Cyber Security for Cape Town Businesses

As long as it can be profitable to access sensitive data, there will be cyber threats. The bottom line is: to trust IT companies with their confidential information, clients need to know that they are as safe as possible in the face of potential threats. Similarly, in-house solutions need to offer the same protection. Aside from adding peace of mind, cybersecurity prevents sometimes dangerous and illegal activities like hacking, fraud, data breaches and theft.

By nature, the digital world is ever-evolving. So too is the technology behind cybersecurity threats. The most common threats are malware, phishing attacks, ransomware, and Denial of Services (DoS) attacks.

However, the different types of cyber threats change over time and there are many more to consider. Zero-Day Vulnerabilities (disclosed but not yet patched), Social Engineering, and MitM (man-in-the-middle) attacks are also part of the threat landscape that can compromise your business.

Both types of software ultimately aim to protect computer systems and mobile devices from cyber attacks. They have two different key functions:

Anti-malware software is designed to protect and remove viruses, as well as malware (any malicious software).

Anti-virus software is targeted especially towards preventing and getting rid of viruses.

This type of malware involves restricting access to data and/or a device. As the name implies, a ransom is then demanded to restore or decrypt the data.

The malicious software is commonly delivered through phishing, and exploiting software vulnerabilities. Generally, files are encrypted and the victim is locked out of their computer system.

There is a gap in time before a developer or vendor is aware of any security risks that may exist. These security flaws are known as Zero-Day Vulnerabilities. The  ‘zero-day’ term is a reference to the amount of time developers have to fix these issues.

Attackers can exploit unknown vulnerabilities with viruses or malware to gain access to sensitive data. These cyber-threats can also cause significant system damage.

The risk of insider threats grows when an organisation has a lot of employees and vendors. Security incidents often occur because of unintended negligence but can also come from malicious intent. These insider threats can be mitigated by a multi-layered protective strategy:

• Network security needs to be strictly monitored and restricted.
• Uninformed employees are vulnerable to deception from email phishing, etc. Regular organisational training and awareness campaigns protect against this.
• Routine monitoring and patching help reduce security incidents.

Security threats evolve constantly. As a result, both security software and procedures need to keep up. Continuous monitoring means continuous safety.

To stay ahead of the cyber security curve, companies should review their procedures every so often evaluating resources and growing threats, as well as opportunities for internal advancement with Sophos and PM&A. Security software needs to be continually updated and patched, as new technology develops.

If left unchecked, data breaches can cause significant damage. This can result in compliance or regulatory fallout. If a breach does happen, there are a few important steps to take:

• Identify, contain and stop the ongoing attack.
• Evaluate the scope of impact and potential damage.
• Notify all relevant parties – anyone affected, IT security and necessary legal or compliance bodies. Transparent communication and disclosure is key.
• Review issues and improve protection measures to ensure a more secure system.

Businesses need to ensure cybersecurity compliance. To do this, they need to tailor a strategy according to the compliance requirements they need to adhere to. These differ from region to region – but at PM&A we can offer you insight into exactly what that looks like for businesses in the Western Cape.

Regular assessments and audits need to be worked into the standard procedure. Technical security measures such as firewalls and antiviruses must comply with relevant requirements such as the POPIA and Cybercrimes Act, etc.