As we’ve continued to progress the internet’s capabilities, more important information has been moved into the digital realm. With that transition, we’ve made ourselves more vulnerable to nefarious attempts to compromise that information, making cybersecurity an imperative to securing communication and data.
At Cre8tive Technology & Design one of our main goals is to keep your interests safe from harm. We’ve created a guide to keep you informed about cybersecurity best practices, particularly cybersecurity in A&D and manufacturing, and why it is vitally important to your protection.
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity revolves around the preemptive measures taken to prevent cyber risks, and process of recovering computer systems, networks, devices, and programs from all forms of cyber-attack. These cyber-attacks occur with the intent to corrupt or steal sensitive information off your computer, and have grown in danger and sophistication with the prevalence of the internet.
Even companies with a low internet presence are not safe from cyber-attacks. Hackers will target small, local websites because they know the site will have few, if any, cybersecurity measures in place and aim to exploit that fact.
Why is Cybersecurity Important?
If cyber-attackers, malware, or viruses are able to gain access to your system, it can have disastrous effects for you and your clients. Once they are in, attackers can wipe your entire system clean, alter files, use your computer to attack others, spread their viruses to every computer in your system, and steal your, or your clients’, information.
Breaches resulting in stolen information are no longer able to be brushed aside; a single data breach today can result in millions of compromised users and the consequences are more severe for everyone involved. While the United States has no national laws addressing data breach disclosure, all 50 states have their own data breach laws. There are some discrepancies between states, but all of them include:
- A requirement to inform those affected immediately.
- A requirement to notify the government as soon as possible.
- Pay a fine, the amount of which is unique to each state.
Implementing cybersecurity best practices does not guarantee complete safety from attacks, but it will significantly reduce the chances of an attack successfully breaching your defenses.
Cybersecurity Threats and Best Practices
The best defense against cyber threats is to dispel ignorance. By knowing what threats are lurking you’ll have a better understanding of how best practices can protect against them.
Cybersecurity Threats
- Social engineering: Social engineering attacks target human susceptibility by manipulating victims into offering up confidential or sensitive information by carrying out an action that violates security protocols. Typically, this is done through emails, or calls, requesting information, such as social security numbers or account passwords.
- Malicious code: Malicious code, known as malware, are programs that can harm your computer or compromise data stored on it. Viruses, worms, and Trojan horses are all considered as classifications of malware. Some malware requires you to complete an action for it to infect your computer, like open an email attachment or click on a specific webpage.
- Vulnerabilities: Vulnerabilities are weaknesses in software, firmware, or hardware that can be exploited to gain access to a system and perform unauthorized actions. In this case, exploit is a technical term referring to faults in programming that can act as entry points for cyber-attacks.
Cybersecurity and Aerospace and Defense
The aerospace and defense (A&D) sectors are prime targets for cyber attacks due to the highly sensitive nature of their operations. Protecting intellectual properties, sensitive information, and customers' data, including personal information, is paramount. In these industries, the impact of a breach can extend beyond financial losses, affecting national security and the safety of millions.
A&D companies must implement robust security controls to safeguard against a wide array of cyber threats. A ransomware attack, for instance, can not only halt operations but also lead to the leakage of classified information.
Similarly, phishing attacks and other forms of social engineering exploit human factors to gain unauthorized access to critical systems. These breaches can result in the loss of sensitive data, including defense strategies and confidential blueprints, posing a grave threat to national security.
Network security in the A&D sector involves protecting every connected device and communication channel. This is especially challenging given the vast and complex nature of aerospace and defense networks. It’s not just about safeguarding data within the organization; it’s also about ensuring that every stakeholder in the supply chain is equally protected.
Cre8tive Technology & Design recognizes these unique challenges and is committed to fortifying cybersecurity in the A&D industry.
Our approach encompasses advanced security measures designed to protect against the latest cyber threats, including sophisticated ransomware and socially engineered phishing attacks. We focus on creating a secure digital environment where intellectual properties and sensitive information remain protected, ensuring peace of mind for our clients and their customers.
Why Cybersecurity Matters for Manufacturing
In the manufacturing industry, cybersecurity is no longer a luxury but a necessity. As manufacturers increasingly rely on digital technologies and cloud-based solutions, the importance of a robust security posture cannot be overstated. This sector, often considered part of a nation's critical infrastructure, requires a fortified approach to data security to prevent disruptions that can have far-reaching consequences.
A key aspect of cybersecurity in manufacturing is conducting thorough risk assessments. These evaluations help identify potential vulnerabilities in the system, providing insights into areas where security can be enhanced. By understanding the risks, manufacturers can develop strategies to mitigate them, enhancing their overall cyber resilience.
Data security in manufacturing involves safeguarding sensitive information ranging from proprietary designs to customer data. In an era where data breaches can lead to significant financial and reputational damage, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of this data is paramount. Manufacturers must deploy advanced security measures to protect their data from unauthorized access and cyber threats.
Another crucial component is cloud security, especially as more manufacturers move towards cloud-based ERP systems and data storage solutions. Protecting data in the cloud requires a different set of strategies and tools compared to traditional on-premises security measures. Manufacturers must ensure that their cloud environments are secure and compliant with industry standards and regulations.
By strengthening their security posture, manufacturers not only protect their critical infrastructure but also build trust with customers and partners. In an industry where downtime can be costly, a strong focus on cybersecurity ensures continuity of operations, safeguarding against the potentially devastating impacts of cyber threats.
Best Practices
These best practices include a few simple things you can do to minimize the risk of cyberattacks:
- Keep software up to date
- Implement up-to-date antivirus software
- Use strong passwords
- Enable multi-factor authentication
- Install a firewall
- Be wary of unexpected emails
Following basic cyber hygiene is one thing your company can do to begin growing into a more secure organization. In order to execute more advanced cybersecurity techniques, it is best to contract a trusted organization that will ensure a smooth transition.
How Cre8tive Can Help?
Cre8tive Technology & Design specializes in developing cybersecurity solutions for government contractors who need to establish Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) security controls. Our goal is to help your company achieve compliance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) regulations, and custom-tailor our solutions to your company’s needs.
Get started today to ensure your clients’ safety.