Between best practices and tools, how to guarantee your company's IT security

One morning like any other, you open your computer, and then disaster strikes. A cyber-attack has paralyzed your system, your data is encrypted, and there's nothing you can do. Your business is at risk because of negligent IT security.

This is not an unlikely scenario. In 2024, over 195 million pieces of data were compromised worldwide, and there were over 5,400 ransomware attacks, according to a Comparitech study. In this article, we take a look at the main risks when it comes to IT security, as well as the best practices for ensuring your protection and the essential tools that will let you sleep soundly at night. Let's take a look at how to deal with digital threats.

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What are the challenges of corporate IT security?

A cyber attack can cause a great deal of damage. Here are the main dangers of digital attacks:

Leakage of sensitive information

If your online security is not guaranteed, a hacker can carry out a computer attack in the form of an intrusion. He gains access to your confidential data, those relating to your company's development or even customer information. 😨

Financial losses

Not complying with regulations can cost you dearly. During 2024, the CNIL handed down penalties amounting to several thousand euros for companies with too little data security. The fine can even amount to several tens of thousands of euros, as in a case of non-compliance with RGPD compliance, concerning information to individuals and consent, where the fine reached 15,000 euros.

Damaging your brand image

Even if your company doesn't manage sensitive data, being able to reassure your users that your services are secure helps show that you take the information they entrust to you seriously. Adopting a reliable infrastructure helps you position yourself as a player who knows how to deal with technical risk.

5 best practices to guarantee your company's IT security

The best guarantee of long-term IT security is your ability to adopt best practices. To develop a culture of cybersecurity within your company, start by applying these 5 practical tips.

1. Draw up a clear IT security policy

Start by defining your IT security objectives. The first step is to clarify security rules and procedures. Make sure you know what the rules are in your industry. Establish a policy that complies with these regulations, and communicate it to all your employees. Protecting your company can't be left to improvisation: you need to be able to give your employees clear answers about what needs to be done!

2. Educate and train your staff

Adopting good practices starts with a thorough understanding of the subject. To this end, organize regular training sessions so that everyone knows which applications to use and how to do so safely. The aim is to become a little more familiar with the digital world, so that every employee can be trained in data protection.

Also set up campaigns to raise awareness of risks such as phishing, or the use of weak passwords.

3. Update systems and software regularly

To ensure you have a system capable of dealing with cyberthreats, install security updates as soon as they are available. We're often tempted to delay these updates when we're caught up in the daily grind, but using outdated technologies is likely to increase your level of vulnerability.

👉 To limit the temptation to put off your next update, consider using management tools that automate the process.

4. Back up data securely

Although it may seem obvious, backing up your data properly is good practice in itself. But especially if you're storing sensitive company or customer data, you need to keep your personal information secure.

To do this, set up regular, automated backups. And remember to store backups in secure locations, ideally off-site. Here too, it's a good idea to use backup software to make sure you don't lose any valuable data.

5. Control access to systems

If it's difficult to ensure that your entire organization is trained in security, or simply to reinforce your existing processes, you can use identity and access management policies.

Identity and Access Management (IAM), as it's known on the other side of the Atlantic, enables you to :

• manage who has access to certain resources,
• verify users' identities
• and monitor their actions.

✅ To control authentication on your network even more easily, you can also strengthen your monitoring via the implementation of multi-factor authentication.

Additional best practices for VSEs and SMEs

The government has produced this clear and precise video on cybersecurity issues and solutions for VSEs and SMEs.

Topics covered included :

• teleworking and related security issues,
• dematerialization of exchanges,
• the possible consequences of a cyber attack for a small business
• where to find a cyber expert, etc.

5 essential tools for IT security

1. Adopt the right anti-virus and anti-malware software

Cyber attacks often mean malware, ransomware or other threats you might not think of. That's where anti-virus and anti-malware come in: real-time solutions that detect and remove malware. The idea is simple: to protect your operating systems from harmful programs that can compromise the security of your company's data. 🛡️

Make sure you choose a recent solution that offers regular updates, to prevent your antivirus from becoming obsolete in the face of new risks. After all, a well-updated antivirus solution guarantees better security management for your business.

2. Use a VPN

VPNs are often associated with personal use, but they play a strategic role in corporate cybersecurity. When it comes to cybersecurity, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is your digital shield when it comes to securing remote connections. It encrypts data transmitted between your employees and the corporate network, ensuring that their exchanges remain private, even when they connect via public or insecure Internet access.

With data interception attacks on the increase, using a VPN is a valuable security measure for improving the security of your company's exchanges and networks. Setting up a VPN is relatively straightforward and accessible to all company sizes, including SMEs and VSEs. This reduces the risk of leakage of crucial information and preserves your corporate image.

3. Consider automated backup solutions

Whether due to a cyber-attack, an accident, or simply human error, your data can disappear in the blink of an eye if you're not protected. As mentioned above, in such a situation, it's best to have a backup of your data! With an automated backup solution, you considerably reduce the risk of data loss.

These tools enable you to schedule regular backups, without manual intervention. In the event of a glitch, rapid restoration enables you to get back to normal quickly and avoid service interruptions.

4. Discover identity and access management (IAM) tools

IAM tools enable centralized control of access rights to resources. With centralized management of credentials and authorizations, you have total control over who can access which data or applications, reducing the risk of information leakage or internal abuse.

By integrating IAM tools into your IT security policy, you reinforce the security of your systems, while guaranteeing optimum levels of security for your employees.

5. Invest in a threat detection and response system (EDR/XDR)

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Extended Detection and Response (XDR) go far beyond traditional antivirus. They provide in-depth visibility of suspicious activity within your IT network, enabling proactive threat detection and rapid incident response. This is not the most common tool, so take the time to find one that suits your needs. Here's a quick overview according to your business structure:

• VSEs/SMEs: For SME IT security, EDR solutions such as SentinelOne or CrowdStrike offer tailored solutions that are easy to implement and affordable. They enable you to reinforce your corporate IT security without requiring a dedicated cybersecurity team.

• ETI: For mid-sized companies, XDR platforms such as those offered by Palo Alto Networks or Microsoft Defender XDR provide extensive coverage, integrating endpoint, email and cloud application security. They facilitate security management by centralizing alerts and automating incident response.

• Large enterprises: If you're part of a large enterprise, you'll benefit from advanced XDR solutions, integrating artificial intelligence for real-time detection of complex threats. Specialized companies such as IBM Security with its IBM Security QRadar XDR, or IT company Cisco with its Cisco XDR, both offer customized services. These include setting up a security operations center for continuous monitoring.

[Bonus] Top 10 companies specializing in cybersecurity

Here is a selection of the 10 most influential cybersecurity companies in France, recognized for their expertise and commitment to data protection.

1. Atos: European leader in cybersecurity, Atos offers comprehensive solutions ranging from secure clouds to supercomputers. In 2023, the company strengthened its cybersecurity division with the creation of Eviden, consolidating its market position.

2. Thales Group: A major player in the defense and aerospace sectors, Thales also offers advanced cybersecurity solutions, particularly for critical infrastructures. With over 83,000 employees, the company invests heavily in research and development to anticipate future threats.

3. Systancia: Specializing in access and identity management, Systancia offers innovative solutions such as the SaaS Zero Trust platform "cyberlements.io". In 2021, it launched Neomia, a subsidiary dedicated to artificial intelligence, strengthening its cybersecurity offering.

4. Stormshield: An Airbus subsidiary, Stormshield is renowned for its network security solutions, notably its ANSSI-certified firewalls. The company plays a key role in the protection of critical infrastructures in France.

5. Wallix: A specialist in privileged access management, Wallix is a French company listed on the stock exchange, with a presence in over 10 countries. It has been recognized by Gartner as a key player in its field.

6. ITrust: Based in Toulouse, ITrust offers incident detection and response solutions (SOC and SIEM) based on artificial intelligence. The company was recently selected to secure sensitive projects in the healthcare sector.

7. YesWeHack: A bug bounty platform, YesWeHack connects companies with a global community of ethical hackers to identify vulnerabilities. It has been chosen by the French government to strengthen the security of its digital services.

8. Tehtris: Tehtris develops an XDR (Extended Detection and Response) platform that centralizes threat detection and response. The company is recognized for its ability to neutralize cyber-attacks in real time.

9. Digital Security: A subsidiary of Orange Cyberdefense, Digital Security specializes in cybersecurity auditing and consulting, particularly for connected objects (IoT). It helps companies comply with current regulations.

10. Synetis: Synetis offers consulting and integration services in cybersecurity, with particular expertise in identity and access management (IAM). The company has experienced rapid growth, doubling its workforce in two years to meet growing demand.

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IT security in the enterprise, in a nutshell!

Now you have everything you need to secure your data and keep your systems safe. The risks of cyber-attacks should not be overlooked, as they can be costly in terms of time, money and brand image, but with the right practices and the right tools, you can face them with peace of mind.

Get trained, store your data in secure locations and establish clear control over access. As for the rest, don't forget that even the best tools can't protect you if they're not kept up to date! It's up to you to make your company the model for cybersecurity. 💪