As digital technology continues to advance, so do the concerns surrounding cybersecurity. Justin Young, the Director of Security & Compliance at Advanced explains, “The Internet of Things (IoT) has presented many opportunities for organisations to work smarter and increase connectivity, with more flexible and hybrid working. However, the flipside is that it has also increased the attack surface. With IoT devices scattered across organisations and their supply chains, companies need to be vigilant against hackers using these devices to gain access to their systems, for example, through unsecured Wi-Fi networks.”
Considering this, the pressing question arises: How can organisations fortify their security infrastructure against detrimental cyberattacks? Let us discover! However, before that, let us examine the cybersecurity challenge across various sectors.
A closer look at cybersecurity challenges
In today's digital landscape, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. Our recent studies reveal that a significant 25% of professionals consider cybersecurity to be the second biggest challenge for organisations in 2023. Among these professionals, IT experts, who are at the forefront of this battle, rank cybersecurity as equally important as attracting and retaining talent.
Interestingly, professionals in sectors such as Finance & Financial Services (32%) and Law (30%) perceive cybersecurity as an even greater challenge, surpassing the average level of concern. On the other hand, those working in charities, membership & associations appear to be less preoccupied, with cybersecurity ranking ninth on their list of challenges.
However, when considering seniority and role, a peculiar pattern emerges. Leaders, including Owners, CEOs, and Managing Directors, demonstrate above-average confidence in their systems, with a staggering 71% expressing a strong belief in their cybersecurity measures. In contrast, less than half (47%) of IT professionals, who actively engage in managing cybersecurity and mitigating threats on a daily basis, share the same level of confidence. This stark contrast raises an important question: are organisations underestimating the ever-present threat of cyberattacks?
The need for resilience in cybersecurity strategies
The first step in building a robust cybersecurity strategy is to acknowledge the potential risks and vulnerabilities within an organisation's infrastructure. This entails conducting regular risk assessments and penetration tests to identify any weak points that cybercriminals could potentially exploit. Additionally, organisations should implement strict policies regarding employee access to sensitive data and regularly train employees on best practices for cybersecurity.
Another critical aspect is investing in advanced technologies like cloud computing. Cloud-based solutions not only offer scalability and flexibility, but they also come with robust security features that are continually updated, making them an increasingly popular choice for organisations. Our latest Annual Trends Report indicates that nearly 39% of organisations have switched entirely to cloud-based systems, while another 36% are using a hybrid model combining cloud and on-premise systems.
Embracing a multi-layered defence strategy is another vital step in constructing a resilient cybersecurity framework. This approach, often referred to as 'defence in depth', involves the implementation of multiple security measures to protect against different types of cyber threats. This could include firewall protection, intrusion detection systems, data encryption, and the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) for secure remote access.
Lastly, a resilient cybersecurity strategy is not a one-off exercise but should be seen as a continuous effort. As cyber threats evolve, so should the organisation's cybersecurity measures. Regularly updating systems, patching vulnerabilities promptly, and staying abreast of the latest cybersecurity trends and threats are all part of this ongoing process.
What's the takeaway?
In today's digital age, cyberattacks are on the rise, posing a significant threat to organisations. To safeguard systems and data, it is crucial to adopt proactive measures and build a resilient cybersecurity strategy. Stay ahead of potential attacks by regularly reviewing and updating your cybersecurity strategies.
For deeper insights into the current cybersecurity landscape and discover best practices, we invite you to download our Annual Trends Report. Additionally, stay tuned for our upcoming blog on cybersecurity, where we will delve into the vital role of AI in bolstering cybersecurity defences.