Importance of Cyber Security Essential 8 for Businesses

The cyber security environment is complicated and changing every day, cyberattacks on businesses of all sizes take various forms, from simple phishing emails to complicated, minutely planned operations, and for every weakness that is fixed, another one appears that may be easily exploited. By protecting your data and that of your clients, improving cyber security fosters stronger business relationships and creates new opportunities.

What Is Cyber Security?

Cybersecurity is the method and set of tools used to protect computer systems, networks, software applications, and sensitive data against online threats. Attackers are constantly aiming for systems with more advanced methods. Everyone is affected, whether they're individuals, small businesses, or major corporations. Therefore, all of these businesses, whether they are in the IT or non-IT sectors, have recognized the value of cyber security and many are working to adopt every protective step under their control.

Importance of Cyber Security?

Small and large businesses are increasingly having issues as a result of the increase in cyberattacks. Businesses must now be aware of concerns like whom cybersecurity affects and how cybersecurity affects society. Investing in cyber security measures and being aware of their benefits is the greatest technique to defend your company. There are a variety of options available to organizations, ranging from minor adjustments like installing and scanning your systems with trustworthy anti-virus software, storing up firm data, and creating stronger passwords to large adjustments like hiring a cyber security service provider. While investing time, money, and other resources in cyber security may seem like a hassle, rest assured that it is an investment that will pay off financially for the company in the long term.

What is Cyber Security Essential 8?

The increased number of cyber assaults by cyber criminals on organizations of all sizes and across all industries has underlined the growing importance of having the correct cybersecurity safeguards in place. Many cyberattacks today use approaches that aren't new or innovative. Instead, the major trend is an increase in the number and intensity of attacks. Following a thorough analysis of cybersecurity problems, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) developed a set of baseline techniques known as The Essential 8 to assist organizations in managing or preventing cybersecurity incidents. Implementing these techniques, at the very least, makes it far more challenging for malicious people to compromise IT systems. The ACSC expects that organizations will be able to better protect themselves and prevent the terrible consequences of hacking and cyber-attacks.

Why Essential 8 is mandatory for Businesses in Australia.

The number of cyber-attacks on businesses, governments, and individuals is increasing at an alarming rate. "Cybercrime is one of the most common risks facing Australia, and the most significant threat in terms of overall volume and impact on persons and organizations," according to the Australian Cyber Security Centre. Because of this ever-increasing risk, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) and the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) have developed a guideline of mitigation strategies called the Strategies to Mitigate Cyber Security Incidents, which aims to assist organizations in mitigating cyber incidents caused by various threats. The ACSC has selected the eight most effective approaches and recommends that all businesses implement them. They believe that by prioritizing the eight most basic mitigation strategies, organizations will be able to better protect themselves and prevent the disastrous consequences of hacking and cyber-attacks.

What are the Eight basic mitigation Strategies of Essential 8?

Application Control: To prevent unauthorized software from being installed.

Application Patching: To resolve identified security bugs in applications

Operating System Patching: You should also patch your operating system regularly.

Microsoft Office Macro Settings: Modify the default setting in Microsoft Office packages to prevent non-trusted macros from running.

User Application Hardening: User application hardening is the process of further protecting and securing applications by applying methods other than software updates. It goes one step beyond application management by regulating and limiting what whitelisted programs can run and perform on your device.

Restrict administrative privileges: Administrator privileges grant complete control over the system and can be dangerous in the hands of opponents. Restricting admin privileges reduces the possibility of attackers running malicious malware, roaming other devices, and compromising or changing sensitive data.

Multi-Factor Authentication: MFA is required for all special access. Turning on MFA for VPNs, RDP, SSH, and other remote access, as well as for all users who access a critical data repository. Maturity begins with requiring MFA for all users before they can use internet-facing services and third-party suppliers.

Daily Backup and Recovery Strategy: Backups are necessary in case you need to retrieve lost data. Having a data recovery plan in place ensures that when these unexpected events occur, you will still have access to all of your data. By frequently backing up your system, you ensure that you have an up-to-date data backup file with all of the newest versions of your files and applications when they are needed.

Is adopting the Essential Eight enough to protect your organization?

While implementing the Essential Eight security measures is an excellent way to keep your firm cyber-fit, they do not give complete protection against all cyber-attacks and should not be your only line of protection. Other layers of protection, such as solid policy processes and ongoing human risk management, are required for any modern company to maintain acceptable cyber security.

KCS CYBER SECURITY STRATEGY

“We Katalyst Consultancy Services help Business in Securing their locally hosted information and Data assets cost-effectively and holistically in different environments.”

On-Premises -
On-premises Security for self-hosted applications, email server, Web, server's infrastructure, and storage. On-premises security is exactly what it sounds like—security measures for information technology assets that are physically present on the premises of a business. On-premises security refers to both the rules and tools in place to protect the security and accessibility of computer networks, including both hardware and software. Some examples include firewalls, VPNs, and antivirus software—along with physical security measures.

Cloud -
Our Cloud risk services assess the readiness of your business from a security standpoint to interact with cloud applications and tools for your business to continuously protect those assets. Whether you are an organization having information assets in the cloud or you are a cloud provider yourself, we can assist in building a robust strategy and mechanism for cybersecurity. As all cloud models are not the same, we address threats for each model on its merit and not of one-size fits all approach.

Hybrid -
A hybrid inside-outside model of cyber security defense and response is rapidly emerging as a cornerstone for any good cyber security architecture. We apply the emerging strategies from standards and interoperable tools that work across environments, on-premise, and in clouds, to ultimately ensure secure access and protection of data regardless of where the user or the data resides. We help organizations invest in the right security controls in the right places.

Compliance -
Our compliance assessment reviews at a high level your organization's information security compliance posture, gaps, and opportunities. The review would help your organization align better your obligations around cyber threats and protection, internally and externally. With the onset of GDPR businesses are increasingly understanding that cyber threats cannot be approached in isolation and are a board-level priority. Protecting your environment, reducing the risks, and preventing and mitigating cyber-attacks. Your cyber security and that of your partners, and third parties is a critical part of your regulatory environment. Today's business needs tools that can provide continuous tracking of compliance in real time.