Category Archives: Business Security

How does an Australian nonprofit get back to business as normal after a cyber event?

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Getting back to business as normal after a cyber event can be a challenging process for any organization, including nonprofit organizations in Australia.

Here are some steps that nonprofits can take to resume operations after a cyber event:

Restore critical systems:

Nonprofits should prioritize restoring critical systems and data first.

This may involve rebuilding or repairing IT systems and data backups.

Conduct security assessments:

Nonprofits should conduct security assessments to identify any vulnerabilities and ensure that security measures are up to date.

This may involve hiring a cybersecurity expert to perform an assessment or using a security software tool.

Communicate with stakeholders:

Nonprofits should communicate with stakeholders, including donors, partners, and staff, about the incident and its impact.

This can help maintain trust and transparency with the organization’s supporters and minimize reputational damage.

Review response plan and policies:

Nonprofits should review their response plan and policies to identify areas for improvement.

This can include revising the response plan to address any weaknesses identified during the incident.

Provide training and education:

Nonprofits should provide ongoing training and education to staff to ensure they are aware of the latest cyber threats and know how to prevent future incidents.

Monitor systems:

Nonprofits should monitor their IT systems and data for any unusual activity or anomalies.

This can help identify potential security incidents before they become major problems.

Review insurance coverage:

Nonprofits should review their insurance coverage to ensure they have adequate coverage in the event of a future cyber incident.

Recovering from a cyber event can be a complex and time-consuming process.

Nonprofits can benefit from seeking advice and assistance from cybersecurity experts and regulatory authorities to ensure they are taking appropriate steps to resume operations and prevent future incidents.

By taking proactive steps to prevent cyber incidents and being prepared to respond if an incident occurs, nonprofits can minimize the impact of cyber threats and continue to fulfill their mission.

How does a non profit organisation recover from a cyber event?

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Recovering from a cyber event can be challenging for any organization, including non-profit organizations in Australia.

Here are some steps that non-profit organizations can take to recover from a cyber event:

Containment and assessment:

The first step in recovering from a cyber event is to contain the incident and assess the damage.

This may involve disconnecting affected systems from the network and determining what data has been compromised.

Response plan activation:

Non-profit organizations should have a response plan in place for cyber incidents, which outlines the steps to be taken in the event of an attack.

This plan should be activated as soon as the incident is detected to ensure a timely and coordinated response.

Notification:

If personal data has been compromised, non-profits may need to notify affected individuals and regulatory authorities, such as the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), under the Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme.

Non-profits should follow the guidelines set out by the OAIC regarding the content and timing of data breach notifications.

Communication:

Non-profits should communicate with stakeholders, including donors, partners, and staff, about the incident and its impact.

This can help maintain trust and transparency with the organization’s supporters and minimize reputational damage.

Recovery and restoration:

Non-profits should work to restore affected systems and data, including implementing data backups, patching vulnerabilities, and updating security measures.

Non-profits should also review their response plan and security measures to identify areas for improvement.

Review and prevention:

Once the organization has recovered from the cyber event, it’s important to review the incident and identify areas for improvement.

Non-profits should also take steps to prevent future cyber incidents, including implementing stronger security measures and providing ongoing training and education to staff.

Recovering from a cyber event can be a complex and time-consuming process.

Non-profits can benefit from working with cybersecurity experts and seeking advice from relevant regulatory authorities to ensure they are taking appropriate steps to recover and prevent future incidents.

What small steps can a non profit make that will have the biggest impact on securing the organisation?

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There are several small steps that an non profit organisation can take to have a big impact on their cybersecurity posture.

Here are a few examples:

🔱 Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA):

MFA adds an extra layer of security to user login credentials, making it harder for cybercriminals to gain access to your organisation’s IT systems and data.

🔱 Regularly update software and applications:

Keeping software and applications up to date with the latest security patches can help prevent cybercriminals from exploiting known vulnerabilities.

🔱 Use strong passwords:

Strong passwords that include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters can help prevent unauthorized access to your organisation’s IT systems and data.

🔱 Provide cybersecurity training for staff:

Regular cybersecurity training can help staff understand the risks and learn best practices for protecting the organisation’s IT systems and data.

🔱 Regularly back up critical data:

Regularly backing up critical data can help ensure that your organisation can recover quickly in the event of a cyber incident, such as a ransomware attack or data breach.

🔱 Implement a security policy for mobile devices:

Many employees use mobile devices to access company data, and these devices can pose a security risk if they are lost or stolen.

Implementing a security policy for mobile devices, such as requiring device encryption and passcodes, can help reduce the risk of a security breach.

🔱 Limit access to sensitive data:

Limiting access to sensitive data to only those employees who need it can help prevent accidental or intentional data breaches.

By implementing these small steps, non profit organisations can improve their cybersecurity posture and reduce the risk of a cyber incident.

These steps can also help organisations comply with applicable regulations, such as the Privacy Act and Notifiable Data Breaches scheme, and maintain the trust of their stakeholders.

Cybersecurity for everyone

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In the digital age, cybersecurity has become a critical issue that affects every aspect of society, from individuals to large corporations and governments.

The ever-evolving nature of cyber threats, combined with the rapid pace of technological advancements, makes it imperative to change the overall culture of cyber protection.

There are several key areas that need to be addressed in order to foster a more secure digital landscape.

👉 Cybersecurity education and awareness must be prioritized at all levels of society.

This includes integrating cybersecurity concepts into school curricula, as well as providing continuous training for professionals in the field.

By educating the public and workforce about the importance of cyber hygiene, we can empower individuals to make smarter decisions about their digital activities, thus reducing the number of cyber incidents.

👉 Organizations need to adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity.

This entails investing in advanced security tools and protocols, as well as implementing a robust incident response plan.

Additionally, fostering a culture of collaboration and information-sharing among different departments within an organization can help create a unified front against cyber threats.

👉 Governments play a crucial role in shaping cybersecurity policies and regulations.

They must work collaboratively with private sectors and international partners to establish strong cybersecurity standards and guidelines.

This includes enforcing strict penalties for cybercriminals and investing in research and development to create innovative solutions for tackling cyber threats.

👉 The development of new technologies and artificial intelligence should be leveraged to bolster cybersecurity defenses.

Machine learning and AI can help in identifying and predicting potential threats, while automation can be used to enhance the efficiency of security processes.

The change we need in the realm of cybersecurity involves a comprehensive approach that prioritizes education, collaboration, and innovation.

By fostering a more secure digital culture, we can better protect ourselves and our communities from the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.

Winning the Cybersecurity Fight – Why Knowing the Rules is Essential

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The saying “You cannot win a fight if you do not know the rules” applies to many aspects of life, including cybersecurity.

In today’s digital world, we are constantly under threat from cybercriminals who seek to steal our sensitive information, disrupt our systems, and cause chaos.

To protect ourselves and our organizations, we must understand the rules of the game.

Cybersecurity is a complex field that involves various technologies, policies, and practices.

It is not enough to simply install antivirus software or use strong passwords.

To truly protect ourselves, we must understand the nature of the threats we face and the strategies that cybercriminals use to exploit our vulnerabilities.

This means staying up-to-date with the latest security trends and best practices, regularly reviewing and updating our security policies, and investing in ongoing cybersecurity training for ourselves and our staff.

It also means understanding the regulatory landscape and compliance requirements that apply to our organizations, such as the Australian Privacy Principles and the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme.

Ultimately, the key to winning the cybersecurity fight is knowledge.

By staying informed and understanding the rules of the game, we can take proactive steps to protect ourselves and our organizations from cyber threats.

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Dealing with the corporate immune system

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You likely understand that one of the biggest challenges in improving cybersecurity in any organization is dealing with the corporate immune system.

This term refers to the various attitudes, behaviours, and cultural norms that can make it difficult to implement better cybersecurity practices.

In this article, we will explore the power of the corporate immune system to hamper the implementation of better cybersecurity in three main areas: technology, people, and policy.

Technology

One of the primary ways that the corporate immune system can hinder cybersecurity efforts is by creating resistance to new technologies.

This is particularly true in industries that are heavily regulated, such as banking and healthcare. In these industries, there is often a reluctance to adopt new technologies that may not have a proven track record or may not be compliant with existing regulations.

This resistance can also manifest in more subtle ways.

For example, employees may be resistant to using new security tools because they are comfortable with the old ones.

Similarly, there may be resistance to implementing new security protocols because they are seen as too time-consuming or disruptive to existing workflows.

To overcome these challenges, it is important to provide clear communication about the benefits of new technologies and to involve employees in the process of selecting and implementing new security tools.

People

Another area where the corporate immune system can hamper cybersecurity efforts is in dealing with people.

This can manifest in a number of ways, including a lack of awareness or understanding of cybersecurity risks, a lack of training on how to identify and respond to security threats, and a reluctance to report security incidents.

To overcome these challenges, it is important to provide ongoing cybersecurity training and education to all employees, from the C-suite down to the frontline staff.

This training should cover not only the technical aspects of cybersecurity but also the human factors that can contribute to security breaches, such as phishing scams and social engineering.

It is also important to create a culture of transparency and accountability, where employees feel comfortable reporting security incidents without fear of retaliation.

Policy

The final area where the corporate immune system can hamper cybersecurity efforts is in the realm of policy.

This can include resistance to implementing new security policies or a lack of enforcement of existing policies. In some cases, policies may be seen as too restrictive or burdensome, leading employees to find workarounds or ignore them altogether.

To overcome these challenges, it is important to involve all stakeholders in the policy-making process and to communicate clearly about the rationale behind new policies.

It is also important to ensure that policies are flexible enough to accommodate the needs of different departments and workflows, while still maintaining a high level of security.

Finally, policies must be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that they remain relevant and effective in the face of evolving cybersecurity threats.

The corporate immune system can be a significant barrier to improving cybersecurity in any organization.

However, by addressing the challenges in the areas of technology, people, and policy, it is possible to overcome these barriers and create a culture of cybersecurity that protects both the organization and its stakeholders.

It is everyone’s responsibility to advocate for these changes and to help organizations navigate the complexities of the corporate immune system in order to achieve better security outcomes.

The Four Challenges Often Overlooked in Securing Organizations

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Organizations are increasingly vulnerable to cyber attacks, and often, the challenges involved in securing them are not addressed correctly.

By neglecting these four crucial challenges, organizations may inadvertently expose themselves to threats, despite believing they are well protected.

Challenge 1 – Technical:

Technical challenges involve keeping up with the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape.

With new malware, viruses, and attack vectors emerging regularly, organizations must continually update their security software and infrastructure.

Additionally, the increasing complexity of networks and the widespread adoption of cloud services further complicate the task of implementing robust security measures.

To counter these challenges, organizations must invest in advanced threat detection systems, proactive network monitoring, and rigorous vulnerability testing.

Challenge 2 – Political:

The political challenge refers to the complexities that arise from the interplay of internal and external stakeholders.

Organizations must navigate the competing interests of executives, shareholders, regulators, and customers when implementing cybersecurity measures.

Striking a balance between security, privacy, and business objectives can be difficult, especially when adhering to industry-specific regulations and privacy laws.

To mitigate this challenge, organizations must foster a culture of collaboration and transparency, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned in their cybersecurity goals.

Challenge 3 – Skills and Capabilities:

The global shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals presents a significant challenge for organizations seeking to bolster their security posture.

As cyber threats become more sophisticated, the need for highly trained experts is paramount.

This skills gap, coupled with a rapidly evolving threat landscape, makes it challenging for organizations to maintain a strong security stance.

To address this challenge, organizations must invest in employee training, professional development, and talent acquisition strategies that prioritize security expertise.

Challenge 4 – Clearance and Need-to-Know:

A robust security strategy must consider the balance between granting employees access to sensitive information and maintaining strict access controls.

The principle of ‘need-to-know’ dictates that employees should only have access to information essential for their role. However, enforcing this principle can be challenging, as it requires organizations to assess and classify data accurately, and regularly review access privileges.

To tackle this challenge, organizations must implement strict access control policies, conduct regular audits, and embrace a culture of security awareness throughout the workforce.

Securing organizations is a complex endeavour that goes beyond merely deploying security software.

By addressing the technical, political, skills and capabilities, and clearance challenges, organizations can significantly strengthen their cybersecurity posture and reduce the likelihood of successful cyber attacks.

Raise your hand if you think these two statements are wrong!

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Raise your hand if you think these two statements are wrong!

👁 Everything on the internet is free.

👁 Everything on the internet is secure.

The rapid rise of the internet has brought countless benefits to our lives, making it easier to connect with others, access information, and pursue various interests.

However, it has also led to widespread misconceptions about the nature of the digital world.

Two of the most common and misguided beliefs are that everything on the internet is free and secure.

These false notions not only contribute to a lack of understanding of the online realm but also create fertile ground for cybercriminals to exploit unsuspecting users.

The idea that everything on the internet is free is an attractive one.

This belief has given birth to an extensive array of websites offering seemingly free services, such as cheat websites, hacked and cracked software sites, and platforms for downloading music, videos, and games without charge.

However, the age-old saying, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch,” still holds true.

Many people fail to realize that these so-called free services often come with hidden costs.

The users who frequent these sites may find themselves at risk of credit card theft, password theft, and infected computers.

Moreover, the illusion of complete security on the internet has led to a false sense of safety among users.

In reality, the digital world is rife with dangers, ranging from viruses and malware to phishing attacks and identity theft.

This erroneous belief in the invulnerability of the online space has caused many to let their guard down, providing cybercriminals with ample opportunity to scam, target, and compromise their victims.

The misconceptions that everything on the internet is free and secure have contributed to the growth of cybercrime and the victimization of users.

It is crucial to dispel these myths and educate individuals about the potential dangers of the online world.

By promoting a more realistic understanding of the internet and fostering a culture of caution and vigilance, we can empower users to make informed decisions and better protect themselves from the ever-evolving threats of cybercriminals.

So, raise your hand if you agree that these two statements are indeed wrong, and let’s work together to create a safer digital environment for everyone.

Trusting Your IT and Cybersecurity Teams: A Critical Component of Nonprofit Success

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Nonprofits rely heavily on technology to manage their operations, from fundraising to volunteer management.

little detective is on the trail of luck

As such, IT and cybersecurity teams, internal and external, are critical to ensuring the success of nonprofit organizations.

However, without trust in these teams, nonprofits may experience negative consequences that can impact their ability to achieve their mission.

✔️ Not trusting IT and cybersecurity teams can cause security breaches.

Nonprofits often collect and store sensitive information about their donors, beneficiaries, and volunteers, which must be protected from unauthorized access or theft.

Without trust in IT and cybersecurity teams, the organization may not prioritize security measures, leading to vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.

A security breach can result in the theft of sensitive data, financial loss, and damage to the nonprofit's reputation.

✔️ Data loss.

A lack of trust in IT and cybersecurity teams may also lead to inadequate data backup and recovery procedures, which can result in permanent data loss in the event of a system failure or cyberattack.

Data loss can significantly impact a nonprofit's operations, making it difficult or impossible to serve beneficiaries effectively.

✔️ Inefficiencies.

IT and cybersecurity teams are responsible for maintaining the organization's technology infrastructure.

Without trust, the nonprofit may not allow the IT and cybersecurity teams to make necessary updates, leading to inefficiencies and potential downtime.

This can significantly impact the nonprofit's ability to achieve its mission.

✔️ Compliance issues.

Nonprofits must comply with various regulations related to data privacy and protection.

Without trust in the IT and cybersecurity teams, the nonprofit may not ensure compliance, leading to legal issues and financial penalties.

✔️ A lack of trust.

Ultimately, a lack of trust in IT and cybersecurity teams can erode trust among donors and beneficiaries.

A security breach or data loss can damage the organization's reputation, leading to decreased funding and support.

Donors and beneficiaries need to trust nonprofits with their sensitive information, and a lack of trust in IT and cybersecurity teams can significantly impact the nonprofit's ability to build and maintain that trust.

IT and cybersecurity teams play a crucial role in protecting sensitive information, maintaining operational efficiency, responding to cyberattacks, ensuring compliance, and building trust for nonprofits.

Nonprofits must trust their IT and cybersecurity teams to keep their organization secure and protect their donors and beneficiaries.

Without trust, nonprofits may experience security breaches, data loss, inefficiencies, compliance issues, and loss of trust, which can significantly impact their ability to achieve their mission.

Cybersecurity is more important than ever before.

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With the rise of technology, cyber threats have become a major concern for individuals and businesses alike.

One thing that is becoming increasingly clear is that the chance of a cyber event is not "if," but "when."

In fact, research has shown that 97% of cyber events are preventable.

So, what can we do to prevent a cyber event?

Preventing a cyber event is not solely about removing small errors, but also about having a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity.

While removing small errors, such as keeping software and systems updated, can help prevent specific types of cyber attacks, it is not enough on its own.

A comprehensive approach to cybersecurity also includes:

✅ Educate yourself and your employees:

It's important to educate yourself and your employees about cyber threats and best practices for staying safe online.  This includes learning about common types of cyber attacks and the steps you can take to prevent them.

✅ Having strong security policies and procedures in place to help mitigate risk.

✅ Regularly monitoring and assessing your network for potential vulnerabilities.

✅ Providing training and education to employees on cybersecurity best practices and safe online behavior.

✅ Having incident response plans in place to quickly and effectively respond to any cyber incidents that may occur.

✅ Continuously evaluating and updating your security measures to keep pace with the evolving threat landscape.

Preventing a cyber event is about identifying, evaluating and mitigating potential risks through the implementation of a set of best practices and technologies, it's all about removing small errors but also about being proactive and having a holistic approach to cybersecurity