What is Cybersecurity?

July 13, 2018in Salesforce

When we hear the term “cybersecurity,” images of hackers in dimly lit rooms breaching digital fortresses may come to mind. However, the reality of cybersecurity is intricate and multifaceted. Digital thieves capturing credit card numbers and going on shopping sprees put consumers and companies at risk. While threats can emanate from cunning hackers, they also arise from unintentional employee mistakes. The primary avenues through which cybercriminals can access organizations include stolen credentials, phishing, and exploiting vulnerabilities. Cybersecurity is the responsibility of everyone.

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Let’s look at the definition of cybersecurity, how it operates, and explore ways to enhance digital defense within your company.

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity serves as an organization’s defense against the constant onslaught of digital threats, safeguarding against online criminals, manipulation, and deceit from both internal and external sources. It extends beyond data protection, encompassing the preservation of business integrity and reputation. Investing in robust security measures ensures organizational resilience and trustworthiness.

How does Cybersecurity Work?

While physical office spaces have boundaries, the digital realm is seemingly limitless, and so are the associated threats. With each custom application, cloud service, customer account, and remote work log-in, risks multiply. A robust cybersecurity strategy combines technology and human vigilance, securing data and preserving the core of business operations.

Effective protocols include technology deployment for:

Encrypting, masking, or anonymizing sensitive data
Controlling access to sensitive data
Swift detection and response to incidents
Continuous cybersecurity practice audits
Swift data recovery from breaches
Adherence to regulatory compliance standards

Human workforce, equipped and trained with the right skill sets and tools, acts as the secret weapon. Addressing security skills gaps empowers employees to actively contribute to the organizational shield, reducing the likelihood of errors that could lead to breaches.

Why is Cybersecurity Important?

Similar to securing physical offices against intruders, protecting digital assets is crucial. Cyberattacks, projected to cause $10.5 trillion in damage by 2025, are sounding alarms. Key factors driving this increase include remote and hybrid work vulnerabilities, expanding digital footprints, insufficiently vetted third-party vendors, and adaptive cybercriminals.

Cybersecurity is not a luxury but a lifeline for businesses. It is increasingly vital to safeguarding information and reputation in the digital stratosphere. And it is of vital importance for compliance in many industries.

The Benefits of Cybersecurity

The primary benefit of security is keeping data safe. A comprehensive strategy protects valuable data from theft and manipulation, including intellectual property and customer information. Strong cybersecurity practices enable organizations to:

Maintain business continuity by recovering from external attacks and internal errors swiftly
Protect brand reputation and customer trust
Ensure compliance with security rules and regulatory requirements

Effective cybersecurity practices ward off cybercriminals, safeguarding assets, customers, and brand.

Different Types of Security

Just as locks protect physical offices, cybersecurity aims to protect data. Common practices include:

Firewalls & Network Segmentation: Creating digital barriers to prevent unauthorized access.
Encryption & Data Masking: Converting sensitive data into unreadable text and substituting original data with modified content.
Virtual Private Networks: Providing secure access to networks for remote employees.
Anti-Malware Software: Identifying and eliminating malicious software.
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): Identifying and addressing security threats and vulnerabilities promptly.
Backing up, Restoring, and Deleting Data: Vital safeguards against ransomware attacks and data loss.
Identity and Access Management (IAM): Managing and securing user identities, controlling access, and ensuring data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Adopting these measures requires regular updates and patches to stay ahead of evolving security hazards. Ongoing workforce training is crucial to maintaining robust cybersecurity protocols.

Cybersecurity is a dynamic defense against digital threats, and its significance cannot be overstated in today’s, or tomorrow’s, digital landscape.

If you are concerned about your Salesforce security, contact Tectonic today to learn about Salesforce Shield.

Content updated December 2023.