Security is a necessity when it comes to information technology. Everything from hacking to malware to theft is a potential threat. While there is nothing that guarantees 100% protection, there are a few basics that go a long way toward protection. Here are five best practices for keeping your system safe.
1. Pick Your Battles
One of the biggest challenges in IT security is finding a balance between resource availability and the confidentiality and integrity of the resources, according to Techopedia. Rather than spreading security resources thin by trying to protect against all kinds of threats, focus on securing the most vital systems first. Some of the lower-priority systems may be candidates for automated analysis. This ensures the more important data gets the security attention it deserves.
2. Streamline Access
Granted designated access for particular job duties can go a long way toward keeping information secure. Often, job types require specific information. Assigning the minimum privileges needed to carry out a person’s job responsibilities helps ensure information is truly limited to a need-to-know basis. This also helps monitor data flow and determine authorized versus unauthorized user changes.
3. Change Up Your Defenses
A defense is only good until someone breaches it. If the same defense is used for every part of your system, you’re toast. Using multiple, independent defenses makes hacking time consuming and more difficult. Complex defenses reduce the chances of an attack success. Dual identity verification, authentication protocols, and multifactor logins are good examples.
4. Plan To Lose
Security is as much about limiting damage as it is preventing breaches. Having backup systems in place before you are breached allows the IT department to constantly monitor security measures and react quickly. It also allows the company to continue to operate while the threat is being addressed. When a breach does occur, recording data about the event is imperative. Backtracking the data can eventually help find the issue, improve the system and even prevent future attacks.
5. Stay Up To Date Run Frequent Tests
Hackers are constantly improving as fast as IT professionals can block them. Keep up to date with the latest trends and create security protocols to defend against them. Run in-house testing, conduct risk assessments, and create a viable disaster recovery plan. Be your own antagonist.
If you’d feel better about having a professional take a look, you can contact us to get an IT security risk assessment here.