Businesses face a growing threat of cyber attacks in today’s digital age. Advances in technology are allowing cyber criminals to launch more sophisticated attacks in greater numbers than ever before.
But there are ways in which you can limit the chances of your company falling foul of a cyber attack, and reduce the negative consequences should a breach or attack occur. As well as having robust cyber security measures in place, businesses can also implement cyber attack simulation exercises or drills to help test and strengthen their defences.
Simulating an attack can have numerous benefits. Let’s take a look at what they are.
The benefits of cyber breach and attack simulation
1. Identifies vulnerabilities
Simulations allow businesses to identify gaps and vulnerabilities in their existing cyber security infrastructure. Using a controlled environment to mimic cyber threats provides a chance to test and evaluate current measures, and detect any weaknesses before a malware attack or other cyber threat becomes a reality. This means that using drills can help you avoid potentially catastrophic breaches.
2. Refines incident response plans
Cyber-attack drills are a useful opportunity to test incident report and response procedures, and fine-tune these if needed. Simulations are a chance for businesses to practise their coordinated response to a real cyber attack, which in turn can help to reduce response times and mitigate the overall impact of an attack.
3. Increases employee awareness
Employee education is a very important part of a strong cyber security strategy, and drills are an effective way of increasing employee awareness around the risks and repercussions of an attack.
Helping staff members recognise common cyber threats, such as phishing attempts, via test spam emails, and respond to attacks with adequate incident reports helps to create a better informed, more vigilant workforce.
4. Ensures compliance
Cyber-attack simulations and testing can be used to help businesses assess and improve their compliance with industry regulations and standards.
Having a robust data breach response plan is important, not only to limit the negative consequences of a security incident, but also to ensure that the correct processes are carried out afterwards.
Ensuring that businesses remain compliant with expectations and standards helps them avoid legal repercussions and financial penalties.
5. Maintains trust in security credentials
A company that priorities cyber security and uses regular drills to test and refine its defence and response systems will gain the trust of its clients and stakeholders.
A business that strives to continuously improve the ways in which it protects data and other assets, and uses attack simulations to fine-tune its response to any potential attack, will be seen as less likely to experience a real-world breach, and better equipped to handle a crisis should one arise.
For help implementing an effective cyber security strategy, call Hive Communications today.