Businesses are perpetually faced with the threat of cyber-attacks. In 2023 alone, data breaches cost businesses up to $4.45 million per incident. Large tech companies, casinos, governments, and supply chains are usually the primary targets. However, any business can be attacked. Cybersecurity threats have also become more sophisticated with technological advancements.
Businesses in 2024 must find effective solutions to protect their digital assets and confidential information from unauthorized access. A more holistic approach is required to identify all threats/risks and effective mitigation strategies. From malware sweeps to data backups and insurance, here’s an overview of the top cybersecurity solutions for modern companies:
Next-Generation Firewalls
Traditional firewalls were designed to monitor incoming and outgoing traffic using a specific set of rules. Next-generation firewalls offer the same capabilities and so much more. Some of the capabilities required to deal with modern challenges include deep packet inspection and intrusion prevention systems. Deep packet inspection analyzes network traffic at the granular level to detect and block malicious activity.
Intrusion prevention systems include large file transfers, brute force attacks, and port scanning. They can help to detect, analyze and block suspicious network activity. Application control can help restrict the types of applications given access to the company network. Next-generation firewalls also feature advanced URL filtering that selectively blocks access to unsuitable content and malicious websites. They can be deployed as virtual appliances or hardware for a more robust defense against network threats.
Identity and Access Management
Company employees are vulnerable to attacks both at the office and when they work remotely. Identity and access management (IAM) solutions supplement network perimeters by restricting access to company resources to authorized users. IAM solutions include multifactor authentication (MFA), role-based access control, and conditional access policies. MFA involves multiple forms of verification, including biometric data and one-time access codes.
MFA and 2-factor authorization are best utilized by casinos online and eCommerce stores. Players can receive instant OTP messages/codes when signing up or making a withdrawal. Casinos also use single sign-on, allowing players to access specific parts of the site with a single login credentials. Such measures prevent unauthorized access. Businesses can also implement role-based access control to restrict user privileges based on their role in the company. Conditional access may include restrictions based on location, IP addresses, and device security.
Email Security
Most cyber-attacks involve phishing and business email compromise (BEC). These attacks involve sending emails with compromised links and executable files. As such, businesses must invest more in securing their email services to filter out malicious emails. The goal is to prevent the compromised emails from reaching employee invoices. This can be achieved using spam filters, malware protection, email encryptions, phishing URL detection, sandboxing, and more.
Email security solutions can also prevent data loss and reduce unauthorized access. Some systems scan outbound emails and attachments for sensitive data like credit card details. These systems can prevent such data from leaving the company’s network without authorization. Email security solutions also encrypt authorized emails being shared externally. This includes creating self-destructing emails that self-delete from the recipient’s inbox after a while.
Malware and Endpoint Protection
Anti-malware sweeps are must-haves for all modern organizations. Businesses are constantly exposed to trojan viruses, spyware, and ransomware. Installing the latest antivirus software can help keep existing malware at bay. Automatic antivirus updates also help to keep up with emerging threats. Anti-malware and endpoint protection software must be installed on all gadgets connected to the company’s network.
The best security solutions automatically scan and monitor for malware to block malicious files from executing. Malware sweeps also scan endpoints for suspicious activity. However, dedicated endpoint protection solutions use machine learning and behavior analysis to extend the capabilities of traditional anti-malware software. Such solutions are capable of application whitelisting and remote device management. This allows administrators to dispatch security patches, wipe devices, and perform other security functions remotely.
Cloud Backup and Cyber-Attack Insurance
Cyber-attacks may still happen despite all attempts to prevent them. Modern businesses must prepare for the worst, which involves creating cloud backups and investing in cyber-attack insurance. Cloud backups can prevent extended downtimes and expedite recovery following an attack. The best backup solutions offer daily backups of critical data, which allow organizations to restore operations when the main websites and servers are down.
Some cyber-attacks can result in data breaches and costly lawsuits. Investing in cyber-attack insurance can pay for various damages caused by an attack. Some policies pay for recovery, lawsuits, reputation management, and more. Insurance provides a safety net to shield the company from the financial repercussions of a cyber-attack. Another way to prepare for the worst-case scenario is through security training. Employees should be trained on how to detect, avoid, and deal with potential. This can be achieved using AI simulations and past breach data.
Key Takeaways
Businesses in 2024 must prioritize cybersecurity solutions. As technology advances, threats become more sophisticated, calling for comprehensive solutions. Security awareness training, proactive measures, and threat evaluation are all needed to help mitigate the threat and cost of cyber-attacks. One way to achieve this is through working with third-party security solutions and implementing ongoing learning through training and drills.
