Top Benefits of Being Proactive with Cybersecurity Threats
What is Proactive Cyber Security?
Proactive cyber security refers to measures taken to defend a system before an attack occurs. The goal of proactive cyber security is to prevent attacks before they happen; reactive cyber security focuses on responding to attacks after the fact. Studies show that companies adopting proactive cybersecurity have 53% fewer breaches than those that don't. However, deploying this form of approach to security is an investment in the company’s mindset as much as technologies. Companies taking a proactive approach are constantly monitoring and reviewing network data. The intent is to ensure that there are no blips in regular network trends. They immediately examine any changes to proactively ensure that no malware or unauthorized users make their way onto the network. Preventative cybersecurity also enables companies to keep up with the latest technologies in the field. This is especially true when the security measures are facilitated by reliable cyber security experts such as Cybersecurity Fresno.
The most effective proactive cyber security measures include:
A carefully configured firewall uses hardening services to protect your network.
A multi-layered approach to security helps ensure that your data is protected.
Web content and email filtering help you block malicious or inappropriate websites.
Security monitoring software can alert you when an intruder attempts to access your network.
Intrusion prevention systems (IPS) actively block attackers from gaining access to private networks and systems.
Identity access management prevents unauthorized users from accessing sensitive information by requiring them to log in with unique credentials.
Security Information Event Management systems can analyze and correlate events occurring across the entire network to detect threats and security breaches before they occur.
Proactive Cyber Security Measures
Network and Endpoint Monitoring
It is crucial to keep track of your networks and endpoints. There are automated programs that can check the system for openings, or spot any invasion attempts. The IT team will be notified in real-time and take all the needed steps to block all attempts and fix any gaps. Another option is endpoint detection and response (EDR). EDR uses machine learning and behavioral analytics to detect new attacks.
Putting on your hacker hat
In order to protect yourself from hackers, it is important to understand the mindset of a hacker. The phrase "If you can't beat them, join them" applies here. In other words, if you want to know how hackers get into your system and find ways to block them out, you must think like they do. Once you locate the weak links in your system, you can strengthen those areas with extra security measures.
Threat Hunting
Some hackers can remain undetected in a system for months, exposing valuable data and threatening the system's security. Once hackers find a way into your systems, it can be difficult to keep them out. This is why it's important for companies to conduct regular threat hunting to identify and remove or fix risks before hackers can exploit them.
Proactive Training
Security training can include tabletop exercises, presentations, certifications, and tactical Security Operations Center (SOC) exercises. You must facilitate immersive training experiences and allow employees to experience real-world attacks in a virtual setting before allowing them to work on the front lines. Security training must also be ongoing in order for employees to maintain their skillsets and remain proficient at their jobs. Consider reaching out to IT Consulting Sacramento for effective security training for your employees.
Benefits of Proactive Cybersecurity
A shift from a reactive mode
Anticipating cybersecurity threats can be exhausting for IT teams. Organizations that are always on the defensive will never be able to relax, knowing that the next threat is just around the corner. And with the need to put out fire after fire taking a mental toll, it’s no surprise that stress-induced mistakes are common. Employees who remain calm in the event of a disaster—not easy when your company is under attack—will have an opportunity to address problems and get back on track quickly.
Weed out internal sources of breaches
According to the Ponemon Institute, 34% of data breaches come from within an organization. Proactive security measures detect suspicious activity both inside and outside the organization, whereas reactive measures focus on unauthorized users who breach your system. If a user makes the same errors over and over or engages in strange behaviors, you will know to keep an eye on them. This is imperative because you can find suspicious activity from within before it has a chance to attack your system.
Enhance your reputation
By implementing a proactive network installation and security system, you can help your clients feel confident in their decision to do business with your company. Security measures that you implement can make your clients feel secure about disclosing sensitive information, which may lead them to choose to work with you rather than a competitor. You'll have more opportunities to grow and receive online reviews that can drive even more people through your doors. A proactive network and security system gives your clients peace of mind and allows you to differentiate yourself from similar services on the market. For comprehensive guidance on proactive network installation, consider reaching out to IT Support Sacramento.
About the Author
George Passidakis
George Passidakis is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Apex Technology Management, providing IT Consulting Redding, Fresno & Sacramento. George has 30+ years of experience as an Information Technology professional. He also has extensive knowledge of Microsoft technology and other SMB IT products and solutions. Stay connected via LinkedIn.