Our 2024 State of Business-Driven Technology Report gathers valuable insights from technology leaders across industries. Our survey uncovered that 73% of respondents plan to invest more or the same budgetary dollars for cybersecurity services in 2024. With more data in our hands and more technology in use, it has become crucial to enlist the proper security measures to protect your organization as well as your customers. This blog post will take a look at the increased interest in cybersecurity, trends and innovation in the technology, and how you can start protecting your business and customer data.
Why Cybersecurity Is More Important Now Than Ever Before
Headlines detailing massive data leaks, sophisticated cyber attacks for ransom, and the mishandling of sensitive information seem like the new norm. With the sheer amount of data being shared and stored by companies across all industries, these scenarios are a cause for concern. The stakes have never been higher, while hackers’ tactics become increasingly sophisticated. Fortunately, as hackers become more innovative, so too does the technology to combat these threats and shore up weaknesses and vulnerabilities.
Common Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities For Small and Large Businesses
- Weak Passwords: Many small businesses still use weak passwords that are easy to crack or do not enforce password best practices amongst their employees
- Unpatched Software: Failure to update software regularly leaves vulnerabilities open for exploitation
- Phishing Attacks: Small businesses are often targeted through emails that trick employees into revealing sensitive information or downloading malware
- Inadequate Network Security: Small businesses may need robust network security measures to protect against unauthorized access or data breaches
- Poor Mobile Device Security: As more employees use mobile devices for work-related tasks, their security becomes crucial. Lack of encryption, weak passwords, and unsafe app downloads can all pose risks
- Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs): Sophisticated APTs aim to gain long-term access to large businesses’ networks and steal valuable data
- Insider Threats: Employees with authorized access to sensitive information can intentionally or unintentionally cause harm by leaking data or falling victim to social engineering attacks
- Third-Party Risk: Enterprise businesses frequently work with multiple vendors and partners, increasing the risk of a cyberattack through a third party’s vulnerabilities or compromised systems
- Data Breaches: Large amounts of customer data make enterprises attractive targets for hackers seeking financial gain or violating privacy regulations
- DDoS Attacks: Distributed Denial-of-Service attacks can overwhelm enterprise networks, rendering them inaccessible and causing significant disruption to business operations
Where To Start
Efficient security testing is necessary for safeguarding applications from cyber threats. First and foremost, companies must identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities within their applications before they can move on to resolving them. Organizations should begin with the following steps.
Penetration Testing
Penetration Testing is used to identify valid threats or weaknesses that could compromise network infrastructure, critical systems, and confidential data. Penetration Tests (also known as Ethical Hacking) simulate real-world network attacks, mimicking the tactics employed by malicious outsiders, thus exposing vulnerabilities.
Vulnerability Assessment
By conducting a Vulnerability Assessment, experts are able to identify, quantify, and document security vulnerabilities in an organization’s overall IT security. This process involves conducting an in-depth evaluation of information security posture utilizing both automated and manual methods. Vulnerabilities may include anything from flawed software design to weak passwords.
Mitigation Procedures
Once testing and assessments are complete, organizations are now armed with the information needed to take action. The next steps include mitigation advisory support to help plug gaps or loopholes in the system. Cybersecurity experts, like our team at Xcelacore, can consult on various tailor-made cybersecurity solutions that help mitigate weaknesses related to information systems, computer networks, perimeter security, and access control protocols. Mitigation tactics may include new system architectures, the continuous monitoring of network traffic, and establishing an incident response plan.
Cybersecurity Trends Your Business Should be Leveraging
Zero Trust Architecture
Zero Trust is a security framework that assumes no trust by default, even within the internal network. Access controls are strictly enforced, and verification is required from anyone trying to access resources.
AI and Machine Learning in Threat Detection
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in cybersecurity involve analyzing vast amounts of data to identify real-time patterns, anomalies, and potential threats.
Ransomware Protection and Response
With the increase in ransomware attacks, organizations focus on preventive measures, robust backup strategies, and efficient incident response plans to minimize the impact of ransomware incidents.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, cybersecurity testing has become and will remain a critical aspect of software testing and QA services. Ensuring the security of software applications is paramount to protect user data and maintain trust.”
Madhav Shelke, Xcelacore Technology Consultant
Cybersecurity is one of many key technologies being prioritized by businesses today. Download our full report for more key technology takeaways and compelling insights into decision-making at the intersection of business and technology.