Cyber Security needs to become your company’s top priority

It’s increasingly apparent that even the most sophisticated network systems are vulnerable to cyber attacks, leading the U.S. government to recently step up it efforts to guard against the growing threats with a contract worth about $1 billion.

In one of the most recent high-profile cyber attacks, the fingerprints of more than 5.6 million people, many of them government employees, were stolen – leading the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to award Raytheon that $1 billion contract designed to help numerous federal civilian agencies shore up their protection against such threats.

While major corporations and government entities have been getting most of the press related to cyber attacks, no one is immune. Even smaller companies, not-for-profit agencies and civilians. That’s why, on another front, the government continues to try to increase awareness about cyber security – particularly during October, which has been recognized as National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) since 2004.

“Cyber threats pose one of the gravest national security dangers the United States faces,” President Barack Obama said as part of a proclamation last year. “When our nation’s intellectual property is stolen, it harms our economy, and when a victim experiences online theft, fraud, or abuse, it puts all of us at risk.”

Among other things, a cyber attack can lead to vital data, including social security numbers and banking account information, being stolen from your clients and employees. One of the main steps in developing a cyber security plan is assessing the risks to your business, according to the National Cyber Security Alliance.

Here’s how you can get started:

• Develop a formal Internet security policy for employees
• Develop a privacy policy requiring employee compliance in how they handle customer information
• Develop a maintain a strategic plan to keep businesses protected against cyber attacks.
• Require multi-factor authentication to access company networks

As you plan your cyber security strategy, take the time to answer the following questions, according to the Alliance:

• What information do you collect?
• How do you store the information?
• Who has access to the information?
• How do you protect your data?
• What steps are you taking to secure your computers, network, email and other tools?

Protecting your company’s data against cyber attacks is a constant challenge. Since 2001, Lifeline Data Centers has been helping clients of various sizes and in various industries navigate those security needs. Contact us to see how we can help you.

Other resources:

• Infographic: The 22 Data Center Compliance Acronyms You Need to Know
• White Paper: Why Data Center Compartmentalization is Important
• Lifeline One Sheet: What You Need to Know About Lifeline Data Centers

Alex Carroll

Managing Member at Lifeline Data Centers

Alex, co-owner, is responsible for all real estate, construction and mission critical facilities: hardened buildings, power systems, cooling systems, fire suppression, and environmentals. Alex also manages relationships with the telecommunications providers and has an extensive background in IT infrastructure support, database administration and software design and development. Alex architected Lifeline’s proprietary GRCA system and is hands-on every day in the data center.