Cyber Risk

Cyber security is a term used to describe the protection of electronic and computer networks, programs and data against unauthorized access. Maintaining a high standard of security is essential to protect critical systems and data against cyber-attacks.

The sophistication, persistence and continuous evolution of cyber threats means organizations are finding it increasingly challenging to defend against them. This makes it essential to approach cyber security as a continuous journey, involving regular assessments and appropriate investment in people, processes and technologies to mitigate the risk.

Cyber security services are specialized engagements designed to enable organizations to manage and mitigate the risk and impact of cyberattacks. Kroll’s cyber security services are designed to help organizations protect, detect and respond. The right mix of cyber security services, including advisory services, proactive assessments, managed detection and response, incident response and breach notification, ensures that organizations are able to defend against threats on endpoints, across the surface web and throughout the deep and dark web.

Infosec, or information security, forms a critical part of cyber security because it helps to protect online data from authorized access or use. The three pillars of infosec, Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability, often referred to as the CIA triad, are foundational principles for maintaining a robust level of security. Confidentiality involves checking whether your systems are protected from external, authorized access. Integrity entails ensuring that data has not been tampered with and is correct and trustworthy, while availability involves checking that networks, systems and applications are operational and ready for use when required.

A cyber attack is an incident in which cybercriminals aim to steal, expose or destroy information by gaining unauthorized access to computer systems. Common types of cyber attacks include malware, phishing, ransomware, denial-of-service (DoS) and cross-site scripting (XSS). There are two types of cyber attacks: targeted and un-targeted. In untargeted attacks, criminals target as many devices, services or users as possible, while in targeted attacks, they will focus on a specific organization.

An effective starting point for effective cyber security is to assess your current cyber security posture. Look at which of your systems, networks and data are secure and which are vulnerable. Consider using external providers to undertake assessments such as penetration testing to gain a complete picture. Uncovering potential vulnerabilities will then allow you to start developing an effective cyber security policy and strategy. Again, expert support with this will ensure that your cyber security approach is effective and robust.

Online threats to organizations are evolving all the time. Whether it is malware, phishing or ransomware, companies are at significant financial and reputational risk if they fail to proactively manage and mitigate potential vulnerabilities, or do not address the impact of attacks or breaches as soon as they occur. Cyber security enables organizations to take targeted, measurable action to defend themselves against some of the biggest risks likely to affect them. An effective, transparent cyber security approach is also increasingly in demand by partners, stakeholders and potential investors.

An organization’s cyber security policy defines the direction and nature of a company’s approach to security. It sets out which assets should be protected, the potential threats to those assets and the security controls that should be implemented to address them. Establishing a new policy involves careful consideration of key aspects of cyber security, such as employee training and awareness, controls, email security, confidential data and other areas. It is important to perform cyber policy reviews on a regular basis or if your organization has recently undergone expansion, has been acquired or is due to take on a new partner.

Cyber security vulnerabilities are types of weaknesses in an organization’s technology, workforce or processes that have the potential to allow cybercriminals to obtain access to critical assets and data. Types of vulnerabilities can include flaws in unpatched software, weak passwords, insecure system configurations and poor email security protocols.

In a large enterprise, a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Chief Security Officer (CSO) have overall responsibility for cyber security. In smaller organizations, it can often be the IT Director, Head of IT or IT Manager who is responsible. However, regardless of organization size, every single employee has a responsibility to follow recommended procedures and practices. This relies on effective cyber security policies and procedures and regular employee training and awareness sessions.

There is no silver bullet to protect an organization against all types of cyber threats. To make genuine, lasting improvements to cyber security, a strong blend of technology, expertise and processes is required. Preventative security controls such as firewalls and antivirus software are a first line of defense, while proactive network and endpoint monitoring is increasingly important to improve visibility of threats that bypass these defenses. Regular security assessments such as vulnerability scanning and pen testing are also important in order to identify and address weaknesses before they can be exploited by attackers. When a security team’s worst fears are realized and their organization is breached, it’s important to have a partner to turn to for assistance with incident response, forensics, notification and recovery.

With cyber threats growing more complex and persistent, it is essential to work with an expert partner. Your organization can rely on Kroll’s combination of technical specialists, unique insight and trailblazing technology. We have structured our cyber security practice to deliver end-to-end solutions quickly and seamlessly, anywhere in the world. Renowned cyber investigators and leading technology fuel our managed security services, augmenting security operations centers and incident response capabilities. Our managed detection and response solution, Kroll Responder, provides 24x7 coverage and is supported by seasoned incident response experts and frontline threat intelligence to deliver unrivaled response.