9 Basic Cyber Security Principles

Cyber security is an essential part of protecting our digital lives. Whether it’s for a home computer or an entire enterprise network, understanding and implementing basic cyber security principles is key to keeping data secure from malicious actors. There are several main components to consider when designing a cyber security system, and each one should be taken into account in order to ensure the safety and integrity of your data.

In this article, we’ll look at ten of the most important and basic cybersecurity principles that you should keep in mind when setting up a secure system.

Nine Basic Cyber Security Principles

 

Below, we’ll go into detail about each of the nine core principles and how they can help protect your data:

1. Network Security

Using a non-encrypted connection, such as HTTP, over the web is an enormous risk and could result in your systems being compromised or exposed to malicious bugs. To avoid this danger, policies and architectures must be established which will act as the baseline for networking security protocols. These regulations are crucial to ensure that appropriate measures have been taken with respect to both incoming and outgoing network traffic on your perimeter.

To prevent cyber-attacks, organizations should first route their inbound connections (outside to inside) through a network firewall for threat identification before reaching the destination system. Additionally, utilizing SIEM (security information and event management) solutions along with setting up SOC centers equipped with advanced technologies can effectively monitor your networks. By implementing these measures, an organization is well prepared to face any potential cybersecurity threats that may arise.

2. Data Security Protection

Data protection is another essential component of cyber security. This means safeguarding all data from unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction. To accomplish this, organizations must take the appropriate measures to safeguard their systems. These include employing encryption techniques such as AES 256-bit encryption for sensitive files and documents, utilizing strong passwords with two-factor authentication, and implementing access control lists (ACLs) to restrict user access to specific resources.

3. User Authentication And Access Control

User authentication is used to confirm the identity of users before they are granted access to data, applications, or other resources. This can be accomplished through different methods such as username/password combinations, biometrics, or a combination of these. Access control, on the other hand, is used to limit user permissions; this includes granting different levels of access depending on organizational roles and responsibilities.

People in your organization who should have access to sensitive data include your chief information security officer (CISO) and security personnel. To further improve the security of your system, it is best practice to employ a role-based access control policy that defines who can access certain resources and which operations they can carry out on those resources.

4. Secure Configuration

To guarantee the organization’s security, it is essential to put in place stringent policies that would safeguard its perimeter. Developing a secure baseline and processes for configuration management should be an integral part of these protocols. Additionally, all unnecessary functions from the system must either be disabled or removed to protect against potential security breaches at their highest level.

If you neglect to regularly patch your software and systems, it can result in exponential security risks. Not adhering to any of the preventive strategies may expose essential information and leave computers vulnerable. With a proactive approach, however, your valuable data will be safeguarded from cyber attackers.

5. Malware Prevention And Detection

Malware prevention and detection are essential for keeping your organization safe from malicious attacks. Keeping software up to date, employing security solutions such as anti-malware and antivirus tools, and using a virtual private network(VPN) are just some of the steps that can help protect against malicious code and software. Furthermore, organizations should also implement procedures that detect any suspicious activity and respond accordingly.

Malware attacks to look out for include DDOS(Distributed Denial of Service) attacks, phishing schemes, and Trojan viruses.

6. Risk Management 

It is essential to construct a risk management procedure that contains suitable policies and standards which should be organized, distributed, and effectively communicated with all employees, contractors, and suppliers. This approach will guarantee everyone comprehends their roles in the decision-making process, including understanding the limitations regarding risks involved.

An effective risk management system should be backed by an efficient governance structure that includes a board of knowledgeable members and experts in the relevant field.

7. Monitoring

To bolster your organization’s security, a monitoring strategy and solution should be crafted to provide comprehensive visibility into its current security posture. Additionally, this system would act as an additional layer of protection in case our detection or prevention systems miss a breach; if the monitoring solution detects it, then a security incident will automatically be generated. For example, if your endpoint solution was able to detect the malicious software but couldn’t block or delete it.

This will generate a security alert from your monitoring system. It tracks all inbound and outbound traffic, as well as integrates logs from firewalls, endpoints, NIPSs (Network Intrusion Prevention Systems), NIDSes (Network Intrusion Detection Systems), HIPSs (Host-based Intrusion Prevention Systems), HIDSes (Host-based Intrusion Detection Systems) and other solutions into one comprehensive platform.

8. Incidence Management

 

Once an organization has identified a security incident, it must have an effective process to manage the resolution. This should include strategies that allow for quick response and recovery methods, such as isolating affected systems, creating backups of data and systems, and restoring them when needed. Additionally, organizations need to appoint personnel who are responsible for managing the incident throughout the entire process. They must document all steps taken and be aware of any regulations or laws that apply to the situation.

The security incident should also be reported, if necessary; this could involve submitting a report to law enforcement or notifying affected parties. Finally, organizations should perform an analysis of the incident to identify what can be done differently in the future to minimize similar occurrences. This could involve changing security policies, releasing new software updates, or implementing additional protection measures.

9. Education And Awareness

Education and awareness go hand-in-hand when it comes to endpoint security. It is important to ensure that all personnel in your organization are up to speed on the latest cyber threats as well as the tactics used by attackers. Additionally, provide regular training sessions so that everyone can understand the risks associated with data breaches and their responsibilities for protecting sensitive information.

Finally, keep your employees updated on any changes to security policies and procedures. By doing so, you will ensure that everyone in your organization is aware of the cyber threats they need to be wary of and how to respond accordingly.

 

Even with all the security measures in place, it is possible for unauthorized parties to access your network or data. That is why organizations should also have a plan in place that allows them to respond and recover from any potential cyber-attacks quickly. This could involve having backups of critical data stored offsite, designing an incident response plan, and establishing procedures to restore systems or data if they are compromised.

Organizations should also have a business continuity plan in place that will allow them to stay operational during any cyber incident. This includes having redundancies for core systems, such as servers and network devices, as well as procedures for restoring services in the event of an attack.

Consequences Of Not Following Cyber Security Principles

1. Loss of Sensitive Information

Not following cyber security principles can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data and information, putting the privacy and safety of customers at risk. Loss of confidential information can also lead to significant financial losses and damage a company’s reputation.

2. Malware Attacks

Malicious actors may gain access to a system if cyber security protocols are not followed properly, leading to malware attacks that can steal personal or corporate data, which can be used for malicious activities. What’s worse is that these types of attacks can also lead to the potential for costly ransomware demands.

3. Increased Vulnerability to Data Breach

Failing to practice good cyber security principles can make an organization more vulnerable to data breaches and other malicious activities. This can lead to a loss of trust in the eyes of customers, partners, and investors.

4. Legal Liability

Non-compliance with cyber security principles may also result in legal liability if an organization fails to protect customer data. Depending on the severity of the breach, companies may be fined large sums of money as well as have their reputation damaged.

5. Disrupted Operations

A data breach or malware attack can also disrupt operations, leading to costly downtime and inefficiencies. This can have a damaging effect on an organization’s bottom line as well as its reputation.

By following strong cyber and computer security principles, organizations can protect themselves from these types of threats and ensure the safety of their data. Implementing the right security measures, monitoring regularly, and training employees on cybersecurity best practices can help mitigate the risks associated with data breaches. Additionally, it is important to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Need Managed Security Services?

If you need assistance in managing your organization’s cyber security posture, Global Solutions can help. We provide a comprehensive range of managed security services that are tailored to meet the unique needs of your business. Our team of experts will ensure that your systems and data remain safe from malicious actors, as well as maintain compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Contact us today to learn more about our managed security services.