Cybersecurity: A Critical Foundation for Professional Services Technology has become an integral part of every business, regardless of the industry. With the advent of Artificial Intelligence and IoT (the Internet of Things), more devices are connected to the internet than ever before. This connectivity fosters innovation and efficiency for consumers. However, it also introduces new risks for cyberattacks. Hackers can exploit the vulnerabilities of these devices to access not only your personal information but also that of your clients and staff.
The Gateway to Data: Professional Services at Risk If you operate within the professional services industry, such as law firms, consulting firms, accounting firms, etc., you become a prime target for cybercriminals. By compromising your information, they can gain access to hundreds of other accounts and damage your reputation with your clients and prospects.
Strategic IT Planning: More Than Technical Fixes Having a strategic IT plan is essential for your business. It’s not just about solving technical issues, such as password changes or printer problems. It involves creating a blueprint for your organization to become more efficient and productive, while being proactive in the ever-changing realm of technology. Moreover, it’s about protecting your clients’ information and your reputation by having a game plan in place to prevent and respond to cyberattacks.
Building Your Security Stack: The Protection of PII One of the key components of your IT plan should be your security stack. This set of tools and policies safeguards your network and data. Its mission: the protection of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) of everyone within your network, from vendors to staff. PII is any information that can be used to identify a specific person. It is the most valuable and sensitive data that you have, and the most sought-after by hackers.
Layered Security: A Multi-Faceted Approach To protect your PII, you need to implement several layers of security in your stack:
Firewall: Your First Line of Defense A firewall blocks unauthorized access to your network. It filters incoming and outgoing traffic, allowing only trusted sources and destinations. You should configure your firewall to match your business needs and update it regularly.
Antivirus: The Malware Hunter Antivirus software detects and removes malicious software from your devices. Malware can infect your devices through various means, such as email attachments, downloads, or removable media. Install a reliable antivirus program on all your devices and scan them frequently.
Encryption: Keeping Data Under Wraps Encryption scrambles your data so that only authorized parties can read it. Apply encryption to your data at rest and in transit to prevent hackers from intercepting or accessing your data.
Multi-Factor Authentication (2FA): An Extra Security Layer 2FA requires two forms of identification to access resources, data, and accounts. Enable 2FA on all your devices and accounts and require it for your staff and clients.
YubiKeys: Physical Security Tokens YubiKeys generate a unique code for your 2FA, making it extremely difficult for hackers to gain access to your online accounts. They are useful for businesses that restrict cellphone use, as they provide an alternative to SMS or email codes.
Password Manager: Your Password Vault A password manager helps you create and store strong and unique passwords. Use a password manager that is not linked to a browser to improve security.
Vigilance Against Phishing: Educate and Protect Hackers often impersonate legitimate entities to trick recipients into transferring money, sharing data, or downloading malware. Verify the identity and authenticity of any email sender, especially if they request money or information.
Cybersecurity: An Ongoing Commitment Cybersecurity is not a one-time project, but an ongoing process. Review and update your security stack regularly to keep up with the latest threats and technologies. Test your security stack periodically to identify and fix any gaps or weaknesses.