Fortifying Your Firm From The Inside: Advanced Internal Safeguards

In our first instalment, we explored the digital equivalent of external home security measures, underscoring the importance of robust defences like two-factor authentication, Cyber Essentials Plus certification, and regular penetration testing. While these are crucial, the integrity of a firm's cybersecurity posture also heavily depends on its internal safeguards. Just as valuables are kept in safes and private documents are stored securely within a home, sensitive client data requires advanced internal protections to prevent unauthorized access from within. 

Read the first instalment of this blog series here: UNDERSTANDING THE CYBERSECURITY THREAT LANDSCAPE FOR UK ACCOUNTANCY FIRMS

Advanced Measures for a Comprehensive Defence 

• Staff Training: One of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of cybersecurity is employee awareness and training. Educating your team on recognising phishing attempts and understanding the importance of strong password policies is akin to teaching family members not to open the door to strangers. Regular training sessions can significantly reduce the risk of internal breaches, making your employees the first line of defence against cyber threats. When training is done, it is a rare occurrence that someone doesn't trip up and click the link and it only takes one person to click a real malicious link.

• Managed Security Services: For continuous protection, consider the equivalent of having a personal security guard for your home. Managed Security Services offer around-the-clock monitoring of your systems, immediate threat detection, and response. Implementing services such as Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC) can further enhance your email security, ensuring that only legitimate emails reach your inbox. These services act as a vigilant, ever-present guardian for your digital assets. They are also becoming a requirement for many email processors.

• Annual Security Reviews: Just as you might conduct a yearly inspection of your home's safety measures, conducting annual security reviews ensures that your cybersecurity practices remain effective and up-to-date. These reviews can identify potential new vulnerabilities and areas for improvement, ensuring your defences evolve alongside the ever-changing cyber threat landscape.

Real-World Applications 

The implementation of these internal safeguards has proven effective for numerous firms. For example, a London-based accountancy firm introduced mandatory cybersecurity training for all staff, resulting in a significant decrease in successful phishing attacks. Another firm's investment in Managed Security Services detected and mitigated a sophisticated cyber-attack before it could cause any harm, showcasing the value of proactive monitoring. 

The proactive approach 

Securing your firm's digital presence is an ongoing process that requires diligence, awareness, and a proactive approach. By fortifying your firm from the inside with advanced internal safeguards, you not only protect your valuable data but also build trust with your clients. We encourage you to review your internal cybersecurity measures, invest in staff training, and consider the benefits of Managed Security Services and annual security reviews.

T-Tech offer robust and innovative security solutions and tools to help protect your firm. With 24/7 Managed Detection and Response (MDR) a Security Operating Centre (SOC), and an annual security review, your business is empowered to retaliate swiftly, bridging the gap between event identification and effective response: 

• Monitor- proactively hunt for evolving threats 24/7.

• Detect- detect and isolate developing threats before they can spread, investigating suspicious activity for you.

• Respond- stop malicious processes, eliminating threats in real-time rather than sending you instructions to action.

You can also give your team the tools to tackle the human aspect of cybersecurity with our Security Awareness Training and simulated phishing platform from KnowBe4, all at a cost lower than your daily cup of coffee per person, per month!

Stay tuned for our next post, where we will bring together the concepts of external and internal defences to outline a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy for your firm. This holistic approach will ensure that you are well-equipped to face the digital challenges of today and tomorrow. 

To speak to us about out 24/7 Managed Security offering , book a meeting here

View our recent cybersecurity webinar with ex NSA expert, Jon Murchison, CEO of Blackpoint