Corporate cybersecurity: eliminate the IT risk that threatens your business

Cybersecurity has become a major issue for businesses. What can I say? A vital issue! That's right. At a time when data is in the cloud, and information systems connect a whole ecosystem of applications, IT threats are multiplying.

In 2024, 4,386 security events were recorded in France, 37% of which involved companies, figures that demonstrate the extent to which SMEs, VSEs and large corporations alike need to invest in their IT security.

To help you understand the challenges of corporate cybersecurity, we've put together a complete dossier on the subject.

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What is enterprise cybersecurity?

Corporate cybersecurity: definition

Corporate cybersecurity responds to an imperative: to protect the organization, its members and its devices against cyberthreats. It covers a number of complementary disciplines, such as network, desktop, cloud, mobile, Internet of Things (IoT) and application security.

The main threats it faces are as follows:

• Phishing: a social engineering technique in which cybercriminals impersonate a trusted entity in order to extract personal information via email and messaging.

• Malware: malicious software that infiltrates a computer system without consent. This category includes viruses, Trojans and spyware.

• Ransomware: type of malware that attacks your files by encryption. The cybercriminal then demands a ransom to restore access to the data.

• Denial of service attacks (DDoS): an attack designed to overwhelm an organization's computer systems with a massive volume of traffic. The aim is to bring business to a standstill.

• Other risks: internal negligence, application vulnerabilities, identity theft, etc.

What are the 3 main objectives of cybersecurity?

In cybersecurity, ICA is the basis of everything. This acronym refers not to the American intelligence agency, but to the three pillars on which all IT security strategies must be based: confidentiality, integrity and availability.

Confidentiality

The confidentiality aspect of cybersecurity concerns everything to do with the protection of information and access to it. For example, multi-factor authentication to log on to an account falls into this category.

This is an essential aspect, particularly in a web ecosystem where the massive use of the cloud and the multiplication of endpoints tend to increase the risk of threats. Quite simply, the more entry points there are, the greater the vulnerability of a system. At the same time, data collection and exploitation (big data) have taken on considerable importance for businesses. If your data is stolen by a third party, the consequences for your business can be devastating.

Data integrity

Data integrity is the second pillar of an effective cybersecurity strategy. You need to be able to rely on reliable information to make strategic decisions. With this in mind, your data must be protected from potential unwanted modifications (e.g. internal errors) and alterations (e.g. encryption attacks).

To guarantee data integrity, cybersecurity experts set up modification detection and checksum systems.

Availability

In the age of "everything connected" and 24/7 online commerce, a service interruption immediately translates into financial losses. The availability of a service, application or site is essential to maintain your company's competitiveness. This aspect of cybersecurity requires the implementation of business continuity plans and crisis management procedures adapted to all situations.

What's the difference between cybersecurity and IT security?

Cybersecurity and IT security have the same objective: to protect data, devices and people.

• IT security protects systems, networks and data against attacks and potential damage. It concerns information technologies and their integrity, and applies to both external and internal threats.
• Cybersecurity, on the other hand, is a sub-domain of IT security. It focuses on external threats to networks (malware, ransomware, etc.).

Don't neglect cybersecurity at your company: here's why

Today, no company is immune to IT risks. SMEs, VSEs, the self-employed and large groups all face specific threats that jeopardize their business.

A simple ransomware attack can lead to redundancies, a loss of customer confidence, or even the total liquidation of the company.

However, by implementing good digital hygiene with high-performance cybersecurity tools and backup and restore systems, you can protect yourself against most risks.

Budget? It all depends on the size of your company and the number of terminals to be protected. But for small businesses, affordable security solutions are available. They offer all the protection you need, while minimizing investment in human resources.

What measures need to be put in place to protect your data against cyber risks?

Protecting your IT systems requires a combination of two approaches. A human approach, with appropriate training, and a technological approach, with essential tools. It's only through this synergy that you'll be able to protect your data effectively.

Make your teams aware of online threats

To defend against a threat, you need to be aware that it exists... 😅 It's essential that your teams undergo cybersecurity training, so that they're aware of the risks they face on a daily basis.

• Password management,
• opening e-mails,
• unprotected browsing,
• disclosing data without checking the recipient...

Every member of your team needs to be as vigilant as possible. The best bulwark against cyberthreats is not technology, but people!

What tools can you use to limit risks?

In addition to a corporate culture based on digital security, you need to reinforce your protection arsenal with a cybersecurity solution. But which tools should you choose? Here's our must-have list:

• Antivirus: basic protection is essential, but no longer sufficient.

• An EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) solution for better detection of suspicious behavior on workstations.

• A next-generation firewall (NGFW) to filter connections according to more precise rules.

• Strong authentication tools (MFA) to reduce the risk of identity theft.

• Backup systems to provide a back-up in the event of ransomware.

• A SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) solution to centralize and analyze security events.

Analyze your IT security needs in detail, and choose the most appropriate tools.

Among the all-in-one solutions that combine several of these security bricks, Bitdefender's GravityZone Small Business Security stands out as a particularly suitable choice for SMEs. This solution offers comprehensive protection for workstations, combining next-generation antivirus, firewall, intrusion prevention, application control and behavioral detection. Highlights include :

• its anti-phishing module, which blocks phishing attempts before they reach users,
• its behavioral analysis system detects unknown threats in real time,
• remote equipment supervision, an asset for companies with telecommuting employees,
• easy to deploy even with a very small IT team, low resource consumption and designed for professional use.

GravityZone by Bitdefender

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Multilayer cybersecurity for small business with no IT team

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5 cybersecurity best practices for businesses

To help you establish a true culture of IT security, here are 5 simple tips to implement within your organization:

• Apply updates : update your software and defense tools as soon as a new version is released. It sounds simple, but these updates provide patches against the latest security vulnerabilities.

• Regularly test your defenses: security audits, penetration tests and attack simulations are essential to identify your weaknesses. Adopting this proactive approach will enable you to optimize your protection and anticipate future hacker attacks.

• Establish a business continuity plan: as there is no such thing as zero risk, you need to have a backup in case of a major incident. This is the role of the business continuity plan, which will enable you to limit the interruption of your services to a minimum, thanks to an appropriate procedure.

• Integrate a cybersecurity referent: SOC (Security Operations Center), single technician, external security company... Whatever form it takes, you can't do without a cybersecurity consultant.

Top 10 cybersecurity companies in France and worldwide

Discover the best French and international cybersecurity companies. We present their features and their security products for businesses.

1 - Norton LifeLock (Symantec)

Norton LifeLock, or Symantec, is one of the world's leading cybersecurity companies. Founded by Gary Hendrix in 1982, it offers computer security solutions for individuals and businesses alike. Its Norton Small Business and Norton™ 360 versions ensure protection and confidentiality for your teams.

2 - McAfee

Founded in 1980 by businessman John McAfee, the cybersecurity solution of the same name has gradually become a market benchmark. Its flagship product, McAfee Antivirus, is natively integrated on Windows laptops. For corporate customers, McAfee offers McAfee Total Protection.

3 - Orange Cyberdéfense

Orange Cyberdéfense is part of the same group as the famous telephone operator. According to PAC rankings, it is considered one of the best companies in cybersecurity. Its high-performance Cyber Protection solution is designed for SMEs and VSEs.

4 - Chack

Chack is a French company, also a leader in cybersecurity. RGPD consultant, disaster recovery plan, penetration test, it offers a wide range of solutions to protect corporate IS.

5 - Acronis

Acronis is an international company specializing in both cybersecurity and data protection. Recognized worldwide, it has been based in Switzerland since it was founded in 2003. From blockchain-based authentication technologies to artificial intelligence-driven antimalware and next-generation antivirus, Acronis innovates and protects all types of environment (cloud, hybrid, on-premises, etc.).

6 - Palo Alto Networks

Palo Alto Networks specializes in the development of firewalls, including PAN-OS, an innovative technology. Palo Alto Networks is also behind the creation of IS in the cloud. The company was founded by Nir Zuk, who previously worked as an engineer at Check Point.

7 - Thalès

Thalès is a world leader in high technology. The company operates in the Deep Tech sectors (Big data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity). Thalès is a major player in the military defense market, and also offers solutions for cloud security, cryptography, classified information management and consulting services.

8 - Check Point

Check Point was founded in 1993 by Gil Shwed. This cybersecurity company offers protection solutions for both individuals and businesses. Its products currently protect over 100,000 businesses worldwide.

9 - ATOS

Atos offers solutions for absolutely every type of IT threat. Its AI, IoT and Big Data products have enabled it to achieve sales of over €10 billion by 2023.

10 - Ercom

Ercom is considered the world leader in enterprise data security. A pioneer in the development of high-security mobile communications, it equipped the French presidential airplane with a secure telephone as early as 2002.

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Cybersecurity: is your company up to scratch?

Invest in your company's cybersecurity to guard against threats. In an ever-changing digital environment, where risks are multiplied, allocating human and material resources to IT security is becoming a necessity.

Anticipate, protect and secure to ensure the continuity of your business!