Israeli Businesses and Cybercrime Prevention

Just as the state needs to have security protocols on our streets and at important sites throughout the country, it is important for Israeli businesses to accept that they too are becoming subject to more cyber-attacks than ever before. Cyber-crime worldwide has grown faster than most businesses and Israel is known as a leader in the field of online protection, and this will need to continue if Israeli business is to remain secure.

Cyber-crime in Israel

Israel is accepted as a leader in the fight against global cyber-crime and has managed to keep cyber-crime activities at an all-time low of 1% within the country. The reputation in international business and investment circles is such that the Americans have invested in the region to ensure that Israel’s tech sectors in Tel Aviv are at the forefront of developing relevant solutions to the current blight of cyber-crime. 

Ways to Improve Cyber Security

The most effective means of cyber protection are sometimes the easiest to institute. The high-tech solutions for network protection and end point data security are not going to affect every business and the normal day to day threats will be best dealt with using the tried and tested methods noted below. They do all, however, require vigilance.

A zero-trust security model

Regardless of whether access is requested from within or without the network, the zero-trust model ensures that your business will trust no-one and all access from any device (even a known one) will be subject to a high level of authentication. ZTNA security is thus a must for any business that holds its data on a network server or has access to this data through a networked system. It has been called the new standard of security and is based on years of research and development, with many a security expert noting that this may be the best way to stop security breaches.

Multi-level password access

Generally, one level of authentication is the international norm. Yet this has been changing over a period of time and now multi-level authentication is quite common. This is where a user is asked to re-authenticate to access higher level of service or even for the same services or access to data and information. A great example is the banking industry who use an initial password to sign into the service and then need an additional password or process of authentication to be able to make a payment or transfer funds.

Multi-factor authentication

This in a sense is the progression of the aforementioned multi-level passwords, however it defends further against key stroke loggers and phishers as the first level password request for access if followed by a different form of authentication such as a key card or fob. The second factor of authentication is generally a physical or biometric process and as such is unique to the user in every sense.

Biometrics

This is the use of physical characteristics or measurements of a biological nature. The use of fingerprint mapping and retina scans for authentication and access are increasingly common. Once again, the close military and border security associations and usage, have meant that biometrics are an accurate and proven means of authentication. Having been used in the military sector, this has been a simple crossover into Israeli business. The aim is, however, the same, security and access control.

Ongoing updates, monitoring and reporting

The key to keeping abreast of online threats and cybercrime is to have a constant update of all virus definitions and categories. The available analytics must be used to have a clear process of continuous improvement. Then this knowledge must be shared across tour network and supply chain. The nature of integrated business online and in the cloud means that a breach to one, is a breach for all. Ensure that the network, your partners and suppliers are all in the know and instituting similar security protocols to be able to protect one and all.

These are all security means that have to some extent been developed based on actual threats and has been used to a large extent to protect Israeli business and are promoted around the globe.

There are over 400 cyber-crime companies in Israel and with these numbers the level of expertise across the sector is second to none. It is no secret that Israel has also leaned on their military expertise to develop increasingly cogent means of detecting, describing and deleting e-based threats.

It must also be noted in conclusion, that the method noted herein for the protection of your business are tried and tested, but also form the foundational layers of cyber security that every business should be planning for.