The Fundamental Five: Building a Solid Cybersecurity Foundation
Cybersecurity is a broad and multi-layered discipline, yet many organisations still approach it as though a single tool or policy can safeguard them against every possible threat.
In reality, there are hundreds of processes and strategies that cybersecurity professionals consider when designing networks and defending against cyberattacks. And the good news is that some of the most effective practices can be distilled into 5 key areas.
Here’s a closer look at the 5 essential foundations of cybersecurity: what they mean, how they benefit your business, and how to implement them effectively.
1. Keep Operating Systems and Applications Updated
Outdated software is one of the most common entry points for cybercriminals. Software developers regularly release updates to patch vulnerabilities, but failing to apply these leaves your systems exposed.
This applies to everything from your operating system to the apps your team uses daily.
- The benefit of regular updates is simple: you reduce your exposure to known security flaws.
- Many cyberattacks, including ransomware, specifically target unpatched software, and closing this basic loophole could erase the target on your back.
To implement this strategy, enable automatic updates wherever possible. For systems that require manual updates, establish a strict patch management schedule and ensure that all devices, including mobile phones and IoT devices, are included.
2. Strengthen Access with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of protection beyond passwords. It typically requires users to provide two or more forms of verification, such as a password combined with a fingerprint, security token, or mobile app code.
The major benefit of MFA is that it significantly reduces the likelihood of unauthorised access, even if passwords are stolen or compromised.
With more than 150 data breaches reported in 2024, SA companies should be focusing on MFA as a cost effective and instantly actionable cybersecurity solution.
- MFA Implementation is straightforward: Deploy it on all critical systems, including email, cloud platforms, and remote access tools.
- It’s a good idea to start with administrator accounts and systems that store sensitive data, then roll it out across your broader workforce.
3. Apply Strict Permission Controls
Not every employee needs access to every system or file. By limiting permissions based on roles and responsibilities, you reduce the risk of both accidental and malicious data breaches.
The benefit of proper permission management is twofold: it minimises insider threats and ensures that if an account is compromised, the attacker’s access is restricted.
- Permission controls should follow the principle of least privilege.
- This means reviewing user permissions regularly and revoking access when employees change roles or leave the organisation.
You can also consider using role-based access control (RBAC) systems to simplify management.
4. Harden Users and Applications
User and application hardening is a technical term that focuses on reducing vulnerabilities through configuration and behaviour.
This includes disabling unnecessary features, restricting access to risky websites, and ensuring employees follow safe computing practices.
- Proactively locking down both human and software elements will help you reduce your overall attack surface.
- By disabling unused system functions, removing outdated applications, and deploying endpoint protection tools, you can help your team to behave defensively online and reduce the opportunity for cyberattacks.
Regular security awareness training is also vital in order to help your staff to understand how their actions can either protect or endanger your systems.
5. Secure Cloud Backups for Peace of Mind
A reliable, secure backup is your final line of defence when all else fails.
Cloud backups ensure that your data can be restored quickly in the event of a cyberattack, hardware failure, or accidental deletion.
- The advantage of modern cloud backups lies in features like real-time data replication, end-to-end encryption, and immutable storage, meaning your backups can’t be tampered with or deleted by attackers.
- For best results, choose a reputable cloud backup provider that offers automatic backups, supports a wide range of file types and systems, and provides robust security certifications.
- Regularly test your backups to confirm they can be restored successfully.
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