The global cybersecurity market, in terms of revenue, was estimated to be worth $173.5 billion in 2022 and is forecasted to grow to $266 billion by 2027. The market valuation is expected to increase year over year for many reasons. The pandemic introduced an expansive remote workforce, and the continued influx of new technologies has played a pivotal role, opening the door for cybercriminal attacks. In this blog, we will discuss best practices for preventing cyberattacks.
What do Fort Knox, the Federal Reserve Bank, and U.S. Customs and Immigration have in common? Air-tight security. Employees are the first line of defense against cybercriminals. Colocation data centers like Netrality are organizations’ second line of defense against attacks by providing both physical and virtual security. While cybersecurity providers are responsible for keeping networks, systems, connected devices, clouds, and databases safe from data breaches, malware, and ransomware attacks.
To get some Perspective on Cybersecurity, let’s look at a few Statistics.
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The most common cause of a data breach is stolen or compromised credentials. It takes on average 327 days before this type of breach is recognized by an organization.
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It is estimated that there is a cyberattack every 44 seconds.
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The international annual cost of cybercrime is about $6 trillion.
What is physical security when it comes to data centers? Physical security refers to the protection of the actual premises, ensuring no one enters the facility without proper authorization. It protects assets from physical damage caused by natural disasters, corporate espionage, or cyberattacks.
The physical security of a data center should be layered. Multiple levels of protection are required. Some layers are simple, such as securing a fence around the facility. Others are quite complex, such as biometric scanners. Each layer serves as an authentication checkpoint, requiring an authorized individual to produce different forms of credentials to be cleared and allowed access to the facility. Not everyone authorized to be inside the data center should have the same level of access to information and systems.
Data center employees must monitor and survey the premises. Installing security cameras throughout the building to capture the activity of all occupants and visitors while on the property is essential. Access points should have some turnstile to prevent “tailgating,” the act of following a badged individual through access-controlled doors without proper registration and authorization. Visitors must sign in and show a government-issued photo I.D. as they enter the building.
Best Practices to Prevent Security Risks
Empower your employees. Providing employees with the tools and information on what to look for regarding emails, passwords, backups, updates, and keeping devices secure is pivotal.
Security Training. Cybersecurity awareness training should be completed regularly by all employees. Training should include the different types of cyberattacks, including malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. Teach employees to stop, look, and think before opening emails from strangers, clicking on links, and responding to emails that don’t look right. A click of a mouse may open the gates to a security breach.
Passwords. Passwords should be unique to each platform or application and be changed every 60-90 days. The more complicated the password, the less likely it will be hacked. Using a password manager is one way to keep track of your applications and passwords.
Virtual Private Network (VPN). According to survey results released by McKinsey & Company in 2022, 58% of employees in the United States work using a hybrid model, splitting their time between working from home and the office. A VPN establishes a secure connection between your device and the Internet by routing and encrypting your Internet traffic. An open connection is an open invitation for external attacks.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). MFA is a security system requiring more than one authentication method for end users to access applications, online accounts, and VPNs.
Software Updates. Update device software when prompted. Companies frequently provide updates for devices to make improvements and secure data.
Backup Data on the Cloud. All files should be saved on your company’s cloud-based solution that is encrypted and stored securely online.
Firewall. Ensure your firewall is enabled on your devices to monitor and track network traffic.
Anti-Spyware and Anti-Malware Software. Anti-spyware programs prevent, detect, and remove spyware installed on devices. Anti-malware is software that protects end users from sophisticated cyber threats.
The Takeaway
Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, and so should your organization’s solutions when it comes to cybersecurity. To protect your brand, enable business continuity, and reduce risk, businesses must promote and implement security best practices.
Netrality is committed to ensuring the highest degree of physical access control at our data centers. Our robust ecosystem of service providers includes cybersecurity experts like Meriplex, PCH Technologies, DLC Technology Solutions, and CMIT Solutions. Building a security-first culture is not a choice but a must in today’s digitalized landscape. Contact us today to learn more about Netrality’s secure colocation data centers!