Protection of Information Data Essential for All Companies. Data protection is crucial for all businesses, from small firms to large corporations. This protection applies not only to computer devices but also to all technical means that interact with information.

Any data that falls into the wrong hands can pose a significant threat. Therefore, it’s essential to make every effort to ensure a reliable level of confidentiality for IT systems. 

Today, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to providing 100% security. As a result, an information protection system must be continually improved and enhanced as hackers and cybercriminals continue to refine their hacking methods and intrusion tactics. 

What is “Information Security”?

Information security is a set of methods for protecting data from accidental or intentional influence. The result of such unlawful actions often harms the entity that owns the data, and this harm can be both material and, for example, moral. 

The security level of information networks can be assessed using a modern method known as penetration testing, or pentesting. Pentesting involves testing the security of a system and identifying possible vulnerabilities. It simulates a cyber attack to identify weaknesses in the system, known as vulnerabilities.

This testing method involves replicating a cybercriminal's attack, with IT security professionals playing the role of hackers. They attempt to penetrate the system in coordination with the system owner.  This method ensures the identification and examination of all system vulnerabilities.

What is Information Security Based On?

Information security (IS) is based on several key principles:

• data integrity;
• availability of information;
• confidentiality;
• authenticity of information.

Data Integrity refers to the quality of information remaining unchanged in its original form and structure during storage or repeated transmission. Only authorized users with access rights have the right to modify, delete, or adjust the data. This is also permitted for individuals who have legal access to this information.

Availability. Information that is available for legitimate access should be provided promptly to authorized users without delays or obstacles.

Confidentiality of information relies on establishing restricted access to information resources for third-party individuals. Data may only be shared with users who are authorized to interact with these systems, have been identified, and have received access rights.

Authenticity of Information indicates that the data belongs to a trusted individual or legitimate owner, who is also the original source of the information.

Information security (IS) encompasses a range of effective measures designed to prevent, detect, and eliminate unauthorized intrusions by external parties. Additionally, IS aims to protect systems from damage, alteration, blocking, or unauthorized copying of data.

Information security becomes even more crucial when it’s known that system breaches and data theft could result in severe consequences, such as significant financial losses, substantial damage to the reputation of individuals or companies, and more.

Why is it essential to ensure the highest level of protection through efficient and effective measures? Today, there are over a hundred types of threats to information systems.

Therefore, it’s necessary to periodically analyze all existing vulnerabilities using various diagnostic methods. Only when indicators are accurately analyzed can the most suitable set of security measures be selected to protect against intrusion and prevent malicious access to the system.

Causes and Types of Security System Vulnerabilities

Why vulnerabilities arise in a system:

• imperfect software or other equipment;
• some system processes are incomplete;
• the information system operates under challenging conditions.

Vulnerabilities don’t always arise intentionally. Their classification includes vulnerabilities that may be accidental or objective in nature. To minimize the risks of information loss, theft, or alteration, it’s necessary to eliminate or reduce the impact of weak points in the security system.

Examples of Accidental or Unintentional Threats

These may include:

• hardware malfunctions;
• software errors or failures;
• mistakes made by personnel or employees working within the system;
• force majeure events caused by natural disasters or environmental factors;
• issues due to frequent power outages.

Reasons for Unauthorized Intrusions Can Vary

Hackers with unethical motives are often people within the organization, users of the information resource, competitors, or hired specialists. 

Their motive could be a desire to profit at someone else’s expense. Competitors may attempt to compromise a rival by stealing confidential information. Employees who have been fired for various reasons may seek revenge against their former employer. 

Thus, there are many reasons behind criminal activities. The role of information security is to prevent malicious actions and stop intrusions at an early stage.

To achieve the best results, it is worth consulting professionals who have a positive track record in this field and a good reputation.  This ensures that information systems remain secure.

Yours,
Datami