In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the adage “prevention is better than cure” has never been more relevant. Businesses must adopt a multi-layered approach to defence to stay ahead of cyber threats. A recent article on WeLiveSecurity highlights several preventative defence tactics that businesses can employ. Here, we expand on these tactics and introduce an essential addition: cyber awareness and training.

Key Defence Tactics

1. Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Defence: RDP attacks can grant attackers administrator privileges, compromising your entire network. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) and using Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools can thwart these attacks. According to a 2022 report, RDP attacks accounted for 37% of all intrusion attempts globally.
2. Enterprise Visibility: Persistent attackers often map and plan extensive attacks over time. Using core network firewalls with built-in Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), along with YARA rules, provides comprehensive visibility and defence. Recent statistics show that organisations with robust IDS/IPS in place reduce their risk of successful breaches by up to 50%.
3. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): With the rise of cloud services, MFA is crucial in preventing brute force attacks, particularly for Business Email Compromise (BEC) scenarios. MFA significantly limits exposure by requiring multiple forms of verification. A 2023 survey revealed that implementing MFA can block 99.9% of account compromise attacks.

Cyber Awareness and Training

While technical defences are critical, cyber awareness and training are equally important in building a robust cybersecurity framework. Here’s how an effective awareness and training program can make a difference:

1. Engaging and Interactive Modules: Training should include real-world scenarios and interactive elements to help employees recognise and respond to phishing and other cyber threats. Studies have shown that interactive training can increase retention rates by 75%.
2. Behavioural Psychology: Programs that incorporate psychological principles can more effectively address and reduce risky behaviours. For instance, understanding the common psychological triggers exploited by phishing can help develop more resilient responses.
3. Regular Updates and Real-Time Alerts: Continuous updates on the latest threats and trends, along with real-time alerts, keep employees informed and vigilant. According to a 2022 report, organisations that regularly update their training content see a 70% reduction in security incidents.
4. Compliance and Governance: Aligning training with established security frameworks ensures comprehensive and standardised protocols are followed. This alignment is crucial for maintaining compliance with regulations and avoiding penalties.
5. User-Friendly Interface: Platforms like Cybermate offer an intuitive dashboard for tracking progress and compliance, making it accessible and effective for all users. Ease of use is a significant factor in the successful adoption of training programs.

Why Cybermate?

Cybermate is a pioneering platform designed specifically for SMEs and schools in Australia. It combines behavioural psychology with practical training modules to significantly reduce the risk of cyber threats. Key features include:

• Psychology-Based Training: Focuses on the root causes of risky behaviour.
• Sector-Specific Solutions: Tailored content for different industries, including education.
• Progress Tracking and Real-Time Alerts: Keeps users updated and aware of their cybersecurity posture.
• Compliance Alignment: Ensures adherence to security standards like ASD, ACSC, ISO 2700, NIST, and CIS Controls.

Cybermate’s approach not only educates but also empowers employees, turning them into the first line of defence against cyber attacks. This comprehensive, engaging, and user-friendly platform is designed to foster a culture of awareness and preparedness, significantly reducing the risk of cyber incidents.

Conclusion

The increasing prevalence of cyber threats calls for robust and adaptive cybersecurity measures. By focusing on preventative defence tactics and integrating cyber awareness and training, businesses can build a resilient defence against cyber threats. Cybermate, with its innovative approach, is an indispensable tool for SMEs and schools in Australia. By equipping organisations with the knowledge and skills to defend against cyber attacks, Cybermate plays a crucial role in enhancing Australia’s cybersecurity resilience.