5 security procedures for Singapore businesses to reduce cybersecurity risks

5 security procedures for Singapore businesses to reduce cybersecurity risks

At this point in time, due to the fact that businesses and organisations alike already have a roadmap into good cybersecurity hygiene from the PDPC decisions and undertakings, it is safe to assume that bad actors will not just go into your organisation’s website and try to hack out of spite or for ransom purposes later.

Currently, cybersecurity is no longer an afterthought, as seen through the recent cases decided by the PDPC. With this said, when an organisation is subjected to a successful breach, it may be due to an elaborate plan that probably took years to accomplish, lurking and waiting for the right opportunity, hoping that your employees, as the weakest link, will take the bait and run.

Thus, it is never a good idea to be complacent about your cybersecurity hygiene as vultures are circling, waiting for you to let your guard down and unleash their sophisticated plan to tear you down. Hence, here’s 5 security procedures for Singapore businesses to reduce cybersecurity risks.

5 security procedures for Singapore businesses to reduce cybersecurity risks.

1. Include cybersecurity experts on your team.

Hiring cybersecurity specialists will provide your business with the frontline talent it needs to put in place defenses and procedures that are specific to your organization.

With this, the organization can take a proactive approach to cybersecurity threats for business and respond promptly in the case of an attack by having skilled security professionals on staff.

2. Upskill all employees

The rising use of technology at work and digital devices in remote workplaces make cybersecurity at risk that could affect the entire organization. Each employee can either enhance business cybersecurity risks or play a part in reducing them.

Every employee needs to be motivated to support cybersecurity by being aware of the threats and exhibiting the proper behavior to maximize cybersecurity. This can involve having a plan in place in case of a security compromise and just using work emails for professional correspondence.

3. Update the company’s security procedures frequently

Employees “are the first line of defense for their organization’s cybersecurity,” according to the CSA, but your staff by itself is insufficient.
This goes back to the importance of recruiting professional cybersecurity professionals, who can manage this activity on a timely basis as cyberthreats continue to grow, and emphasizes the necessity of reviewing and updating cybersecurity policy on a frequent basis across the organization.

4. Examine and improve your systems

People, processes, and technology are often the three primary components that comprise a company’s cybersecurity concerns. With the appropriate personnel in place and updated rules, businesses may address the first two components.

However, technology itself needs to be managed, which entails making sure that network and computer equipment are safe and that operating systems and apps are maintained up to date. With this, you should respond right away to any security notifications and alarms were given by your operating system, antivirus program, web browser, and a firewall.

5. Improve cloud security

Many Singaporean businesses are switching to cloud computing as their preferred method, and by adopting a few easy precautions, you can improve cloud security.

You may want to utilize a different cloud for extremely sensitive files, so take into account whether all of your files should be migrated to one cloud. Use encryption to safeguard your cloud computing systems and to keep data safe anytime it is moved between networks.

Moreover, when back-ups are regularly scheduled, recovery is always much simpler when they are in place.

How a Data Protection Officer (DPO) can help

A Data Protection Officer (DPO) oversees data protection responsibilities and ensures that organizations comply with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). Furthermore, every Organization’s DPO should be able to curb any instances of cyber threats and instances of data breaches as it is the officer responsible for maintaining the positive posture of an organization’s cybersecurity.

For instance, at Privacy Ninja, we regularly conduct penetration testing to see if the organization’s systems can be exploited or taken advantage of and patch it up as quickly as possible before any bad actor can do it. Although this is not part of our DPO scope of work, it is a valuable cybersecurity facet that our clients also harness to optimize their compliance journey.

DPOs complement the efforts of organizations to make sure that the personal data collected and used is accurate. This is because when there is an instance that the obligation has been breached, DPOs ensure that a protocol for dealing with it has been established and can be employed.

As a consumer who provides my very own sensitive information to each organization I encounter or have a transaction with, I would feel safe if an organization would take the extra mile to ensure that my data is correct and concise, as it affects me whenever a decision is made.

Don’t risk a 5-7 figure financial penalty – protect your organisation with our trusted outsourced Data Protection Officer service. With over 300 satisfied clients in Singapore, we’re the experts you can count on to help you be PDPA compliant and safeguard the personal data in your possession. Apply for a non-obligatory PDPA compliance consultation today: https://www.privacy.com.sg/outsourced-data-protection-officer-dpo-service/