The best Cyber security practices for 2024. Image: Supplied
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the imperative to uphold robust cybersecurity frameworks scales with it. Australia, with its progressive technological infrastructure, is brimming with compliance and risk experts looking to take on the challenges of 2024.
This article has a look at some of the pivotal cybersecurity best practices that are advised for Australian enterprises, particularly as we head into a year that holds fresh challenges.
With the surge in remote work since the pandemic, securing remote environments has become crucial. Cafés have become offices, and public Wi-Fi is increasingly used. Employing secure Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and thorough employee training to recognise and report threats are steps in the right direction.
These measures not only bolster the security framework but also cultivate a culture of awareness and responsiveness towards potential cyber threats. In 2024, it will be more important than ever to have a culture, from head to toe, that has a mindset for security at all times.
The Australian federal government is on track to introduce changes to privacy laws in 2024. Organisations are advised to prepare by creating comprehensive maps of organisational data, which will be pivotal in adhering to the new regulatory framework. This proactive approach will ensure organisations are compliant, reducing the risk of legal complications.
The economic situation right now and evolving threat actor tactics are driving the need for optimisation and consolidation of security investments. A keen focus on the return on investment (ROI) of cybersecurity technology will be essential to ensure resources are effectively utilised, else costs will get out of control. This approach promotes swift value realisation against invested costs, crucial in a landscape where threats continue to evolve rapidly.
Unpatched vulnerabilities have been persistent issues. Adopting a systematic approach encompassing regular patch management and security audits to monitor and correct misconfigurations is essential to fortify security posture – automation will also be key, here. This approach minimises the exploitable vulnerabilities, thereby reducing the risk of data breaches.
The exponential growth of IoT devices presents a significant security risk due to their often inadequate built-in security. Proactive security integration during the developmental phase of IoT devices, regular firmware updates, and a strict selection process prioritising high security standards are advisable practices. These measures will contribute to mitigating the risks associated with the rapidly changing IoT landscape.
Despite substantial investments in training, phishing remains a significant threat. Companies are advised to re-evaluate their expenditure on phishing and security awareness training. Investments in technologies like remote browser isolation can substantially mitigate risks by isolating malicious content, ensuring seamless and secure browsing experiences. Sometimes, we need to concede that training isn’t impenetrable, and so 2024 could see a shift towards more software tools.
Investing in next-generation firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and zero trust capable platforms is likely going to be prudent. These technologies, coupled with a proactive and informed approach to cybersecurity, will be the basis of defending against the evolving cyber threats.
The integration of these best practices is instrumental in navigating the complex cybersecurity terrain of 2024. By adopting a proactive and informed stance, organizations in Australia can significantly enhance their cybersecurity resilience.