Internet Security Learning Center

Seven Pillars of Cyber Security

Due to the proliferation of cybersecurity threats, computer users must be constantly vigilant whenever they're connected to the Internet. To ensure that their data remain secure, users must first identify the weak points in their system where outsiders could break in. Users can shore up those weak spots by adding a firewall and deploying software to fight viruses, spyware, and adware. It is also important to back up and store data in a safe (and preferably off-site) location. A two-pronged approach can help protect data, implementing both a gateway to guard against external network intrusions and software that fights any malicious data that made it past the gateway. A "two-factor authorization" system further protects data by requiring users to furnish two groups of passwords in order to access the computer's information. Also, it is important that an organization's IT and human resources departments communicate with each other to ensure that an employee's access is terminated as soon as he leaves the company. Systems-administrator privileges should also be given out sparingly. Managers must also emphatically and frequently communicate the importance of cybersecurity, including posting company security policies, to their employees so that the topic never fades from mind. Finally, to prepare for the worst, companies should have a detailed and viable disaster recovery plan in place.

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