Cybersecurity is a matter of grave concern for numerous businesses, regardless of industry. Businesses tend to collect multiple types of data from their target audience and stakeholders.
It helps understand the market trends, learn about the customers’ tastes and preferences, and improve the firm’s functioning.
As the information collected is very crucial, it is the organization’s responsibility to take appropriate measures for utmost data security.
According to a recent survey, 9 out of 10 Americans are concerned about cybersecurity threats, especially hacking of their personal information from government agencies or departments, and financial institutions.
Unfortunately, their concerns are not groundless.
- As per the U.S. Healthcare Cybersecurity Market 2020 report, about 90% of healthcare organizations have experienced at least one cybersecurity breach in the past three years.
- Security issues against the ICS (industrial control system) and OT (operational technology) tripled in 2020.
- 97% of the company experienced security breaches in their supply chain. The businesses associated with the DoD (department of defense) industry are also vulnerable to cyber threats due to weak supply chains.
- According to another report, on average, IoT (Internet of Things) devices suffer 5,200 cyber-attacks every month.
Taking all this data into consideration, it won’t be wrong to say that it is high time for different industries to maximize their cybersecurity. If you are curious to know what industries we are particularly talking about, continue reading!
Healthcare
The healthcare sector is a leading target of cybercriminals or hackers. Medical records of patients are not the only thing hospitals and health institutions possess. Instead, they have data about their social security number, address, financial details, and other confidential information.
The reason all this information is easy to hack or steal is that the majority of the healthcare staff don’t have adequate IT and cybersecurity knowledge. They have basic knowledge about using EHRs (electronic health records) and remote patient monitoring solutions.
But, it need not necessarily mean that they know about the measures to keep the systems or solutions safe.
That’s why if you own a healthcare facility, it is suggested to create security protocols for the organization’s network. For instance, restricting attachment of personal devices with hospital management platforms or EHRs.
Learning about HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliance and adhering to it will also benefit the hospitals. Likewise, regular staff training and awareness about cybersecurity fundamentals can also minimize the security risk.
Learning about HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliance and adhering to it will also benefit the hospitals. Likewise, regular staff training and awareness about cybersecurity fundamentals can also minimize the security risk. You can visit the website to understand how to implement more cybersecurity with healthcare data.
Defense
Government entities, particularly DoD (Department of Defense), are often the target of malicious organizations or individuals to get insights into the country’s military secrets. The majority of such attacks are directed towards the defense industrial base (DIB) or contractors. DIB handles the research, advancements, manufacturing, improvements, and components.
DIB and contractors tend to access classified or secret information and DoD systems. Stating the obvious, disclosure of such information can benefit the foreign government or different parties to a great extent. It can further cause severe threats to the country or state’s security.
That’s why the contractors and DIB must take appropriate measures to protect the information. For the same purpose, DoD created the CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) framework. It includes nearly 300,000 companies in its supply chain and operates under the DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement).
Taking CMMC IT support ensures that contractors comply with the basic level of cybersecurity to safeguard government data. This certification further has different maturity levels (ML). It is essential that you learn about all the levels and take every possible step to protect confidential data.
Construction
It might come as a surprise, but the construction industry is also vulnerable to cyber threats. The contractors or real estate construction companies use numerous applications (associated with IoT) to streamline the process and improve their communication.
The data collected is vulnerable to malicious attachments, phishing schemes, and man-in-the-middle attacks. It can allow hackers to access the company’s network or personal devices and get insights about the company and industry.
Therefore, it is recommended to encrypt all the information and train the staff about the safe use of technology and software. Regular training will significantly reduce the chance of data breaches due to human error. Also, make sure no third party can access the information without your permission.
Manufacturing
The adoption of industry 4.0 technology such as IoT sensors, factory management platforms, and collaborative robotics is significantly improving the manufacturing sector’s efficiency. However, this advancement has also exposed warehouse and factory systems and networks to numerous disruptions and cyber threats.
Large-scale IoT devices enable companies to collect data at a greater scale and manage the factories more efficiently. However, it has also led to an increase in the access points for hackers to use and collect information from the factory networks. Additionally, internet-connected robots and collaborative programs possess a similar type of security risk.
Thus, if you plan to implement industry 4.0 tech in your factory or have already implemented the same, you also need to elevate network security. It is recommended to install anti-virus software to mitigate the risk of a ransomware attack. Similarly, please do not allow the use of personal devices in the factory or restrict their connection with the company networks.
Training about the right use of devices and technologies awareness about phishing schemes and suspicious downloads can also help prevent cyberattacks to a great extent. Not to mention, it will help save hundreds, perhaps thousands of dollars.
What Are Other Industries That Should Also Focus On Cybersecurity?
Apart from the sectors mentioned above, the finance and retail sector is also vulnerable to cyber threats. It is essential that companies learn about the growing tech trend but also measures to reduce the risk of cyberattacks. It will also be beneficial if you seek the help of managed IT and security services to minimize the risk.
To Sum It All Up
Taking appropriate measures to protect the company and customer data is crucial. It helps you safeguard millions of dollars and build transparency.
Learn about the rules and regulations of your industry, meet the necessary certification requirements and look for the right support.
