Four steps to protecting your company from cyber crime

Businesses and internet users alike are at risk from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Criminals are exploiting corporate targets in Africa with more sophisticated methods. Cyber crime can be disastrous for enterprises, leading to significant financial losses, compromised information and irreparable reputational damage.

This is why all African companies should strongly consider enhancing their cyber security posture. SEACOM Business provides a range of cyber security services to large companies in East Africa. Here are four steps you can take to safeguard your business from cyber crime.

1. Ascertain your company’s cyber security needs

Companies can respond effectively to the rapidly evolving field of cyber security by putting in place measures to stay informed and mobilised. In order to stay on top of the latest threats and trends, the business world has access to a wealth of tools, which will enable you to identify weak points in your digital architecture.

It may be the responsibility of a dedicated cyber security officer to keep up with the ever-changing landscape. Their objectives will be to provide regular reports and prioritise the assessment of your company's current requirements. Look at what resources your company has in place already and what you can budget for, in terms of cyber security protection.

2. Choose the right cyber security tools for your company

There are many different cyber security tools available, so it's important to do your research before selecting the best one for your company. To defend themselves from malware, spam, fake URLs and phishing attacks, companies should at the very least adopt email protection and endpoint protection.

Large enterprises often require more sophisticated solutions, such as DDoS protection or security information and event management (SIEM) technology, in addition to the basic email and endpoint protection. Cloud-based SIEM provides real-time insight into all activity on your IT network.

A key feature of this security and data analytics tool is the synthesis of this information into a usable format. Threats are automatically addressed by SIEM, so there is no need for manual monitoring or for security teams to review alerts.

3. Partner with cyber security professionals

Although organisations are aware of the seriousness of cyber security risks, it is getting harder and harder to defend against these attacks on their own. For your company, managed services can reduce the risk and cost of cyber security solutions.

A cyber security provider will continuously monitor your networks and systems while utilising cutting-edge security techniques, like adaptive risk modelling and predictive analytics to thwart advanced threats. Working with a cyber security provider can often be more effective and affordable than doing it in-house.

4. Provide ongoing training for employees

Even with the most advanced security measures in place, human error must be taken into consideration. Your staff may be your weakest link and leave your company vulnerable to cyber threats if they are unaware of what to look out for or how to handle possibly suspicious activity.

Your company’s cyber security officer or external provider should train your employees with a well-developed programme based on the latest cyber security trends. Employees benefit from having up-to-date knowledge of the cyber threats posing a risk to the organisation's assets, network and data.

Make sure your cyber security strategy involves putting in place the necessary security measures. For instance, two-factor authentication ensures that your digital assets are safe even if an employee's password is compromised.

Protect your digital assets from cyber crime

Investing cyber security insurance is a wise decision. This will cover the costs associated with recovering from a cyber attack, such as hiring a PR firm to help restore your reputation or paying for credit monitoring services for your customers.

When it comes to protecting your company from cyber crime, prevention and education are essential. Making prevention a top priority is necessary if you want to be responsive to the dangers that cyber crime poses to your company.

SEACOM Business provides companies in Kenya with advanced security solutions from expert leaders in threat management. For more information or to get a quote for our cyber security solutions, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.

SEACOM owns Africa’s largest network of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, including fibre optic networks and subsea cables. We offer a wide range of industry-leading scalable ICT solutions for large companies that operate throughout the region.

SEACOM is privately owned - making it adaptable to the needs of the client. We are the preferred ICT and internet connectivity supplier for African enterprises. We can guarantee fast, reliable and secure internet and networking services at affordable prices.

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