The Importance of Encrypting and Protecting Your Company’s Online Data

Data Encryption: Encrypting and Protecting Your Company’s Online Data

Your reputation is everything—and just one security breach is enough to permanently erase your good name.

In order to earn business, you need to first earn trust and respect, which is next to impossible if you fail to protect your customer’s sensitive information or the company’s proprietary data.

In addition to business revenue lost, you need to cover additional costs you might incur if you’re slapped with legislation due to negligence.

Today’s post discusses the importance of encrypting and protecting your company’s online data, as well as for instructions for how to choose the best enterprise service bus. Keep reading to learn more.

Online Security Threats are on the Rise

As technology becomes more sophisticated, with larger network architectures and new capabilities for data transfers, hackers are given many opportunities to penetrate platforms with malintent.

Here are a few of the most common types of cyber attacks businesses should stay diligent against:

Malware

Malware is a software specifically designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. The damage occurs after the software is somehow implanted or introduced in various forms that may appear as:

• Executable codes
• Scripts
• Active content
• Viruses
• Worms
• Trojans
• Ransomware
• Adware
• Spyware

Hackers use malware attacks to compromise core computer functioning, but they can also steal, encrypt, delete, alter, and hijack information if it is not encrypted with data security measures.

AI has the potential to fight intruders and malware, which is one of the many benefits AI brings to business applications.

Phishing

Train your employees on the threats of phishing, a tactic that distributes malicious links or attachments via fraudulent emails or online communication channels.

If login credentials are compromised, the cybercriminal may gain access to sensitive company data and create devastating consequences to company shareholders and its customers alike.

Man in the Middle (MITM)

If your organization is involved with unsecured networks in any shape or form—whether that may include employees working remotely over public Wi-Fi in an airport terminal, or an institution operating on poorly designed integration infrastructure—your company is more vulnerable to MITM attacks.

Also known as eavesdropping attacks, this strategy involves a cybercriminal who disrupts web traffic to pilfer data.

Your customers and colleagues need to know the information they send and receive is protected with a VPN or data encryption before it inadvertently gets into the wrong hands.

The Threat of Cyber Attacks

Not all cyber-attacks are one and the same, but the goal most always is to somehow penetrate your company’s computer infrastructure in order to:

• Swipe user credit card information
• Access personal bank accounts
• Steal money
• Transfer funds
• Pilfer sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers or addresses
• Enact identity fraud
• Shut down web servers
• Create a botnet
• Gain control over PC storage or network resources

They may steal your customers’ private information and sell it to malicious third-parties, or they may target your company directly. Regardless of the initial goal, the final outcome of a successful cyber attack is almost always devastating.

How to Protect Against Cyber Attacks

Regardless of whether you’re operating on a personal or business device, protecting your company’s online data is paramount.

Some of the strongest data encryption methods include:

• Data Encryption Standard (DES)
• TripleDES
• RSA
• Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)
• Twofish

Unless you’re a profoundly adept coder, however, it’s probably better to purchase a reliable encryption software over making a grave mistake within your DIY algorithm.

There are some personal cybersecurity measures you should upon yourself though, such as:

• Updating software regularly
• Avoiding unsecured public networks
• Installing a trusted anti-virus protection software
• Changing default passwords regularly

Choosing the Best Enterprise Service Bus (EBS)

Don’t stop there, though. It’s imperative you follow data integration best practices on an enterprise bus server (ESB). This middle tier network allows you to change your infrastructure by configuring and reusing ESB parameters instead of writing new code.

The right ESB solution should be rich with features including:

• Industry-leading security protocols
• Identity management and protection
• Data, analytics, and application server integration
• Real-time notification and monitoring
• SOA governance

Contact us to learn more about the benefits offered by ESB platforms, such as data protection and delivered customer value.