5 Ways to Combat Future Cyberattacks
Recently, we published an article about the impact and implications of the Salt Typhoon Hack, attributed to a Chinese state-sponsored group known as Earth Estries, Ghost Emperor, or UNC2286. We know that the attack began as early as 2022, targeting critical infrastructure to access sensitive communications and compromise national security. We also know that, in its wake, we’re likely to see an increase in regulatory scrutiny and ongoing threats. Here are some steps businesses can take to help protect their data, their networks, and their reputations.
1. Enhance Cybersecurity Measures
Start by evaluating and enhancing the cybersecurity measures your business is already taking. A key component of this process includes regularly updating and patching all network devices and software to close known vulnerabilities and prevent new ones from arising. From there, implement advanced threat detection tools to help identify and mitigate potential intrusions early before they can cause any serious damage.
2. Strengthen Network Security
Segmentation and access controls are two crucial steps in strengthening your network security. By segmenting your networks, you’re able to limit the spread of an attack if a breach occurs, greatly reducing the damage and giving you more time to focus on the issue at hand. Implementing strict access controls and monitoring for unusual activity can also help stop attacks before they have a chance to materialize.
3. Develop Incident Response Plans
Your team’s response to an attack or breach directly correlates to your preparation and training. By developing and regularly updating your incident response plans, you’re able to ensure quick and effective action when you need it most. Another way to promote efficient incident response is by making cybersecurity the entire company’s responsibility. Regular training for employees on cybersecurity best practices and incident response procedures goes a long way, giving your security team more time back to strategize rather than constant clean up.
4. Engage with Regulators
Regulatory changes and new cybersecurity requirements are instated for a reason. By remaining compliant, you’re aligning your strategy with the latest knowledge on threats and insight into what experts are preparing for. Additionally, collaborating with industry peers and government agencies to share threat intelligence and best practices puts your business at a major advantage.
5. Continuous Testing
There are a variety of tests your business can conduct on a regular basis to help better position you against bad actors. Penetration testing provides continuous assessments of your environment to identify vulnerabilities and configuration changes. Businesses can also leverage tabletop exercises to plan and test your response at a leadership level, simulating emergency situations to document and test the team’s ability to respond and recover.
By taking these steps, clients can better protect their networks and mitigate the risks associated with sophisticated cyber threats like Salt Typhoon. While adapting your security strategy for emerging threats and best practices may sound like a daunting task, you don’t have to do it alone.
By leveraging a managed services provider like ivision for your security needs, you gain direct access to security expertise and engineering talent. Our comprehensive approach supports your team every step of the way, offering solutions in security strategy, security assessment, infrastructure security, data security, and managed security. By becoming an extension of your team, we help strengthen your organization against today’s threats while preparing for tomorrow’s.
