Cybersecurity in Design: Protecting Intellectual Property and Client Data

Cyber threats from skilled hackers are on the rise, and no organization is immune. It's not a question of if, but when, your data will be targeted. Being reactive to attacks is no longer sufficient. To ensure complete cyber security and intellectual property protection, digital defense must be approached proactively and comprehensively. Start planning ahead to safeguard every aspect of your business.

How to ensure cybersecurity in design?

Organizations implementing advanced software technologies are at risk of cyber attacks. In 2021, 2,049 serious cyber attacks were recorded - a 10% increase from the previous year. Every month, these attacks grow in both quantity and impact, with 79% having a high impact and 32% being classified as "critical." As hackers explore advanced techniques, 41% of attacks are successful. Stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect your organization's cybersecurity.

#1 Do prevention

In the past, companies have often only addressed cyber security issues after they happen, instead of taking proactive measures to prevent them. However, due to the constantly evolving tactics of hackers, it's crucial to adopt a forward-thinking approach to cyber security. Meeting compliance with various security standards can also be difficult, especially when cyber security isn't seen as a top business priority. Unfortunately, it often takes a data breach to prompt action and makes everyone realize the importance of cyber security.

Attack surfaces are those entry points where a cybercriminal can exploit and get unauthorized access. Applications, software, devices, or products are all examples of potential attack surfaces. The more attack surfaces there are, the more vulnerable a system becomes. This is where the Security by Design concept comes into play. The goal here is to limit the attack surfaces by reducing users' access to the core functions of the product. For example, you can organize access only through the VPN extension Edge, for each user's own. This tunnel unites all user surfaces into a single whole, simplifying access control. This helps to enhance the product's overall security, making it less susceptible to cyber breaches.

#2 Train all staff

Effective cyber security requires involvement from the board, not just the IT department or board members with tech expertise. This is exemplified in the case of Distribute.IT, an Australian website hosting business that was forced to shut down after a hacker deleted all of its clients' websites. The hacker singled out a vulnerable employee, circumventing security measures and locking out the IT team. Learn more in "Ready for a Hack," a featured article in the April 2016 issue of Company Director.

An important problem for companies is that the issue of cybersecurity is assigned only to the IT department. This means that security audits are carried out on a regular basis, but, as a rule, none of the employees of other departments take part in them. To enable secure collaboration and secure file sharing, everyone in your organization needs to know the basics of cybersecurity. Teach your employees how to use VPN for Microsoft Edge - it's a fairly simple and effective tool. Advanced services like VeePN can protect against viruses, phishing, hackers, DDoS attacks, eavesdropping, and a range of other cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

#3 Access control

As technology continues to advance, the need to safeguard sensitive data and intellectual property has grown exponentially. That's where access control comes in. By carefully managing who has access to project files and data, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks. By setting up access controls through tools like firewalls, data encryption, and network segmentation, designers can ensure that only authorized personnel can view or edit sensitive information. By implementing these measures, designers can protect their client's valuable data and intellectual property, giving them the peace of mind they need to focus on their creative projects.

Gain better control over your user access with effective management. Limit the tasks authorized users can perform and restrict sensitive information solely to qualified professionals. This approach helps prevent security breaches and other mishaps, keeping your data safe. Balancing flexibility with security needs, our principles ensure access is limited to necessary areas and only granted to qualified team members. Partner with us to secure your systems using our reliable solution for user access management.

#4 Security audits

Ensuring that sensitive information is safe from cyber threats is more important than ever. As a designer, you must prioritize the protection of your company's intellectual property and client data. To combat system vulnerabilities and avoid data breaches and hackers, regular security audits are crucial. Staying vigilant and taking action against an ever-changing threat landscape is critical to reducing security risks and protecting your digital assets. By staying proactive, you can stay ahead of the game and secure your organization.

#5 Defense in depth

Enhancing cybersecurity requires implementing measures to establish obstacles and protective barriers that obstruct unauthorized access to operating systems, thus safeguarding digital assets from threats. It's crucial to take all necessary precautions to ensure security.

Conclusion

As technological advancement persists, protecting against cybersecurity threats may appear complex. Nevertheless, preserving valuable data necessitates corporate prioritization of data protection. Implementation of procedures consists of Security by Design, employee education, access control, security audit enforcement, and layered defenses utilization. Conformity with industry-standard practices facilitates businesses in safeguarding their intellectual property and customer data with confidence.

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