Global conflicts have evolved in today’s modern era. Computers, cell phones, smart technology, and the internet now play crucial roles in our daily lives. This tech has become a prime target on the world stage. As tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalated in recent months, it was clear that the conflict wasn’t just physical. Cyberwarfare had started long before any bullets were fired. So, what does this mean for your organization? And how can you ensure proper cybersecurity preparation?
The Current Russia-Ukraine Conflict
As Russia and Ukraine enter a state of physical warfare that many have feared for months — even years — now, what many fail to realize is that the two have been engaged in cyberattacks long before things escalated to real blows. As countries like America and the United Kingdom prepare to launch global cyberattacks of their own at a moment’s notice to protect their ally Ukraine against Russia’s continued cybersecurity threats, there’s a real worry that the world’s cybersecurity is at risk. This begs a couple of questions. How legitimate are these threats and what should organizations be prepared for?
The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) has noted that there are no specific or credible cyber threats to the U.S. homeland at this time. However, Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine has involved cyber-attacks on the Ukrainian government and critical infrastructure. This situation may affect organizations both within and beyond the region. The impact can also be felt due to the costs imposed by the United States and its allies.
The Increased Risk of Cybersecurity Attacks
Cybersecurity risks extend beyond Russia and Ukraine. They affect organizations worldwide. Prepare your organization for any potential threat. This includes malware, distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, phishing campaigns, and various other cybersecurity risks.
To gauge the current threat level and know what exactly it is that you need to prepare for, it’s worth looking to the experts. Take the DHS cybersecurity strategy, for example. This five-year plan of sorts gives you a good idea of how the government plans to handle any serious threats. The DHS’s Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency is another useful place to look. You can also continue to look to vTECH io. We have the know-how and the expertise to help you protect yourself from the threats of ransomware, the dark web or other forms of cyberattacks that might be looming ahead. Read on to know precisely what you need to prepare for.
What You Need to Prepare For
Ukraine and Russia have been targeting each other with cyberattacks for years. However, concerns are rising that these attacks could soon spread globally. Your incident response plan is going to be integral in keeping you safe from whatever may come. But how do you know what you need to prepare for? Not everyone had the chance to attend cybersecurity conferences in 2022 or read up on the best strategies before the Russia-Ukraine conflict. To address today’s heightened cybersecurity risks, start by creating a robust cybersecurity strategy.
Steps To Reduce the Likelihood of Being Targeted
To lower your risk amid the heightened security threats between Russia and Ukraine, follow these steps:
Follow SEC Guidance on Cybersecurity
Many government institutions specialize in making cybersecurity recommendations for organizations. These include the SEC, the CISA and the NYDFS cybersecurity regulation. Take inspiration from these institutions when forming your organization’s cybersecurity preparedness plan.
Get Cyber Insurance
Another important step your organization can take is obtaining cyber insurance. This kind of policy will protect your organization from liability in any sort of data breach that concerns your customers’ sensitive information.
Invest in Zero-Trust Network Architecture
Zero-trust network architecture assumes every user on your network could be a threat. It requires verification each time someone logs in. Similar to blockchain cybersecurity, which uses blockchain to cut fraud risk, zero-trust network architecture enhances your security. It’s an effective way to strengthen your preparedness plan.
Hire a Certified Ethical Hacker
Today, you can hire employees who have pursued cybersecurity certificate programs or studied to become cybersecurity majors. Certified ethical hackers are experts with the necessary cybersecurity certifications. They take proactive steps to keep your organization safe and reduce your risk of being targeted.
Conduct Cybersecurity Risk Assessment
Last but not least, conducting computer security risk assessment and incident management can be an excellent and foolproof way to mitigate your organization’s risk. By consulting experts in the cybersecurity industry — such as vTECH io — you can get a customized and specialized approach that suits your organization’s unique cybersecurity needs.
The Bottom Line: How vTECH io Can Help
If you’re still feeling uncertain about the current Russia-Ukraine conflict and are unsure of how the increased risk of cybersecurity attacks and incidents might affect your organization, look no further than vTECH io. We have the insight you need on the escalated cyber risk and can help you determine the steps you should take to reduce your likelihood of becoming a target and the severity of the potential damage.
At vTECH io, we stress the importance of the multilayered security approach and the necessity of ensuring that there are no gaps. Our cybersecurity defense framework addresses each of these layers with the utmost care and precision, helping you to detect, prevent, and respond to all cybersecurity incidents that may come your way.
For more information, contact vTECH io today or visit our website, where you will find a library of downloadable resources on the different areas we can assist in your cybersecurity preparedness plan. Click here to learn more.