Posted on March 03, 2022

Emphasizing the importance of information security in organizations and acting on it is key to countering the main threats to data security. The top six concerns in infosec are social engineering, third party exposure, patch management, ransomware, malware, and overall data vulnerabilities.

1. Social Engineering

Social attacks take place when criminals manipulate targets into taking certain actions such as skipping security measures or disclosing information in order to gain access to confidential information. Phishing attempts are one common example. 

2. Third Party Exposure

Companies must be confident that any third party vendors are handling information securely and sensitively. If there are data breaches with a vendor, the main company that owns the consumer relationship is still considered responsible. The importance of information security in organizations must be held at the same high priority level for vendors as it is within your own company.

3. Patch Management

Cyber attacks will exploit any weakness. Patch management is one area that companies need to stay on top of, and make sure to always update to the most recent software releases to reduce vulnerabilities.

4. Ransomware

Ransomware attacks infect a network and hold data hostage until a ransom is paid. There can be financial damages and reputational damages from the ransom as well as lost productivity and data loss from the attack itself. 

5. Malware

Malware is software that has malicious code for the purpose of causing damage to a company’s software, their data and information, and their ability to do business. 

6. Overall Data Vulnerabilities

Lastly, cyber attacks can take place through any weakness in the system. Some risk factors include outdated equipment, unprotected networks, and human error through a lack of employee training. Another area of risk can be a lax company device policy, such as letting employees use personal devices for work that may not be properly protected. You can evaluate your own company’s level of possible exposure via a thoughtful risk assessment plan. 

Original article: https://www.auditboard.com/blog/importance-of-information-security-in-organization/