The Green Sheet Online Edition

April 25, 2022 • Issue 22:04:02

Reader's Speak: Security tips to rely on

Given today's heightened risk of cyber-attacks, Michael Aminzade, vice president of professional services at VikingCloud shared the following recommendations for protecting your business from cyber-attacks, both those perpetrated by freelance criminal hacker organizations and those sponsored by nation-states.

"Cyber-attacks happen for several reasons and to a wide range of companies, not just big organizations. The majority of hackers don’t care about the size of a business, and, in some scenarios, small and midsize enterprises are easier targets due to their reduced resources and capital. That said, despite the ever-changing geopolitical landscape, the best practices and principles organizations should employ to defend against nation-state backed cyber threats remain largely the same. Having strong cybersecurity fundamentals in place and a culture of security and compliance is paramount.

"The following are top recommendations for all organizations, coupled with guidance and best-practice from government cyber agencies and regulatory frameworks:

• Raise awareness of elevated threats and educate internal team members on security best practices.
• Require multi-factor authentication.
• Require strong, unique passwords in conjunction with a password manager.
• Turn on automatic software updates.
• Deliver phishing training and conduct simulated phishing exercises. Consider deploying an email security solution.
• Conduct a risk assessment to address risk factors specific to the Russia-Ukraine military conflict.
• Undergo penetration tests and simulated attack scenarios to identify vulnerabilities.
• Test your incident response plans and revise the plans as needed.
• Focus on Continuity. Ensure business-critical systems can continue despite a cyber intrusion. Consider redundant connectivity and other backup and resiliency solutions and conduct continuity tests to verify critical systems will continue to function."

VikingCloud, formerly Sysnet Global Solutions and found at www.vikingcloud.com, helps organizations of all sizes to prepare for and respond to cyber-attacks.

Dealing with cyber-threats

How has your approach to cyber-security evolved over the years? Do you believe you are adequately protected? What procedures and practices work best for your organization? Are there any security issues you haven't been able to solve? Please share your questions and perspectives with us at greensheet@greensheet.com.

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