Cyber Security can be daunting, we discuss the different cyber security measures you can implement to help protect your business from a cyber attack.  Advice from a Managed Security Service Provider.

In the context of Australian businesses, cybersecurity encompasses all-encompassing measures aimed at safeguarding the organization, its employees, and its valuable assets against a diverse array of cyber threats. With the proliferation of increasingly common and sophisticated cyberattacks and the inherent complexity of corporate networks, a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity solutions becomes imperative to effectively mitigate cyber risks faced by Australian enterprises.

Cyberattack incidents have skyrocketed over the past few years, making cybersecurity a crucial part of risk management in this digital era. As a result, maintaining continuity in the business regardless of what industry you’re in or how big or small your business is lies in the ability to protect your devices, data, and network from cyber criminals. (1)

To accomplish this effectively, you need a clear understanding of the different types of cyber security services and how they work to defend your business against threats and attacks. While there may be different types of cybersecurity measures, they all serve the same purpose: to protect your business’s digital assets and preserve integrity, confidentiality, and data availability.

That said, here are the most common types of cyber security and how they protect businesses against cyberattacks.

Cyber security is a wide field covering several disciplines. It can be divided into the following main pillars:

Network security continues to be a cornerstone of cybersecurity for Australian businesses in 2024. Attacks often target vulnerabilities in network infrastructure. Robust solutions, including Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), Next-Gen Antivirus (NGAV), and Content Disarm and Reconstruction (CDR), are essential to detect and thwart these threats. Automated Security Orchestration and Response (SOAR) technologies play a pivotal role in swift incident response.

This type of cybersecurity involves controls and measures designed to protect your networking infrastructure. This includes protective measures against unauthorized access to the network, security breaches, misuse of authorized accounts, and many other threats. Network security services come in three forms; physical, technical, and administrative.

• Physical: Involves protecting your network infrastructures such as data routers, data centres, and servers from unauthorized physical access, usually by housing the hardware in a secured location.
• Technical: Protecting network data in storage or during transmission in the form of data encryption and similar processes.
• Administrative: These are the security measures and practices that involve placing restrictions on certain accounts, file management, and other administrative functions.

There’s a variety of tools and technologies that help implement network security controls and best practices. These include:

• Firewalls,
• Virtual Private Networks (VPNs),
• Intrusion Protection Systems (IPS),
• Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS).

Web applications remain prime targets for cybercriminals. In 2024, Australian businesses must focus on application security to counter threats like injection attacks, authentication flaws, and misconfigurations. Continuous learning and robust protection against bot attacks are essential to keep applications and APIs secure.

Whether you’re using off-the-shelf or custom applications to handle business-related operations, you need to continuously take measures to ensure that they’re properly secured. Cybercriminals are known to prey on vulnerabilities in applications to bypass your company’s security.

For instance, hackers can target a weakness in your operating system, if you don’t install timely software updates. Aside from vulnerabilities, other issues in application security include misconfigurations, weak access control measures, poor or lack of encryption, and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. (2)

Some of the best practices in ensuring application security include:

• Constant software updates
• Using reputable antivirus programs such as Optus internet security suite and other alternatives
• Regular risk assessment and patching
• Strict access control
• Software as a Service (SaaS) management

Also: Importance Of Cybersecurity Risk Management

As the adoption of cloud computing skyrockets, securing the cloud environment is paramount. Australian businesses must implement comprehensive cloud security strategies encompassing third-party solutions, controls, and policies. These measures ensure that applications, data, and infrastructure in the cloud are resilient against attacks and data breaches.

Cloud computing is taking over the business landscape for its improved security, scalability, and flexibility for business data storage and applications. In fact, some experts believe that an on-premise environment is more prone to malware attacks, and that implementing cloud computing enhances security. (3)

Cloud security is a part of the IT security services that helps you monitor and protect your data on cloud-based resources. Services providers are constantly creating and updating security tools to offer better enterprise security services, improving protection for cloud users. Here are a few best practices for higher cloud security:

• Identity and Access Management (IAM)
• Multi-factor and passwordless authentication
• Cloud Access Security Broker (CASM)

The vast majority of data breaches are caused by attacks carried out from outside the system, via the internet. In the early stages of a breach, hacking is the most common action. In the middle and late stages of the attack, it is the second most common action, with web-based applications being the most common hacking vectors. (4)

Internet security is distinct from other forms of cybersecurity simply because of the prevalence and sheer magnitude of internet threats. As a result, internet security encompasses far more than simply protecting data in transit over the internet. Internet cyber security solutions and practices to consider for your company also include the following, among many other cybersecurity measures:

• Email security
• DNS layer protection
• Web Content filtering

In today’s hybrid working environment, endpoint security has become a critical aspect to consider in business. With the increase of remote working setups, bring-your-own devices workplaces, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, there line between personal and company hardware has never been blurrier. More often than not, people can access corporate applications and processes using personal devices from anywhere.

Australian companies are urged to adopt a zero-trust security model that revolves around micro-segmentation. This approach secures desktops and laptops with advanced threat prevention mechanisms, including anti-phishing and anti-ransomware tools. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions provide invaluable insights for forensics.

Consequently, this has opened up many security threats and vulnerabilities, including theft of credentials, phishing, socially engineered scams, and crypto-jacking. Some of the best practices to consider when implementing endpoint security include the following:

• • Mobile device management (MDM)
  • Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP)
  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
  • Disc encryption
  • Security awareness training

Also: A Complete Guide To Endpoint Security

Employee training and awareness are pivotal components of a robust cybersecurity strategy. Human error stands out as a significant contributor to cybersecurity incidents, underscoring the importance of educating employees about potential threats. Training programs are designed to empower staff to recognise and respond effectively to a spectrum of security risks, from phishing attacks to social engineering tactics.

Regular security awareness training sessions play a crucial role in keeping employees informed about the ever-evolving threat landscape. Beyond training, organizations should actively foster a culture of security, ensuring that employees comprehend the vital role they play in safeguarding sensitive information. This culture empowers individuals to be vigilant and responsible custodians of data. Moreover, it is essential to create incident response plans that include clear, actionable steps for employees to follow in the event of a security incident, ensuring a coordinated and effective response to any potential breach or threat.

Also: Cyber Security Awareness Training

SIEM solutions are crucial components of a robust cybersecurity strategy. SIEM solutions collect, aggregate, and analyse data from various sources, including network devices, servers, and security logs, to provide a centralised view of security events.

They perform the essential functions of collecting, aggregating, and analysing data from diverse sources, including network devices, servers, and security logs, resulting in a centralized and comprehensive view of security events. SIEM systems play a critical role in detecting patterns that could signify a security incident, promptly triggering alerts and providing the necessary tools for efficient incident investigations. By incorporating machine learning and behavioural analytics, SIEM solutions can further enhance their capabilities by identifying anomalies and deviations from established patterns of normal behaviour. Additionally, SIEM is instrumental in meeting regulatory compliance requirements and strengthening an organisation’s ability to detect and respond to threats, making it an invaluable asset for modern cybersecurity operations.

Also: SIEM Security

The concept of Zero Trust represents a profound shift in how we approach security. Traditional models that rely on perimeter-based defences have become inadequate in the face of evolving cyber threats. Zero Trust offers a new paradigm, underscoring the need for a more granular and adaptive security approach. This includes concepts like micro-segmentation, where network segments are isolated and secured individually, and role-based access controls, which ensure that individuals have access only to what is necessary for their roles. In an era where Australian organisations are increasingly embracing cloud solutions and remote work arrangements, Zero Trust principles have become indispensable. They provide the necessary framework to protect individual resources and data, regardless of where they are accessed or stored, making cybersecurity more resilient and agile in an ever-changing digital landscape.

Also: Technology, Cyber Security & the new modern workplace

In conclusion, the cybersecurity landscape in Australia for 2024 demands a comprehensive and adaptive approach. To stay ahead of the evolving risks, businesses must invest in a multi-faceted cybersecurity strategy that encompasses network security, cloud security, endpoint and mobile security, IoT security, and application security, and embraces the principles of zero trust.

By proactively addressing these areas, Australian businesses can fortify their defenses against emerging threats and protect their digital assets in an increasingly connected world. While the industry lacks a standard definition for specific cybersecurity business types and some categories overlap, it’s crucial to recognize that most, if not all, cybersecurity solutions fall under the aforementioned pillars. Ultimately, ensuring the protection of everything from your network to personal hardware is of paramount importance, as it equips you to guard your business effectively against the ever-present threat of cybercriminals.

Kaine Mathrick Tech, as a trusted managed security service provider (MSSP), offers a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to safeguard your business from the ever-growing threat of cyberattacks. With their expert team of cybersecurity professionals, they work diligently to assess, monitor, and strengthen your organisation’s digital defences. Their proactive approach includes implementing robust firewall systems, continuous network monitoring, and timely software updates to mitigate vulnerabilities. Kaine Mathrick Tech also conducts regular employee training and awareness programs to foster a culture of cybersecurity within your workforce, reducing the risk of human error. In the event of an attack, their rapid incident response capabilities ensure swift containment and recovery, minimising downtime and potential data loss. Partnering with Kaine Mathrick Tech means entrusting your business’s cybersecurity to a team dedicated to keeping your operations secure, resilient, and ahead of emerging threats.

Also: Cyber Security with KMT

1. “CSC Annual Cyber Threat Report 2020-21”, Source: https://www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/view-all-content/reports-and-statistics/acsc-annual-cyber-threat-report-2020-21
2. “Unpatched Windows 10 vulnerability exploited by hackers as working from home rises”, Source: https://www.verdict.co.uk/unpatched-windows-10-vulnerability/
3. “Why your data is safer in the cloud than on premises”, Source: https://techbeacon.com/security/why-your-data-safer-cloud-premises
4. “Website Hacking Statistics You Should Know in 2022”, Source: https://patchstack.com/articles/website-hacking-statistics/