Financial Crime World

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Certificate Lock: The Key to Securing Your Online Presence

As you browse the internet, have you ever noticed the little lock icon in your browser’s URL bar? This SSL certificate is more than just a visual cue - it’s a vital component of online security. When enabled, it encrypts data transmitted between your device and the website, safeguarding sensitive information from prying eyes.

But what happens when a website doesn’t support HTTPS? It’s like leaving your front door wide open, inviting potential threats to stroll on in. Avoid websites that don’t prioritize security by displaying the lock icon and opting for HTTPS instead.

Have I Been Pwned?

Individuals can check if their email account details have been leaked in a past data breach by visiting “Have I Been Pwned?” (HIBP). This valuable resource flags email addresses exposed during prior online platform breaches, where login credentials were compromised. While it doesn’t necessarily mean your account has been breached, it’s crucial to take proactive measures:

  • Change your password to a strong one
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security

Cybersecurity Measures for Businesses

To mitigate the risk or impact of a data breach, businesses must adopt robust cybersecurity measures. These include:

  1. Updating systems and software: Regularly patch vulnerabilities to prevent exploitation.
  2. Performing antivirus scans: Keep your defenses up-to-date with the latest malware signature files.
  3. Installing Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Secure network infrastructure devices, endpoint devices, and remote access systems.
  4. Encrypting data: Protect sensitive information both in storage and transit to minimize damage in case of a breach.
  5. Limiting privileged access: Restrict access to authorized personnel only, reducing the risk of account abuse or compromise.

Monitoring Systems and Processes

Regularly review:

  1. Authentication logs: Monitor remote services for suspicious activity, such as simultaneous logins from unexpected locations.
  2. Databases: Detect unauthorized copying or exfiltration of PII (Personally Identifiable Information) or business data.
  3. Outbound network traffic: Identify unauthorised communications or data transmissions.

Data Security Plan and Backup

Develop a plan outlining how sensitive company data should be used, destroyed when no longer needed, and maintain an updated backup of critical data. Store the backup offline, disconnected from your enterprise network.

Employee Training

Conduct security awareness training for employees to learn good cyber hygiene practices:

  • Properly manage important data
  • Identify phishing emails

Data Breach Response Plan

In addition to preventive measures, businesses should develop a data breach response plan that includes both administrative and containment/recovery actions. This plan should cover:

  1. Administrative Actions: Lodge a police report if criminal activities are suspected, notify affected customers, and develop a crisis communications plan.
  2. Containment/Recovery Actions: Conduct an internal investigation to determine the cause of the breach, restore systems as needed, and perform antivirus scans.

Conclusion

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Stay vigilant in your online endeavors, and remember: a secure lock icon is just the beginning of a robust cybersecurity strategy.

References

  1. Cyber Security Agency (CSA) - “E-Commerce Security”
  2. Kaspersky Lab - “Data Breach”
  3. Varonis - “Data Breach Statistics”
  4. International Foundation for Labelling and Accreditation Bodies (IFLab) - “7 Major Causes of a Data Breach”
  5. Have I Been Pwned? - FAQs #DataSource