A decade ago cybersecurity was mainly a field for the techie people to worry about, but since the world is now far more advanced in technology, every organisation is required to ensure this. So, it no longer falls as a responsibility for the Information Technology or IT industry only, but also an opportunity for mid-tier audit firms to give advisory services. Yes, some firms offer cybersecurity and technology services to help your organisation manage cybercrime incidents. This might strike you curious, therefore it should motivate you to read this article because it will equip you with essential information about cybersecurity.
What is cybersecurity?
It is only appropriate to give you a definite meaning of cybersecurity. According to Kaspersky, it is the practice of defending computers, servers, mobile devices, etc. from malicious attacks. With this, you should understand that every gadget or device that you own is vulnerable to cyber attacks, the stealing of information stored in an internet-connected system. This practice of information security can be learned from outsourced data protection officers who have studied and trained to ensure that personal information is protected and used according to its stated purpose only.
Why is cybersecurity important today?
Experts from the IT industry are alarmed that the issue of cybersecurity is not discussed more often, considering that people’s daily lives are conducted online. For instance, cyber criminals always target people who shop and use online banking to send and receive money online. These people do not see the value of their personal information because they only care about the free products that they will get if they share it to people or shops. So, it is important to address these issues by spreading awareness and heightening methods of cybersecurity. Companies are required to solidify their privacy policies and acquire penetration test services to make sure that their hardware and software meet the minimum standard of protection. So, if you own a business that solicits data from consumers and business affiliates, you are required to comply with privacy laws and establish cybersecurity.
How should you ensure cybersecurity?
There are a lot of areas in which you can start your cybersecurity journey. However, it is advisable that you get the guidance of an expert. You can find them in public accounting firms who offer cybersecurity advisory services. These are some of the things that they would tell you to do.
1. Educate your staff
It is said that knowledge is power and cybersecurity is not an exception from that. However, this does not mean that you should only let your IT department attend data protection seminars because they are not the only ones who have access to your database. Therefore, education here means all levels of your organisation. It is recommended that you invite experts like an outsourced data protection officer who can pass down knowledge to your employees!
2. Invest in high-quality data protection tools
Cyber criminals find new ways to steal personal information everyday. So, it is vital that you keep your technology up to date too. In this way, you can be assured that you are meeting the requirements expected from your company. This could range from the virus protection software that is installed in every desktop in your office to the robustness of your database stored in a hardware. Also, you have to consider the security practices implemented in your office such as locks, biometrics, among others that prevent unauthorised access. You can know the level of protection your company practices by getting penetration test services from licensed firms!
3. Think about backup and recovery
You have to know that a company may be a victim of a cyber attack that asks for a ransom, but they would not need to pay for it if they have on point backups and disaster recovery practices. Therefore, not only will the cyber attack be futile, a company would be able to save themselves from the threat and still maintain their credibility in their respective industry. They might even impress public accounting firms from the attention they have exhibited in protecting their assets. So, if you want this to happen to your company, you should have reliable backup practices that are impenetrable by cyber criminals!
Conclusion
An organisation’s lack of focus on cybersecurity can damage their business and reputation in a range of ways. For instance, reputational costs. With this, they will take a loss of clients’ trust. This includes current and future clients who, in the end, will place their trust to competitors. Thus, business owners must assure all the staff that cybersecurity is important. This includes their cooperation with outsourced data protection officers!
Want to get these advisory services in Singapore? Contact with Nexia TS today!
