Cyber Security has become increasingly important than ever. In the previous article, we spoke about the importance of data and AI, shaping the future. If you haven’t read it, check the link below:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/foreseeing-future-through-ai-whizz-hr/
It’s like two sides of the same coin. The more you advance with the benefits of AI technology & data science, the higher is the exposure to sensitive content being compromised.
Every organization, be it startup or large multinationals, processes the workflow through data integrated using computer systems. To assist this, we also use the smartphones, system integration software, cloud services, Internet of things (IoT) etc. Our data has now become vulnerable to cybercrimes, something that every organization dreads about! Moreover, post the pandemic; companies have largely adopted the remote mode of workplaces. Although workforces have remained productive through this, it has also allowed an unprecedented entry of employee network to third party applications. If it weren’t for applications like Zoom, our jobs would have been on a halt. The workplace protocols have changed drastically, where you can suddenly access your employer’s network by sitting in a rented Airbnb farmhouse. That’s where the cybercriminals have seen the opportunity! Most of the remote workers used their personal devices for work, making it an easy target for cyber attacks.
First & foremost, it is important to safeguard our privacy. If we don’t, we let the act of cybercrimes to set free & slowly we become victims of identity theft.
A brief look into what I feel can be done to save our identities.
1. Invest in Safeguarding Hardware
As much as possible, we must refrain from allowing the employees to use their personal devices for work. Even if they do, we must safeguard the security from the hardware level. Integrating a cutting-edge security system will help prevent the next generation of cybercrime.
2. Use of Updated Software & Password Security Systems
An updated software looks into the loopholes of the previous versions & overcomes the possibility of a security patch. So always update the software. A strong password system will largely help in securing data. Using a reputable password manager to generate a strong password could help initially.
3. Password Verification Process
Most of you might be aware of the two-factor authentication (2FA) & have most probably used it for your bank logins & transactions. A two-factor authentication basically allows the user to access the network by giving a digital code, unique to the user, sent on the user device. This ensures that only the user is accessing the network & not anybody else. It is one of the most secure ways of keeping your data safe.
4. Use of an AI Powered Monitoring System
It’s the power of making intelligent machines. So much that it can spot unusual patterns & situations faster than ever. The AI system can automatically detect user logs outside the network system or at an unusual time. Until the user has not authorized, the access to the network is freezed, thereby securing sensitive content. Irrespective of whether remote working will stay or not, the cybercriminals will stay. We have to look at effective ways to prioritize security of data in the organization.
5. Organizing Cyber Security Awareness Sessions
Cyber security is a shared responsibility of the entire organization, not just the IT team. It calls for an extra vigilance by all the employees of the organization. Any suspicious activity or unrecognized email should be alerted to the administration immediately. For this, the staff needs to know the guidelines to be followed to prevent data threat. Training on cyber security can help surpass the likelihood of a security breach by human error.
Happy Reading!