By Mikey Marr
In today’s fast-paced tech world, staying safe from online threats and ensuring your systems work smoothly is crucial. As an IT technician, I’ve seen firsthand the problems that can arise when software isn’t kept up to date or when old systems are relied upon. In this blog, I want to stress how essential it is to regularly update your cyber protection and, when needed, switch to newer technologies to protect yourself and keep your tech running well.
Defending Against Cyber Threats
Hackers are always finding new ways to break into computer systems by exploiting weaknesses in software. If you don’t update your software regularly, these weaknesses can be like leaving your front door wide open for cybercriminals. Updates often include fixes for these weaknesses, making it much harder for hackers to get in. For example, during the WannaCry attack, people who had updated their Windows systems were safe from the damage caused by the ransomware.
Although still important, In today’s environment anti-virus and running updates alone aren’t enough defence – we recommend using a combination of protection, some of which is outlined below.
Anti-Virus Software – Anti-virus software is a cybersecurity tool designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software, such as viruses, malware, and ransomware, from computers and other devices. It works by scanning files and monitoring system activities for suspicious behaviour or known signatures of malicious code. Anti-virus software helps protect users from a range of cyber threats, enhancing the overall security of their digital devices and data.
EDR
EDR stands for Endpoint Detection and Response. It’s a cybersecurity technology focused on detecting, investigating, and mitigating suspicious activities or threats on endpoints like computers, laptops, smartphones, or servers. EDR solutions continuously monitor endpoint activity, analyse data to identify potential threats or anomalies, and provide real-time responses to mitigate security incidents.
SOC
A Security Operations Centre (SOC) is a centralised unit within an organization responsible for monitoring, detecting, analysing, and responding to cybersecurity incidents. It’s staffed with security analysts who use various tools and technologies to monitor the organization’s networks, systems, and applications for any signs of malicious activity or security breaches. The SOC plays a crucial role in ensuring the overall security posture of an organization by providing continuous threat detection and response capabilities.
Pen Testing
Penetration testing, often shortened to “pen testing,” is a cybersecurity practice where authorized professionals simulate cyberattacks on an organization’s systems, networks, or applications to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses. The goal is to uncover security flaws before malicious actors exploit them. Pen testers use various techniques, tools, and methodologies to mimic real-world attacks, providing valuable insights to improve an organization’s security posture.
If you are looking for help and advice with any aspect of this blog, or Cyber Security in general, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
