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From the editor's desk: In the cyber trenches

Andrew Seldon.

Welcome to the first Smart Cybersecurity Handbook published by Hi-Tech Security Solutions. The information and data security fields are not new ground for us, but given the growth in cyber risks from every quarter, which some have described as a pandemic, we decided to create an annual handbook and email news briefs dedicated to cybersecurity – apart from the cybersecurity category on securitysa.com.

It’s probably the worst time to get into a new venture like this in the current economy, but it is also the best time as the Covid pandemic has been a great time for cyber criminals. While these gangs seem to get better at what they do all the time, the end users, whether organisations or individuals, seem to be left more and more in the dark about what to do to protect themselves. This is especially true in a world where even the poor can’t seem to survive without their cellphones with the latest apps installed.

This handbook is meant to be a starting point. It may seem strange to offer a ‘starting point’ after so much has happened and cyber risks are so dangerous and diverse, but when you get the basics right, it’s easier to build on what you have.

And while there are many solutions out there offering protection to one or more aspects of your cyber environment, there is no silver bullet to solve the problem, especially when ransomware is thrown into the mix; ransomware can get you via a seemingly legitimate email, or via more complex hacking.

Far from being a grudge purchase, which security in all its forms seems to be – from the immobiliser in your car, the alarm protecting your house, or the complex set of applications securing your organisation – today’s security offering is not only a cost centre focused on protection, but its goal is business continuity and ensuring the spice flows. (For those not getting the Dune symbolism, spice is data, which is money.)

Good cybersecurity, actually good security in all its forms, allows the business to function smoothly, and as we will explore in the near future, the same systems and data can be of even more use in assisting in business optimisation.

And we haven’t even mentioned AI, until now. Artificial intelligence is also impacting the cyber industry on both sides, increasing risks while also helping to reduce them. Keep tuned in to www.securitysa.com and look out for the next Smart Cybersecurity Handbook as we delve further into what some (totally not conspiracy theorists) consider to be the opening shots of World War III.

Your comments and criticisms of the handbook, including areas you feel we need to cover, are welcome. Send them to me at andrew@technews.co.za.

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