Also known as information security, information security is an essential strategic aspect of any company. Protecting data and ensuring that it is not divulged is vital to a company's survival and brand image. This may involve personal data, banking identities or key figures. Let's take a look at why and how to preserve the confidentiality of your business data, and the risks associated with data leakage.
What is information security?
Simply put, it's the act of protecting information. The digitization of data makes it vulnerable. Vulnerable to computer attacks that jeopardize its confidentiality and ownership. Many organizations and companies store information of a confidential nature (or even of high importance) in databases and on computer servers. This information is referred to as "protean": it can be of a personal, financial or strategic nature. The more important the data, the greater the impact of its loss. Calling in a company with expertise in information security can help protect information from data leakage, and ensure that confidentiality is preserved.
The 4 pillars of information security
- Confidentiality: the assurance that only authorized and approved users can access collected information.
- Integrity: the guarantee that information cannot be modified without authorization, and that any modifications will be detected and managed transparently.
- Availability: certifying that information is available and that communication channels function correctly when needed.
- Traceability: ensuring that data and users retain access history and logs.
Good to know: an Information Security Management System (ISMS) protects information through policies and procedures covering all the legal, physical and technical controls involved. Security assured.
Threats and reactions to risk
Beware of fraudulent e-mails and dubious attachments, not to mention software installed without the approval of a security firewall! These threats can take many forms. They include
- phishing attacks
- malware
- identity theft
- ransomware (malicious software)
To deter hackers and limit vulnerabilities at various points, coordinated security checks are implemented. Depending on the levels of vulnerability established, a defense strategy is implemented to protect a company's data. In this way, the effects of an attack are reduced, and an incident response plan is put in place. To counter security breaches, security teams limit the damage, identify the cause and apply new defense mechanisms.
Types of protection for information security
Fortunately, there are many types of protection available, and they can be adapted to suit the structures to be defended. First and foremost, a security audit can assess the organization's ability to ensure the security of its systems according to established criteria. Types of protection include, for example :
- access locks
- network intrusion detection systems
- encryption key management
- password strategies
- regulatory compliance
Remember: the most vulnerable point in systems is often people. Information security depends on employee behavior, and is above all a managerial issue.
