Cybersecurity has become a critical priority in today’s hyper-connected world, where increasingly sophisticated attacks threaten businesses of all sizes. Justin Wood, Director of Information Systems & Security at BrunNet, offered a candid look at the evolving threat landscape and shares practical, cost-effective strategies to help organizations stay secure and resilient.
Cybersecurity risks have grown exponentially as remote work and cloud technologies become staples of modern business. Small businesses, often constrained by limited resources, are particularly vulnerable (U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2023).
According to Wood, a practical starting point is leveraging resources like Cybersecure Canada, which provides frameworks to help organizations identify and address security gaps.
“Cybersecure Canada is an excellent resource because it offers a framework businesses can access for free,” said Wood. “It may seem overwhelming initially, but there are consultants, like us at BrunNet, who can guide organizations through the process.”
For businesses seeking to strengthen their defences, Justin shared some simple, effective measures:
1. Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA):
“This continues to be the number one recommendation for securing systems,” Wood emphasized.
MFA adds a critical layer of security beyond passwords.
2. Geolocation Blocking:
If your business operates solely in Canada, blocking login attempts from outside the country minimizes exposure to external threats.
3. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR):
This advanced antivirus tool detects and responds to threats, providing a detailed playbook for fixing incidents.
4. Cyber Insurance:
Wood highlighted cyber insurance as an essential step.
“Even with robust measures, incidents can happen,” he explained. “Cyber insurance helps businesses recover quickly, covering costs like investigations, legal fees, etc.”
5. Use a VPN:
Virtual private networks (VPNs) prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data for employees working in public locations.
6. Using AI to stay ahead of cyber attacks
AI is reshaping cybersecurity, and it’s important to recognize that the technology is available to both attackers and defenders. Cybercriminals use AI to create advanced phishing schemes and other attacks. At the same time, businesses are leveraging AI-powered tools to stay ahead.
“AI is instrumental in detecting and preventing cyberattacks,” Wood explained. “It can spot subtle signs of phishing emails and cloud account anomalies. This helps organizations take preemptive measures.”
But technology alone isn’t enough; being careful and cautious is equally critical.
Wood advocated for regular security awareness training and mock incident response drills. “These drills simulate real-time cyberattacks. They test policies and prepare teams to respond.” He added, “Whether it’s engaging an incident response team or involving a random employee, these exercises ensure readiness for when a breach occurs.”
The future of cybersecurity is dynamic, with AI evolving and shaping the field. While the landscape may seem uncertain, businesses can protect themselves against tomorrow’s threats by acting now.
Businesses must prioritize cybersecurity as a core component of their operations.
Are you ready to strengthen your business’s cybersecurity? Contact BrunNet for tailored solutions that align with your organization’s unique needs. Let’s build a secure future together.