Most Major Companies, Businesses, And Organizations Today ✓ Solved

Today Most Major Companies Businesses And Organizations Use Various

Today, most major companies, businesses, and organizations use various forms of technology in daily operations. These technological capabilities make processing information, research and development, communications, and various other vital functions of business operations critical for their organizations. Any interruption in these essential operations could have devastating effects on an organization’s business operations, organizational security structure, and several other important services the companies provide. According to the week six lesson, the most common cybersecurity threats are computer viruses, spyware, phishing, and hackers. Computer Viruses are the largest computer security threat, because they are developed to change the way an organization’s computer system operates without their knowledge.

Spyware is installed which allows monitoring of the user’s online activities and records the individual’s personnel information. Phishing attempts typically try to make a user believe that a website is trustworthy or from a reliable source. The purpose of phishing is to obtain personnel sensitive information and use that information without the individual’s consent. Hackers, also known as Hacktivists or predators, are exceptionally knowledgeable individuals who can covertly access a data system, then change, steal, misuse, or damage that system. These are the most common threats that can affect an organization’s business operations and security structure.

Because of the damage or potential lost to an organization’s data, proprietary information, essential business operations, and communications, it is imperative to develop and implement a cybersecurity program within the organization’s security structure. Lost data, lost time, and server hacking can all have serious financial costs. Companies could pay hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars if information is disclosed without authorization. This could involve people’s personnel sensitive information, an organization’s research on new technological developments, financial information that could be altered, client relationships, damage to reputation, and other adverse effects. Not having a cybersecurity program implemented within an organization’s security structure, along with sufficient anti-virus software, could potentially ruin an organization financially.

The importance of developing a cybersecurity program and employee training

Therefore, the development of a cybersecurity program within an organization’s security infrastructure is a necessity. Skilled cybersecurity professionals are essential in protecting technological, computer, and data assets. Many companies employ cybersecurity experts and also require employees to receive ongoing training on spyware, malware, and phishing to mitigate potential losses. For example, at my company, Exelon Energy, we undergo annual cybersecurity training sessions, and the IT department periodically sends emails or test employees on recognizing suspicious emails. Employees who repeatedly open suspicious attachments or links receive additional training to reinforce awareness and response protocols.

Case studies: Major data breaches and their implications

There have been numerous instances where organizations have been profoundly impacted by viruses and cyber threats. Dan Swinhoe, an editor for CSO, highlighted in his report on the top fifteen most notorious data breaches of the 21st century. Companies such as Adobe, eBay, Equifax, LinkedIn, Marriott International, MySpace, and Yahoo experienced significant breaches involving the theft or exposure of sensitive personnel and customer data. These breaches resulted in enormous financial costs, legal repercussions, and reputational damage. For example, the Equifax breach in 2017 exposed sensitive information of approximately 147 million Americans, leading to lawsuits, regulatory penalties, and diminished trust among consumers. Such incidents underscore the importance of comprehensive cybersecurity measures and employee vigilance to mitigate risks.

Strategies to enhance cybersecurity defenses

Effective cybersecurity involves multifaceted strategies, including ensuring regular software updates, comprehensive user training, and robust security policies. Keeping antivirus software up-to-date is crucial, as cybercriminals constantly develop new malware variants. Employee education programs about recognizing phishing emails, avoiding suspicious links, and following security protocols are vital. Implementing technical controls such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and email filtering can significantly reduce attack surfaces. Additionally, organizations should adopt a layered security approach, incorporating physical security, network security, and application security measures to protect critical data assets comprehensively.

The role of employee training and organizational policies

Organizations benefit immensely from a strong cybersecurity training regime. Regularly scheduled training sessions keep employees informed about emerging threats. For example, some organizations simulate phishing attacks to test and improve employee responses, as seen in the practices at Exelon Energy. Moreover, establishing clear security policies regarding downloading files, hardware use, and remote work protocols helps minimize vulnerabilities. Policies must be enforced consistently, and employees should be encouraged to report potential security incidents without fear of reprisal to foster a security-conscious culture.

Legal and ethical considerations in cybersecurity

Cybersecurity also involves complex legal and ethical issues related to data privacy, confidentiality, and compliance with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Organizations must ensure they follow best practices in data handling, obtain consent for data collection when appropriate, and implement safeguards to protect private information. Ethical considerations include transparency with consumers about data use, prompt notification of data breaches, and responsible response to cyber incidents. Failing to adhere to legal and ethical standards can result in hefty fines, legal action, and loss of public trust.

Conclusion: Balancing access, quality, and affordability

In the context of healthcare, achieving the goals of increased access, high quality, and affordability presents significant challenges. While these objectives are interconnected, fully realizing all three simultaneously is often difficult due to resource limitations, systemic constraints, and economic factors. For example, expanding access may require increasing infrastructure and personnel, which could raise costs and impact affordability. Delivering high-quality care necessitates investments in staff training, advanced technology, and comprehensive services, which can also increase expenses. Conversely, efforts to reduce costs might compromise quality or limit access.

Programmatic changes that can help balance these goals include adopting integrated healthcare models like patient-centered medical homes, incentivizing value-based care, and leveraging telemedicine to extend services to underserved populations. Policy reforms that promote transparency, equitable resource distribution, and investment in preventive care can also contribute to achieving these goals. Ultimately, a holistic approach involving stakeholders from government, healthcare providers, and the community is essential to optimize health outcomes while managing costs and expanding access.

References

• Belthoff, C. (2003). Ten ways to defend against viruses. DuoCircle.
• DuoCircle. (2020). How to Prevent Phishing and Spoofing. DuoCircle.
• Swift Systems. (2020). Top 6 Ways to Protect Your Business from Hackers. Swift Systems.
• Swinhoe, D. (2020). The 15 biggest data breaches of the 21st century. CSO.
• Anderson, R., & Manokha, I. (2018). Cybersecurity and organizational security: Enhancing data protection measures. Journal of Information Security, 12(3), 45-58.
• Smith, J. (2019). The impact of data breaches on company reputation. Cybersecurity Review, 5(2), 111-124.
• Miller, K., & Chen, L. (2020). Employee training strategies for effective cybersecurity. International Journal of Cybersecurity, 6(4), 221-237.
• Johnson, P., & Lee, R. (2017). Legal and Ethical Aspects of Cybersecurity. Ethics & Information Technology, 19(4), 293-301.
• Greenwood, D., & Perry, R. (2019). Balancing access and quality in healthcare. Healthcare Policy Journal, 14(1), 34-42.
• O’Connell, M. (2021). Programmatic approaches to improving healthcare access and affordability. Journal of Public Health Policy, 42(3), 345-359.