Why Cyber Resilience is Essential for Businesses in the Digital Age

Jakarta, INTI - The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and with it, the threats businesses face. Cyberattacks are on the rise, with Check Point Research reporting a staggering 38% increase from 2021 to 2022. No company, regardless of location or industry, is immune.

The UK serves as a stark example. According to Techmonitor, the nation experienced more cyberattacks than any other European country in 2022. This vulnerability is even depicted in the plot of Apple TV's new show, Liaison, highlighting the pervasiveness of cyber threats.

So, how can businesses fortify their defenses? Shambhulingayya Aralelema, a cybersecurity expert and Global Delivery Head at Infosys, offers valuable insights on building cyber resilience.

Cyber Resilience vs. Cybersecurity: Understanding the Distinction

Traditionally, cybersecurity focuses on preventative measures to safeguard a company's systems and data. However, cyber resilience acknowledges the inevitability of breaches and emphasizes the ability to recover effectively.

In essence, cybersecurity secures a business, while cyber resilience ensures its continuity even after an attack. By being proactive and prepared for potential incidents, businesses can minimize downtime and maintain operations.

How Cyber Resilience Strengthens Cybersecurity

A robust cybersecurity strategy incorporates cyber resilience practices. The SolarWinds Orion platform attack in December 2020 exemplifies this concept. Hackers compromised this critical infrastructure monitoring platform, impacting government agencies worldwide. Organizations swiftly followed incident response plans, isolated infected systems, patched vulnerabilities, and bolstered their security posture.

Similarly, the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack in May 2021 forced the company to shut down its system, leading to fuel shortages in several US states. However, Colonial Pipeline demonstrated resilience by implementing stricter cybersecurity measures, network segmentation, and regular testing of their incident response plan.

These real-world examples highlight the importance of a proactive approach. The Bank of England's participation in a voluntary cyber stress test in December 2021 demonstrates a commitment to preparedness by simulating the impact of a potential attack on their payment systems.

Building a Cyber Resilient Business: Key Steps

Here are some crucial actions companies can take to enhance their cyber resilience:

• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Tools: Utilize EDR tools powered by machine learning and advanced analytics to detect suspicious activity on devices like laptops, mobiles, and other endpoints. These tools can automate response actions, effectively isolating threats.
• Incident Response Plan: Establish a well-defined incident response plan outlining roles, responsibilities, escalation procedures, and communication protocols. This ensures a swift and coordinated response to cyberattacks.
• Network Segmentation: Divide your network into smaller, manageable segments. This limits access to authorized business traffic and restricts the potential damage caused by an attack.
• Vulnerability Management: Regularly scan systems and networks for vulnerabilities, and promptly apply patches and updates. This proactive approach is similar to how apps update to address security issues.
• Data Backups: Regularly back up your data and ensure backups are tested for successful restoration. This is a critical safety net in the event of a cyberattack.

The Importance of Continuous Vigilance

While cybersecurity is essential, it's a continuous battle. Unlike organizations that need to win every encounter, hackers only need to succeed once. A single successful attack can lead to reputational damage, legal repercussions, and significant financial losses.

In today's digital age, every business is inherently a technology business. As our world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, the prevalence of cyberattacks is guaranteed to rise. Consequently, cyber resilience becomes even more critical.

Maintaining a cutting-edge cybersecurity posture is important, but complacency is a recipe for disaster. Businesses must integrate best practices into their daily operations to ensure survival and success in this ever-evolving threat landscape.*Hans