Putting together a robust cybersecurity strategy that keeps you fully protected is getting to be more complex all the time. Hackers are constantly coming up with new attack methods as well as organizing their efforts to make attacks more effective.
For example, according to the Sophos 2021 Threat Report, ransomware is one of the biggest threats that businesses need to build a defense against. It has grown in both volume and cost to the victim because it is now being used by large criminal underground organizations as a money-making enterprise.
As a result of this coordinated backing, ransomware attacks that previously took weeks or days to complete now only take a few hours.
There has been a 47% increase in significant cybercrime during the pandemic. It is projected to increase another 60% over the next 12 months.
Data privacy regulations are being added constantly and are the primary concern in the increased threat landscape for businesses. Companies in most industries are required to comply with various data privacy regulations. These dictate the types of safeguards that need to be in place for personally identifiable information (PII) collected by companies. It also requires timely notification if records are breached.
One of the recently added regulations in Connecticut is the adoption of the Insurance Data Security Law governing those in the insurance industry.
What Areas of Security Are Needed These Days?
In order to stay protected from online threats and compliant with data security regulations, it requires several layers of security. They are designed to protect different areas of your technology infrastructure and work in coordination to reduce the risk of any vulnerabilities.
The main areas that you need to protect are:
- Devices
- Networks
- Cloud accounts
- Data
Layers are used to protect those four main areas and include things like a firewall, password security, anti-malware, anti-phishing applications and encryption.
While most companies will have anti-malware and some of the other most visible layers in place, encryption is often left out of the mix. Companies either think it is just for government or large enterprises to use or are not quite sure where or how to use it.
Encryption is a vital data security protection. It keeps information from being exposed to unauthorized parties even if they have stolen a device with PII or have intercepted communications on an unsecured network.
When data is encrypted, it is unreadable to anyone that does not have the key to decrypt it.
You may be surprised at how easy it is to implement in your organization. Here are several ways to do it.
Ways to Implement Encryption
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
With the number of employees working remotely permanently expected to double this year, the use of a VPN to encrypt their online traffic is a critical IT security tool. A VPN reroutes internet traffic through the server and the data is then encrypted to keep it secure.
VPN’s are easy for employees to use. Simply download an app on their devices, log in and turn the VPN on.
Laptop Drive Encryption
A good number of HIPAA data privacy violations involve unsecured laptops. Laptops are convenient because they’re portable but that also makes them much more susceptible to being breached than a desktop PC.
Laptop drive encryption utilizes software that encrypts the entire hard drive. This makes all data, programs, folders and files inaccessible to a thief or anyone who may happen across an unattended device.
Website Encryption Through SSL
Websites have all types of user data transmitted through them via contact forms and online shopping carts. It is vital in our current climate for any website to have an SSL certificate that encrypts any data transmitted through the site.
Sites without SSL have a “not secure” designation in a browser which could be driving potential customers away. When SSL is installed to encrypt a site, the lock icon appears near the URL and the URL begins HTTPS (not HTTP).
Email Encryption for Messages & Attachments
Company employees transmit all types of sensitive data via email. This can include everything from a list of employees and SSNs to an account username and password.
By implementing email encryption in a platform like Microsoft 365, you can provide needed protection for your more sensitive email messages and their attachments.
When encryption is used on an email, only the designated recipient receives the key to decrypt the message and attachment. So, if the message is intercepted by a hacker they will not be able to read it.
With the right configuration in Microsoft 365 and the use of sensitivity labels, you can automate the encryption process. You can even have the system search for specific keywords (such as “Password:”) and, if found, automatically encrypt those email messages.
Stay Compliant & Protected from a Costly Data Breach
Sound Computers can help your Connecticut business implement data encryption to strengthen your cybersecurity strategy and compliance.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Call 860-577-8060 or reach us online.