Cybersecurity is a super important component of your Business ICT platform, Anytime, Anywhere. Even when working remotely, you still need to be vigilant about cybersecurity. Recently, the Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, reminded all businesses of the need to be proactive about cybersecurity amidst increased risks of attack from foreign actors.
He recommended three things:
- Patch your equipment
- Implement multifactor authentication
- Partner with the ACSC
What do these things mean practically for business leaders?
Patching
A ‘patch’ is a software update comprised of code inserted into an executable program such as a software application or operating system to fix security problems. It is the responsibility of a business to apply patches sent by software vendors. Your IT department or external IT provider should be able to tell you if your devices and appliances are adequately patched and up to date.
Multifactor Authentication
Multifactor authentication (MFA) is a security system that requires more than one method of authentication from independent categories of credentials to verify the user’s identity for a login or other transaction.
For example, your login and password is a single factor of authentication. To verify these credentials, you may also be asked to enter a code which has been sent to your mobile device. This code represents a second factor of authentication.
MFA should be a mandatory cybersecurity policy in your business. Staff should apply MFA to their corporate applications as well as their personal accounts, such as Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Partner with the ACSC
Most importantly, we would advise that your business becomes familiar with the Essential Eight Maturity Model for Cybersecurity that the ACSC has developed. As for becoming a partner of the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), this may not be suitable for all organisations. However, there are many ways you can work with and benefit from the ACSC’s services, including becoming a partner if that is right for your business. Find out how you can work with the ACSC here: https://www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/register.
If you need help with your basic cybersecurity requirements, complete our free online cybersecurity survey here: and we will contact you with solutions.
Stay cybersafe!
