Do you want to protect your organization from data breaches or incidents like theft and harassment? If yes, it is time to start implementing Operational Security (OpSec) programs. These programs should include training employees on protecting sensitive information, using encryption software, monitoring network traffic, installing antivirus software, updating operating systems, and other vital aspects.
Operational Security (OpSec), also known as Information Assurance (IA), is the practice of ensuring that the confidentiality, integrity, availability, authentication, authorization, and nonrepudiation of information assets are maintained throughout their lifecycle. This practice includes preventing unauthorized access, destruction, modification, disclosure, or distribution of information. OpSec programs are designed to avoid data breaches and cyber-attacks. They are also helpful tools in reducing risk within organizations.
A successful OpSec program requires a well-thought-out plan and proper implementation. There are seven key areas where these programs differ from each other.
Why Improve Operational Security?
The primary purpose of an OpSec program is to ensure that sensitive information remains confidential. The program can use it for various reasons such as:
- Preventing identity theft by keeping personal information safe
Operational security can help keep your data safe and secure from hackers and other malicious threats. When you have robust security measures, you will avoid unwanted incidents.
- Protecting intellectual property
You need to make sure that your internet’s IP is protected at all times from thieves and people that can harass you. This means that you must use strong passwords, encrypt files, and update antivirus software regularly. This protection is one of the most common uses of OpSec.
- Ensuring compliance with regulations
If you operate online, you may fall under different rules and regulations when protecting sensitive data. For example, if you sell products or services over the internet, you must comply with federal laws around handling customers’ personal information.
- Maintaining business continuity
When there is an emergency like a natural disaster, terrorist attack, or even war that could affect the stability of your business, having a security system can save valuable time in recovering data and getting it back online.
- Protecting credit card information so that it cannot be misused
Operational security can also help make sure that your credit card information is protected at all times and cannot be misused by anyone.
- Ensuring that only authorized users have access to sensitive information
Operational security is paramount when it comes to protecting sensitive data. For example, if you have a database containing student information, you need to ensure that this information is kept secure. To do this, you can implement a password policy, limit the number of logins per day, install firewalls, and monitor network activity.
- Protecting intellectual property
You need to make sure that you do everything possible to protect your intellectual property. This effort includes using strong passwords, encrypting documents, and limiting the amount of information shared online.
- Preventing fraud
If you are involved in financial transactions, you need to ensure that they are done securely. This assessment includes using solid credentials, verifying identities, and being aware of suspicious activities.
What Are Some Ways To Implement A Successful OpSec Program?
- Train Employees
Training employees on protecting sensitive information is one of the most critical components of any OpSec program. Training sessions must provide employees with details on what to do if they encounter a suspicious message, email attachment, password reset link or any other type of threat. It is recommended that these sessions cover topics such as:
- Use Encryption Software
Encryption software is used to encrypt sensitive information before sending it over networks. When using this software, users will have to enter a secret passphrase required to decrypt the data.
- Monitor Network Traffic
Monitoring network traffic is done to detect unusual behaviour. For example, if there is a spike in requests for specific files or URLs, this may indicate that someone is trying to hack into the system. In this case, it is best to take appropriate action right away.
- Update Operating Systems
Updating operating systems ensure that new vulnerabilities are detected and fixed quickly. This diligence means that hackers and malware writers will have less time to exploit them.
- Install Antivirus Software
Installing antivirus software on computers is another way to keep hackers out of your system. Since viruses can infect computers in many different ways, it is vital to install antivirus software.
- Manage Passwords
Passwords should be changed regularly because people tend to reuse passwords. Password managers allow you to create complex passwords and store them securely easily.
- Secure All Devices
All devices connected to company networks should be backed up regularly to recover data in case of loss.
With the help of technological advancement, companies can now implement a robust security infrastructure. This means that organizations need to protect their resources from cyber-attacks. Here are seven easy ways to achieve this goal.
1. Limit Access To Sensitive Information
When developing an OpSec strategy, limiting access to sensitive information is essential. Make sure that only the people who require specific information have access to it. If you use cloud computing, consider restricting access to sensitive data, as well. As a result of implementing these measures, no unauthorized individuals will gain access to your business’s sensitive data.
2. Ensure That Security Is Part Of Your Business Plan
It is common for businesses to overlook cybersecurity when setting goals. This planning makes it unlikely that they will get ahead of threats. However, companies must put cybersecurity at the forefront of their business plans.
3. Keep Up With New Threats And Vulnerabilities
If you want to stay safe online, you need to monitor the latest trends and new attacks. As more hackers and criminals find new methods to compromise systems, you need to know about them. Stay aware of new developments and be prepared to react accordingly.
4. Orchestrate and Automate Incident Response
An incident response plan needs to include monitoring and orchestration. By doing so, you can alert analysts to incidents quickly and efficiently. You can also automate triage tasks, such as scanning computers for malicious code. Doing so will save valuable time and reduce the number of false positives.
It would be best if you also created an incident response team. An incident response team is a group of experts responsible for containing and recovering from any attack. They provide support and advice during a crisis. Creating such a team can ensure that all relevant departments are involved.
5. Monitor Network Traffic
Network activity needs to be monitored to look for suspicious activities. An excellent place to start would be checking IP addresses that request too much bandwidth or download huge files. These are likely to contain malicious code.
6. Install Antivirus On Each Device Connected To The Network
The number one cause of Internet exposure is employees connecting laptops, tablets, and smartphones to public Wi-Fi hotspots. Therefore, installing antivirus on each device connected to the network is essential. This way, you can protect against potential attacks and prevent further damage.
7. Use Cloud Computing Services Only When Necessary
Cloud services can be helpful if you require additional storage space, but using such services without a thorough risk assessment and threat analysis can be risky. Consider using cloud computing services with caution until you fully understand their impact on your organization.
Conclusion
Today’s threat landscape requires a secure digital workplace that can detect, respond and recover quickly and effectively. If you want to do this, you need to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that includes strong security policies, awareness training and education programs, robust detection technologies, and advanced recovery capabilities.
However, most organizations fail to implement a comprehensive security solution properly. Only 30 percent of companies have implemented a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Therefore, the first step towards improving cybersecurity is to get started. Once you’ve developed a solid framework, it’s easier to keep up with evolving requirements.
We hope that you find this article helpful. The tips mentioned above can significantly help you improve your operational security.
