Cybersecurity in companies

A single click on a suspicious email, and your entire computer system could end up under the thumb of a ransomware. This shows how fast today's threats are... and how daunting they are! At _rzilient, we too often come across companies surprised by the sophistication of cyberattacks: whether it's the phishing, the theft of sensitive data or the total paralysis of a service after an unfortunate click, no one is safe.

Beyond the immediate inconvenience, there are financial consequences (between reduced turnover and potential penalties) and an impact on reputation. This is why computer security is not just a gimmick: it is a strategic issue for every company, small or large, wherever you are in France. In this context, the corporate cybersecurity must be thought out, anticipated, implemented and regularly re-evaluated in order to protect your data, your systems, your employees... and your peace of mind!

Throughout this article, we will dive into the heart of the challenges of cybersecurity in business, identify the most common vulnerabilities, present you with best practices and show you that there are effective solutions to protect you. We will also discuss the possibility of outsourcing security if you do not have the necessary resources in-house.

The objective? Helping you build and maintain a cybersecurity culture that becomes your best ally to innovate and grow without fear of the next dubious click.

Cyber Security Reminder

La cybersecurity (or computer security) brings together all the methods and tools aimed at protecting your information systems, networks and software against malicious intrusions or threats. It covers:

• La confidentiality information (personal data, strategic information, etc.)
• THEintegrity computer resources (avoid any illicit modification)
• La availability services, software and applications (limit business interruptions due to attacks)

At the level of an organization, we will also talk about information systems security. It is a broader field that includes risk management, the data protection, the implementation of security policies, the sensitization teams and compliance with current regulations (such as the General Data Protection Regulation — RGPD, or data protection regulation).

The challenges of cybersecurity in business

1. Ever more sophisticated threats

Phishing, Ransomware, DDoS attacks : cyberattack techniques are constantly evolving, and businesses (from small businesses to multinationals) must be prepared for them.

• Phishing (phishing) : a fraudulent email impersonating a trusted organization to retrieve your identifiers or sensitive information.
• Malwares : this malicious software (viruses, Trojan horses, etc.) aims to steal data or take control of a network.
• Ransomware : blocking your systems and encrypting your data against ransom. It is estimated that more than half of businesses that are victims of ransomware pay the ransom requested to recover their data or restore access to their systems, sometimes with no guarantee of success.

THEventure — whether based in Paris, Lyon or elsewhere in France — is not immune. Cybercriminals attack all sizes and sectors (the most targeted remain finance, health, government services and strategic industries), often taking advantage of a lack of vigilance or a flaw in the computer security.

In addition to these threats, there are internal risks: human errors, carelessness, lack of cybersecurity awareness within teams, or even the use of passwords that are too weak.

2. Impacts that go far beyond IT

In the event of a cyberattack, the impact can be:

• Direct financial losses : costs related to the recovery of systems, loss of turnover, possible penalties.
• Indirect losses : damage to brand image, damaged trust of customers and partners, deterioration of the internal climate.
• Legal risks : in case of non-compliance with legislation on the protection of personal data, the company may incur sanctions and fines.

3. An increasingly demanding regulatory framework

Protect the personal data and complying with legal obligations (such as the GDPR) is an integral part of the corporate cybersecurity. Failure to comply with the rules can lead to fines, even for small structures.

Common cybersecurity breaches in business

Despite growing awareness, we regularly observe the same loopholes in businesses:

1. Passwords that are too weak

The passwords “123456" or “password” remain sadly popular. Worse, many reuse the same across multiple tools and services.

2. Lack of awareness

Sans training, your employees are more likely to click on fraudulent links or fall into the phishing trap.

3. Overlooked updates and fixes

Publishers release security patches to address known vulnerabilities. Forgetting to install them means leaving the door wide open for attackers.

4. Non-segmented network

If all of your resources are grouped together on the same network without partitioning, a hacker who accesses them can move freely and compromise all of your data.

5. No structured backup

In the event of a ransomware attack, only a valid (and tested!) backup allows you to quickly restore your data without giving in to blackmail.

6. Default configuration

Leaving “admin” passwords or factory settings may seem trivial, but it's a real gift for hackers.

Best practices in cybersecurity in business

To limit these vulnerabilities, some best practices are required:

1. Train and empower employees
   • Organize workshops of cybersecurity awareness undertakene, by integrating concrete examples of cyberattacks and fraud.
   • Learn how to recognize suspicious emails (phishing), create strong passwords, and quickly report anomalous behavior.
   • Encourage a culture of vigilance on a daily basis.
2. Define a clear security policy
   • Appoint a referent (or systems security manager) who drives the strategy of information systems security.
   • Put in place internal rules (PSSI) to clarify access authorizations, the use of equipment, etc.
3. Manage accesses and rights
   • Assign the necessary privileges to each position, no more.
   • Implement multi-factor authentication when possible.
4. Update and audit regularly
   • Monitor security patches closely and automate updates where possible.
   • Conduct vulnerability audits and penetration tests (pentests) to quickly detect flaws.
   • Organize penetration tests (pentests) to assess the resistance of your computer systems.
5. Save, again and again
   • Plan regular backups on various media (locally, in the cloud, etc.).
   • Test your backups to verify their integrity and your ability to restore your data.
6. Have an incident response plan
   • Define in advance who does what in the event of an attack.
   • Prepare crisis communication, both internal and external (customers, partners, etc.).

By applying these best practices, you will lay a solid foundation for enterprise IT security, thus avoiding a large number of common risks.

Accessible solutions and tools for businesses

While prevention and awareness are the first line of defense, there are also multiple software solutions and materials to protect businesses from cybercrime.‍

Firewall

Pillar of computer security, it controls incoming and outgoing traffic, filtering connections deemed suspicious. It can be hardware (dedicated appliance) or software, and setting it up correctly is essential for optimal efficiency.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

It encrypts the exchanges between your employees and your network, essential for teleworking or traveling. Because traffic is encrypted, it makes it difficult for cyberattackers to intercept data.

Antivirus and antimalware

A protection suite is still needed to block the most common malware and detect anomalous behavior. There are also dedicated antimalware solutions, often offered as a global security suite.

Identity and Access Management (IAM) Solutions

Carefully control who accesses which resources to drastically limit the risks of internal intrusion.

Encryption tools

Protect sensitive files and emails with strong encryption to reduce the risk of hackers getting involved. Data encryption (at rest and in transit) reinforces the confidentiality of information.

Behavioral analysis and AI

THEartificial intelligence can help identify weak signals and abnormal behaviors before an incident escalates.

Secure cloud services

Migrating some of your services to the cloud can simplify security management, provided you choose a provider that guarantees solid protection mechanisms and GDPR compliance.

Outsourcing corporate cybersecurity is an option

When internal resources (human and financial) are not enough, it may be interesting to use a MSSP (Managed Security Service Provider), that is to say a service provider specialized in computer security.

Benefits of outsourcing

1. Extensive expertise : Cyber security missions undertaken are often complex. Using a specialized service provider allows you to benefit from the skills of experts in system security, trained in the latest threats and technologies.
2. Save time and money : Instead of recruiting, training and maintaining an internal systems security manager that is expensive (and can be difficult to find), you rely on a partner to protect your data.
3. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance : External service providers ensure constant monitoring to quickly identify any anomaly or attack in progress. They also ensure that the systems are updated regularly.
4. Scalability : Cybersecurity needs may vary depending on the size of the company, its sector of activity, or even its level of digitalization. Outsourced services adapt more easily to the growth or evolution of your structure, whether you are in Paris or in the region.

Obviously, do your due diligence before signing, in order to choose a trustworthy partner. Cybersecurity is a strategic issue: it is better to ensure the reliability and transparency of the service provider

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Conclusion

Cybersecurity is an essential issue for modern businesses, whether they are established for a long time or are in the process of creating a business. The risks of cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated, and an incident can have an immediate impact on your data, your finances and your reputation

To avoid suffering a sudden and costly setback, it is crucial to rely on prevention : team training, adoption of a policy of security global, regular system updates, auditing of your infrastructures and monitoring of best practices. In addition, there are tools essential (firewall, VPN, antivirus, encryption...) and the possibility of outsourcing the management of cybersecurity if you don't have the resources in-house.

At _rzilient, we often insist on the fact that the computer security is a collective subject: everyone in the company must feel responsible for the good digital health of the structure. It is by cultivating this vigilance and this culture of security that you can innovate and develop your business with confidence, without fear of each new click or each new email.

So, ready to take the plunge and do some cybersecurity your new asset to grow peacefully?

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