5 C's of Cybersecurity

Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated and determined with their attacks to gain access to your data. This makes having a robust security framework a top priority in order to protect your valuable data. From start-ups to large corporations, and even the everyday consumer, following the 5 Cs of cybersecurity - Change, Compliance, Cost, Continuity, and Coverage – can give you the best defence in creating a strong safeguard against cyber threats.

As technology and industry trends change, cybercriminals do so right alongside them. Being able to accept and respond to these changes has proven to not only give businesses a leg up in staying competitive in the market, but also against the evolving cyber threats they face. Routine software updates and network monitoring should be standard, along with conducting regular risk assessments in order to detect and protect from threats. Staying up to date with recent cybersecurity trends, and regularly training your employees will keep you one step ahead of cyberthreats.

Several laws and regulations have been enacted with strict guidelines to ensure data security in recent years. GDPR, CCPA, NIS2 and DORA are just a few to mention, and there is the likelihood of more to come. Remaining compliant with all of the laws and regulation that apply to you is vital in showing not only your commitment to data protection, but can help to maintain brand reputation and customer trust. There is also a cost, as failing to comply can lead to hefty fines and other consequences that can negatively impact your business.

This covers both the investment in cybersecurity protection and the impact of a potential breach. It is all about finding the balance between the two, regardless of the size of your business. The questions you need to ask yourself is: what are you willing to pay - the cost of a breach that could reach in the millions, or invest a fraction of that to implement the correct infrastructure to protect yourself? Being proactive in your security measures can help mitigate the potential of breach and the financial repercussions that come along with it. It is important to not let the cost of cybersecurity measures sway you into making shortcuts, as this could cost you more down the line.

Cyberattacks and data breaches are always a possibility, regardless of how many measure you put in place. Human error is the leading cause of a data breach, and even with the proper ongoing training, the potential of a breach is always lingering. Making sure that you can continue business operations in the event of a cyber attach is paramount. Having a proactive plan, such as a Cyberattack Preparedness Plan, can help you prepare for, protect against and minimise the impact of a cyber event.

Ensuring you have multiple encrypted backups of your data and important files is an important safeguard in the event of a cyberattack. These will inevitably help you to save time and money in regaining access to critical information and continuing business operations.

Using a hardware encryption module to encrypt data stored in the cloud and/or an offline encrypted backup is an important option to include in your business continuity plan, as it can provide that extra level of reassurance and security. Taking that critical extra step, in protecting your data by storing it offline in an encrypted flash drive or portable HDD/SSD, out of the hands of criminals, can act as an essentially unbreakable safe and can make the world of difference when you need to restore your data following a cyber or ransomware attack.

This should be a comprehensive protection of all your assets, both digital and physical. Having cybersecurity insurance coverage will protect your business from the financial repercussions that can caused by potential breach. Deciding on the right coverage for your business should come from the risk assessment conducted, which will find which options are applicable to you. And as your business changes, this will need to adapt those ongoing changes.

We have a wide range of products that can suit those on a budget, with some of our hardware encrypted products starting at only £49, to desktop drives holding up to 24 TB to store your company’s most vital data in an ultra-secure, offline device.

Our diskAshur3 range boasts the most advanced security features, recently passed the CAVP (Cryptographic Algorithm Validation Program) testing as part of the FIPS 140-3 Level 3 validation scheme that the products are currently being evaluated against. This includes three encryption modes (patent pending), and user-configurable PINs ranging from 8 to 64 digits. The new range incorporates all the essential features of other iStorage products such as ease of use, platform independence and tamper-proof sleek designs.

And our unique and patented iStorage cloudAshur hardware security module is the perfect solution for anyone wanting to securely store, share and manage data in the cloud. cloudAshur can also be used to encrypt data stored on a network drive, on a local PC/MAC and to send encrypted email attachments or data via file sharing software applications eliminating all the security vulnerabilities that exist with cloud platforms, such as lack of control, unauthorised access and human error.

If you are looking to take control of your data and keep it out of the hands of cybercriminals, speak to one of our company representatives now to see what would be best for you.