Cyber resilience through consolidation part 1: The easiest computer to hack

Many of us connected to the internet are in constant unease about the growing threat of cyberattacks. Malware, phishing and social engineering are all tactics that can easily target the average user.

It’s normal to be worried about how cyber threats can be carried out, but the stereotypical hackers portrayed in the media — using advanced programming and malicious programs to harass and victimize their targets out of a dark basement — are mostly fiction. Real attacks are more mundane but just as consequential.  

The harsh reality is that most of today’s cyberattacks are not as sophisticated as once thought, especially compared to earlier tactics that grew as the popularity of interconnected devices rose. Although some attack methods have matured in sophistication, many vectors of attack have not changed in years but are still very successful, largely due to social engineering and human error. 

Being (and staying) cyber-resilient

Cyber resiliency is an organization’s ability to anticipate, withstand and recover from potential threats without severely compromising or disrupting the business’s productivity. By taking advantage of emerging technologies, staying “cyber fit” and creating a comprehensive restoration and recovery system with the right tools and resources, it’s possible to stay ahead of the cybercriminals.

In short, being — and staying — cyber-resilient is one of the most important steps one can take to protect themselves and their organization.

In this two-part series, I’ll outline some of the biggest risks in cybersecurity across the industry and how to mitigate them. This starts with the easiest computer to hack: People. 

The easiest computer to hack

The human brain has always been one of the…