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Introduction: US is Ignoring Basic Protocol in the War Against Cybercrime
Digital fraud and manipulation are on the increase. The US has been urged to adopt a back-to-basics approach. The following article discusses how they could do this to reduce online attacks.
Fighting cybercrime will cost around US$10.5 trillion by the end of 2025. That has risen by $3 trillion in 10 years. How the US and the rest of the world choose to combat this is up for debate. Others believe that attacks are inevitable. They think money should be spent on dealing with what happens after attacks occur. Yet others on a recent forum have stated that the US needs a back-to-basics approach.
Ignoring the Fundamentals
The discussion took place on a recent Global Government Forum Webinar. A raft of experts met to discuss security, including Paul Selby. Selby holds the long-winded title of Deputy Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer in the US Department of Energy’s Office of the Chief Information Officer.
He voiced his opinions on the state of cybersecurity defenses, highlighting the fact that under an objective assessment, the US would have to give itself poor marks for where it is in cybersecurity. While he said AI posed a threat, he pointed out that it is basic cyber hygiene the collective organization of the US needs to improve. This must cover everything from nuclear programs to information on scientific advancement.
Selby has been highly critical of the approach to security in the past. He has openly said he did not have the resources or expertise to act out the guidelines, highlighting it as a real crisis. He also had a record of highlighting cyber security in his previous post as deputy CISO at the Internal Revenue Service.
The Responsibility of Individual Industries
It is not just the responsibility of the US Government. Individual businesses and industries must work to protect their infrastructures. Data leaks from network security can be extremely damaging to a business, costing them revenue and reputation. It is a blow many companies may not always come back from.
One industry that has been working to tackle this for some time is the online casino industry. They have used exceptional security to reassure potential customers of their professionalism. This is crucial in an industry where a lot of sensitive data is being handled, along with high levels of transactional data.
When casinos have new products and initiatives, it is also important. Trying to adopt new approaches in grey areas of legislation can also be made easier using this. One example is the world of sweepstake casinos, where you can win prizes instead of wagering using cash. These are fairly new, but casinos like these are created to comply with sweepstake laws in states that do not allow online gambling. In these instances, casinos must gain trust and security, which is the only way to do it.
Why Network Security Is Critical
Network security is the term given to the online safeguarding of a network. It requires a contact cycle of monitoring and threat aversion. The bigger a network is, the harder this becomes.
A host of tools are available to enhance network security. It would help if you started with tried and trusted methods like firewalls. Then, you can move on to more advanced solutions.
Without such tools, your network becomes an easy target for security threats. This can result in a wide range of problems, which you will find listed below.
Protecting Data
The most important reason for increasing security is to protect data on your network. You will have much information stored, from financial data to customer personal information.
In some cases, a data breach can mean the end of your company. A report by IBM suggests that the true cost of a data breach can be well over $4 million. When data is breached, it will cost you time and money to rectify the situation, but it will severely damage your reputation.
To Comply With Regulations
The regulations you must comply with will depend on various factors. They may be geographical. For example, the European Union has rules and regulations on what and how data can be stored. Specific guidelines will be given to you on the protection of customer information. You will get this from regular boards. With its wealth of sensitive patient data, the healthcare industry is one. The casino industry, with its authorities, is another.
Enhancing Website Performance
Deterring attackers begins with a strong network. They will likely leave you alone and go elsewhere if your security is strong. Overall performance will improve as your resources are not spent fighting cyber attacks.
The US Government can not be caught on the back foot with this. In many ways, industries such as the casino sector are way ahead and could teach the government plenty of lessons. If the warning is not heeded, it could prove problematic for future governments.
