Cybersecurity in the workplace

A simple click on a dubious e-mail, and your entire computer system can fall prey to ransomware. That just goes to show how fast... and formidable today's threats are! At rzilient, we all too often come across companies surprised by the sophistication of cyberattacks: whether it's phishing, the theft of sensitive data or the total paralysis of a service after an unfortunate click, no one is immune.

Beyond the immediate inconvenience, there are financial consequences (between reduced sales and potential penalties) and an impact on reputation. That's why IT security isn't just a gadget: it's a strategic issue for every company, large or small, wherever you are in France. In this context, corporate cybersecurity needs to be thought through, anticipated, implemented and regularly reassessed to protect your data, your systems, your employees... and your peace of mind!

In this article, we'll take a look at the challenges of corporate cybersecurity, identify the most widespread vulnerabilities, present best practices and show you that there are effective solutions to protect you. We'll also look at the possibility of outsourcing security if you don't have the necessary resources in-house.

Our aim? To help you build and maintain a cybersecurity culture that becomes your best ally in innovating and growing without fear of the next dubious click.

A reminder about cybersecurity

Cybersecurity (or IT security) covers all the methods and tools used to protect your information systems, networks and software against intrusions or malicious threats. It covers :

• Confidentiality of information (personal data, strategic information, etc.)
• Integrity of IT resources (avoid unauthorized modification)
• Availability of services, software and applications (limiting business interruptions due to attacks)

At an organizational level, we also talk about information systems security. This is a broader field that encompasses risk management, data protection, the implementation of security policies, team awareness and compliance with current regulations (such as the General Data Protection Regulation - RGPD, or data protection regulation).

The challenges of cybersecurity in the workplace

1. Ever more sophisticated threats

Phishing, ransomware, DDoS attacks: cyberattack techniques are constantly evolving, and companies (from VSEs to multinationals) need to be prepared.

• Phishing: a fraudulent e-mail impersonating a trusted organization in order to obtain your credentials or sensitive information.
• Malware: malicious software (viruses, Trojans, etc.) designed to steal data or take control of a network.
• Ransomware: block your systems and encrypt your data for ransom. It's estimated that more than half of all ransomware victims pay the ransom demanded to recover their data or restore access to their systems, sometimes with no guarantee of success.

Businesses - whether based in Paris, Lyon or elsewhere in France - are not immune. Cybercriminals attack all sizes and all sectors (the most targeted remain finance, healthcare, government services and strategic industries), often taking advantage of a lack of vigilance or a flaw in IT security.

In addition to these threats, there are internal risks: human error, negligence, lack of cyber-security awareness within teams, or the use of weak passwords.

2. Impacts that go far beyond IT

In the event of a cyber attack, the impact can be :

• Direct financial losses: system recovery costs, loss of sales, possible penalties.
• Indirect losses: damage to brand image, loss of confidence among customers and partners, deterioration in the internal climate.
• Legal risks: in the event of non-compliance with personal data protection legislation, the company may incur sanctions and fines.

3. An increasingly demanding regulatory framework

Protecting personal data and complying with legal obligations (such as the RGPD) is an integral part of corporate cybersecurity. Failure to comply can result in fines, even for small structures.

Common corporate cybersecurity vulnerabilities

Despite growing awareness, the same corporate failings are regularly observed:

1. Passwords too weak

The passwords "123456" or "password" remain sadly popular. Worse still, many people reuse the same password on several tools and services.

2. Absence of sensitization

Without training, your employees are more likely to click on fraudulent links or fall into the phishing trap.

3. Neglected updates and patches

Software publishers release security patches to close known vulnerabilities. Failing to install them leaves the door wide open to attackers.

4. Non-segmented network

If all your resources are grouped together on a single, unpartitioned network, a hacker who gains access to them can move around freely and compromise all your data.

5. No structured backup

In the event of a ransomware attack, only a valid (and tested!) backup will enable you to quickly restore your data without giving in to blackmail.

6. Default settings

Leaving "admin" passwords or factory settings may seem harmless, but it's a real gift for hackers.

Best practices in corporate cybersecurity

To limit these vulnerabilities, a few best practices are essential:

1. Training and empowering employees
   • Organize corporate cybersecurity awarenessworkshops, incorporating real-life examples of cyberattacks and fraud.
   • Learn how to recognize suspicious e-mails (phishing), create strong passwords and quickly report any abnormal behavior.
   • Encourage a culture of vigilance on a daily basis.
2. Define a clear security policy
   • Appoint a systems security manager to steer the information systems security strategy.
   • Set up internal rules (PSSI) to clarify access authorizations, equipment usage, etc.
3. Manage access and rights
   • Assign the necessary privileges to each position, but no more.
   • Use multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
4. Regular updates and audits
   • Keep a close eye on security patches and automate updates where possible.
   • Perform vulnerability audits and penetration tests (pentests) to detect vulnerabilities early.
   • Organize penetration tests (pentests) to assess the resistance of your IT systems.
5. Saving, again and again
   • Plan regular backups on different media (local, cloud, etc.).
   • Test your backups to verify their integrity and your ability to restore your data.
6. An incident response plan
   • Define in advance who does what in the event of an attack.
   • Prepare crisis communications, both internally and externally (customers, partners...).

By applying these best practices, you'll lay a solid foundation for enterprise IT security, avoiding many common risks.

Enterprise solutions and tools

While prevention and awareness are the first line of defense, there are also multiple software and hardware solutions to protect businesses from cybercrime.‍

Firewall

A cornerstone of IT security, it controls incoming and outgoing traffic, filtering out connections deemed suspicious. It can be hardware (dedicated appliance) or software, and it is essential to configure it correctly for optimum efficiency.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

It encrypts exchanges between your employees and your network, essential for telecommuting or travelling. Encrypted traffic makes it harder for cyber-attackers to intercept data.

Antivirus and antimalware

A protection suite is still needed to block the most common malware and detect abnormal behavior. There are also dedicated antimalware solutions, often offered as part of a comprehensive security suite.

Identity and access management (IAM) solutions

Fine-tuned control of who accesses which resources to drastically limit the risk of internal intrusion.

Encryption tools

Protect your sensitive files and e-mails with robust encryption to reduce the interest that hackers can find in them. Data encryption (at rest and in transit) reinforces confidentiality.

Behavioral analysis and AI

Artificial intelligence can help identify weak signals and abnormal behavior, before an incident escalates.

Secure cloud services

Migrating part of your services to the cloud can simplify security management, provided you choose a provider that guarantees robust protection mechanisms and RGPD compliance.

Outsourcing corporate cybersecurity is an option

When internal resources (human and financial) are insufficient, it may be worthwhile to call on the services of a MSSP (Managed Security Service Provider), i.e. a service provider specialized in IT security.

Benefits of outsourcing

1. Cutting-edge expertise: Cybersecurity assignments are often complex. Calling on a specialized service provider allows you to benefit from the skills of systems security experts, trained in the latest threats and technologies.
2. Save time and money: Rather than recruiting, training and retaining an expensive (and potentially hard-to-find) in-house systems security manager, you rely on a partner to protect your data.
3. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance: Our external service providers are constantly on the lookout for any anomalies or attacks in progress. They also ensure that systems are regularly updated.
4. Scalability: Cybersecurity needs can vary according to the size of your company, its sector of activity, or its level of digitalization. Outsourced services adapt more easily to the growth or evolution of your structure, whether you're based in Paris or in the regions.

It goes without saying that you should carry out your due diligence before signing, so as to choose a partner you can trust. Cybersecurity is a strategic issue: it's best to ensure the reliability and transparency of your service provider.

‍

‍

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is a key issue for modern businesses, whether long-established or just starting up. The risks of cyber-attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and an incident can have immediate repercussions on your data, your finances and your reputation.

To avoid a sudden and costly shutdown, it's crucial to focus on prevention: training your teams, adopting a global security policy, regularly updating your systems, auditing your infrastructures and following best practices. Then there are the essential tools (firewall, VPN, antivirus, encryption, etc.) and the option of outsourcing cybersecurity management if you don't have the resources in-house.

At rzilient, we often stress that IT security is a collective issue: everyone in the company must feel responsible for the organization's digital health. It's by cultivating this vigilance and security culture that you'll be able to innovate and develop your business in complete confidence, without fearing every new click or e-mail.

So, are you ready to take the plunge and make cybersecurity your new asset for serene growth?

‍