Frequently asked questions about cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is a set of rules, methods, and tools designed to comprehensively protect an organization from online threats – both the IT infrastructure, including software, operating systems, and processed data, as well as users exposed to hacker activity. Cybersecurity practices encompass both prevention, i.e., preventing incidents, and handling incidents in the event of their occurrence in accordance with applicable laws, such as the GDPR, NIS2, and ISMS.

Cybersecurity involves analyzing the situation to assess the level of security measures in place and potential cyber threats, as well as selecting appropriate safeguards. These actions are primarily aimed at preventing attacks and securing the organization in the event of an attack, to prevent serious information breaches or system disruptions. Therefore, cybersecurity encompasses organizational issues such as procedures, regulations, and training, as well as technical protection measures such as antivirus, firewalls, authentication, and encryption.

A cybersecurity strategy is a plan based on an analysis of an organization's situation and system vulnerabilities, encompassing identification, protection, and response to hacker activity, as well as recovery in the event of a threat. It must be compliant with applicable regulations and tailored to the specific needs of the organization to ensure business continuity, eliminating disruptions or interruptions caused by incidents.

Hacker attacks can lead to data breaches or loss, system disruptions, and organizational disruptions. These incidents can result in financial losses, reputational damage, and legal issues. Therefore, it's crucial to take preventative measures and properly address incidents. Reporting incidents to the appropriate institutions and implementing initiatives, as part of the cybersecurity strategy, to restore organizational stability as quickly as possible.

The number of hacker attacks is growing, and cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated. The most popular continue to include phishing attacks aimed at extorting data, malware exploiting malicious software, ransomware encrypting data to extort ransom, and DDoS attacks that block services. Furthermore, system and security vulnerabilities, lack of authentication, and carelessness stemming from user habits are being exploited. This leads to intrusions and breaches, ultimately destabilizing the organization itself.

To ensure an adequate level of security, it's crucial to build awareness of cyber threats, their consequences, and the associated need for proper protection. Therefore, it's crucial to educate individuals on proper conduct in the digital environment and exercise increased caution, develop security procedures, and implement appropriate safeguards for data, systems, and end users, such as technical security measures, backups, multi-factor authentication, software updates, and refresher training.

The procedures for handling a cyberattack are regulated by law, including the NIS2 directive. According to applicable regulations, the incident must be reported to local law enforcement agencies and cybercrime prevention agencies, such as CERT Polska or the Office for Personal Data Protection. Failure to comply with this obligation carries legal consequences, so it is important to comply in a timely manner. Actions are also required within your own organization, such as informing the IT department to secure resources, identify the type of incident, the scale of the breach, and assess security measures.