10 effective measures to improve your company’s IT security

The Pareto principle in IT security: small measures, big impact

The Pareto principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, states that 80% of the results are often achieved with only 20% of the resources used. In IT security, this principle can be applied to the observation that a small number of security measures can have a big impact on the overall security level of an organisation.

Take, for example, the use of strong, unique passwords. This may seem like a small measure, but it can have a significant impact on an organisation’s IT security. A 2020 study by Verizon found that 81% of hacking-related breaches were due to weak or stolen passwords. So by implementing strong password policies, an organisation can have a significant impact on its IT security.

The situation is similar with two-factor authentication (2FA). Although it is a relatively simple measure, it can have a major impact on IT security. According to a report by Google, 2FA was able to fend off 100% of automated bots, 96% of bulk phishing attacks and 76% of targeted attacks.

However, the Pareto Principle does not mean that you should only focus on these 20% of measures. Rather, it should serve as a reminder that while it’s important to have a comprehensive IT security strategy, it’s equally important to get the basics right. Often, these basic measures can make a big difference and serve as a solid foundation for more advanced security measures.

Let’s start with these basic but effective measures:

1. strong passwords and two-factor authentication

Creating complex, unique passwords for each account and using two-factor authentication (2FA) are fundamental steps to improving security. Password managers can help manage and securely store the multitude of passwords, while 2FA provides an additional layer of security by requiring a second confirmation, such as a fingerprint or temporary code.

2. updates and patches

All systems, applications and devices should be regularly checked for updates and patches. These updates often fix known security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers. Automated update and patch management systems can make this process easier.

3 Firewall and antivirus software

A strong firewall and up-to-date antivirus software are essential to protect your network from intruders. They should be configured to monitor both incoming and outgoing data and block suspicious activity.

4. encryption

Encrypt all sensitive data, both in transit and at rest. Encryption ensures that even if data is intercepted or stolen, it is unreadable and therefore useless to attackers.

5. security audits and penetration tests

Perform regular security audits and penetration tests to identify vulnerabilities in your systems. Security audits analyse your existing security measures, while penetration tests attempt to penetrate your systems to actively uncover vulnerabilities.

6. employee training

Train your employees regularly in security-conscious behaviour. This should include the secure handling of sensitive information, recognising phishing attempts and the importance of security protocols.

7. data backup

Regular data backups are essential to prevent data loss in the event of an attack or system failure. Make sure that backups are stored securely and tested regularly to ensure their integrity.

8. least privilege principle

Every user and every system should only be given the minimum access rights required to fulfil their tasks. By limiting access rights, you can minimise the risk of internal threats and limit the impact of a successful attack.

9. intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS)

These advanced systems continuously monitor your network for unusual or suspicious activity. IDS/IPS solutions can recognise patterns that indicate a possible attack and automatically take action to block or mitigate such threats. For example, they can block suspicious IP addresses, trigger alarms or even record suspicious activity to help with later investigation.

10. emergency plan

Every organisation should have a well-developed contingency plan to respond to IT security incidents. This plan should include clear instructions on how to respond to different types of incidents, including identifying the incident, containing the threat, investigating the incident and restoring services. After an incident, the plan should be reviewed and updated to better manage future incidents. Learn more

These more detailed points should provide a deeper understanding of the various measures you can take to improve IT security in your organisation. Of course, the exact implementation of these measures will vary depending on the specific needs and circumstances of your organisation, and it can be helpful to seek assistance from IT security experts such as ProSmartec. We can help you develop and implement a customised IT security strategy that effectively protects your business. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.

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