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Cybersecurity Measures: A Must-Have for Financial Institutions to Thwart Attacks
Importance of Intrusion Prevention Systems, Antivirus Software, Vulnerability Scanners, and Encryption
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity has become a top priority for financial institutions. As technology advances, so do cyberattacks, making it essential for companies to stay ahead of the game by implementing robust security measures.
Intrusion Prevention Systems and Deep Packet Inspection
Experts Greene and Butler (2019) emphasize the importance of intrusion prevention systems and deep packet inspection as crucial technologies that can be included in firewalls or used standalone. These systems provide real-time monitoring of the network with tools placed at strategic points. If a threat is detected, it produces an alarm or warning, allowing for swift action to be taken.
Limitations of Intrusion Detection Systems
However, experts caution that these systems cannot compensate for weak identification and authentication measures, weaknesses in network protocols, or a busy network.
Antivirus Software: An Essential Defense Against Cyberattacks
Antivirus software remains an essential defense against cyberattacks, despite suggestions that it may become obsolete. According to Laudon and Laudon (2019), antivirus software is generally effective in thwarting known attackers, making frequent software updates a necessity. However, they also acknowledge that it may not be effective against new threats, highlighting the need for multiple layers of security.
Vulnerability Scanners: Identifying Areas Vulnerable to Attack
Vulnerability scanners are another software option for corporations, actively searching for areas vulnerable to attack. These scanners can classify vulnerabilities as critical, major, and minor, with some advanced products offering penetration testing and patch management.
Limiting Access to Data
Limiting access to data is also a crucial measure financial institutions can take to protect sensitive information. Access controls should be in place to prevent unauthorized individuals from gaining access, with authentication software helping businesses manage who can access what information.
Overcoming Password Limitations: Two-Factor Authentication and Biometrics
Passwords have been used extensively for years, but their limitations are well-known. Experts Laudon and Laudon (2019) point out that two-factor authentication helps overcome some of the problems associated with traditional passwords, requiring a secondary form of verification to gain access.
Biometrics is another important security feature, providing a unique identifier through automated methods such as fingerprint scanning or facial recognition. Kalyani (2017) notes that biometrics for personal authentication is becoming increasingly convenient and accurate.
Encryption: Protecting Data
Finally, encryption is an essential security feature used to protect data. According to Laudon and Laudon (2019), encryption transforms plain text into cipher text, making it unreadable to anyone other than the intended party. However, experts caution that cloud storage security concerns require careful consideration of encryption key management.
Conclusion
In conclusion, financial institutions must prioritize cybersecurity by implementing a range of measures, including intrusion prevention systems, antivirus software, vulnerability scanners, and encryption. By doing so, they can protect sensitive information and stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.