Enterprise Cybersecurity
How to Prevent Cyber Attacks & Threats

December 22, 2022

Information systems and Internet-based data management are now indispensable tools for companies. There is no doubt about its convenience, but let us remind ourselves that there is another aspect to it.

Since data management over the Internet is linked to the rest of the world, there is always the possibility of attacks from outside. Since information leaks caused by unauthorized access can damage a company's brand image and cause significant damage, robust security measures are a major issue for companies.

In this issue, we will introduce methods and key points of security measures taken by companies. Check your company's security measures once again.

What are security measures?

What is a security measure in the first place?It is also called "information security" for measures to ensure the safe use of the Internet and computers.In today's IT-enabled world, companies and organizations store a great deal of information on their systems, including important trade secrets and personal information of customers and employees.

If this information is leaked or data is corrupted, a company could suffer significant social damage, and in some cases, a decline in business performance or even bankruptcy. Companies take various security measures to protect their information resources.

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Three elements of information security

Information security, a measure to prevent information leaks and data corruption, isIt consists of three elements: confidentiality, integrity, and availability.Information security is sometimes referred to as "CIA" as an acronym for these elements.
Let's review each of these elements in a little more detail.

It is important to be aware of these three elements when handling important information.

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Difference between Information Security and Cyber Security

In addition to information security, there is another type of security measure called cyber security. Cyber security is a way to deal with threats to information security.
While information security focuses on how information is handled, cyber security focuses on countermeasures against so-called cyber attacks.

The two are not entirely different, but rather the concept of cybersecurity within information security.

Let's take a closer look at what examples actually threaten information security in the following.

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Specific examples of security damage

Here are four examples of actual security damage.

Specific examples (1) Malware infection

Malware is a general term for programs or software that can be detrimental to a user's device. Ransomware and Trojan horses are also types of malware. When infected with malware, important information can be externally leaked or data can be destroyed, rewritten, or lost.

Specific example (2) Information leakage and theft

Information leaks occur not only due to malware infection, but also unintentionally due to changes in the work environment, such as telework. There are also cases where individual employees take computers or data containing confidential information with them, only to have it stolen.

Specific example (3) Unauthorized access

Unauthorized access can result in the leakage of confidential information, service outages, and website tampering.

Example 4: Equipment failure due to disaster, etc.

Natural disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, and lightning strikes can cause servers and electricity to fail and information systems to shut down.

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Security measures taken by companies

So what are some of the actual security measures that companies take?
Check the measures for each specific case.

Countermeasure 1: Countermeasures against malware infection

Security software is an effective way to prevent malware infection. Do not just install the software, but update it regularly to the latest version.

Since new malware is constantly being created and becoming more sophisticated, it is dangerous to leave old virus definition files in place.

Countermeasure 2: Information Leakage and Theft

In addition to using security software, it is important to raise employee awareness of security through training and other means. Set rules for taking documents and PCs out of the office, and establish certain restrictions on employees' handling of information.

Countermeasure 3) Measures against unauthorized access

Unauthorized access is caused by system vulnerabilities. To prevent unauthorized access, properly manage accounts and install encryption technology. Also, installing a firewall to block unauthorized access is an effective measure.

Measure 4: Countermeasures against equipment failure due to disasters, etc.

Natural disasters are unpredictable. It is necessary to take measures such as frequent backups and deployment of backup systems on a daily basis.

Data backups will be stored in a separate location. Also, important documents are stored in a safe or other safe deposit box to protect them from disasters.

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What information security measures should SMEs take first?

Information security measures are not just for large companies. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are also required to have solid security measures in place. However, it is not realistic for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which tend to lack budget and human resources, to take various information security measures as large enterprises do.

So where should we start taking action? Below are three high priority items that can be implemented even with a limited budget.

(1) Strengthen computer security.

Update your OS and other software frequently to keep it up-to-date. Security software is also recommended. Security software for corporate use allows you to manage all of your company's terminals at once.

It is recommended to increase the security of company PCs by restricting the viewing of websites not related to work, restricting connections to external storage, and so on.

(2) Thorough training of employees

Security measures are meaningless if not followed by all employees. To achieve information security, it is essential to raise the awareness of each employee. Training is an effective way to ensure that employees are well informed about security.

Thoroughly educate employees on measures to prevent information leaks, such as taking measures to prevent e-mail misdirection, setting easy passwords, not clicking on suspicious URLs, and using social networking services.

(iii) Measures for telework

Telework has become widespread in recent years, but working outside the office entails risks such as information leaks and virus infection. First, establish company rules for handling and taking out data during telework.

Please ensure that terminals used for teleworking are equipped with anti-virus software and that network access is via a secure line.

Let it be known that use of public Wi-Fi and other means of communication can lead to virus infection and information leakage.

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Summary

In today's IT-oriented world, information systems and the Internet are essential for any company. While these offer great convenience, it is important to note that they also carry risks such as information leaks.
A system malfunction and service outage would damage the company's image and potentially affect its business performance, so solid and robust measures are necessary.

Information security covers a wide range of issues, including countermeasures against unauthorized access, malware, and natural disasters, but the first thing that needs to be addressed is thorough employee training.
Raise employee awareness of information security and protect company information.

Since employees’ awareness will result in protecting confidential information by human error, HR professionals need to take actions to improve their performance.learningBOX ON learningBOX is one of the effective learning management systems. You can create your original quizzes, upload PDF or videos, and other varieties of content in one learning environment. Auto-scoring is available as default and you can track employees' learning progress easily.

In addition to the flexible content creation, personalized learning will boost each employee's understanding and knowledge by customizable settings. 

There will be something you can do to improve your work environment.

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