Cybersecurity and you!
Cybersecurity, this term has been thrown around a lot in recent years. Especially following mass cyber-attacks on a corporate or even national scale. Now while many of us have heard the phrase countless times, we may not know what it is. Or more importantly, we may not know what actions can be taken to improve our cybersecurity.
What is cybersecurity:
So, what actually is it? Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting internet-connected systems, including hardware, software, and data, from attack, damage, or unauthorised access. This involves implementing a variety of digital security measures that you are most likely already familiar with such as firewalls, encryption, and secure passwords to safeguard against cyber threats such as hacking, malware, and phishing.
What Lairds can do for you:
Lairds is the only company that will conduct security audits and maintain networks for home users. We can install systems that monitor your networks, update you on issues and we can even provide remote support indefinitely. This will give you a chance of peace and security for the you and your family.
Why you should invest:
Investing in cybersecurity is important because it helps protect the sensitive information and assets of yourself or your business from these cyber threats. Attacks like these can result in data breaches, loss of sensitive information, and subsequent damage to your organisation's reputation.
From a business standpoint, improving your cybersecurity can also provide a competitive advantage, as customers and partners may prefer to do business with organisations that can demonstrate a strong commitment to protecting their data. By investing in cybersecurity, you can reduce the risk of a successful attack, minimise the potential damage from an attack, and improve your organisation's overall security infrastructure.
When did it become so important:
Cybersecurity has always been important, but it has gained increased attention in the public eye over recent years due to the growing number of high-profile cyber-attacks and data breaches. With individuals using so many internet-connected devices and having sensitive information stored and shared electronically, it has become easier for cyber-criminals to target individuals and organisations.
Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift to remote work and online activities. This has also increased the attack surface for cyber-criminals to exploit, making cyber security even more crucial for not just organisations but for individuals as well.
There have been many high-profile cyber-attacks and data breaches involving major companies over the years:
• Yahoo: In 2013 and 2014, a data breach led to stolen email addresses, phone numbers, and birth dates of all 3 billion of its user accounts.
• Marriott International: In 2018, the hotel chain suffered a data breach in which the personal information of around 500 million customers was compromised.
• Sony: In 2011, Sony's PlayStation Network and Qriocity streaming services suffered a data breach, leading to the personal information of 77 million customers being compromised.
• Uber: In 2016, the ride-sharing company suffered a data breach, meaning the information of 57 million customers and 600,000 drivers was compromised. These are just a few examples of the many major companies that have been victims of cyber-attacks and data breaches. Even the most well-protected companies can fall victim to a cyber-attack, so it's crucial for all organisations and individuals to take cybersecurity seriously and take the necessary steps to protect sensitive information.
Actionable steps you can take right now:
So, what can be done about this in the here and now?
1. Use strong and unique passwords for all accounts and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
2. Keep all software and operating systems up to date with the latest security patches and updates.
3. Educate yourself and your co-workers about common cyber threats, such as phishing scams and social engineering, and how to recognize and avoid them. Read more about it here.
4. Use anti-virus and anti-malware software to protect your devices and networks.
5. Use a firewall to protect your network and limit access to only authorised users.
6. Consider hiring a cyber security professional to conduct a security audit and identify vulnerabilities in your systems. And that last step is where the team here at Lairds can be of assistance. Our technicians are cybersecurity specialists with a great knowledge of computer networks and systems, as well as a range of security technologies and best practices to keep you or your business secure.
If you are interested in our cybersecurity services, we would love to hear from you. Give us a call or drop us an email and take the steps to improve your cybersecurity today.
