Did you know that you can prevent the majority of data breaches? Basic cybersecurity measures are designed with the ability to prevent most attacks on your data. Unfortunately, in most instances, cybercriminals will look for the easy option, preying on the weakest. 

Jason Remilard, CEO of Data443 Risk Mitigation, interviewed our partner, CEO of WhiteCanyon Software, to get his take on preventing data breaches. Read the full interview here. 

“Just like a locked door will typically dissuade a burglar, having basic cybersecurity protections in place will persuade most attackers to try another target.”

As part of Jason’s series about “5 Things You Need To Know To Optimise Your Company’s Approach to Data Privacy and Cybersecurity,” Paul’s expertise were called upon.

Firstly, Paul Katzof is the driving force behind WhiteCanyon Software. With the mission of decreasing e-waste on a global scale, WhiteCanyon offers an alternative to physical destruction methods. For example, it is estimated that over 150 million computer hard drives are shredded each year due to security concerns. However, with WhiteCanyon’s WipeDrive, a software-based data-erasure programme can eliminate these concerns.

In their discussion surrounding cybersecurity, Paul explains how it is a constantly changing environment. Once one security threat is solved, another comes about. Therefore, the priority is continuously shifting as cybercriminals will never tire of looking for an easy hack. 

“It truly is a cat and mouse game.”

The importance of cybersecurity is paramount to any business in any country. Wars can be won with cybersecurity dominance even. But, Paul explains, information is power and, therefore, protecting your sensitive data is the key to success.

Unfortunately, cybersecurity will always be topical for as long as we rely on technology. In Paul’s words, it is “constantly changing, important and permanent.”

That being said, in the future, Paul believes companies should start preparing for blackmail, becoming a more significant component of cybersecurity threats. For example, CEOs, Purchasing Managers and Decision Markers could be targeted with the threat of embarrassing exposures, possibly having to carry out illegal activities or spend money to hide. In addition, Paul anticipates that a personal component in cyberattacks is in order for criminals to receive a financial payout. 

With Paul’s prediction firmly on the table, how does he recommend companies deal with their cybersecurity? 

Here are Paul’s “5 Things You Need To Know To Optimise Your Company’s Approach to Data Privacy and Cybersecurity?”

Remember, you can read the full interview with all of Paul’s answers here.

1. All Data is Valuable

We hear about data breaches almost daily, and most of them are of credit card information or logins. We are reaching a day where all data can be assimilated and processed for much larger attacks. An attack on logins for a small website could provide the password for the network of a large corporation, which could then be used to access the intellectual property, customers, or vital information. We are reaching a day where stealing multiple small pieces of information can lead to big breaches.

2. Any Breach will Cost Your Organisation

Do not think that your company is immune to a data breach. Data breaches will continue to be a big item in news stories, and your data breach will be brought up for years. It will also have to be addressed in Investor/Corporate information and could be a major burden. For small companies, having a burglar break-in and steal computers and valuables from their store did not directly hurt the company’s customers. Data breaches for small companies are different; they can directly affect a business’s customers when their passwords and credit card details are stolen. This gives a business a bad reputation and could be detrimental to its client base. Any breach will hurt you.

3. You can PREVENT most Data Breaches

Basic cybersecurity protection measures will prevent most attacks. Cybercriminals are looking for easy prey. Just like a locked door will typically dissuade a burglar, having basic cybersecurity protections in place will persuade most attackers to try another target.

4. Data Protection is here to stay — just like physical security of buildings

Years ago, having physical security of your premises was looked at as an extra cost and was only done when the building was in a bad area, or there was particularly important information to protect. Now we see most buildings have some sort of paid security service drive around or visit it each night. This basic protection dissuades potential intruders and keeps buildings safe. Not to mentions liability and insurance premiums.

Data protection will soon be viewed in the same light. Safely storing and managing data is a permanent fixture of business and will be for the foreseeable future. Organisations that are avoiding it for cost or other reasons will only see a data breach and negative consequences. Move now, so your data is protected.

5. You can Rebound Back from a Data Breach

Data breaches are not the end-all. They are a call to display to your customers, competitors, and industry how you respond to a failure of your cybersecurity system. New data security policies should be instituted, communication with affected parties should be direct. This communication is a chance to differentiate and ingratiate yourself to your customers and should be used to do so. A highly visible company can rebound from a data breach and must in order to stay in business.”

To find out more about WhiteCanyon’s WipeDrive Software, visit our website today. Alternatively, give us a call to speak to our team directly on 0345 340 3105, or send us an enquiry here. We look forward to hearing from you.