In recent years, the issue of hacking has been at the forefront of IT news. There have been a number of large-scale hackings of recognizable brands, which has consequently led to the public’s growing mistrust and doubt over whether the security measures in place at larger brands are adequate. In fact, these are the brands that should be doing more to protect their consumers’ data.
Recent Hacking Problems:
One of the most publicized hacking problems occurred with Apple and its iCloud data breach. Celebrities all over the world found some of their most private photos and other information made widely available because hackers got through the security settings with apparent ease and just accessed the information. This breach of privacy has left many users wary of continuing to use Apple’s cloud services in the same way, which has been a problem for the brand.
Other brands that have seen massive data breaches include Sony and Twitter, with customers forced to change passwords and other account settings to ensure that hackers cannot retrieve their private information. The problem is that once a hacking incident has occurred, it can take a long time to rebuild that trust, and it does have far-reaching effects for the future of the company. Larger brands have the resources to withstand problems like this, but smaller brands may find it much more difficult to recover from a hacking incident.
What can be Done?
Paying more attention to security is a must for companies. One recommendation is to employ security consultants or have an in-house data security expert where possible. This expertise should not be underestimated, as there is more to security than standard firewalls and other basic security measures. The security consultant is not just someone who can install security measures, but someone who can also monitor the security of the system.
Companies also need to take steps to protect themselves against social engineering, which is the process by which the hackers gain enough information to infiltrate the company’s security systems. They make a number of enquiries to get bits of information and then eventually have everything that they need. If a company makes itself aware of the process through education and training, then staff can be prepared and are less likely to make the mistake of giving away important data.
Digital media news is often filled with stories of hacking and warnings about taking more security measures, and companies that want to protect their data should ensure that they are flexible on the issue of security. Policies should be reviewed on a regular basis and altered when needed. If security is not reviewed regularly, then companies are giving hackers ongoing access to their systems.
Hacking is a major issue with new technology such as cloud computing, and companies need to make sure that they take the necessary measures to protect their clients’ data. Long-term issues with security could mean large-scale loss of customers’ trust, and this will have a very negative impact on a company’s future.