What is information security and why is it important?

The definition of information security is quite a mouthful. What it comes down to, and our experience at WoodWing Scienta underlines this, is that the data and systems used are trustworthy, do not allow incidents, and contribute to the success of the company. To achieve this, we manage quality on a continuous basis using our WoodWing Scienta quality management system (QMS), optimize processes, and contribute to a higher quality of work with the integrated social intranet.

What is information security?

Information security encompasses the protection of hardware, software, and networks. Simply put, itss about protecting your valuable data from unauthorized access, theft, or damage. This can include everything from your business strategies and customer data to financial data and intellectual property. The goal of information security is simple: to ensure that only the right people have access to the right information at the right time.

Why information security is necessary

Information security helps companies do business the way they want to. It ensures the security of data and systems, so that you don't have to worry about it – or at least as little as possible.

Protecting the privacy of your customers and employees is crucial. No one wants personal or sensitive data to simply end up on the street. Whether it concerns medical records, financial data, or personal e-mails; you want this information to remain private. For companies, a data breach can have a huge impact. Customers quickly lose confidence in your company if you cannot adequately protect their data, and a single data breach can cost millions of euros and also seriously damage your company's reputation.

In addition, it is important to prevent financial losses. Cybercriminals are often after money and use various strategies, such as phishing, to plunder bank accounts or steal identities to cause as much damage as possible.

Compliance with the law is also an important factor. There are numerous rules and regulations (such as the GDPR) that require you to protect your data in the right way. Failure to comply with these rules can result in heavy fines. ISO 27001 is the international standard for information security. By certifying your Information Security Management System (ISMS), you demonstrate that you comply with the European standard. Your reputation, risk management, and compliance are demonstrably in order in this way.

Finally, the continuity of your business activities is of great importance. Imagine that your company suddenly has no access to crucial data because a hacker has taken that data 'hostage'. Without good security, a cyber attack can paralyze your entire company, which can have serious consequences for the business operations.

The basics of information security

Information security literally concerns the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of data and systems:

1. Availability
Data and systems are only valuable when they are available. Companies and their employees must have access to them, preferably in the simplest and most practical way possible.

2. Integrity
The data and systems must be accurate and reliable. Trust in the available information is essential to give users the guarantee that it has not been manipulated by others.

3. Confidentiality
Finally, the data, and the same goes for the systems, must be available only to those who should have access. This requires watertight (cyber)security.

How information security can strengthen your business

Information security is not just a defensive measure; it can also strengthen and add value to your business. Customers and partners trust companies that can protect their data. By demonstrating that you take information security seriously, you can further increase your customer trust and loyalty. In addition, a good information security strategy can help your business meet regulatory requirements and avoid and prevent fines. It is also a selling point in a market where privacy and security are becoming increasingly important.

Investing in information security can also lead to more efficient business processes. By implementing security protocols, such as encryption and access control, you can ensure data integrity and reduce the chance of errors. This results in more reliable business data and better decision-making. In addition, information security can stimulate innovation. Companies that are aware of the latest security trends and technologies, such as AI and machine learning, can use them to develop new products and services that are more secure and meet market expectations.

Risks related to information security

The world of information security changes regularly. This is because the risks continue to change or increase. The risks in the field of information security now, in 2024, look radically different than they did a few years ago.

The cyber threat landscape is constantly changing, and new technologies bring new challenges. Ransomware, where cybercriminals encrypt your data and demand ransom to release it, remains one of the biggest threats. Unfortunately, their techniques are becoming increasingly sophisticated. The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) also brings new risks. From thermostats to refrigerators, ‘smart’ connected devices offer many more entry points for attacks, and every device can be a potential weak link.

Cloud security is becoming increasingly important as more companies move their data to the cloud. While this offers many benefits, it also brings risks. Poorly configured cloud services are a potential goldmine for hackers. Phishing is also an old but still effective trick. Cybercriminals are getting better at spoofing emails from trusted sources to steal data.

Zero-day exploits are another threat. These are unknown vulnerabilities in software that have not yet been patched by developers, and hackers are constantly looking for these weaknesses to strike before a fix is available.

The biggest risk to information security in 2024? It might be you... Social engineering is not so much about technology, but about manipulating people. Cybercriminals try to trick employees into giving away sensitive information or granting access to systems.

The human factor

While technology plays a major role in information security, the human factor should not be underestimated. Employees are often the weakest link in the security chain. It is therefore essential to create a culture of security awareness within your organization.

Regular training and awareness can help employees recognize threats and respond to suspicious activity. Learning good security practices, such as using strong passwords, avoiding phishing emails, and reporting suspicious activity, can significantly reduce the risk of a breach.

It is also important to have an incident management policy. This policy should clearly describe what employees should do in the event of a security incident. It should include procedures for reporting incidents, responding to threats, and restoring systems. By being prepared for incidents, you can respond quickly and effectively to minimize damage and ensure the continuity of your business operations.

Trends in information security in 2024

Information risks are changing rapidly, and so are the 2024 trends in infosec – the often used short term for information security. New software is constantly being developed, and companies are working on processes and techniques that they can use to make and keep you and your company safe.

A major development is the use of AI and machine learning to detect and respond to cyber threats. These technologies can recognize patterns that human analysts might miss, and respond quickly to attacks. Zero Trust Architecture, another concept that is gaining traction, means that you never trust anyone, even within your own network. Everything and everyone must be verified continuously.

The term DevSecOps will also be heard more often in 2024 and beyond. DevSecOps – a combination of development, security and operations – is a method that is quickly picking up steam. The goal of DevSecOps is to integrate security into the development process from the start, instead of adding it after the fact.

Finally, more attention is being paid to supply chain security. Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting the supply chain. This means that companies need to secure not only their own systems, but also those of their suppliers.

Grip on information

As you can imagine, the world of information security is complex and constantly changing. As an entrepreneur, you want to stay up-to-date on the latest threats and the trends that offer a (possible) solution to them. Whether you run a small business or a large corporation, understanding and implementing strong information security is a must. Take the time to become aware of the risks, learn the basics and continue to develop yourself after you master those, and stay up to date on the latest trends and developments. The best defense against cyber threats starts with good information and alertness.