Many IT security threats originate from employees' devices, such as laptops or PCs, often arriving through malicious emails containing links to websites aiming to steal passwords or, less frequently, through virus-infected attachments. Notably, ransomware attacks have been on the rise, encrypting work documents and potentially costing businesses substantial losses.
To combat these threats, IT security systems employ various measures, including active monitoring and filtering for known malicious patterns, sandbox testing of unknown code before granting user access, human training, and physical security measures. While no system can guarantee 100% security, the goal is to strike a balance between robust protection and user productivity.
IT security employs a layered approach encompassing:
- Email filtering
- Endpoint protection (antivirus)
- External and internal network protection
- Intrusion detection or prevention systems (IDS/IPS)
- Security patching and updates
- Access permissions management
- User training
- Physical device security
Sensitive data, even inadvertently stored, can pose risks, such as client lists or scanned passports held by recruitment agencies. Utilizing business-class firewalls and mail filters helps shield against email and internet-based threats. Regular proactive software and firmware updates are essential, along with retiring end-of-life software. Policies mandating complex, regularly changed passwords and providing staff with necessary training and tools are crucial components of a comprehensive security strategy.
