Information Security: The Complete Guide for Your Company
The last two years of social isolation have changed the way people work and understand their routines. The digitization of various processes and communication has also sparked extensive debate about information security.
The increase in online services and relationships generates a considerable amount of data and information, often confidential, that is targeted by cybercriminals.
Between 2020 and 2021, there was a dangerous 38% increase in ransomware attacks worldwide. In Brazil alone, the number of cyberattacks increased by 92% during the same period.
According to the BugHunt National Information Security Survey, one of the main reasons for this increase is that 39.7% of the companies surveyed have issues with employee adherence to cybersecurity measures.
This resistance is likely related to people's lack of understanding of what information security is.
What is Information Security?
Information security is the practice of keeping private data confidential. It involves preserving a set of information about an individual or organization.
It is a field closely related to technological practices due to the volume of information and data circulating in digital spaces.
How Did Information Security Originate?
Technological transformations, particularly from the mid-20th century, necessitated thinking about security and protection for what was being developed.
Previously, as all services had to be conducted in person with human interaction, there was less concern about data breaches or theft. It wasn't until the late 1960s and early 1970s that digital information storage became a reality.
Over the years, as more data was stored and information became more valuable and significant—such as credit card numbers, personal data, and bank accounts—the risk of invasion and theft of this information increased, leading to the development of strategies to protect these data.
In this context, cybercriminals emerged. These criminals, with knowledge in information security, continuously attempt to breach networks and systems to steal data for various purposes.
Companies then began to understand the risks they faced more clearly, investing in tools and policies to protect their networks. Some even have dedicated teams solely for monitoring and securing their digital environments and data.
The Principles of Information Security
As noted previously, there has been exponential growth in attacks on digital networks and systems due to the importance and volume of data stored in online environments.
Attacks vary, from human factors to dangerous ransomware.
To enhance the protection of information circulating in digital spaces, four core pillars of information security were established. These pillars ensure that all protection stages are addressed and considered. They are:
- ConfidentialityThis principle ensures that access to data and information is granted only to authorized individuals. In other words, unauthorized individuals, processes, or entities are not permitted access.The concept focuses on actions taken to ensure that information is not stolen from systems through cyberattacks that may result from the carelessness of individuals with access to data.
- IntegrityThe principle of integrity ensures that data retains its original characteristics. It means that data should not be improperly altered without authorization. This guarantees the accuracy of information regardless of the process.
- AvailabilityFollowing the first principle, availability ensures that data, networks, and systems are accessible to authorized individuals whenever needed.Thus, data are not just codes but valuable information that can be accessed when required.
- AuthenticityThe final principle aims to guarantee the true origin of information. It shows that the data are authentic and come from reliable sources.Authenticity thus serves as a basis for validating the authorization of users to transmit, receive, and access information.
If you are interested in learning more about these principles and their importance to your company's information security, check out the content we have produced on the subject.
Who Needs to Invest in Information Security?
Now that you have a summary of the main characteristics of information security, it's common to question who needs to invest in this area.
The increase in the digitization of daily processes for individuals and institutions has made information security crucial for virtually all companies worldwide.
Not only companies but also public institutions, which are constant targets of cyberattacks, such as in the ongoing cyberwar between Russia and Ukraine.
This rapid and often risky development has led to significant growth in the market, including a high demand for specialized cybersecurity professionals.
The General Data Protection Law
Another important factor is that, due to the high number of data theft incidents, the Brazilian government focused its attention on cybersecurity, developing the General Data Protection Law (LGPD).
This regulation requires that all companies not in compliance with data protection actions, policies, and strategies must be penalized.
Additionally, the LGPD ensures that any user or client who feels harmed by the leakage or misuse of their information, even if due to a cybercriminal's invasion of the company's network, has their rights protected.
Companies can face fines or, depending on the severity of the case, even shut down due to penalties from the LGPD.
Thus, the requirements set by the country's authorities have made companies quickly adjust to protection standards, increasing their focus on information security.
Every Company Must Focus on Cybersecurity
It is impossible to reach another conclusion regarding investments in information security given the facts presented, coupled with the rise in companies adopting hybrid or fully remote work models.
The digitization of operations has made it necessary for all companies, from the oldest and largest to the smallest and newest, to pay attention to the protection of information circulating between employees and clients.
Neglecting protection can lead to higher costs than investing in cybersecurity methods. Stay alert!
How Does Information Security Work?
The field of information security has expanded alongside technological advancements worldwide.
Many methods have been developed over the years, becoming increasingly complex and detailed, making life more difficult for cybercriminals.
Some well-known methods include hiring a dedicated information security team for your company, responsible for keeping the company's software updated, monitoring systems, and more.
Applying policies and rules for all company employees, encouraging careful sharing of passwords, information, files, documents, etc., is also a widely adopted practice.
Additionally, tools have been developed in recent years to anticipate and guard against cybercrimes. One of the most famous methods is Bug Bounty, which will be discussed in more detail in the following sections.
Hiring Qualified Information Security Professionals
It is crucial to ensure that the professionals involved in cybersecurity services are experts in the field, regardless of investments in programs and methods.
Whether a professional specializing in Red Team, Blue Team, or bug hunting, it is important that they demonstrate experience in the area, through tests, for example.
Who Are the Information Security Experts?
This is a crucial part of our analysis of the information security field. After all, it's where you get to know the professionals in the area better.
You might have a stereotypical view of cybersecurity professionals, and we don’t blame you! For years, these experts were associated with hacker figures or "nerds" in movies who help solve crimes.
However, these specialists have become increasingly important in society and the job market. There are many possible occupations in the field.
Among these professionals are Security Software Developers. These specialists design systems and solutions to protect digital systems and networks.
A cybersecurity expert may also work specifically in corporate security or public institutions, in State Intelligence sectors, investigating possible infractions by cybercriminals.
Another possible role is that of ethical hackers: information security specialists who find and report vulnerabilities in companies' networks and systems.
Furthermore, upon identifying a potential invasion, they resolve problems caused by criminals and assist in possible investigations conducted by public authorities.
Would you like to know how an ethical hacker can be a great ally for your company? We have prepared specific content for that. Check it out!
Information Security Tools
Are you interested in implementing information security policies, methods, and tools within your company? This can be an excellent decision to ensure the protection of your business and clients' data.
For protecting information, files, and digital documents, there are some basic tools implemented in a company’s systems and devices. These include:
- Monitoring software
- Access controls
- Document and data backup
- Encryption
- Firewall
Additionally, there are methods that can be used, as mentioned here, to reduce risks.
These include policies regarding the use of company devices and computers inside and outside the offices, prohibiting password sharing with unauthorized individuals, being cautious with suspicious content accessed on company networks, etc.
It is also possible to hire professionals who work with Red Team or Blue Team methods. Do you know what these terms mean?
- Red Team: A team of hackers that conducts authorized "attacks" on the company’s networks and systems to find and eliminate problems. These professionals are familiar with current market threats and use their skills to detect risks.
- Blue Team: The "defense" team. These professionals aim to create defense strategies against cybercrimes, modifying and strengthening network protection mechanisms.
Bug Bounty
Bug Bounty is another information security strategy that can be used, including alongside other tools and methods for greater data protection.
Its significant advantage is that it continuously tests the networks and systems of partner companies to detect vulnerabilities, even minor ones.
It operates on the principle of anticipation. In other words, vulnerabilities are identified before a possible cybercriminal invasion occurs.
By working with a reward system for discovered vulnerabilities, a Bug Bounty platform partners with hackers, known as bug hunters, who infiltrate the partner company's systems to find these bugs.
Upon discovering problems, these professionals receive rewards for their work and provide analysis reports to the company's information security team so that issues are resolved before a crime occurs.
Although it is a more recent method, Bug Bounty is already being used as a strategy by Brazilian companies.
BugHunt, the first Bug Bounty platform in Brazil, offers bug hunting services for organizations looking to improve their information security and protect their systems from cyberattacks.
Contact the BugHunt team to learn more about the services provided!