Leverage your security infrastructure: 5 best practices

As our reliance on technology continues to increase in our daily lives, businesses need to leverage their security infrastructure now more than ever.

92% of businesses suggest that cyber security is a high priority for them. But as the number of successful cyber attacks rapidly increases every year – are businesses aware of the preventative steps they could be taking to keep them secure? This blog focuses on 5 key takeaways for any business to consider when reviewing its security infrastructure.

Multifactor authentication is a fundamental security measure for any business looking to operate more securely. Creating strong passwords is a well-known, effective way to protect yourself online, but when implementing multifactor authentication a business’s security is taken to the next level.

MFA is a process where users are prompted during a sign-in process (which can be enabled for logging into a computer to signing up to an online account) for an additional form of identification. To work successfully, MFA requires at least two methods of authentication; something you know - like a password, and something you have - like a trusted device or something you are - like a fingerprint/face scan. 

With 1 in 5 office workers following a hybrid working model, MFA adds another level of protection when users are connecting from anywhere. Businesses can set up the authentication so that regular sign-in can be used when someone is on the business network or registered device, but then they'll be prompted for additional verification when the user is remote or on a personal device. Therefore, businesses can have a more resilient approach to security by being able to consolidate their identity services into a highly trusted environment.

Employees are the primary recipients of cyber attacks, so by implementing internal cyber awareness training individuals will be prepared for any situation, therefore attacks can be prevented. Whether run by someone internally or via an external organisation with cyber security expertise, security awareness training is beneficial for all employees. 

Many businesses also carry out simulation tests which continuously puts the training to practice by sending employees fake phishing emails by using real-world scenarios in a controlled environment. This is a beneficial tool to highlight where additional training is necessary to protect the business before an attack happens.

One of the most crucial business practices when keeping your business secure is to constantly have data backed up. In the instance that a business is subject to a cyber attack and data is lost, having a backup of the data is essential so that all information can be restored.

One of the most secure ways to back up data is by using the cloud. This is a popular choice for many, with 71% of businesses backing up their data securely via a cloud service. There are many known benefits of utilising the cloud to back up data:

• Security: Cloud storage protects you firstly by storing it in encrypted, secure systems. But furthermore, it also protects your data from external disasters like flooding, fire or robbery - situations where you would most likely lose a hard drive.
  
• Effortless recovery: By storing data via the cloud, any data lost can easily be backed up in a very short space of time.
• Reduces downtime: Backing up data through the cloud increases productivity, especially through the internal IT team. Storing data in the cloud reduces downtime, therefore allowing the team to focus on other projects.

Review current infrastructure

Before considering the above points, it’s beneficial for a business to first look at its security environment and discover if there are any discrepancies which can be resolved; preventing the business from being vulnerable to attackers.

Completing a Microsoft-funded workshop allows businesses to discover their current security status and uncover any data risks in the current environment. The workshops also give them visibility into all applications used in their environment, allowing them to discover how they can enhance access and security throughout.

It has been reported that 55% of businesses outsource their IT and cyber security to an external supplier. Finding a trusted supplier who has extensive knowledge in this field is a very beneficial tool for any business, investing in this service provides any business with an opportunity for long-term success.

As a Microsoft Partner Cloud Security Specialist, here at Centrality we provide our clients with deep technical expertise, giving them the accessibility to work with our in-house certified specialists. This allows them to be able to reduce costs, increase productivity and maximise security throughout the business. Discover more about our Cyber Security Services here.
 
Interested in partnering with an external supplier, or being provided with more information about completing a workshop? Let us know below.