7 Best Practices of Influential IT Cyber Security Leaders for 2021

Every organization is concerned about the security of their business because a lot of systems and devices have the ability to connect and integrate with the network.

As the number of these interconnected devices increase, so does the risk of cyberattacks. Every new device brings a new entry point for a potential hacker. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your devices are highly secure and protected.

Here’s What IT Cyber Security Leaders Practice

For this, IT cyber security leaders practice an altogether different approach. Read on for the 7 tips that IT cyber security leaders use for the security of the organization.

1.      Password Management

Having a strong password for your devices, systems, and cloud storage goes without saying. Yet, still, we miss this and end up creating a simple password to protect highly sensitive information.

Instead, your password should be unique and hard to guess. This should be able to prevent any type of unauthorized access to your information.

Here are the things to follow for a secure password:

• More than eight characters
• Should contain uppercase
• Should have lowercase
• Should have symbols and numbers

Any password containing your birthdate, relevant number, name, etc. can be easily guessed. Apart from setting up a strong password, your password should be changed on a regular basis. This is because company stakeholders and employees change all the time. If you don’t change the password, these employees and stakeholders would still have your password, which can spread easily. To avoid giving any non-company member access to your admin details, keep changing it regularly.

2.      Patches and Updates

Another very simple habit of IT security leaders is to update the firmware of the device regularly. This is something that we all already know but rarely follow.

Through system updates, you can update patches that can avoid security loopholes and bugs. If you fail to update your software, then your system may not be reliable and efficient. Further, it is necessary to understand that updating and patching are not just for one device or software. You need to regularly cover all your devices that come under your business network.

However, it is not really necessary to do it immediately, as this update or patch may not yet be accessible to VMS or cameras. So, appropriately schedule an update for every device.

3.      Replacing Systems and Devices

Every device of your business is connected to the network and other devices. To secure your network, you need to maximize your security approach and cover every device.

This means you need to regularly look after updates, follow best practices, and upgrade your IT policies. You also need to rule out the use of software and devices that are outdated. If there are devices that the manufacturer doesn’t support, then it is likely that the software of this device is beyond patch updates. This means that this device poses multiple security threats for your organization.

Ideally, every device that is more than 5 years old may not be good for your organization. After these many years, new technology has better controls and security structures. Unless this system or device is being used for something that is not critical to the business, you should avoid using it. This is because it can’t offer an optimum level of security for your business.

4.      Ongoing Maintenance

It is necessary to remember that cyber security is not really a one-time activity. You need to maintain your devices and security structure regularly – every day.

Check your passwords, change your passwords, change devices, use new systems, update your systems, and look for better storage mechanisms. This activity goes on for the entire lifetime of your business.

5.      Data Encryption

IT security leaders utilize data encryption to prevent data breaches. Whenever there is a sensitive file that you need to transfer to a client, another employee, or company stakeholder, encrypt it. This goes without saying.

Emailing sensitive data is not safe. You can end up losing this data very easily. So, even while storing sensitive information, ensure that you encrypt these files.

6.      Properly Aligned BYOD Policy

It is now common for businesses to allow Bring-Your-Own-Device. This is cost-effective and easier. But, you need to control and monitor these devices to improve security.

If you don’t have a BYOD policy, make it now. Define how your employees can access systems, remote apps, and VPNs for improved security architecture.

7.      Automation

Consider automating some of your security efforts. For instance, you can use vulnerability scanners, issue trackers, antimalware systems, intrusion detection systems, etc. This would only help in finding any unusual activity sooner than later.

Of course, you may still have to do damage control. But, you would get to know of the issue much sooner than manual monitoring. Hence, automate your security efforts for improved working and better cybersecurity.

Conclusion

Creating internal policies to support the above critical functions can help you meet your organization’s security goals. With the right technology and best practices, you can make a strong cybersecurity structure. Check the above data and implement the right security layers to mitigate looming threats.