November/December 2024
Keeping Workplace technology up and running is vital to any organisations success, but this task is growing harder each year as cyber criminals expand their reach. Its not enough to simply protect workplace technology with software and security protocols; its also critical to test the overall effectiveness of these protocols on a regular basis. That’s where penetration testing can help.
What is penetration testing?
Penetration testing refers to the simulation of an actual cyber attack to analyse an organisations cyber security strengths and weaknesses. This testing usually targets a specific type of workplace technology, such as the organisations network(s, website, applications, software, security systems or physical assets (eg computers and smart devices). Penetration testing can mimic various attack methods, including malware, social engineering, password cracking and network hacking.
Penetration testing can offer numerous advantages to organisations, including:
• Improved cyber security evaluations. By simulating realistic cyber attack situations, penetration testing can help organisations more accurately evaluate their varying security strengths and weaknesses and reveal the true costs of any security concerns.
• Greater detection of potential vulnerabilities. Organisations can gain a clearer picture of where they are most vulnerable if any workplace technology or other cyber security protocols fail during a penetration test. Organisations can then use this information to rectify security gaps or invest further in cyber initiatives.
• Enhanced compliance capabilities. Conducting these tests may help organisations remain compliant and uphold sector expectations.
• Bolstered cyber security awareness. Mimicking real life cyber attack circumstances highlights the value of effective prevention measures for employees, thus encouraging them to prioritise workplace cyber security protocols.
Its worth noting that a penetration test can only expose vulnerabilities in systems on the day of the test. Organisations should repeat penetration testing regularly because cyber threats and system vulnerabilities change.
The National Cyber Security Centre recommends that organisations choose penetration testers qualified under specific certified schemes like CREST of the cyber scheme.
Contact us today for further cyber security guidance.
Staying Safe Online
Smartphones, computers and the internet have transformed how people communicate, work and access information, but they can also expose individuals to the perils of cyber crime. However, by implementing a few simple cyber security strategies, employees can safeguard their devices and the online services they use from theft or damage at home and work. Share these tips with employees:
• Choose strong passwords. Criminals can use publicly available information to guess passwords, Combine letters, numbers and special characters, and never use personal information when creating passwords.
• Recognise phishing. Remain vigilant for phishing scams and only click links in emails and texts after verifying that the sender is trustworthy.
• Use multifactor authentication. Enhance security by using multiple access methods when logging into websites and applications (eg a password and facial recognition.)
• Update software. Keep software and applications updated, as providers may release patches necessary to maintain users safety.
• Secure your devices. Set up a PIN, password or fingerprint/face ID to gain access to devices and lock them when not in use.
• Protect wi-fi. Secure any wireless networks by changing the manufacturers default password and username.
Best Practices for Creating a Cyber Security Culture
Employees are commonly targeted in cyber attacks, making them an organisations first line of defence against such incidents. For this reason, its important to make cyber security an integral part of company culture as a valued practice upheld by every member of the organisation. Fostering a strong cyber security culture has several benefits, including strengthened protection against various digital threats, greater employee awareness and morale, increased customer trust and loyalty, and improved overall brand reputation. Here are some best practices that employers can consider when adopting a cyber security culture:
• Involve senior leadership. When employees see cyber security values upheld by management and corporate executives, they are more likely to buy into this type of culture. As such, employers should encourage their senior leadership teams to lead by example.
• Inspire ownership of cyber security. Employers must emphasise what’s at stake while educating employees on cyber security policies and procedures. In other words, its important to outline the risks of poor cyber security measures and highlight the role employees play in minimising digital threats.
• Create engaging educational initiatives. Employers should take a holistic approach to keep employees engaged in cyber security training. This may entail leveraging discussion forums, online activities, in person exercises and mock cyber attack scenarios
• Don’t forget the basics. Although a solid cyber security culture should incorporate some advanced risk management tactics, organisations must maintain basic principles, including strong passwords, multifactor authentication, access controls and download limitations. Employees should also know how to identify and report suspicious online activities and work related communications.
• Celebrate success. Employers should reward employees who demonstrate a continued commitment to cyber security initiatives.
By developing a mindset among employees that prioritises cyber security, they will be more likely to spot and report security problems, increasing their organisations resilience. In addition strong cyber security can aid compliance and improve brand reputation.
Contact us for more cyber security guidance.