Public and private companies and organizations can spend thousands of dollars per year on cybersecurity measures. Hackers, for their part, can easily access information that costs them zero dollars to exploit, such as open Wi-Fi networks. All hackers need is a laptop and an internet connection.
One of the most important things to keep in mind nowadays is how to handle cyber threat intelligence. With almost every company connected to some computer system, using the internet, or having workers connected through their smartphones, cybersecurity has become one of the top priorities for companies worldwide. Every individual working within an organization should be aware of what cyber threats are and how they work. This will increase productivity and create a more safe environment with more minor security breaches, which means that everyone works without fear that their information may end up in the hands of wrongdoers.
The first thing someone needs to do when faced with cyber threats is recognize them. This sounds pretty straightforward, yet very few people take this step seriously enough when it comes down to protecting their data. People need to understand that they are in constant danger, even when at work behind a desk, connected with the company’s system, and not doing anything wrong or illegal. For example, programs such as malware or ransomware can be used by attackers to steal information from a victim. The easiest way to do this is if the person they want to target does not have any security measures implemented on their device. But most importantly, people should know what cyber threats look like so that they can act accordingly when faced with one of them.
It may sound obvious, but everyone who uses internet services daily must pay attention while browsing the web because hidden malware is waiting to be downloaded. Apart from that, people should also take care not to fall for any phishing attack because this is one of the most common ways hackers use to trick people into sharing their personal information or installing a virus on their device. The easiest way for them to accomplish this is by sending out emails impersonating someone trustworthy or even official institutions asking for personal details such as passwords, bank account information, etc. Also, the best thing people can do to protect themselves is to maintain regular antivirus software installed on their smartphones and computers, no matter if they are using Mac or Windows.
Besides being aware of what cyber threats are and how they look, it is essential for every individual working within an organization to be mindful of what they can do to increase productivity and help prevent the company from losing sensitive information. For example, people with cybersecurity skills should be hired to protect all computer systems within a company. Also, everyone that works daily with global networks should have a security clearance because this will allow them to access the most valuable data for research purposes. Moreover, companies need to learn how to handle cyber threat intelligence because they play an essential role in protecting the business from future attacks.
