IASME is a security framework designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises improve their online security. It was declared to be the best security standard for small business organisations by the government of the UK.
Why cyber-security is needed?
In this digital world, a huge amount of data is processed and stored every day. It could be your personal information or data related to your business. Securing this data is a big challenge as there are many people who try to access or destroy your data either to cause personal damages or to gain some competitive advantage.
All businesses use computers and the internet for different operations that means important data is transferred over the network which is of critical importance to the organisations and misuse of which can cause serious damage. Cybercrime damages cost billions of dollars every year. So, there is a need for a proper guideline for implementing cyber-security. Such guideline is provided by IASME. IASME standard follows the same steps to cyber-security that the NCSC published.
What are the five steps to cyber-security?
1.Secure the network
As the most important data and files are transferred through a network, you need to secure your internet connection. For this, you need to install a firewall that will monitor the traffic. It inspects every data packet that enters and leaves the network. You can use a host-based firewall or a network-based firewall (more secure) according to your needs.
Use a personal firewall to protect your laptops especially if you connect them to a public WIFI network.
2.Manage access control
You need to define users’ roles and privileges i.e. which user have the authority to only read or write and which user can do both. Also, you need to create strong passwords to make sure no one can crack them easily. Use numbers, symbols, upper- and lower-case letters. Don’t include any personal information.
Also, make a strategy to protect the passwords. Don’t let any employee write the password on a paper or share it with other employees.
3.Keep your software and devices up to date
Keeping your software and devices up to date is really important for online security. Hackers try to find the holes in the code of software through which they can attack, so software companies constantly try to fix those holes and release patches which you have to install. You need to install updates as soon as they are available.
Use the latest versions of the hardware and develop a maintenance strategy as well.
4.Protect your computer from malware
Protect your computers from viruses and malicious attacks. Use the premium version of the latest anti-virus and anti-malware software. Install the software on every device and keep them up to date. Implement whitelisting and allow users to install only those applications that do not contain malware.
You also need to develop strategies to identify and remove malicious software.
5.Manage risks
You need to develop strategies to identify and manage risks. Making your system secure is all about managing risks. There is no need for security if there are no risks.
You need to develop a list of assets that you want to protect and the risks associated with them. Identify all the weaknesses and security holes that make them vulnerable.
Define who will manage risks and assign security responsibilities to the staff.
If you follow these guidelines your data will be more secure. Your customers will realize how responsible you are towards the security of their information and you will able to engage in different businesses with the government.