How to improve company IT security

In the current digital era, company IT security has become a top priority for organisations across a vast number of commercial sectors.  This is due to the exponential increase in digitalisation which, while bringing considerable advantages in terms of efficiency and productivity, has also exposed companies to an ever-increasing range of IT threats.

In light of the fact that safeguarding IT infrastructures, sensitive data and operational continuity has now become essential in order to avoid financial, reputational and legal damage, the creation of a highly efficient professional protocol is essential to ensure that business processes operate correctly, thereby limiting risks.

Definition of IT security

Company IT security is an ensemble of practices, activities and technologies, planned on an ad hoc basis to protect networks, devices, programs and information from attacks, damage and unauthorised access.

It is based on three fundamental principles, according to which, a company must guarantee that data can only be accessed by authorised users and that it remains whole and unaltered and is always available when needed.

Here are the three points in more detail:

1. availability: an IT system must guarantee that data and resources are always accessible to authorised users. This implies the implementation of measures to protect against hardware fails, IT attacks (DDoS) and service interruptions.  Companies must adopt strategies such as server redundancy, cloud computing and disaster recovery plans to avoid operational outages;
2. integrity: it ensures that information is not altered or modified without authorisation. This is crucial in sectors such as finance and healthcare, where data accuracy is paramount.  Techniques such as access control, encryption and the use of hash codes make sure that data remains intact and authentic;
3. confidentiality: regards the protection of sensitive data from unauthorised access. Companies must adopt measures such as end-to-end encryption, rigorous access policies and multi-factor authentification, in order to protect critical company information and client data.

The importance of company IT security and key strategies

IT threats are evolving continuously and can have a devastating impact on a company.  A ransomware attack for example, can block access to vital data, while a data breach can compromise sensitive information, leading to legal issues and damage to the company’s reputation.

Businesses must view IT security as an investment rather than a cost.  A solid defence strategy protects intellectual property, financial data and client trust, enabling operational continuity and avoiding significant financial losses.  The preparation of an efficient plan is based on the following strategies:

1. risk evaluation: identifying and analysing the company’s vulnerabilities helps to establish priorities and adopt the most efficient protective measures. Ongoing risk analysis enables a company to adapt to new threats;
2. staff training: staff are one of a company’s weak points in terms of IT security. Awareness campaigns and regular training courses help to prevent attacks which use social engineering, such as phishing;
3. implementation of security policies: establishing clear rules on the use of IT resources reduces the risk of human error and improves how sensitive data is managed. The adoption of policies like the principle of minimum privilege ensures that users only have access to the resources they need to carry out their work;
4. access management: multi-factor authentication (MFA), role-based access control (RBAC) and continuous user monitoring reduce the chance of unauthorised access to company systems;
5. monitoring and incident response: a dedicated Security Operations Centre (SOC) and the use of intrusion detection systems (IDS), enable suspicious activity to be identified in real time so that a company can respond quickly to mitigate the effects of any attacks:
6. regular data backups: backups must be carried out frequently and data stored in a safe place (whether physical or in a cloud). Companies must test their retrieval plan regularly to ensure operational continuity in case of a cyber attack;
7. system updates: patches and regular updates eliminate known vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of attacks. Automated updates help to keep all devices and software protected.

The company’s SOC has the task of centralising the monitoring and management of IT security.  It analyses network traffic, detects any anomalies and responds to incidents in real time.  A well-structured SOC can therefore significantly enhance a company’s ability to defend itself from advanced cyber attacks.

What is Cyber Hygiene and what is its purpose?

Cyber hygiene is a collection of daily practices designed to keep IT security systems secure.  These include the use of complex passwords, user identity verification, endpoint protection and proactive vulnerability management.  A well-maintained digital environnment drastically reduces the opportunities open to cybercriminals and helps overcome the daily challenges associated with company IT security.  These include the following points:

• evolving threats: hackers are continually developing new attack techniques, so it is essential that company defences are updated constantly;
• limited resources: small and medium-sized business often do not have a sufficient budget to invest in advanced IT security;
• complexity of IT infrastructures: the introduction of cloud computing and remote working has amplified the areas of companies which are vulnerable to attacks, making it more difficult to protect all devices and networks.

Company IT security is therefore no longer an option, but rather a strategic element in the survival and success of a modern business.  A proactive approach with efficient security polices, advanced technology and ongoing staff training, enables a company to protect itself from digital threats, ensure data protection and maintain operational continuity.  In other words, investing in IT security protects a company’s future while preserving trust among its clients and business partners.

Translated by Joanne Beckwith