5 lessons to learn from 2020 security breaches

Cybercriminals 'prospered' in 2020...

Capitalising on the disruption resulting from the move to remote working, cybercriminals ‘prospered’ in 2020…

There was a 20% rise in cybersecurity threats compared with 2019 and an 80% surge in ransomware attacks in the third quarter.

Covid restrictions are still in place, and a move to a more flexible, hybrid working environment forecast post-pandemic – so greater security vigilance is essential.

threat mitigation 5 lessons to learn from 2020 security breaches

1) PHISHING IS INCREASINGLY SOPHISTICATED

  • Spear-phishinG
  • Vishing (voice phishing)
  • Smishing (SMS text phishing)
  • Angle phishing (targeting ‘bad experience’ customers via social media)
security 5 lessons to learn from 2020 security breaches

2) SIMULATE AN ATTACK, BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE

  • Expose your vulnerabilities
  • Monitor your ability to detect a breach
  • Measure the response to a breach
  • Fix the weaknesses
approach 5 lessons to learn from 2020 security breaches

3) TEST THE INTEGRITY OF YOUR SOFTWARE

  • Shake up your testing program
  • Don’t take the vendor’s word – test yourself
  • Use robust, manual review techniques
  • Test, test, and test again

4) TRAIN YOUR STAFF

  • The most efficient way to limit risk
  • Develop an ongoing training program
  • Train, train, and train again
protect 5 lessons to learn from 2020 security breaches

5) DON’T JUST CHECK EVERYTHING ONCE!

  • Managing security is a continual process
  • Build it into your IT calendar
  • Make it a priority!