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There is no end to unauthorized attacks on corporate websites and servers.Not only large companies but also small and medium-sized enterprises can be attacked, making cybersecurity increasingly important for all companies.We explain the latest information that corporate security department managers and personnel need to know, such as the importance of cybersecurity in such companies, specific examples of cyber attacks, and countermeasures.We will also introduce you to cybersecurity research companies with highly specialized knowledge that you can consult with regarding countermeasures during normal times and during emergencies.
What is cyber security?
Cybersecurity is the protection of networks, devices, programs, and data in the digital environment from malicious attacks.Digitized information is easily transported and can be accessed illegally in the cloud, so it is constantly exposed to threats.
Cybersecurity refers to a series of processes, tools, and measures to protect digital data from cyber-attacks, which are acts of theft and destruction carried out over networks.
The importance of cybersecurity for companies
The objectives of hackers and others who carry out cyberattacks are to gain unauthorized access to corporate systems and disrupt business operations, falsify or leak data to commit corporate espionage, or extort money.If a cyber attack is carried out targeting a company and customer information or confidential internal information is leaked, the company may be forced to suspend services or business, or the company may suffer significant damage due to ransom payments and compensation claims. There is a possibility.
Once information is leaked onto a network, it is difficult to completely recover it, and it can also lead to a loss of trust from customers, business partners, and partners, which has a major impact on corporate activities.In order to reduce and prevent these risks, cybersecurity is now an essential issue for companies.
Latest trends in cybersecurity
In modern society, a variety of information is distributed over networks, and all corporate activities are based on the use of information.Corporate activities that involve handling huge amounts of big data in various locations may include important matters related to corporate secrets, nationally confidential information, and national security.Therefore, if such information were to be leaked or stolen, it could pose a serious risk not only to private companies but also to the interests of the nation and its people.Cyber-attacks have continued to increase in recent years, and there are cases where unauthorized access and cyber-attacks are carried out by specific organizations or even nations.
In Japan, the Cybersecurity Basic Act was enacted in 2014 and came into effect in 2015, as it is necessary to take a nationwide approach to countering organized and national cyberterrorism.The Cybersecurity Basic Act serves as the basic guideline and foundation for promoting the national information security policy.Based on this basic policy, it is necessary to raise awareness of security not only at the national level but also at each organization and group.
Difference between cyber security and information security
"Information security" and "cyber security" are often confused, but they have different meanings.We will explain the difference between cybersecurity and information security and the basic characteristics of each.
Information security is a comprehensive approach to protecting all information within an organization.In order to maintain the reliability of information, the three information security elements (CIA) of "confidentiality," "integrity," and "availability" are necessary.Information security is an effort to protect information regardless of its format, whether paper or digital, in order to maintain these three elements.On the other hand, cybersecurity mainly focuses on protection against threats that occur online.It is part of a broader approach to information security, and the idea is to address the ``causes'' that threaten the CIA.
Specific examples of cyber attacks
There are various types of cyber attacks that should be prevented with cybersecurity.This mainly refers to the act of attacking or destroying data via a network, and we will introduce some typical attack examples.
Malware
Malware is a coined word that stands for malicious software.They typically compromise your computer through unsolicited email attachments or fake software download links, collect and steal data.These include ``computer viruses'' that spread throughout a computer system, ``Trojan horses'' that impersonate legitimate software or files to perform attacks such as data destruction, and spyware that secretly records and leaks personal information.
[Related article] What happens if you are infected with malware?Explanation of infection routes, countermeasures, and coping methods
Ransomware
Ransom is a word that means "ransom money," and ransomware is a type of malware.It encrypts computers and data using powerful algorithms, making them inaccessible, and demands a ransom in exchange for the encryption key.The trick is to threaten data loss if payment is not made.
[Related article] What happens if you get infected with ransomware?Measures companies should take
Targeted attack
Targeted attacks are attempts to steal confidential information or encrypt data against a specific company or organization.Attacks are often difficult to defend against, as they often involve sophisticated and complex attack methods that carry out customized attacks against targeted companies, such as sending spoofed emails or attachments containing malware.
Phishing scam
Phishing is a cyber attack that sends emails or SMS to lure you to a malicious website and trick you into entering personal information such as credit card information.There are many sophisticated and malicious methods impersonating national institutions, including major mail-order sites and banks.
DoS attack/DDoS attack
DoS attacks and DDoS attacks are cyber attacks that overload servers and bring them down.A large number of accesses at once can bring down a website.The trick is to bring down a company or organization's website or system, causing a temporary suspension of operations.
Main types of cybersecurity
There are multiple methods of cybersecurity in order to respond to cyberattacks carried out using various methods.We will introduce the main types of cybersecurity.
Network security
Protecting the entire system, including computers, servers, smartphones, etc., from cyber-attacks using a function that plays the role of a network.For example, in addition to port-level control using switches and access control using routers and firewalls, protection at higher layers such as IDS/IPS (detection and prevention of unauthorized access), load balancers (distribution of communication load), and WAF are also known. Masu.
application security
Protecting various applications such as custom applications developed for specific purposes, web applications, and mobile applications from threats.Keeping in mind that once an application is released, it is always exposed to cyber-attacks, we take security into account and prevent vulnerabilities from entering at each stage, from the initial stages of planning, design, and development to post-release maintenance. Design philosophy is essential.
Endpoint security
Endpoint security is a security measure to protect endpoints (computers, mobile devices, servers, etc.).EPP/EDR protects endpoints that serve as information entry and exit points, and integrates security solutions (SWG, CASB, NGFW, ZTNA, FWaaS, DLP, RBI, etc.) and network functions (VPN, SD-WAN, ISP, etc.) as a service. This includes SASE, OS fortification (hardening), and application of hotfixes including installed apps.
[Related article] What is the difference between EDR and EPP (antivirus)?Explaining endpoint security measures
Measures to protect yourself from cyber attacks
There are various types of cyberattacks, and the information used in business is at risk every day.We will explain specific cybersecurity measures to prevent cyber attacks.
Introduce EPP (antivirus function)/EDR and manage it appropriately
The most common ways to protect computers and smartphones from cyberattacks are to use EPP's antivirus function and EDR.Protect your important data by installing reliable, paid products and keeping them up to date.
Update the OS and software to the latest version
It is also important to keep your OS and software up to date.We eliminate vulnerabilities in computers and software, and protect data from malicious cyberattacks that exploit already known vulnerabilities.
Do not open email attachments or URLs carelessly
Be wary of emails from unknown senders.The basic idea is not to open the attached file or click on the URL provided.Please be careful as there are cases where the scammers pretend to be large companies or national institutions.
Be ready to consult with a cybersecurity specialist at any time
The important thing is to acquire knowledge about cybersecurity.On the other hand, there are many complex and difficult-to-understand technologies, and it is extremely difficult to cover all the latest information.You need to take measures during normal times so that you can consult a cybersecurity specialist at any time if you have a problem.
Other security precautions you should take on a daily basis include using strong passwords that are difficult to guess, not sending personal information or accessing important information when using public Wi-Fi, and not accessing untrusted and unauthorized sites. Let's raise awareness.
The need for cybersecurity research
Cybersecurity research is a very important activity for companies and organizations.In order to effectively deal with cyber-attacks, it is difficult to conduct investigations by internal personnel alone.It is safe to ask a professional investigation company that has the latest information and track record.The objectives of highly important cybersecurity investigations, which require prompt and accurate responses from identifying the cause to taking subsequent countermeasures, are as follows:
To accurately understand the damage caused by cyber attacks
The first step is to detect when a cyber attack has occurred and discover any unusual activity or attacks.Accurately understanding the damage situation will lead to problem-solving.
To identify the infection route and prevent the spread of damage
It is necessary to identify the infection route and understand how the intrusion or attack occurred and the attack method.Check affected data and resources and prevent damage from spreading.
To prevent similar damage by strengthening security
We repaired systems, fixed vulnerabilities, and improved security processes to prevent similar damage from occurring.We also plan appropriate measures to prevent recurrence.
For responses to cyber attack damage and cybersecurity investigations, contact FRONTEO
As security incidents continue to rise, cybersecurity research is essential to minimizing the impact of security incidents and protecting your organization from future attacks.Cybersecurity investigation is a thorough investigation of incidents and attacks that occur within computer systems and networks, and refers to the entire process of identifying the cause, understanding the damage situation, and taking appropriate measures and responses.Small and medium-sized enterprises in particular tend to lack personnel with specialized knowledge, and there are many complex and difficult processes that are difficult to handle in-house alone.In order to minimize damage, it is important to make quick and accurate decisions. A response is required.
FRONTEO, which has extensive experience in cybersecurity investigations, provides high-quality "cybersecurity investigation packages" necessary for initial response.This package compiles the minimum amount of research necessary to quickly assess the damage situation and propose improvement measures in the event of an emergency.We conduct highly specialized and accurate investigations, such as EDR investigations to understand virus intrusion routes and damage conditions, and dark web investigations to understand leaks of confidential and personal information.
