Cybersecurity is of paramount importance for organizations of all types, including the United States government. Given the potential impact of a cyber incident on national security, the White House must adhere to the highest standards of online security. This raises the question: what cloud and cybersecurity strategies does the government employ, and how can businesses implement similar measures to protect their own data? Let’s explore a few simple, yet important strategies that your business can utilize to enhance its cybersecurity posture.
Mandate Multi-Factor Authentication
In March of 2022, the Biden Administration released a cyber security fact sheet to help “defend the nation” and “respond to cyberattacks.” While there is a plethora of strategies mentioned on the list, the implementation and use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) was noted as a top priority. MFA is an authentication method that requires the user to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource such as an application, online account, or a VPN. This method adds an extra layer of security, making it more challenging for potential attackers to breach systems. By requiring multiple forms of verification, such as passwords, biometrics, or security tokens, MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access. Here are a few reasons why you should consider multi-factor authentication:
- Your Passwords Might Be Leaked: Hackers sell and trade billions of leaked passwords all over the dark web.
- Compliance Often Requires MFA: Certain industry regulators, such as FINRA for financial services, require members to implement MFA for PII.
- Shadow IT Brings Risk: Your employees could introduce unmonitored devices into the network, leaving a backdoor open for malicious actors.
- Authentication is Cost-efficient: Being hacked will always be more expensive than enterprise cybersecurity, and MFA acts as a basic stopgap.
Implementing multi-factor authentication across your organization enhances data protection and minimizes the likelihood of security breaches. SWK Technologies specializes in MFA implementation, ensuring seamless integration and robust security protocols tailored to your business needs.
Education is Key
Additionally, the White House advocates for educating “employees to common tactics that attackers will use”, whether through phishing emails or deceptive websites. They suggest that companies should encourage their employees to recognize and report if their computers or phones have shown any signs of unusual behavior, such as unexpected crashes or slow response time. Organizations can help educate their workforce on similar concepts through security awareness training.
Cybersecurity training plays a pivotal role in empowering employees to recognize and respond to potential threats effectively. SWK’s Security Baseline Phishing and Training service offers comprehensive training modules designed to educate employees on cybersecurity best practices. From identifying phishing attempts to safeguarding sensitive information, this training equips employees with the knowledge and skills needed to bolster the organization’s security defenses. SWK also offers Security Awareness Newsletters that present important information in a non-technical, conversational tone that appeals to a wide variety of audiences. By investing in education and training, businesses can cultivate a culture of cybersecurity awareness, reducing the likelihood of successful cyber-attacks.
Stay up to Date
Technology advances with each passing day, leaving outdated software and systems increasingly vulnerable to security breaches. The government advises regularly updating software and patching systems to mitigate known vulnerabilities. Additionally, changing passwords across networks renders previously stolen credentials ineffective. However, staying up to date with software patches and system updates can be challenging, especially for businesses with limited resources. SWK offers expert assistance in managing software updates and patching systems, ensuring that your organization remains protected against emerging threats. By partnering with SWK, our team of cybersecurity professionals will monitor the latest security developments and implement proactive measures to safeguard your data.
Take the Next Step With SWK
As the government upholds itself to the most stringent security standards, businesses can align themselves with similar strategies to further safeguard their data. SWK will provide your business with a team of cybersecurity experts equipped with extensive knowledge in implementing these strategies. For assistance in enhancing your cybersecurity measures or gaining a better understanding of these topics, contact SWK today and take the next step towards securing your data. With SWK’s expertise and support, your business can effectively mitigate cyber risks and protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.