With even major security vendors suffering from cyberattack, all businesses should cover off key steps for an effective defence, according to firewalling vendor Untangle.
In a blog post, the vendor notes that even though it might be impossible to completely prevent attacks, there are clear pathways to follow to reduce any financial impact.
The first step should be reviewing, auditing and analysing cybersecurity risk, before building and implementing the final strategy. Secondly, organisations should deploy a next-generation firewall.
“Next-generation firewalls provide protection at the network gateway (on-premises or in a cloud) with an all-in-one solution that encompasses web content and application filtering, virus blocking, intrusion prevention, secure remote connectivity as well as employee productivity improvements such as bandwidth shaping and application control,” Untangle explains.
Deploying endpoint protection that covers the full array of client devices from laptops to phones and IoT devices is the next step — incorporating policy settings at network admin level that limit access to risky websites or applying web filters and controls to corporate devices.
Step four is backup, including regular offline backup that keeps copies beyond reach of network issues.
“A routine backup schedule, that includes database and network configuration, should be stored in a different location outside of the network. Having these backups on hand in the case of a breach will mitigate any need to pay ransom demands and limit network downtime for employees,” notes Untangle.
Adding VPNs, password management, directory access management and training ensures a strong overall approach — read the full post for all Untangle’s tips.
“Securing the corporate network and devices connected to it through a multi-layered approach can help prevent infiltration before it occurs,” Untangle points out.
“Many organisations believe the initial investment and lack of expertise are barriers to implementing prevention in the cybersecurity lifecycle. However, there are measures every company can take to protect themselves.”
