Keeping an organization safe in the cyberspace is a key responsibility of HR. This includes identifying risks, performing penetration testing, researching and developing activities, and using authentication techniques.
Internal cyber risks
Despite the increasing focus on external threats, companies are still at risk of internal cyber risks. These threats have become more complex and sophisticated. As a result, organizations must be prepared to identify and manage these risks .
Internal cyber risks are primarily caused by employees within the organization. They are especially damaging because they can cause damage to company data. They also affect employees, suppliers, and other business partners.
The main goal of an attacker is to gain access to sensitive data. In many cases, they are able to remain inside the system for months before being detected.
A malicious insider is an employee, contractor, or supplier who gains access to the company’s system and begins to act in a manner that is detrimental to the organization. These attackers can steal information, destroy sensitive data, or impersonate an administrator to gain access to company systems.
These individuals can be employees or contractors who have been brought on for a particular project. For example, one disgruntled employee in Los Angeles, California, hacked a traffic light.
These attackers have the ability to steal data, impersonate an administrator, and eavesdrop on communication between endpoints. These individuals can also exploit security vulnerabilities to gain access to systems. They can install viruses, worms, and trojans on computers. These types of software can be downloaded by unsuspecting users.
Authentication techniques
Authentication techniques are an essential component of a robust cybersecurity defense. Without a secure authentication process, unauthorized users can gain access to an organization’s sensitive information, files, and resources.
Authentication techniques include two-factor and multifactor authentication. These technologies use different methods to confirm user identity, such as biometrics and behavior-based information.
Traditionally, passwords were the main method of authentication. Now, newer authentication techniques are being developed. For example, there is research in place to strengthen the security of authentication on mobile devices.
Using biometrics, such as fingerprints or iris recognition, can provide additional protection to a user’s online credentials. There are also new technologies that use Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning to help improve security.
Using passwords is still a good security measure. However, it’s important to note that cybercriminals are now using more sophisticated techniques to hide their malicious activity. Some cybercriminals have even moved their infrastructure to the cloud.
Another security measure is to establish a formal written policy for the use of social media. Having this policy can prevent employees from posting personal information about the company on public forums. This will help mitigate the reputational damage of a data breach.
Another way to protect against an attack is to implement a killswitch. This is a system that blocks attacks on a large scale. This will keep the hackers away from your network and your critical servers.
Penetration testing
Performing penetration testing can help you identify and eliminate cyber risks. The information gleaned from a penetration test can be used to implement additional security layers, improve enterprise cybersecurity, and enhance your overall security posture.
One of the most common ways hackers breach the internal network of a company is by exploiting vulnerabilities in the company’s security controls. Once inside, the hacker can control the IT infrastructure of the organization. These types of breaches have cost companies millions of dollars and resulted in job losses in different functions.
One of the best ways to find out where these threats originate is to perform an external penetration test. This type of test is performed on a company’s physical or electronic network perimeter. It’s a relatively inexpensive and quick way to determine the strengths and weaknesses of an organization’s security controls.
This test is best conducted by an expert in the field of network security. The goal is to find any openings in a company’s security network where a hacker could gain access to sensitive information.
Penetration testing can be done on all networks, applications, and infrastructure. While it’s possible to perform a single test, it’s often more effective to enlist the help of different vendors for a series of tests.
Research and development activities
The rate of cyber crimes is increasing. Despite this fact, the US government has not invested enough in research and development activities to mitigate cyber risks for businesses. This gap is caused by a number of factors. These include an underfunded government R&D program, an underestimating of the threats, and economic constraints.
The National Cyber Security Division is the focal point for all cyber security issues in the U.S. This division is tasked with conducting applied and basic research, as well as coordinating the implementation of the National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace.