The Key to Shaping an Effective Cyber Resilience and Cybersecurity Strategy
Technology is becoming faster and cheaper with each passing day, causing the explosion of digital connections. This has introduced a wide range of cybersecurity risks from a variety of familiar and unfamiliar sources in the digital landscape. Newer and even more sophisticated threats involving phishing, malware, AI, machine learning, crypto, etc., put individual, government, and corporate assets at great risk. As a result, cybersecurity is now a top priority for many organizations.
Traditional cybersecurity measures are no longer sufficient when it comes to defending against the new wave of threats. A newer, more comprehensive cybersecurity strategy is required. That’s where cyber resilience comes in. But what is cyber resilience? Cyber resilience refers to how well an organization can manage a data breach or a cyberattack while continuing to operate its business effectively.
The Difference Between Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience
Cybersecurity refers to the methods and processes of protecting digital information. Cybersecurity identifies electronic data and where it resides in the system and implements technology and techniques aimed at protecting it. Cyber resilience refers to an organization’s ability to withstand cybersecurity incidents that aim to disrupt normal operations.
Compared to cybersecurity, i.e., an all or nothing approach to information security focusing on preventing network breach as the only plan, cyber resilience is more important because it helps organizations avoid catastrophic failure in the event of a successful breach. As stated at the beginning of the article, cybersecurity threats are becoming more persistent.
Developing a Strong Cyber Resilience Approach
With an increasing number of cyberattacks and data breaches targeting businesses of all sizes, every organization needs to be aware of the risks and pool resources necessary to keep the business protected. That’s the goal of cybersecurity. Here are the top cybersecurity tools that every organization needs for long-term protection against hackers and cybercriminals.
Antivirus Software
Antivirus is one of the most important aspects of cybersecurity. Antivirus will protect your organization from malware threats. Upon detection, your antivirus will quarantine and remove malware threats. Some antivirus programs will go further and scan all your email content to ensure that it’s free of malicious links and attachments.
Firewall
It’s common for people to assume that firewalls are obsolete — you know, as attacks become more sophisticated and defences become stronger. However, the firewall is still one of the most important security tools at your disposal. The goal of the firewall is to block any unauthorized access to your system. Firewalls are still very effective at keeping less sophisticated threats at bay.
VPN
The two key major benefits of a VPN are privacy and security. A VPN ensures privacy by hiding your IP address, location, and browsing history, keeping your browser, ISP, cable company, etc., from tracking you. Using this tool will also provide security by encrypting your personal information and other data in transit. It’s therefore essential that you protect all devices with a VPN router.
Sometimes, even with the best cybersecurity tools in place, your network may still be breached. That’s why your organization needs to be cyber resilient. Becoming cyber resilient will help your organization limit the severity of attacks and ensure continued survival. Here are the essential elements in a robust cyber resilience program.
Continuity
Resilience is about the continuity of service. Your organization should be able to maintain normal business functions in the aftermath of a cyberattack. Backing up your data regularly is one of the most effective ways to ensure continuity of operations after a cyberattack.
Adaptability
Security teams must be able to identify security breaches and respond quickly to prevent attacks. Since attackers are constantly evolving their methodologies, it’s imperative that your security infrastructure is adaptable, i.e., it can adapt and evolve to protect against upcoming threats.
Durability
Your cyber resilience program needs to be durable. The durability component of a cyber resilience program is determined by your organization’s ability to function successfully after an attack. Your IT team can make your resilience program more durable with regular updates and system enhancements.
Cybersecurity focuses on methods and processes of protecting digital information. Cyber resilience measures an organization’s ability to withstand cyberattacks and data breaches. An effective cybersecurity strategy encompasses both cybersecurity and cyber resilience. Being cyber resilient helps businesses defend against cyberthreats and minimize the severity of attacks while ensuring continued survival in the face of an attack.
