Digital security is a buzzword that is seemingly everywhere, especially now that so many companies are transitioning to partial or full-time remote workplaces. However, there’s nothing new about digital security. Let’s break down what it is, why it’s important, and how you can make sure you have it.
What is digital security?
The digital security definition encompasses a variety of strategies and tactics used to protect computer networks from malicious attacks by hackers or access by unauthorized users. Digital security and privacy are tantamount to the success of today’s businesses, which are largely using computers and online networks to conduct operations.
What is digital security risk?
A digital security risk is a specific threat to your company’s networks. A risk could cause your business to lose important data, customer information to become compromised, and your bottom line to be hit hard. There are many types of security risks that need to be protected against to ensure that your business network is impenetrable.
Why is digital security important?
You may be asking why digital security is important. Why IT security is important. Without an adequate digital security plan in place that is tailored to the specific needs of your company, you run the risk of allowing hackers to access company databases with critical and sensitive information. For example, if you keep your customers’ financial information on file and your network is breached by a hacker, your customers’ information is now compromised.
You’ll need to follow certain steps depending on the industry you’re in and what type of data was compromised, which typically includes notifying customers of the breach and offering free identity theft monitoring for a period of time. This can all be extremely costly, and in the cases of smaller businesses, it may be enough to close the doors.
Working with a digitalsecurity company
The best way to ensure that your company’s networks are protected from hackers and malicious attacks is to work with an experienced digital security company. You can also brush up on basic skills by reading in-depth digital security articles.
Questions?
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Types of Digital Security
Network security for businesses is of the utmost importance. A lack of security programs and policies can be exploited by threat actors, potentially resulting in lost revenue, reputation, and business viability. There are many types of cybersecurity threats to be aware of and to protect against in order to keep your critical company data safe, which we’ll explore in the following section.
Types of cybersecurity threats
There are many types of digital security threats that today’s companies need to look out for. These include, but are not limited to, cybersecurity risks like:
- Spyware
- Malware
- Ransomware
- Phishing
- Trojan horses
- Social engineering
- Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks
- Other digital security risks associated with viruses and other malware
What types of digital security exist?
For as many types of digital security threats as exist, there are as many types of information security and cybersecurity tactics to protect against them, such as:
- Critical infrastructure security
- Cloud security
- Application security
- Endpoint security
- Email and data encryption
- Vulnerability management programs
- Data protection and backup
- Access control measures
- Two-factor authentication
Unfortunately, even the best multi-layered security infrastructure still carries some risk as hackers grow more sophisticated by the hour. Companies that take a proactive approach to network security can not only help prevent data breaches from occurring, but can also reduce the cost and impact of a security event should one occur.
Examples of Digital Security
Here are some examples of digital security risk and how each can be mitigated:
The problem: Your company’s employees lack cybersecurity awareness.
The solution: Conduct regular security education workshops and seminars to train employees on how to identify network security risks.
The problem: Your company’s employees are using weak passwords that are easy to guess.
The solution: Teach employees how to create strong, difficult-to-crack passwords and require that they be changed regularly.
The problem: The phishing tactics employed by cyber criminals are constantly evolving.
The solution: Use strong email spam filters and anti-virus software to identify questionable emails.
The problem: Your third-party vendors exercise poor security practices.
The solution: Ensure that vendors your company works with also have comprehensive network security measures in place so hackers cannot access your information through their networks.
The problem: Your company’s website is vulnerable to formjacking attacks.
The solution: Monitor your website’s outbound traffic and conduct vulnerability and penetration testing to identify weaknesses in your cybersecurity protection.
The problem: Your company has inadequate software patch management.
The solution: Ensure that patch management becomes a priority to reduce your company’s overall vulnerability points.
These digital security examples are just a few of the many real-life examples of digital security and privacy protection for businesses. By working with an experienced cybersecurity provider, you can help ensure that your company has a comprehensive network defense.
Digital Security Tools
There are a wide variety of digital security tools and types of cybersecurity solutions available for businesses to choose from depending on their unique needs. Here are some easy-to-use tools and cybersecurity techniques that can be implemented to keep your network safer:
- Password Management Tools: A password manager allows you to keep long-tail, randomly generated, secure passwords for every application your company uses without having to remember all of them. Simply log into a browser extension with a single master password and the tool will auto-fill username and password forms on websites and apps you’ve saved.
- Encryption Tools: Encryption tools allow you to encrypt content in layers with multi-tiered access control so hackers who do happen to get a hold of your data are completely unable to decipher it, essentially rendering it unusable.
- Network Scanning Tools: Identifying your network’s weak points is critical to strengthening your overall digital security. A network scanning tool automatically conducts penetration testing and reports holes in your network that need to be patched.
The above aren’t the only types of security technologies on the market. Work with a seasoned digital security provider to learn more about tools and tips to secure your company’s sensitive and confidential data.
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Information Security vs. Cybersecurity
Many businesses are unsure of the differences between cybersecurity and other applicable types of security. Here’s what you need to know.
Information Security vs. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is intended to protect a business or organization specifically from online attacks, while information security is designed to offer data protection from both digital and analog threats.
Cyber Operations vs. Cybersecurity
Cyber operations can be considered as going on the offense, while cybersecurity is going on the defense. Cyber operations help companies monitor potential threats in real time and conduct penetration testing to identify security weaknesses in a network.
Cyber Intelligence vs. Cybersecurity
Cyber intelligence differs from cybersecurity in that the term refers only to the data collected through the identification and evaluation of digital security threats. Cyber intelligence can be used to determine the best course of action with regard to cyber operations and cybersecurity.
Computer Security vs. Information Security
Computer security involves the protection of data accessed by computers, including both in the cloud and on physical computer hardware. Information security, on the other hand, refers to the protection of data stored anywhere.
Cybersecurity vs. Information Assurance
Information assurance is a tactic that involves ensuring the authentication, integrity, availability, and confidentiality of sensitive data. Cybersecurity tools and strategies can be used as part of a comprehensive information assurance plan.
Cloud Security vs. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity refers to the protection of businesses from malicious attacks online and can include cloud security, but isn’t limited to it. In contrast, cloud security describes the sets of controls, policies, technologies, and procedures that are used to protect critical data stored in cloud-based infrastructures.
Cybersecurity Job Information
If you’re a digital security industry professional, selecting a cybersecurity company to work for can be challenging, but there’s good news. Cybersecurity companies’ stock is growing and jobs in the industry are more plentiful than they’ve ever been. Here’s what you should know about cybersecurity jobs:
- Average Salary: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, cybersecurity analysts can expect to earn on average $99,730.
- Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics also predicts that employment for digital security professionals will expand by 31% from 2019 through the year 2029.
Generally, the more experience or education a professional has, the higher their salary will be and the better opportunities will be available to them. For example, higher pay would go to a cybersecurity specialist versus an engineer due to their specific training and value they bring to a business.
Get the Digital Security Support You Need
Trava is a cyber risk management platform for small and medium-sized businesses that offers automated assessments, mitigation advice, and data-driven cyber insurance.
Want to learn more about how to get cybersecurity support for your business? Contact Trava today.