thefinetune.site
By Brett Farmiloe
In the fast-paced world of cybersecurity, staying one step ahead of threats to your small business is critical. We’ve gathered insights from CEOs and IT experts who share their best advice, from setting up Google Alerts that track new threats to conducting regular threat intelligence analysis, to help keep your business safe from a cyberattack.
How to prepare your business for cybersecurity threats
1. Set up Google Alerts
“We have several Google Alerts set up so that we stay up-to-date on every new security threat, scam, and privacy issue. It’s the only method to make certain that we are on top of every new threat to privacy and security, and are reporting on them.
“Inevitably, as we report on these threats, we write out some creative ideas for organizations to protect themselves. This always gets a conversation going with our readers; the hive mind comes together, and the emerging threats become a lot less threatening very quickly with the help of a community looking to protect one another.”
—Bill Mann, Cyber Insider
2. Attend cybersecurity seminars
“l an online business, we take extra steps to ensure that we stay ahead of the curve when it comes to cybersecurity knowledge. One strategy we’ve consistently implemented is to attend cybersecurity seminars and conferences organized by industry experts and academicians. It’s at these seminars and conferences that we get to know new and fleshed-out research that is yet to gain popularity in the cybersecurity industry. Once I understand potential cybersecurity threats, I try as much as possible to implement our in-house security solutions
“In 2015 or thereabouts, I attended two conferences on cybersecurity, and one of the key lessons I learned was the need to use the latest Windows OS for our systems. When the WannaCry ransomware sent shockwaves in May 2017, our systems were intact, without any sign that they were compromised, because we had already updated our operating systems.”
—Bobby Lawson, EarthWeb
3. Combine threat intelligence with AI analysis
“As the head of IT and security, I liken managing cybersecurity to playing a never-ending, high-stakes game of ‘whack-a-mole.’ Just when you think you’ve secured all your bases, a new threat pops up, chuckling at your last patch. To stay ahead, we employ a strategy that combines real-time threat intelligence with a splash of AI-driven predictive analysis. This not only helps us foresee potential vulnerabilities, but also automates the grunt work, letting us focus on strategic defenses rather than just firefighting.
“But here’s the kicker: we treat every day like a drill—regularly scheduled chaos, if you will, with surprise penetration tests and simulated phishing expeditions to keep our team sharp and ready to pounce. This proactive approach ensures that when the real threats emerge, adapting isn’t a frantic scramble, but just another day at the office—but with a bit more adrenaline.”
—David Walsh, Barstool Sports
4. Leverage cloud computing and encourage continuous learning
“In tackling emerging cybersecurity threats, one strategy that has proved invaluable in my experience is the integration of cloud computing and cloud-based software for a more dynamic, resilient security posture. By leveraging cloud services, we’ve been able to deploy scalable security solutions that adapt to our changing needs and the evolving threat landscape. For example, cloud-based security information and event management (SIEM) systems provide us with real-time visibility and analytics, enabling us to identify and respond to threats more rapidly than traditional systems. The scalability of cloud services means we can adjust our security measures in response to fluctuations in threat levels, without compromising on performance or cost-effectiveness.
“Another critical aspect of staying ahead in cybersecurity is fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation among staff. Successfully navigating the complexities of the cybersecurity landscape requires a team that is not only technically proficient, but also adept at thinking on its feet. To this end, we regularly conduct training sessions focused on the latest cybersecurity trends and threats, coupled with simulations and drills to test and reinforce our defensive strategies. This approach has empowered our team to become more proactive in identifying potential vulnerabilities and deploying countermeasures before they can be exploited.
“Finally, collaboration and knowledge sharing with external entities and peers have significantly bolstered our defense mechanisms. By participating in industry forums and working groups, we’ve gained insights into emerging threats and best practices from a diverse array of perspectives. This collective intelligence approach has enabled us to refine our strategies and implement security measures that are both innovative and tried-and-tested. Through these efforts, we ensure our organization not only stays ahead of cybersecurity threats, but also fosters an ecosystem of collective security awareness and resilience.”
—David Pumphrey, Riveraxe LLC
5. Maintain cybersecurity awareness and preparedness
“One strategy I employ to anticipate emerging cybersecurity threats is to stay updated and continually educate myself on the latest trends and vulnerabilities in the cybersecurity realm. In my experience, this entails frequent perusal of industry reports, attending conferences, and engaging in training programs to maintain my knowledge. Additionally, based on my expertise and knowledge, I prioritize proactive actions, such as conducting regular security assessments, penetration testing, and implementing robust security measures to mitigate potential risks.
“To ensure our organization’s readiness to adapt to evolving threat landscapes, we foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness and preparedness at all organizational levels. This includes regularly conducting security awareness training sessions for staff, establishing comprehensive incident response plans, and promoting collaboration with peers and security experts to exchange insights and best practices. Through sustained vigilance and proactive measures, we can enhance our organization’s resilience against emerging threats and mitigate the potential impact of cyberattacks.”
—Charles Veprek, IT-AMG
6. Continuously seek out advancements in technology
“One of my pivotal strategies in staying ahead of cybersecurity threats is fostering a culture of continuous innovation and adaptation. Given the changing nature of cybersecurity threats, it’s crucial not to become complacent with current security measures, but to continuously seek out advancements in technology that can bolster our defenses. For instance, we integrate advanced security solutions like AI- and machine learning-driven tools that can predict and preempt potential threats by analyzing data patterns, essentially allowing us to stay several steps ahead of cybercriminals.
“The real-world application of this strategy was evident when we encountered a significant rise in ransomware attacks targeting the SMBs we support. By leveraging the insights gained from our continuous exploration of emerging technologies, we were able to implement a multi-layered security approach incorporating endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems, alongside more traditional solutions like firewalls and antivirus programs. This approach not only enhanced our ability to detect and respond to ransomware attacks more effectively, but also significantly minimized downtime for our clients.
“Moreover, I believe in the power of community knowledge and shared experiences in combating cybersecurity threats. In this spirit, we regularly contribute to and learn from global cybersecurity communities and forums. This exchange of information has been vital in keeping pace with the latest threat vectors and mitigation strategies. For example, through our engagement with these communities, we implemented a new patch management technique that significantly reduced vulnerability exposure times for our clients. This collective intelligence, combined with a commitment to innovation and employee training, forms the backbone of our strategy to navigate the challenging cybersecurity landscape successfully.”
—Remon Elsayea, TechTrone
7. Utilize vulnerability scanning tools
“Our strategy for staying ahead of emerging cybersecurity threats includes the adoption of a robust vulnerability management program. This program emphasizes the importance of continuously scanning our systems and applications for vulnerabilities, followed by prioritizing and remediating these vulnerabilities to minimize potential risks.
“By integrating automated vulnerability scanning tools with manual penetration testing, we can uncover and address security weaknesses before they can be exploited by attackers. To ensure our organization is prepared to adapt to evolving threat landscapes, this program is complemented by an agile cybersecurity framework that allows for the rapid implementation of necessary security updates and the adaptation of our security posture in response to new threats.
“This approach not only helps in maintaining high-security standards, but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement within our cybersecurity practices, ensuring that we remain vigilant and responsive to emerging cybersecurity challenges.”
—Amit Doshi, MyTurn
8. Conduct regular threat intelligence analysis
“If you want to stay ahead of emerging cybersecurity threats, regularly conduct threat intelligence analysis. By monitoring industry reports, threat feeds, and security advisories, I can identify new and evolving threats early on. This lets me proactively assess potential risks and vulnerabilities and take preventive measures to protect our organization’s systems and data.
“To ensure my organization is prepared to adapt to evolving threat landscapes, I prioritize ongoing cybersecurity training and awareness programs for all employees. Additionally, I regularly review and update our security policies, procedures, and controls to align with the latest security best practices and industry standards.”
—Khunshan Ahmad, InsideTechWorld
9. Hire a cybersecurity professional
“The most important thing you can do is have a cybersecurity professional on board. I know how difficult that can be for a small business, but it’s critical because no layperson knows all the ins and outs and intricacies of cybersecurity threats. This person will be worth their weight in gold, because they’re informed and they can properly prevent and protect.”
—Sead Fadilpašić, Restore Privacy
About the Author
Post by: Brett Farmiloe
Brett Farmiloe is the founder and CEO of Featured, a platform where business leaders can answer questions related to their expertise and get published in articles featuring their insights.
Company: Featured
Website: www.featured.com
Connect with me on LinkedIn.
