Sunscreen and summertime go hand in hand. Sunscreen is of particular importance to those living on the Gulf Coast, where summer temperatures average 89°F to 92°F. Without the added layer of protection that sunscreen provides, the threat of sun damage from UV rays is a significant reality and one that can potentially lead to skin cancer. Thus, sunscreen is a summer must-have.
What Does Sunscreen Have to Do With Information Security?
We’re glad you asked! Organizations need to take a sunscreen approach to their information security protection needs; namely, viewing it as a must-have vs a nice-to-have. Retarus recently reported some startling cybersecurity statistics:
- $2.9 million is lost to cybercrime every minute
- The average cost of a data breach last year was $3.86 million
- It took 280 days, on average, last year to identify and contain a breach
- $10.5 trillion is the annual global projected price tag for cybercrime by 2025
We repeat: information security protection is a must-have.
Summer Is off to a Rough Start, Cybersecurity-Wise
Cybercriminals have been busy. They sure don’t seem to be taking time off to enjoy the warmer temps. And no wonder – business is booming.
JBS and Colonial Pipelines are 2 recent victims of high-profile cyberattacks that have organizations globally questioning whether their IT security systems are up to par. Colonial Pipelines was attacked on May 7 and subsequently paid millions in cryptocurrency to a cybercriminal enterprise, known as DarkSide, in order to restore their business. This attack disrupted fuel infrastructure and supply chain operations, leading to gas shortages in numerous states. And then earlier this month, JBS, the largest meat supplier in the world, was forced to temporarily close all its American beef plants due to a ransomware attack by the same DarkSide perpetrators.
This same Retarus report shares that 80% of senior IT employees don’t feel that their companies are suitably protected against cyberattacks. Do you feel that your organization could weather a JBS or Colonial Pipelines level attack? Like preparing for a day at the beach, your company needs to proactively partner with a managed services provider (MSP) that expertly covers your cybersecurity requirements with the efficiency of a high-SPF sunscreen.
5 Layers of Cybersecurity
AGJ Systems & Networks takes a layered approach to cybersecurity by focusing on the following 5 service areas: security information and event management (SIEM), network security, endpoint security, application security and data security.
- SIEM
SIEM is a tool that focuses on gathering event and log-in data and then categorizing it (example categories could include failed log-ins and malware activity). Using predefined rules, SIEM then generates security alerts, flagging potential cybercriminal activity with your IT decision makers.
The AGJ intrusion detection system is constantly on the lookout for malicious activity, which is then reported into the SIEM, which in turn provides real-time analysis of security alerts and elimination strategies. Truly, a well-oiled (er, well-sunscreened?) machine.
- Network security
Network security refers to software and hardware technologies that protect the integrity of computer networks. Network architecture and security have evolved significantly since IBM introduced the first personal computer (PC) in 1981. Today’s network security and secure IT specialists need to be right on top of an ever-growing scope of vulnerability points, from devices to users to applications.
- Endpoint security
A specific element of network security is ensuring that all system entry points and end points are properly secured. Desktop computers, cloud-based applications, laptops, smartphones, tablets … all are endpoints that cybercriminals are looking to exploit. And doing so, very successfully, and with devastating consequences.
Endpoint detection and response, anti-virus tools, managed detection and response, device hardening – all come standard with AGJ’s endpoint security service.
- Application security
The application market is a growing one. One that is forecasted to grow at 12% annually over the next 6–7 years. Alongside that growth is the heightened need for application security. While the right applications can be a major productivity booster for organizations, they also provide those relentless cybercriminals with, yet, another point of potential vulnerability.
- Data security
It simply cannot be overstated just how critical proper data security is. It’s the reason that Colonial Pipelines (among countless others) was willing to pay millions to cybercriminals to regain their data. A bad data breach can be a death knell for an organization.
AGJ’s data security framework includes:
- Data encryptions (at rest and in transit)
- Data classification
- Data loss prevention
- Data auditing
- Vulnerability and pen test scanning
There you have it. AGJ’s 5 layers of cybersecurity. Designed, like a high-SPF sunscreen, to protect your organization (skin) from harm (UV rays). AGJ is the Gulf Coast’s leading IT management and IT consulting services provider. SPF protection ranges from low (SPF 6 to 14) to very high (50+). AGJ Systems & Networks prides themselves on providing SPF-100-level defense. Contact them today to experience the feeling of full protection, leaving you free to enjoy the summer safely and risk-free.
