Cybersecurity vs. Everyone: Shifting from conflict to collaboration. Learn how cooperation is the key to digital defense. Cybersecurity involves keeping your data, computer systems, networks and cloud services safe from attack. It’s an important job that needs the right people and processes to be successful.
Most organizations prioritize information security and cybersecurity. They recognize the need to keep sensitive information like customer records or credit card numbers secure from hackers.
Conflict
Cybersecurity is a constant concern as the world evolves into a digital economy. It’s one of the top worries of CEOs, according to PwC. And, while cybersecurity and geopolitical conflict are often treated as distinct issues, they are interconnected.
As we become increasingly reliant on technology to communicate across time zones, work from home or remotely and even access our bank accounts and medical records, there are new vulnerabilities that can impact our security. With the right tools and processes in place, however, companies can keep their data secure and continue to operate.
Keren Elazari is an analyst who specializes in cybersecurity and emerging technologies. She is a founder of the community security research event, BSidesTLV and the global Security BSides movement and leads the women’s network, Leading Cyber Ladies. She is also a TEDx speaker and author of a bestselling book on cybersecurity for the everyday user.
Those who attack networks are motivated by a variety of reasons. Some are thrill-seekers, some are activists, and some are criminals looking for financial gain or to cause harm. Others may be state-sponsored hackers, who are becoming more sophisticated and well-resourced. And, of course, there are the “cyber soldiers” in armed conflicts, who are part of the military but whose actions can have civilian repercussions.
When it comes to identifying attackers, it can be difficult because many of these attacks take advantage of proxy servers, temporary anonymous dial-up accounts and wireless connections that make tracing them difficult. They can also erase logs to cover their tracks. Moreover, law enforcement officers may lack the interest, skills or resources to pursue attackers, especially if they are operating in multiple jurisdictions.
It’s important for teams looking at cybersecurity, geopolitical risk and physical security to work closely together rather than in silos. This will help ensure that a crisis is dealt with swiftly and effectively, and that information is shared in an appropriate manner. For example, when it comes to a conflict like Russia-Ukraine, it’s crucial that a risk assessment is made that includes the implications for companies with ties to the targeted nation and the possible need to limit connectivity.
Collaboration
For the most robust cybersecurity, it is important to not only be able to spot a cyberattack when it happens, but also to prevent it from happening in the first place. This means collaborating with other teams, organizations, and even governments/private companies to share threat intelligence. This information exchange encourages diversity of expertise and will make it much more difficult for an attack to succeed.
However, many people feel nervous about this kind of collaboration because it means letting go of some of their intra-department data. This is particularly true in the construction, energy and business services sectors where 76%, 81% and 86% of participants respectively expressed their anxiety about sharing sensitive data with outside parties.
When it comes to building global cyber resilience, collaboration is the most powerful tool available. It is vital for critical infrastructure organizations to share threat intelligence with their peers, so that they can learn from each other’s experiences and mitigate vulnerabilities. This also helps them to stay a step ahead of the cyber criminals who are constantly working to improve their capabilities.
The other advantage of collaboration is that it allows organizations to identify and address a potential problem before it becomes a full-blown cyberattack. If an organization can prevent a cyberattack from occurring, they can save money, reputation and possibly even lives. Getting teams to communicate and collaborate can be challenging, but when it comes to security, the stakes are too high to not do everything they can to prevent a cyberattack from happening.
It is vital that managers, board members and security administrators are able to talk openly about cyber risks. This includes having clear-eyed discussions about how cyberattacks can negatively impact a company’s financial standing. If this doesn’t happen, more businesses will continue to suffer the financial consequences of cyberattacks that are growing more expensive to mitigate.
The recent ransomware attacks that hit a number of hospitals and the International Committee of the Red Cross have prompted some to call for a shift in how we view cybersecurity. Rather than relying on technology and some training, the experts are pushing for an all-encompassing approach that sees every employee as part of the cybersecurity team. They argue that the only way to effectively stop threats is for all employees to collaborate and support one another.
Prevention
As the digital age continues to evolve, cyberattacks are becoming more frequent and more sophisticated. While large organizations get the most media attention when they are victims of cyberattacks, small businesses are also at risk and have much more to lose. The good news is that cyberattacks can be prevented with the right strategies and tools.
Cybersecurity involves a wide range of protective measures, including firewalls, antivirus software, password protection and encryption systems. It also includes teaching employees best security practices and creating a culture of cybersecurity awareness. However, it is important to recognize that prevention is just as crucial to cybersecurity as detection and response. The key to effective prevention is to think about it holistically, incorporating all aspects of your business into the overall cybersecurity strategy.
The most common reason for a breach of computer security is the human element. Whether it is clicking on a malicious email attachment or misconfiguring a network, humans make mistakes and can be the most unpredictable part of your cybersecurity system. This is why education and training are so important, as they can help reduce the likelihood that these errors will lead to a serious security breach.
Another preventive measure is to implement security by design. This means incorporating cybersecurity into the development process so that the software is designed from the ground up to be secure. This is more difficult and time-consuming than simply patching existing software, but it can significantly reduce the risks of breaches.
A final way to protect your company’s data and systems is by investing in a cybersecurity response team. By creating a team and practicing scenarios, you can be prepared to respond quickly in the event of an attack. While this is an investment, it can save your company a lot of money in the long run.
Detection
Cyberattacks are a constant threat, and it’s not possible to stop them completely. But detecting them quickly can help limit the damage. This requires continuous monitoring and an awareness of the current threats. It also includes identifying and understanding how the attacker got into the company’s systems, which can be very difficult. For example, cybercriminals can use naming conventions that don’t match security software – for instance, an infection called Worm:W32/Downadup may be known by different companies as Kido or Conficker, and it can even change its name during a crisis.
Once cyberattacks penetrate the company’s defenses, they can cause havoc and steal confidential information. The attack can disrupt operations, cause outages, and potentially threaten people’s lives. This is why it’s important to have a comprehensive set of processes in place. This includes analyzing the attack’s impact, responding to it quickly, and recovering from it as quickly as possible. It also means establishing consistent practices to detect and prevent attacks from happening in the first place.
One of the most effective ways to combat cyberattacks is to create a culture of cybersecurity awareness in the organization. This helps everyone understand that cyberattacks are not only the responsibility of the IT department, but that it is everybody’s job to protect the company from cyberattacks. This includes every employee from the newest customer support representative to the CEO, including those who work outside of the IT department.
Aside from creating a culture of cybersecurity awareness, it’s important to ensure that employees are trained in best practices. Teaching them to delete suspicious attachments, not plug in unidentified USB drives, and other basic security measures can go a long way in protecting the organization from malicious cyberattacks.
While it is true that higher-level positions in cybersecurity require more advanced certifications, there are many entry-level opportunities that don’t require a four-year degree. Additionally, some organizations and universities have programs in place that focus on providing workforce training for those interested in the field. This can include upskilling courses, self-training, and learning on the job. This is a great way to get more young people interested in cybersecurity, and it can help to address the growing shortage of professionals in this field.
