Cyber Security Hygiene: Best Practices for Individuals & Organisations in 2024!

What is Cyber Security Hygiene?

Cyber Security Hygiene, often referred to as “Cyber Hygiene”, encompasses the Best Practices that both Individuals & Organisations should adopt to safeguard against common Cyber Threats like Data Breaches, Password Attacks & Social Engineering. By maintaining strong Cyber Hygiene, the risk of Cyber Attacks is significantly reduced, ensuring that sensitive data and systems remain secure.

The Importance of CISO & HR / Talent Acquisition Collaboration:

Achieving effective Cyber Security Hygiene within an organisation requires more than just technical measures; it demands a coordinated effort between the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) & HR / Talent Acquisition Teams. By working together, these Departments can ensure that Cyber Security is embedded into the fabric of the organisation from the ground up. This collaboration begins with hiring the right talent - individuals who not only possess strong technical skills but also understand and prioritise Cyber Security Best Practices. HR can support this by implementing rigorous vetting processes and ensuring that Cyber Security Awareness is a key criterion during recruitment.

Moreover, ongoing collaboration between CISO’s & HR is crucial for fostering a culture of Cyber Security within the organisation. By integrating Cyber Security Training into the Employee Onboarding Process and providing regular, updated training sessions, HR can help reinforce the importance of good Cyber Hygiene Practices across all levels of the organisation. This partnership also enables the development of clear communication channels, ensuring that security policies are well-understood and followed by all employees, thereby reducing the risk of human error, which remains one of the leading causes of data breaches.

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Cyber Security Hygiene Checklist for Individuals:

• Regularly Back Up Your Data?Regular data backups are essential to prevent loss in the event of device failure, theft, or compromise. Encrypt sensitive data during backup to ensure it remains secure from unauthorised access. Consider using encrypted, cloud-based solutions like password managers that offer secure file storage.
• Keep Your Software Up to Date: Always ensure that your Software, Devices & Applications are up to date. Software updates often include critical security patches, and delaying these updates can leave your system vulnerable to attacks. Enable automatic updates where possible, but also check for updates manually to ensure no critical patches are missed.
• Use Passkeys: When Available?Passkeys offer a secure, passwordless authentication method, using Biometric Authentication or a PIN tied to your device. This method is more secure than traditional passwords. If available, opt to use passkeys for online accounts to enhance security.
• Use Strong & Unique Passwords for Every Account: When Passkeys are not an option, create strong, unique passwords for each account. Use a password manager to generate and store these passwords securely, eliminating the need to remember them yourself.
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):?Even strong passwords are not foolproof. Enabling MFA adds an extra layer of security, blocking over 99.9% of account compromise attacks. If using passkeys, note that they inherently support two-factor authentication (2FA).
• Avoid Oversharing on Social Media?Oversharing: Using social media can expose you to risks, including targeted phishing attacks and physical danger. Avoid posting your location or personal details, and set your profiles to private, only accepting requests from people you know.
• Install Anti-Virus Software:?Anti-Virus Software detects and removes known viruses and malware, providing a critical line of defence for your data and devices.

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Cyber Security Hygiene Checklist for Organisations:

• Use Strong Access Controls:?Implementing strong access controls, such as the Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP), helps prevent misuse and unauthorised access to resources. Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions can aid in monitoring and enforcing these controls.
• Provide Employees with Regular Cyber Security Training: Employees are often the weakest link in an organisation’s security chain. Regular training on Cyber Security best practices, including phishing awareness and secure data handling, is crucial. According to the 2024 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, human error was involved in 68% of data breaches.
• Use a Business Password Manager: A business password manager provides IT admins with visibility and control over employee password practices. It helps enforce password policies, implement Role-Based Access Controls (RBAC), and secure the sharing of credentials.
• Perform Regular Data Backups:?Organisations should maintain multiple data backups and ensure all backups are encrypted. This practice mitigates the risk of data loss and unauthorised access in case of a breach.
• Monitor Your Organisation’s Network:?Regular network monitoring for suspicious activity is essential. Network segmentation can further enhance security by preventing attackers from moving laterally across the network if a breach occurs.

Whether you’re an Individual or an Organisation, adopting strong Cyber Security Hygiene Practices is essential to minimise your exposure to Cyber Threats. Regular updates, strong access controls, and continuous training are just some of the steps you can take to maintain a robust security posture. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to Cyber Attacks, safeguarding your data and systems in an increasingly connected world.

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How SECURE | CYBER CONNECT Can Help

At SECURE | CYBER CONNECT, we understand that achieving and maintaining Cyber Security hygiene requires a combination of expert knowledge, strategic hiring, and continuous education. Our network of associate subject matter experts (SMEs), Special Interest Groups, and partners is dedicated to supporting both individuals and organisations in building and sustaining strong Cyber Security defences. Whether you need assistance in recruiting the right talent, enhancing your team’s Cyber Security skills, or implementing cutting-edge security solutions, we are here to help you every step of the way. Together, we can ensure that your organisation is well-equipped to face today’s complex cyber threats.

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