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What is cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is a way to protect systems, networks, and software from digital attacks that aim to steal, change, or delete important data, extort money from users, or disrupt regular business activities. Implementing strong cybersecurity strategies is becoming more challenging due to the proliferation of devices and the sophistication of attackers.

How does cybersecurity work?

Cybersecurity systems are important to identify, assess and fix potential system weaknesses and vulnerabilities and prevent hackers or malware from exploiting them. Building a strong cyber security framework requires collaboration between the organisation and its employees and the integration of various processes and technologies.

  • Risk management: Identifying possible threats and devising preventative strategies.
  • User engagement and awareness: Employees must understand the dangers of suspicious links and sharing passwords, with regular training enhancing security awareness.
  • Secure configuration: Fortify systems by closing entry points for hackers, such as disabling unnecessary features.
  • Vulnerability management: Regular scans and fixes of system weaknesses to prevent exploitation.
  • Asset management: Tracking and protection of all organisational assets, such as hardware, software, and data.
  • Identity and access management: Restricts system access to authorised individuals only.
  • Monitoring: Continuous system monitoring allows immediate identification of abnormal activities.
  • Incident management: Predefined plans help efficiently handle emergencies, ensuring everyone knows their role.
  • Data security: Securing digital information, such as customer data and emails.
  • Supply chain security: Business partners commit to strict cybersecurity measures, securing their own defences as well.
     

Why is cybersecurity important?

In today's tech-centric world, the increasing availability of sensitive information on the Internet shows an urgent need for rigorous cybersecurity protocols. High-profile security breaches reveal the potential financial and reputational harm caused by cyberattacks. With the rise in cyber threats, all types of businesses are increasingly at risk of being targeted.
 

What are the benefits of effective cybersecurity? 

The importance of cybersecurity is vital for businesses and organisations of all sizes, helping them stay protected against current cyber threats.

  • Protection of personal and sensitive data: Cybersecurity safeguards against the theft of valuable personal and organisational data, reducing risks from external hackers and internal threats, such as former employees or third-party vendors.
  • Preserving business reputation: High-profile data breaches can seriously damage a company's reputation, affecting customer trust and retention. Cybersecurity measures help maintain trust and strengthen customer relationships by safeguarding sensitive data.
  • Productivity: Solutions like virus scanning and firewalls prevent disruptions caused by viruses, thereby boosting productivity. Educating employees about potential threats like phishing also minimises downtime.
  • Compliance with regulations: Adhering to standards such as GDPR is a must, and cybersecurity measures ensure compliance, avoiding penalties.
  • Improvement of data management: Regular monitoring and management of data prevent loss and ensure compliance with security regulations, optimising operational efficiency.
  • Protection of intellectual property: Cybersecurity measures protect critical business assets like trade secrets and patents from cyber theft and unauthorised access.
  • Financial loss: A robust cybersecurity infrastructure minimises financial losses and supports long-term business continuity and growth, enhancing security posture and credibility.
  • Sustainability: Cybersecurity is a key component for a company to ensure sustainable, safe, and reliable internet-connected services and infrastructure.

What role does cybersecurity play in decarbonisation?

Strategies for decarbonisation are based on digital transformation, increasing cybercrime and the demand for strong cyber security. New technologies for the circular economy and green financial transactions present fraud risks. Enhanced data processing heightens vulnerabilities in data centres, exploited for cryptocurrency mining, while impacting energy consumption. Organisations must balance cyber resilience with cybersecurity and ESG goals.
 

What are the applications of cybersecurity?

There are several key areas which are a must for maintaining the safety of IT infrastructure. Each plays a vital role in protecting online business operations.

  • Application security: Practices and strategies to protect web and mobile applications from threats like unauthorised access, data breaches, and various attacks, including SQL injection and DoS attacks.
  • Cloud security: Policies and technologies that safeguard data and infrastructure in cloud environments, focusing on preventing access by attackers, data breaches, data loss, and service disruptions. 
  • Data security: Protecting digital information throughout its lifecycle, covering hardware, software, storage devices, and organisational policies to prevent corruption, theft, or illegal access.
  • Mobile security: Securing mobile devices and their data against threats such as spam, phishing, ransomware, and theft through various practices and technologies.
  • Network security: Measures and technologies that shield computer networks and data transmitted over them from threats and illicit access, using tools like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption.
  • Information security: Protecting your company's data confidentiality, integrity, availability, and privacy from harmful actors or alterations and controls employee handling of sensitive data on devices.
  • Operational security: OPSEC is a security strategy that takes the approach of a possible attacker within the risk management process to more effectively shield information from becoming a target of cyberattacks.

     

Other terms of note

Firewall: A network security device that monitors incoming and outgoing traffic, determining whether to allow or block specific data based on predefined security rules.

Encryption: A process of scrambling data so that only authorised parties can unscramble it.

Phishing: Attackers send scam emails or text messages that contain links to malicious websites.
 

Equan's

cybersecurity solutions

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Equans takes a proactive and innovative approach to energy infrastructure security using advanced intrusion detection, multi-layered firewalls and comprehensive network monitoring. Their five-step method (Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover) combines cutting-edge technology and continuous learning to ensure energy production.

The company anticipates future cyber threats by using sophisticated systems, encryption protocols, automated vulnerability assessment tools, and AI-powered predictive analytics. In 2022, they launched Equans Digital to expand cybersecurity offerings, integrating ICT expertise with physical infrastructure data.

For operational technology (OT), Equans offers real-time threat measurement, data management, and AI-powered solutions, including audits, implementation, maintenance, and 24/7 monitoring. Through Ineo Defence, they provide advanced security solutions for sensitive sites, ensuring compliance and operational security.

It prioritises trust and integrity, ensuring data integrity, securing the supply chain, building resilient infrastructure, and complying with international standards. By investing in training and awareness programmes, Equans inserts ethical practices and operational excellence into their culture.

 

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