Benefits of Cyber Security Awareness Consulting

Cyber security threats are a constant threat in the Information Age, and malevolent actors such as hackers are continually probing for any weakness to exploit. Once they are in, they can steal and sell sensitive, confidential information or install ransomware to extort businesses. Businesses should be on the lookout for these threats and minimize risks as much as possible, having a sort of cyber security awareness.

However, the biggest source of risk is the most unavoidable – humans. Human error contributes the most to allowing malevolent actors into systems. Vaultes is trained in reducing the human error factor by teaching employees cyber security tactics and good data hygiene, offering a sense of cyber security awareness.

Avoid Phishing or Malware

Even the best cyber security systems are flawed because they revolve around and rely on humans. According to IBM, over 95% of cyber security incidents occurred in part due to human error. Employees untrained in cyber security is the leading factor in expensive data breaches.

Malevolent actors know this and attempt to use social engineering, which entails phishing and installing malware. Phishing is the process by which a hacker will pretend to be an authoritative source, possibly offering help, and trick an employee into giving their security credentials without realizing who is really on the other end. Hackers can also use a similar guise to convince employees to install what is described as necessary software, such as a small patch or even security update, but is actually malware. This malware will then infiltrate the system and steal confidential data later to be sold or held for ransom.

Dispose Data Safely

One big misconception that is generally held is that as soon as a file is deleted, it is gone forever. This, however, is not the case. Data can remain on devices until it is completely wiped or until the first deletion is conducted by a proper data deletion software that removes all traces of the information. A good way to think of this is disposing of paper in a trash can; it may be gone, but can still be detected and read by someone who is motivated enough to find that information. Data deletion software would be the equivalent of a paper shredder that destroys the data completely.

Data can also be stolen from devices that are misplaced or lost. Many companies have exposed thousands of personal records through the simple misplacement or theft of a company device. When malevolent actors find this device, they can use it as an access point into the larger network, especially if it is left unencrypted.

Increase Protection

The best way for a company to reduce future costs stemming from litigation or punitive measures after a data breach is to increase their protection. Professional cyber security awareness consulting can teach employees about social engineering, including how to spot the common tactics used by hackers and how to react to them. This also teaches employees to have good cyber hygiene by enhancing their password management, setting up encryption systems, and installing secure data disposal software.

Build and Maintain a Firewall

Cyber security experts can also build and install firewalls to keep threats away from employees and the sensitive data companies are entrusted with. These firewalls prevent a large share of hacking attempts by eliminating them before they begin. They can operate in search and destroy methods that prevent unknown installed malware from collecting data.

Hackers often employ tactics that send out attack attempts en masse and concentrate on the ones that are not stopped. For many of them, infiltrating systems is just a numbers game. It’s only a matter of time before they find an unprotected system. While there is always risk due to the human element, this takes the extra step of stopping social engineering attempts before they reach your employees, reducing risk as much as possible.

Software “Alarm” System

The trained security experts at Vaultes also offer comprehensive 24/7 monitoring services. Another source of protection is an alarm software that detects attempts from malevolent actors to infiltrate networks and steal data. These Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are always vigilant for hacking attempts and will stop malware immediately. This also sends a report and triggers an Incident Response procedure immediately to contain and eliminate any potential threat.

Create a Unique Plan with Vaultes

All businesses are unique and require different cyber security protocols. However, no business is immune to the threat that malevolent actors present. Contact Vaultes Enterprise Solutions today to schedule a consultation on how you can reduce your business’s risk from human error, unsecured data deletion, and unprotected or under-protected systems.