
It’s a fact that every organization, regardless of the sector in which it operates needs a well-defined online security strategy. The simple reason for this is that almost every company will operate online in some form. If your firm has a website or connects to the internet to access email systems, programs, and applications, it’s vulnerable to a wide range of cyber-attacks. These can range from receiving unsophisticated malware that’s embedded in malicious or spam emails to targeted attacks on IT infrastructure by highly skilled cybercriminals.
Regardless of the source of the attack, the results can be devastating if the company is poorly prepared against such acts of cybercrime. A successful cyber-attack can cripple IT systems and cost upwards of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Consider in addition that cyber attacks can significantly impact consumer confidence in your firm, especially if the attack demonstrated that your organization was poorly protected and/or resulted in the loss of sensitive consumer information.
In short, an advanced online security strategy is vital in the modern world of business. This article sets out some key considerations when creating an online security strategy to ensure that IT infrastructure is protected to the highest possible level.
1. For Linux-based servers
Many companies use servers that are designed to function with the Linux operating system. There are several cost benefits of using this system over a MacOS or a Windows-based server which makes it very attractive to businesses.
It uses open-source code, so it’s incredibly easy to customize to your own business configurations. The source code is heavily scrutinized by a vast number of tech and IT experts and is proven to be highly reliable in server construction. The platform also benefits from higher levels of security than other platforms, partly down to the fact that it’s not the most popular operating system across businesses.
As a direct result of this, it’s less likely to be targeted by virus code writers and hackers who typically write malicious code that has the potential to affect the largest number of systems and users (e.g., for Windows operating systems). You can read more about the benefits of using Linux-based systems here.
However, it’s vitally important to understand that no platform is entirely safe from cybercrime and standard IT procedures such as the incorporation of firewalls and encryption services should be included in any server design. In addition, the commonly held view that Linux is a secure platform makes it a more attractive proposition for hackers who are seeking to build their reputation in the cybercrime community. Whilst targeting these systems won’t result in the same potential for high-scale damage and disruption, Linux-based servers may be viewed as prestigious targets and challenges for hackers.
2. When building backlinks
Many companies seek to increase their web traffic to their company website by cultivating backlinks from other sites. However, this part of a company’s online strategy is often omitted from security considerations. This should never be the case, for the simple fact that cultivating backlinks from non-reputable sites can lead to an increase in the distribution of malware (if the site contains malicious links or applications).
This can affect the reputation of a company and may also lower a website’s page ranking from organic web searches as search engines will penalize companies that use backlinks from websites with poor reputations. In short, when building backlinks, it’s important to use the services of a reputable link building company that’ll only use trusted sites that produce authoritative content.
3. Are open-source applications more secure?
As previously mentioned, open-source applications are extremely attractive to many businesses because they can be more cost-effective, and their source code has been heavily scrutinized by a range of industry professionals.
However, most experts agree that open-source applications are neither more nor less secure than other applications. Recent statistics indicate that more than 3,600 open-source vulnerabilities are identified every year. If hackers manage to exploit these before they’re fixed, they may present an easy route into applications for cybercriminals.
As with any software, application or IT infrastructure, routine testing should take place to ensure that security remains high. Experts in cybercrime (including ex-hackers who are now operating legitimately as IT security experts) should be employed to test systems for vulnerabilities and remedial action should be taken when weak points are identified.
4. Workforce Education
As a final point, the importance of workforce education in identifying potential acts of cybercrime can’t be underestimated. IT security training for staff should be a mandatory requirement for any workforce as it leads to greater awareness of the methods that cybercriminals can use to target organizations. From being able to identify malicious emails and suspicious attachments to the importance of using strong passwords that are difficult to crack, this form of education is a vital part of any online security strategy.
Ideally, this form of training should be rolled out as part of the onboarding process for new starters and should also be refreshed on an annual basis to ensure that employees’ knowledge is updated as new threats emerge.
ATTENTION READERS
We See The World From All Sides and Want YOU To Be Fully InformedIn fact, intentional disinformation is a disgraceful scourge in media today. So to assuage any possible errant incorrect information posted herein, we strongly encourage you to seek corroboration from other non-VT sources before forming an educated opinion.
About VT - Policies & Disclosures - Comment Policy