As businesses navigate the challenges of managing IT resources efficiently, it's crucial to prioritise cybersecurity to safeguard operations. In this exclusive edition, we unveil 12 essential tech tools tailored for companies facing constraints in managing their IT infrastructure effectively. From fundamental cybersecurity measures to advanced data protection and security testing, these tools not only optimise business operations but also fortify your IT toolkit against potential threats.
For example, discover how Automated Network Penetration Testing can be an indispensable ally in safeguarding a secure work environment, especially amidst the demands of digital transformation and remote and hybrid work.
"50% of businesses and 32% of charities had identified a cyber breach or attack in the past year.
However, since last year, more businesses are putting basic security measures in place, more large businesses and charities are training their staff and three-quarters of businesses say cyber security is a high priority for senior management."
Cybersecurity Protection
Tool 1: Anti-Virus is Dead Long Live EDR
Ensure your business is protected from digital grinches (malware, ransomware, and other malicious software). Advanced end-point detection and response solutions provide real-time detection and removal but critically unlike AV reverse the changes made by malware.
Tool 2: Mobile Device Management
Cyber Essentials and government guidelines now firmly include mobile devices as in scope. If your staff access business data systems from a mobile, then the business must take reasonable steps to protect that data. Who owns the device is irrelevant. Companies need to manage the device and ensure it is secure or they need to prevent their systems from being accessed by it. Mobile device management and access control allow businesses to ensure that only safe devices access their data.
Tool 3: Firewall Solutions
Create a protective barrier around your digital assets. They are essential for safeguarding sensitive information as firewalls block unauthorised access and cyberattacks.
Tool 4: SIEM and SOC
Criminals and the AI they use works 247/365 so your response needs to do likewise. Like in real life, the first hour (golden hour) is critical to your outcome. Knowing about a threat is different from having remediated or mitigated it. An expert proactive response is a critical defence against digital threats targeting individual devices. Having dozens of security solutions requires oversight of a security centre to police your entire IT environment.
Data Protection
Tool 5: Identity and Access Management (IAM) Systems
Efficiently manage user access. IAM systems control who can access what within your digital realm. Don’t rely on users to protect your company data. Enforce secure passwords, multi-factor authentication and device health. Prevent unauthorised access and data breaches.
Tool 6: Backup and Disaster Recovery Solutions
Prepare for data loss and disasters. Regular backups ensure data recovery and minimal downtime. Business continuity is ensured, even in unexpected situations.
Tool 7: Compliance As A Service
Ensure that you meet your legal and contractual obligations by meeting and proving compliance. Avoid cliff-edge compliance failure where you risk being blocked as a supplier or breaching a contract as you are failing an audit. Understand compliance issues and risks in real-time so you can address them quickly and not let them build up or catch you out. Avoid fraught compliance deadlines by operating compliance as a service and address issues throughout the year in a planned budgeted manner.
Tool 8: Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Solutions
Monitor your digital workspace in real-time. SIEM solutions analyse security events and provide alerts. Crucial for identifying and responding to potential security incidents promptly.
Security Testing and Network Management
Tool 9: Vulnerability Assessment Software
Identify and address weaknesses in your cybersecurity. These tools help you proactively patch vulnerabilities. Enhance your security posture to prevent potential breaches. Did you know that it has been the law since 2018 to perform independent testing on your data networks?
Tool 10: Automated Network Penetration Testing
Automated Network Penetration Testing is a proactive cybersecurity approach that simulates real-world cyberattacks to evaluate the strength of your defenses. Unlike traditional once-per-year tests, this allows for on-demand testing, providing a continuous assessment of your security posture. By leveraging Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS), companies can ensure ongoing compliance and security throughout the year. This dynamic approach helps identify vulnerabilities promptly and strengthens cybersecurity measures in the face of evolving threats.
Tool 11: Network Documentation and Password Management
Store your network documentation and access control information securely. Understand your digital assets and how to access them. Enforce standards and empower your team to proactively document and safeguard your digital assets.
Tool 12: Zero Trust
Computers can perform millions of tasks and in reality, most companies perform under 100 routine tasks with them. Protecting and scrutinising millions of tasks to a risk-free level is impossible, so all companies operate IT with risk. In 10 years, all viable networks will operate with Zero trust so it's coming for everyone. Digitally mature companies are implementing Zero Trust now. It’s far easier and creates a step change in security to only permit very specific applications and tasks to operate. So instead of denying millions of activities you just allow a few and block everything else. Just make sure the CEO and stakeholders concur as whilst no other change will do more to secure your digital security it's not widely popular.
Honorable Mention: Invest in Employee Training and Phishing Awareness Programs
In addition to fortifying your digital defenses with sophisticated IT tools, investing in comprehensive employee training and phishing awareness programs is paramount to bolstering your cybersecurity posture. Phishing attacks remain one of the most prevalent and insidious cyber threats (84% of businesses and 83% of charities), often exploiting human error as the weakest link in your security chain.
DID YOU KNOW: larger organisations often report more cyber breaches—not necessarily because they are targeted more, but because they have the tools to detect them? Small and medium businesses might face similar risks but remain unaware due to a lack of robust detection systems.
Investing in sophisticated IT tools isn't just for the big players; it's a necessity for all. Without the right defenses, businesses are navigating blind in a sea of advancing cyber threats. Don't let your business be an easy target. Prioritise data security, invest in the right IT solutions, and turn your vulnerabilities into strengths. It's time to level the cybersecurity playing field and safeguard your hard-earned success.
These 12 cybersecurity tools are indispensable components of your tech stack, safeguarding your digital assets, maintaining uninterrupted business operations, and empowering your team to effectively mitigate cyber threats.
Not sure what you're up against in 2024? Download our latest free guide today to learn more about these tools and how to secure your business in the evolving digital landscape of 2024 and beyond.
May your business enjoy a cyber-safe and successful year ahead!
Download our latest guide with 10 steps to strengthen your defences now.
Source: DSIT cyber security newsletter - April 2024 / Gov.uk