prepared for telework, neither in knowledge nor in team. For this reason, cyberattacks on companies use home devices to access corporate data and, in 2021, this type of cyberattacks grew by 78% compared to the previous year.

Why investing time and resources in cybersecurity?

Safeguarding the future. The value of a business can be classified into two large groups: tangible and intangible. In the second type are databases and patents, among many others, which benefit the company to obtain and increase its tangible value, as these translate into sales, products, or unique services, partners, and advantage over the competition. Therefore, the future, growth and value of a company depends on information security.
Confidence. Digitalization, the new generations, and the pandemic have made a dent in consumption habits, so now companies have the challenge to confront people who are hyper-informed and concerned about the use of their data. Without security, it is impossible to connect with consumers, suppliers, and investors.
Corporate image. A company committed to the safety of its customers, its staff and itself reflects seriousness, professionalism, and values. Therefore, it is vital that security is present in every sector of the company and offers serenity to all people involved in the business. This will generate a positive and beneficial corporate image.
Optimize use and classification of data. Having an updated and competent security system will also streamline internal processes when collecting and storing information. So, the data will be accurately catalogued by risk and access will be monitored.

Seven tips for corporate cybersecurity

1. Catalogue your information

The first step to improving cybersecurity is knowing what you want to protect and why. Making a proper inventory and cataloguing of tangible and intangible assets, according to degrees of risk, is the first step in safeguarding them.

2. Detect vulnerabilities

We must always assume a state of prevention and, to do so, we must imagine the worst scenarios. A report on security weaknesses is critical to avoiding risks and planning emergency protocols that are appropriate for our needs.

3. Create protocols

Strategic security processes avoid risk situations or minimize attacks in the shortest possible time. Without them, panic or disinformation can worsen the problem and lead to catastrophic dimensions.

4. Rely on professionals

In order to have an optimal cybersecurity system, it must be structured by professionals in the field. Expert staff provide high security protection through tools such as data encryption and specialized software.

5. Do not use pirated software

One of the most widespread modus operandi for cyberattacks is by downloading unlicensed programs. Consider that investing in buying the original programs for your company is not only an investment in production, but also in security.

6. Train the staff

Home office requires teams educated on cyber risks to work under strict security processes that safeguard corporate and personal information. In this way, it prevents the human resource from being a vulnerable aspect due to the lack of information or digital malpractice.

7. Monitor and perform simulations

Unfortunately, cyber risks go hand in hand with technological tools, which is why a constant analysis of the security system is important to verify that it is valid. A cybersecurity trend is to perform simulations of attacks to measure protection, time of action and actions to improve.