Homework Wk 6

Each year cyber threats become more dangerous to the government, businesses, and even the normal everyday citizen. Cyber threats come in several forms, and organizations must continue to find innovative ways to counter these threats in order to protect their data, as well as their reputation. It is therefore important that organizations structure their security appropriately to ensure emerging threats are mitigated.

Computer viruses can cause severe damage to a company, but a few important security functions can be put in place to ensure an organization is mitigating the threat as effectively as possible. Keeping antivirus software up to date is crucial. More importantly, ensuring employees are educated about computer viruses, to include how a viruses are introduced to a network, and enforcing strict policies that prevent viruses is vital (Belthoff, 2003). Organizations benefit from having a good cybersecurity training regime in place to ensure employees stay alert and are informed about emerging cyber threats.

Having policies in place that prevent users from downloading spyware is important. Limiting what type of file can be downloaded by normal users can help prevent spyware from being introduced to a computer on the network. This can be done through training, software, and by enforcing security policies. It is important that organizations hire the appropriate IT security professionals that are capable of effectively managing the organization’s security software and policies.

Preventing phishing scams is best done by educating users on how to avoid being a victim of such attacks. Having cybersecurity officers in the workplace that can update employees on the latest threats, help monitor incoming phishing attempts, and continually testing employees with fake phishing emails can help a lot (DuoCircle, 2020).

Perhaps the most costly cyber threat to a company comes from hacking. Small businesses that lack the funds necessary to hire a team of cybersecurity professionals can hire internet-based data-security vendors to help mitigate this threat (Swift Systems, 2020). This could potentially be worth the costs since the lawsuits and the damage to the reputation that results from such attacks can cause enough harm to put a company out of business.

Organizations can best mitigate emerging cyber threats by having the appropriate cyber professionals assigned or available. These individuals must be capable of providing quality, up to date cybersecurity-based education for all employees. Additionally, these personnel must be adept at network monitoring, reacting to emerging threats, and assisting employees when they have IT security related issues.

- Patrick Sellars

References

Belthoff, C. (2003, July 14). Ten ways to defend against viruses. Retrieved October 15, 2020, from  https://www.computerworld.com/article/2571475/ten-ways-to-defend-against-viruses.html

DuoCircle. (2020, July 08). How to Prevent Phishing and Spoofing. Retrieved October 15, 2020, from  https://www.duocircle.com/content/phishing-prevention/how-to-prevent-phishing-and-spoofing

Swift Systems. (2020, May 11). Top 6 Ways to Protect Your Business from Hackers. Retrieved October 15, 2020, from  https://swiftsystems.com/guides-tips/top-6-ways-to-protect-your-business-from-hackers/