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5 Steps to Improved Business Security in 2023

cyber security

cyber security

Security is one of the most integral components of any business. While sales, marketing, and a functioning infrastructure will likely gain the primary focus, a breach in your defenses could see all of your efforts go to waste. 

The problem is that, while cyberattacks become more sophisticated and widespread, organizations are not upgrading their security efforts sufficiently enough. As the gap grows, the chances of being susceptible to a hacking attempt increase. 

To avoid this from happening and to reinforce your company’s security, there are various approaches you can implement. Here are five steps towards improved business security in 2023 and beyond. 

Step #1: Utilize cloud security posture management tools 

By now, it is likely your business is already benefitting from cloud technology. This should also include the added security tools available from your cloud provider. However, you can take it to the next level with cloud security posture management (CSPM) tools. 

An effective cloud security platform for your business should incorporate CSPM tools for various reasons. The general reason, however, is that it delivers the full picture when it comes to your cloud’s inventory. This includes automation and continuous monitoring, which helps in detecting threats and taking immediate action when necessary. 

Step #2: Limit access 

If your business deals with a lot of users accessing your cloud infrastructure, this could potentially lead to various problems. This is particularly the situation if you are not properly managing their access levels. Ultimately, users should only have access to the tools, data, servers, etc., they need to complete their tasks. Anything more than this and it increases the chances of a serious breach.

With this in mind, it is important you limit access when possible. Users should only have access to what they need. By restricting privilege to precious data and files for a select few, there is less chance a bad actor that has accessed a user’s account will get their hands on anything of value. 

Step #3: Provide employee training 

Employees are arguably the most important line of defense for your business. The reason for this is simple: they are the most liable to let an attacker infiltrate your system. Research suggests that a “human element” was responsible for 82% of data breaches.

The solution? Train your employees so they understand what they are up against. Cybercriminals are continually becoming more sophisticated and using diverse tactics, and it is essential you and your workers know about these. The more educated your employees are about threats, the less likely they will fall victim to attacks. 

Step #4: Install patches and updates immediately 

Now, this isn’t exactly a new tactic for 2023. However, it is so imperative that it needs highlighting. You have to install patches and updates for software when they become available. This also has to be done immediately. 

Updates and patches can be intended to improve the overall quality of applications. However, they are often created to cover up cracks that have appeared and been exploited by cybercriminals. This means the longer you put off completing these updates – preferably they are set to automatically install – the more vulnerable your apps are to being a passageway for attackers. 

Step #5: Encrypt your data 

Data encryption is something that a lot of organizations overlook. However, this can be essential when keeping your data safe and secure – particularly when it is being sent to others over email or the cloud. 

The good news is that encryption options are often offered by the likes of email and cloud platforms. However, it is important you make use of these options and don’t simply leave them on the table.