6 Steps to Protect IT from a Cyberattack

Defending against attacks is more important than ever as organizations use more data and attackers become more sophisticated. Organizations can drastically increase their chances of preventing attacks by enforcing a proper cybersecurity plan. Without a comprehensive approach, organizations are vulnerable to risking their data, revenue, and credibility. Here are six concepts we at Virtuas implement with our clients to defend against cyberattacks and protect data.

Segment Networks to Prevent Lateral Movements

Serious threats can arise when malware has unlimited network access, leading to lateral movements. A lateral movement occurs when an attacker moves from one system to another in search of desired data. Segmenting networks is essential for enhanced security because network managers can better control traffic and limit access to sensitive data. Along with enhancing security, segmenting networks improves network performance and management.

Preserve Backups in Isolation

Having a separate set of credentials for backups adds a layer of security, reducing the risk of unauthorized access to the backup data. When organizations do not preserve backups in isolation attackers have a better chance of accessing backups after an attack on the primary system. Attackers can then manipulate or delete the backup data, rendering it useless for recovery.

Implementing Multifactor Authentication  

Implementing a Multifactor Authentication (MFA) process requires each user to have unique criteria to access a desired account. Enabling MFA decreases the chance of an account becoming compromised or impersonated. MFA has various notification types including text codes, email codes, and number matching. The recommended MFA notification type is number matching due to its increased security protection. Number matching provides a unique number that gives additional security by ensuring that hackers cannot access a desired account through tactics such as MFA bombing or MFA fatigue attacks. To learn more about number matching MFA click here.

Perform Backups Regularly with Immutability  

Performing backups regularly ensure that data remains unaltered in the case of a cyberattack and protects from software bugs and human errors. Backups with immutability are recommended because once these backups are created, the data contained within them cannot be modified, deleted, or altered in any way. Creating a 3-2-1 backup strategy is recommended to increase protection measures and ensure data remains safe. The 3-2-1 strategy requires having three copies of data, on two different media types, with one copy offsite (preferably air-gapped) all of which increase protection.

Test and Update Recovery Plans 

It is critical to perform frequent tests to identify Recovery Point Objectives (RPOs) and Recovery Time Actuals (RTAs) and to ensure high-priority data and applications are defined. Testing will allow IT staff to verify that recovery procedures and technologies are working as expected. Following testing, implement changes or updates to cybersecurity plans to ensure organizational data is protected.

Additional Steps

At Virtuas, we implement these six concepts with our clients to increase protection against cybersecurity threats. Additional measures to improve protection include: understanding data thoroughly, installing antivirus protection, ensuring up-to-date patches, and conducting employee security training. Does your organization need help to protect against a cyberattack? Contact us at Virtuas for all your cybersecurity needs.