For the information security professional working on the cutting edge of corporate security, reducing technology-associated risks is a key concern. While it may be easy to assume that threats from computers and other information technology-based devices are minor and easily thwarted, these types of risks do not often go away by themselves. They often grow deeper, even when the threats appear to be dying down. To reduce technology-associated risks, IT professionals must stay abreast of new technologies and their vulnerabilities. This is where threat intelligence comes into play.
Information Technology
The term “cybersecurity” is commonly used to refer to the field of information technology. However, there is more to cybersecurity than simply preventing information technology from becoming the next victim in a computer attack. Achieving security in cyberspace is much more complex than securing information at its source: computer networks.
Traditional security at its source — a building or network of computers — includes physical protections such as locks and alarms. There are also procedural considerations such as keeping access to information to authorized personnel and using advanced anti-virus software. However, it is also important to consider the activities of an intent employee — if someone is planting viruses or Trojans to gain unauthorized access, what information might they have gained if they had access to the information in question?
Computer security at its most basic is protecting data from a wide variety of sources that could attack it. Corporate networks are vulnerable to attack from anyone with enough knowledge of the correct identification of IP addresses. This allows attackers to send malicious software or data from remote locations that can quickly cause chaos and damage to a company’s internal systems and networks. Security solutions should include proactive measures, such as the use of firewalls, and provide for the additional layers of security needed to prevent outside intruders from gaining unauthorized access. By keeping these two separate issues in mind, a security expert may be able to identify both the opportunities and the threats that an outside actor may use to gain access to company information.
Companies that rely on IT professionals to protect their computer systems often find that they don’t always have the best professionals available to help them. There may be a lack of on-site trainers, or an inability to get specific training on new technologies because of geographic limitations or other factors. It can be difficult to know which employees will use a computer, how to install software, and how to properly run and manage a computer network. For those who are not trained on the latest computer use and maintenance techniques, it can be even more difficult to know when something goes wrong. It is especially important for computer users and IT managers to stay abreast of the newest security concerns. Regular updates to the latest malware and threat signatures can help identify problems before they become widespread, allowing the right response to be made in time.
Having good communication within the company can also help reduce the risks of outsiders gaining access to information. One way to do this is to establish regular communication channels, such as those used by email. Employees should also be made aware of their company’s policies on sharing information outside of the workplace. It is also important for companies to regularly test their computer systems. Doing so can help identify if there are ways to prevent unauthorized access to company information.
The most important way to ensure that employees take appropriate steps to mitigate technology –associated risks is to train them on the new procedures and practices required to perform their jobs. Having employees trained in new skills, as well as the procedures and tools to use when performing those duties, can go a long way towards reducing the amount of technology-associated risk a company faces. Training does not have to be a one-time event; it can be continuous, as each new piece of technology is reviewed to determine its suitability for the job. Such continuous training can greatly increase corporate profitability, as it enables the company to make fewer mistakes when implementing new processes and strategies.