What You Need To Know About Cybersecurity Solutions in the Philippines
Introduction
Cybersecurity solutions are needed because they play a key role in safeguarding the digital assets and sensitive data of any organization. Robust measures should be in place to protect your business from different kinds of cyberattacks and threats.
This article summarizes everything you should know about cybersecurity solutions in the Philippines. Read through the rest of the page to learn about the common business threats and how you can protect your organization from them.
Common Cybersecurity Threats in Businesses
Businesses often experience different cybersecurity-related problems, and it is their responsibility to find solutions for them. Here are a few examples of the digital security issues commonly faced by organizations:
Malware Attacks
Short for malicious software, malware refers to a broad category of programs designed to infiltrate and damage computer systems. Malware attacks can be devastating because they can result in data loss and system downtime, which can further escalate to financial losses and even legal consequences.
Ransomware is a kind of malware created and spread to extort money from businesses. In many cases, attackers will use malicious programs to encrypt sensitive data in the organization and ask for a ransom (whether through cash or cryptocurrency) in exchange for the decryption key. This causes significant disruptions to business operations and financial ramifications.
Phishing Scams
Phishing scams often involve fraudulent attempts to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive information. In business settings, fraudsters frequently attempt to obtain someone’s usernames and passwords to access the organization’s database and steal or damage what they can.
A common technique used in phishing scams is masquerading as legitimate emails or messages from trusted sources. They provide links to dubious websites where the unknowing victim can enter their username, password, and other important information. There are also cases when fraudsters would call and pretend to be representatives of other organizations, saying they wish to offer help. They will then try to gain your trust before asking for your sensitive information.
Phishing attacks can lead to different consequences, including identity theft and data breaches. In more severe cases, they can even result in large-scale theft if criminals gain access to your organization’s bank details.
Password Breaches
Password breaches occur when unauthorized parties gain access to passwords through various means. A common method is “brute-force attacks,” which involve trying out different alphanumeric combinations until the correct password is guessed. This trial-and-error method is done with the help of bots that can type at an incredible speed. It is estimated that these advanced tools only need about 10 minutes to crack a password with seven unique characters.
A less sophisticated form of password breaching is simple guessing and exploiting weak security practices. Attackers usually try variants of some of the most commonly used passwords, such as “admin,” “123456,” and “password.”
Examples of Cybersecurity Solutions in the Philippines
Businesses can try different types of cybersecurity solutions. Some of the most common ways to ward off digital security threats are:
Firewalls and Antivirus Software
Firewalls and antivirus software serve as the first line of defense against cybersecurity threats. By installing a firewall, you will have something that will act as a barrier between your internal network and possible external attacks. You can monitor outgoing and incoming traffic and effectively block activities that seem malicious before they start causing problems to your digital systems.
Antivirus programs, on the other hand, are sometimes called “antimalware software.” As the name implies, these programs are designed to detect and remove malware accurately and quickly. They are essential for keeping computer systems safe from viruses, worms, and other harmful software that can threaten data and security.
Installing firewalls and antivirus software is not enough. It is your organization's responsibility to regularly update these programs to ensure that you are well-protected against threats. You can enable automatic updates and real-time scanning, but it is still better to conduct periodic vulnerability assessments. Doing so gives you peace of mind that your firewalls and antivirus software are working as they should.
Encryption Technologies
Encryption is needed to secure sensitive data and information, including those that you keep safe in your storage servers or send to other people or organizations. You can use high-end encryption tools and advanced algorithms to convert data into ciphertext. This way, your files will remain unreadable until they input the decryption key. Even if data is intercepted or accessed without authorization, it remains protected.
Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires users to provide different modes or forms of verification before they can access accounts or systems. It works by combining various verification processes, usually following these steps:
- The user will first have to input their PIN or password.
- If the PIN or password is correct, the system will prompt the user to provide a second form of verification. This usually involves getting a code through SMS, email, or an app.
- Once this is complete, the system may prompt another round of verification. However, in most cases, two modes of verification are enough.
- Access is only granted once the user completes both or all forms of verification.
Organizations requiring MFA mitigate the risk of unauthorized access. Even if passwords are compromised, attackers will still have to pass through another round of verification before they can access your data.
Finding Managed Cybersecurity Solution Providers
The importance of digital security in any modern organization cannot be overstated. This is why finding a third-party company that can provide excellent managed cybersecurity solutions and services is necessary. Follow these helpful tips to do so:
Assess Your Organization’s Cybersecurity Needs
As part of your search for a reliable managed cybersecurity solutions provider, you must first assess your organization's cybersecurity needs. Be sure to evaluate your current security posture and identify potential vulnerabilities. Determining the level of protection required based on your industry and regulatory requirements from the authorities is also essential.
Request Recommendations From Colleagues
Seeking recommendations from trusted colleagues and industry peers can help narrow down your options and make searching for reputable managed cybersecurity solutions providers easier. You can leverage your professional networks to get recommendations from organizations that have successfully partnered with cybersecurity providers.
When speaking with your colleagues and requesting recommendations, you can ask the following questions:
- How satisfied are you with the services provided by your cybersecurity vendor?
- How does your provider specifically address cybersecurity challenges and threats?
- How responsive and proactive are they in addressing security incidents and other related problems?
- Does your provider keep themselves updated with the latest trends and best practices in cybersecurity?
- Does your provider offer competitive rates for their services?
There are other questions you can ask. Feel free to be as inquisitive as possible as you gather comprehensive insights into a vendor’s capabilities, reliability, and suitability for your organization's cybersecurity needs.
Allot Enough Budget for Cybersecurity Measures
Cybersecurity is an investment to protect your organization's assets and reputation. Since this is the case, it is important to allot sufficient financial resources to implement robust cybersecurity measures. Be sure not to skimp and partner with unreliable managed cybersecurity solutions providers because you want to save money. Doing so can be quite detrimental to your organization in the long run.
FAQs About Cybersecurity Solutions in the Philippines
How Much Do Cybersecurity Solutions Cost?
The cost of cybersecurity solutions can vary widely depending on different factors. The overall size of your organization, the complexity of the cybersecurity measures needed, and the reputation of your chosen vendor will all affect your total expenses in implementing robust cybersecurity measures for your business.
Excellent cybersecurity solutions in the Philippines come at quite a high price. However, the upfront costs will generally still be lower than all your possible future expenses. If your data is compromised and stolen, you would need to shell out more funds to retrieve what was lost. This may even damage your reputation, which can lead to financial repercussions.
What Can Organizations Do When They Get Hacked?
Prompt response is crucial if an organization ever experiences a security breach or hacking incident. It depends on the nature of the attack, but following this step-by-step guide can help:
- Immediately disconnect compromised systems or networks from the internet to prevent further external access.
- Conduct a thorough analysis to determine which systems or networks are compromised. Document the process and never destroy evidence of hacking or data breach.
- Try to segregate and quarantine. All the data and files that have not been affected should be stored on a new server.
- Notify your stakeholders, primarily your employees, investors, business partners, and customers. Tell them you are doing what you can to prevent the leak of their data and information.
- Call authorities and experts to see how they can help recover your data or catch the perpetrators. Be ready to provide them with the necessary information and evidence regarding the attack.
Do Hackers Ever Get Penalized?
Hackers can get caught and be penalized based. Their penalty depends on the severity of their crime as outlined in the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Contact InfoBahn for Expert Cybersecurity Solutions
Cybersecurity threats can indeed be a major concern for organizations. This is why it is important for businesses in the Philippines to find trusted cybersecurity solutions providers. We offer such a service here at InfoBahn Communications, Inc. Feel free to contact us today to request a quote.