Coming out of 2018, we’ve learned a lot about the importance of proper cybersecurity structures and safety measures. The previous year has witnessed an increased number of cyberattacks and data breaches that left millions of people’s data compromised.

The number of cybersecurity threats and executed attacks is constantly growing and there’s not so much you can do to prevent your business or personal devices from becoming another target. However, it is possible to reduce the risk and exposure towards cybercrime by implementing the core NIST functions in both business and personal life.

One of the most common mistakes businesses make when trying to improve online security is focusing only on safety measures and protection. Unfortunately, as much effort as we put into protecting our networks, systems, and devices, hackers are consistently developing more sophisticated methods that they’re using for malicious purposes.

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework is widely accepted as a go-to collection of policies and regulations that help businesses maintain online security, identify threats, and protect their networks and data from potential damage.

According to GSMA data, 5 billion people in the world own mobile devices that can be connected to the internet. The majority of these devices are used to store, access, and share confidential business files and information on a daily basis.

The year of 2018 has been a wild ride when it comes to cybersecurity worldwide. The year before, in 2017, cyber-attacks cost small and medium-sized businesses an average of $2,235,000, as stated by Ponemon 2017 State of Cybersecurity in SMBs. We are still waiting for official statistics on how many cyberattacks took place during 2018. For all we know, there were too many data breaches and security incidents to count.

Taking the right cybersecurity measures on a daily basis can help reduce the risk of becoming a victim of an online attack. Unfortunately, no matter how much effort you put into securing your data, there’s always at least a 10% risk of having your information stolen.

Security assessments sound complex, which is why many business owners often neglect them. However, each business, no matter its size or the industry it belongs to, should have its security measures properly assessed in order to ensure all pieces of the puzzle fit together.

You may have heard of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework a few times online but, unless you have knowledge and experience in the world of cybersecurity, this topic can seem quite complex. However, once you take time to learn more about the framework, you will realize how simple and effective it can be.

It is safe to say that our technological abilities are advancing at a rate faster than ever. Naturally, with such a wide array of technological advances available at hand, we have become better at securing ourselves and our data on the internet.