Adapting to Digital Threats: Top 3 Strategies from Pensar IT
Technology has become an integral part of everyday life, including most businesses. With that being said, the need for cyber security in London has also become increasingly important, as technology and software are vulnerable to a number of potential threats, including hackers, malware, and more.
As companies slowly become more and more digital, the number of threats we are exposed to increases, putting our valuable information, such as personal data and money, at risk.
To help you and your business out, we will be discussing three top-notch, adaptive cyber security strategies that companies across London have implemented for all of their digital safety needs. Discover three of Pensar IT’s leading adaptive cyber security strategies that keep London businesses safe against evolving digital threats.
Three Adaptive Strategies by Pensar IT
All businesses are unique, which means that not all companies require the same cyber security strategies. In other words, it is crucial that each business has a digital security system in place that helps combat its unique challenges and requirements.
For example, banks and financial institutions handle large cash transfers every day and are responsible for keeping a lot of personal data private. In this scenario, the business will require security measures that prioritise protecting this information from potential hacks, fraud, and data breaches.
Retail businesses, on the other hand, face a number of different challenges. The biggest threats to these sorts of businesses are usually online transactions and protecting customer data. Online shopping has arguably become the most popular method of commerce, so businesses need to ensure that their customers’ information is kept private from hackers while allowing for safe online transactions.
No matter the industry or business, cyber security is one of the most essential factors for any company in today’s world. Being caught out by cybercriminals due to inefficient cyber security measures can be devastating. In fact, there have been more than a few instances in which businesses have had to file for bankruptcy due to stolen funds, fraudulent activity, and even lawsuits filed by customers who have had their personal information stolen.
So, how can you avoid this?
Pensar IT has helped thousands of businesses across London by offering three incredibly effective adaptive cyber security strategies.
Encryption Security Management
Encryption is one of the most popular forms of data security. Essentially, it is used to protect data and private information by converting the code into ciphertext. People authorised to access this data will receive a key, which can then be used to decipher the code into its original text.
In simpler terms, encryption is used to make valuable data unreadable by unauthorised personnel, such as hackers and cyber criminals. In this way, even sophisticated hacking methods will be rendered useless, as the information stolen will be meaningless.
On top of ensuring confidentiality, encryption also provides authentication, as it ensures that the private information is not altered in any way.
How Does it Work?
Encryption is a relatively simple concept. The original text can be something simple or complex, such as account information or a message like ‘Hello’.
As cipher text, this message could look completely random. For example, it could be translated to ‘2h9$6140l’. To hackers, this new text appears completely unrelated to the valuable data that they are searching for. In other words, it is meaningless, ensuring that they are not able to go any further with their cyberattack.
For many years, hackers have been trying to figure out the pattern behind this encryption, and unfortunately, some of the most sophisticated computers have been able to find weaknesses in encryption software. Most of the time, this occurs while the data is in transit between two different databases.
For this reason, most modern encryption tools ensure that the data is encrypted in two different states: ‘at rest’ (while stored in a database) and ‘in transit’ (being moved between two databases or between parties). In other words, the data will appear as two different cipher text codes depending on what phase it is in.
There are several encryption algorithms to choose from. Some of the most popular include Blowfish, Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), Data Encryption Standard (DES), and Twofish.
Advancements in Encryption
A number of years ago, encryption was only a tool used by top-secret organisations, such as the government. However, as cyber security threats have become increasingly common amongst everyday businesses and people, the need for encryption has also grown.
Types of Encryption
There are many different types of encryption, each with its own uses and benefits. It is important that you decide which type will best suit your business and its digital security needs.
- The first most common type is symmetric encryption. In this scenario, only one secret key is used in order to cipher and decipher the text. This was the first method of encryption ever used, which means it’s also the least advanced.
The main drawback is that both parties need the key used to encrypt the data before anyone will be able to decrypt it. However, this method of encryption is also the fastest, which is why it is preferred for transmitting data in bulk.
- Asymmetric encryption is a relatively new method that uses two separate keys to encrypt and decrypt data. One of these keys is public, while the other is kept private. The public key is used to encrypt the data, while the private key decrypts. There is no security needed for the public key, as it is publicly available and shared over the internet.
This type of encryption is a much stronger option for sharing information over the internet. Websites are secured using TLS or SSL certificates. When accessing one of these websites, a query is sent to the web server, which sends back a copy of the certificate containing a public key. However, the private key stays hidden.
- Data Encryption Standard (or simply DES) is a deprecated symmetric key encryption method. Like all symmetric encryption methods, the same key is used to encrypt and decrypt data, meaning that both sender and receiver need to have access to this key.
However, DES has been superseded by AES, a much more secure encryption standard. Without DES, though, AES, the current encryption method for the US government, would never have existed.
- AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) was developed in 1997 by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. This method uses three separate keys to encrypt and decrypt data. These keys are each different lengths (128-bit, 192-bit and 256-bit) and are designed for specific blocks of code. AES is commonly used to protect data at rest, such as in databases and hard drives.
- Cloud encryption is becoming one of the most commonly used methods in today’s world. Essentially, this service is offered by cloud storage providers and works by encrypting algorithms before sending them to cloud storage.
Most cloud providers only offer basic encryption on a few data fields, including account numbers and passwords. However, for big businesses and corporations, this does not offer enough security. For this reason, you do have the option of implementing a BYOE (Bring Your Own Encryption), in which your own encryption keys can be used to ensure a much higher level of cloud computing security.
Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication is a relatively new method of cyber security. It requires a user to provide more than one method of verification in order for them to be approved to access sensitive data and information.
Multi-factor authentication (or simply MFA) has become a core component of a strong identity and access management policy. Simply asking a user to input their username and password isn’t sufficient anymore. Most people use their own names as their username, which makes it incredibly easy to guess. On top of this, due to the development of sophisticated hacking software, passwords aren’t as foolproof as we once thought.
By including one additional method of verification, the business drastically decreases its risk of a successful cyber attack.
MFA in Action
To start with, the user will be prompted to enter their username and password. Once this is approved, a PIN will be sent to the phone of the connected account. Here, the user will need to provide their fingerprint in order to be granted access to the confidential website.
The above example is just one way in which MFA can be used. A few additional methods of authentication include facial recognition, OTPs, email verification, personal questions, etc.
Some old-fashioned users may find the additional step unnecessary and inconvenient. However, in the long run, having an extra barrier of protection is of utmost importance. This is especially true if the data is extremely sensitive, such as banking information.
Examples of MFA
One of the most common types of MFA that users will encounter are one-time passwords (OTP). These are 4-8 digit codes sent over email or SMS. If you receive an OTP, it essentially means that the email or cellphone number that you have provided is valid and active.
For example, you might receive an OTP while trying to log into your internet banking account. After providing your account details, the app will ask you to provide the OTP code that has been sent to your email or phone.
Firewalls
Another extremely common cyber security protocol is firewalls. In short, a firewall is a network security device designed to monitor, filter, and control any incoming or outgoing network traffic. The company can set predetermined rules that influence what the firewall flags as suspicious or potentially dangerous.
Firewalls have become a staple for many businesses. Networking is essential for the proper function of any business, but it also provides hackers with easy computing access if they are not adequately secured. In fact, most successful hacking instances have taken place through network vulnerabilities. For this reason, firewalls should be the first item on the agenda if you are a new business owner looking to safeguard your digital assets.
It is important to note that firewalls are sold in both hardware and software forms. Most of the time, firewalls are set to limit data based on criteria such as its source, destination IP addresses, port numbers and protocol type.
Understanding the Importance of Firewalls
In today’s world, firewalls have become the bread and butter of network security. Essentially, they are designed to shield the network from unauthorised access, including hackers, bots, and other common threats. This prevents cyber criminals from overloading or infiltrating a private network in order to steal valuable, sensitive data.
In short, firewalls work by forming a secure barrier around a computer and its network. Without a firewall, it is incredibly easy for cybercriminals to access personal information about you or your business.
Cyber security requires a layered approach, as hackers are constantly finding new ways to circumvent safety protocols. However, the more protocols you have in place, the harder it is for them to beat the system.
While firewalls remain an integral part of modern network computing, they, unfortunately, should not be solely relied upon. This is especially true if you are looking to solidify the cyber security of a particularly data-sensitive company, such as a bank.
In this case, you should consider the most sophisticated and modern firewall services. These are powered by AI, allowing them to stand firm against even the best hacking strategies out there.
How Firewalls Work for Security Risks
Firewalls protect networks from malicious traffic. Generally, they are positioned at the edge of a network or in a data centre, allowing them to monitor everything that comes in and out of the network closely.
Additionally, their positioning allows firewalls to inspect and authenticate data in real time. This process involves checking various data packets against predetermined criteria and determining whether or not they pose a threat to the network as a whole.
If the firewall registers a threat, it will block it from entering or exiting the network.
As we have already mentioned, firewalls regulate both inbound and outbound data. They protect the network from external threats, including phishing emails, backdoors, viruses, and DDoS attacks. They also help to restrict insider threats, such as known bad actors or questionable applications.
Cyber Security London – Implementing in the Business Landscape
When we say that cyber security is essential, we really do mean it.
London is plagued by constantly evolving digital threats, meaning that businesses are at high risk of being attacked. If sensitive information is hacked, it could be detrimental to you, your company, and your clients. If your business gains a reputation for being unsafe and insecure, who will invest in it in the future? Regardless of whether you own a small start-up business or a large corporation, cyber security is a must.
It’s easy to throw together a whole bunch of big words and make these cyber security protocols sound amazing. However, a lot of business owners will only really understand how essential these adaptive strategies are when they hear about how they have protected other companies in real life.
To convince you, we will be discussing three instances in which Pensar IT’s adaptive cyber security strategies have potentially saved businesses from disaster:
A Tech Company Aligned with the National Cyber Security Centre
This case study follows the story of a highly successful tech company in London. A while back, they were facing a number of cyber threats from various sources. In short, hackers were attempting to break into their systems in order to steal their intellectual property.
As a result, the company turned to Pensar IT, which implemented several adaptive cyber security strategies. Within just a few days, the company’s networks and systems were protected by advanced security measures, such as encryption, malware detection, and multi-factor authentication.
This decision to improve their overall cyber security enabled them to fend off cyber threats and protect their valuable assets.
A Law Firm
This case study is based on a small law firm. The company hadn’t been around for very long, so it was still finding its feet in London’s law landscape. However, it managed to land a few relatively big clients when it opened, including a local bank.
This small firm was unfortunately hit by a nasty cyberattack. Law offices contain a ton of extremely valuable and sensitive data, including client information. Because of this, the hacking naturally caused the company to panic. They knew that if any private data were stolen, the chances of them obtaining another big client in the future would be very slim.
However, after calling Pensar IT, their minds were put at ease. Pensar IT helped by implementing their adaptive cyber security strategies, ensuring that all sensitive information was properly secure from the attack and similar attacks that may happen in the future.
To be more specific, Pensar IT noticed a few weaknesses and vulnerabilities in the law firm’s network system. They patched these up using a stronger firewall, MFAs and advanced encryption methods.
A Local London Bank
This case study involves a prominent local bank situated in the city centre of London. When it comes to cyber attacks, it only makes sense that banks are one of the biggest targets. Everybody knows that banks are involved in hundreds (if not thousands) of money transactions every single day. On top of this, banks contain valuable data, such as client information, which, if stolen, can be used to hack into bank accounts for unauthorised access to funds.
The cybercriminals in question knew all this and purposely chose a local bank as their target. Judging by how big a corporation the bank was, it’s safe to say that the attackers were experienced and had access to sophisticated and advanced hacking software. In other words, they knew what they were doing. Only the top cyber security strategies would be able to ensure this bank’s digital safety.
Luckily for them, they had Pensar IT on their side. With the help of their adaptive cyber security strategies, the bank was able to successfully fend off any attack from the group of cybercriminals. What’s more, they were able to protect their client information, preventing any sort of attempt at fraud or money theft.
This was achieved through adaptive cyber security strategies, such as implementing a highly advanced firewall, MFAs and multi-key encryption.
FAQs
What makes a cyber security strategy adaptive?
When it comes to digital security, adaptivity is essential. London is constantly under pressure because of evolving digital threats. If our cyber security strategies are not malleable in order to accommodate our ever-changing needs, they will eventually become useless in the cyber security landscape. For this reason, business owners should always ensure that they are being provided with adaptive cyber security strategies.
There are a few aspects to look out for when judging a strategy’s adaptability. AI-based strategies are always the best way to go, as this software uses machine learning to identify ever-changing threats. Once the AI has picked up on threat discrepancies, it will alter the strategy code to make it more effective against the new type of threat. However, it is worth noting that AI cyber security systems are often the most advanced and, therefore, the most expensive.
With Pensar IT, you can rest assured that your business’s cyber security needs are taken care of. Their strategies are highly adaptive, and the company also updates its strategies frequently, ensuring that new threats are always addressed.
How often does Pensar IT update its strategies?
Pensar IT understands that London is faced with constantly evolving digital threats. For this reason, to keep their clients as digitally safe as possible, they frequently update their cyber security strategies to stay on top of the newest cyber threats and hacking methods. Security management is their forte.
In addition, the company has an entire department dedicated to monitoring cyber threats. For this reason, Pensar IT always knows what to expect. They keep track of malware trends and, in turn, provide their clients with the most effective and efficient protocols that will safeguard their businesses from these threats.
Can these strategies be customised for any London business?
Pensar IT offers an extremely wide range of security management services to London businesses. This includes, but is not limited to, threat monitoring, data encryption, secure network design, employee cyber security training, incident response planning and intrusion detection. With all of these adaptive cyber security strategies on offer, every business will be sure to find something in order to safeguard the company from digital threats.
The London business landscape features a diverse range of companies. From large corporations, such as banks, law firms and hospitals, to smaller businesses, including local bakeries and retail stores. That said, it only makes sense that the cyber security needs of these businesses differ. For example, a high-profile London bank will require a much more advanced network encryption system and software development process than a local bakery.
Pensar IT ensures that its services can be customised according to the wants and needs of the business in question. If your biggest concern is hacking via a network, they will implement an advanced firewall that will prevent any unauthorised access. On the other hand, if your top priority is protecting valuable data and client information, Pensar IT will implement sophisticated encryption strategies that put your mind at ease.
If you contact a Pensar IT consultant, they can perform a thorough assessment of your business’s current cyber security posture. During this assessment, they will identify any vulnerabilities, risks, and weaknesses, using this information to develop a customised plan of action to safeguard your business’s cyber security.
Conclusion
London businesses are constantly being tormented by evolving digital threats and the need to mitigate security risks. Having sensitive information or intellectual property stolen via a cyber attack can be extremely damaging to a company and the business owner. In order to avoid these threats as much as possible, it is essential that businesses keep up with the latest, most adaptive cyber security strategies.
Pensar IT has gained a reputation for being one of the best in the business in terms of its ability to protect London businesses from cybercrime. It offers and implements a number of adaptive cyber security strategies, including encryption, software systems, multi-factor authentication, operating systems, and firewalls.
The staff members at Pensar IT are all highly qualified, having obtained undergraduate degrees in computer forensics or computer science. This has provided them with the necessary key skills to mitigate digital security risks and find solutions to real-world cybercrime trends.
If you are concerned about the cyber security of your London business, be sure to get in touch with a Pensar IT consultant for a cyber security assessment. They will provide you with an application form while assessing your current cyber security posture, identifying any vulnerabilities and weaknesses, and developing a customised plan in order to prevent any attacks from occurring in the future.
With a knack for problem-solving, critical thinking, practical knowledge, and a passion for risk management, the industry experts at Pensar IT will have your business network security covered.
Top Adaptive Cyber Security Strategies for London Businesses by Pensar IT