IT security

IT security, also known as information security, refers to measures and technologies that serve to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information and IT systems. The aim is to protect data from unauthorized access, manipulation or destruction.

IT security is crucial to protect companies from cyberattacks, data loss, operational downtime and reputational damage.
Without appropriate security measures, sensitive data can be stolen, systems compromised and business operations significantly impaired.

The most common threats include:

• Malware: Malicious software that can infect systems and steal or damage data.
• Phishing: Attempts to obtain confidential information through fake emails or websites.
• Ransomware: Malware that encrypts data and demands a ransom to release it again.
• DDoS attacks: Attacks that overload systems with a flood of requests, rendering them unusable.
• Insider threats: Risks emanating from employees or other persons who have access to the systems.

IT security is a broader term that covers all aspects of information security, including physical and technical protection measures. Cybersecurity is a sub-area of IT security and focuses specifically on protection against cyberattacks and threats in the digital space.

The most important measures include

• Firewalls and antivirus software: protection against external threats.
• Encryption: Protection of data through encryption, both in storage and during transmission.
• Access controls: Restricting access to systems and data to authorized persons.
• Security updates and patch management: Regular updating of software and systems to close known security gaps.
• Training: Raising employee awareness of security policies and best practice.

The NIS 2 Directive (Network and Information Security) is an EU regulation that tightens cyber security requirements for companies and public institutions. It extends the scope of the original NIS Directive and lays down stricter security measures and reporting obligations in the event of cyber incidents. Companies must now implement comprehensive security measures and submit regular reports. The directive aims to increase the resilience of critical infrastructure against cyber threats in the EU. Companies that do not meet the requirements face severe penalties.

A security incident is an event that jeopardizes the security of an IT system, such as a successful cyberattack or data loss.
In the event of an incident, a company should immediately activate an emergency plan to limit the damage, analyze the incident, fix the problem and restore the affected systems.

With KPC MEDAC (Mobile Emergency DataCenter), K&P offers fast and comprehensive support in the event of a cyber attack.
The mobile cyber service goes beyond standard protective measures, with the experienced K&P cyber team handling both technical and legal aspects of an attack. Further information can be found on the KPC MEDAC website.

The most important standards include

• ISO/IEC 27001: An internationally recognized standard for information security management systems.
• NIST Cybersecurity Framework: A framework for improving cybersecurity in organizations.
• PCI-DSS: A standard for the protection of credit card data.
• GDPR (DSGVO): European General Data Protection Regulation, which sets requirements for the protection of personal data.

Measures to protect against insider threats:

• Strict access controls: Minimize access to sensitive data.
• Monitoring and logging: Regular checking of user activities.
• Training courses: Sensitize employees to the dangers of insider threats.
• Security guidelines: Clear guidelines for handling company data

Endpoint security refers to the protection of individual end devices such as laptops, smartphones and tablets against threats.
This includes measures such as antivirus software, encryption and the management of security policies on these devices.

The best practices include:

• Strong passwords: Use complex, long passwords with a mixture of letters, numbers and special characters.
• Two-factor authentication (2FA): Additional security level in addition to the password.
• Regular password changes: Regular updating of passwords.
• Use of a password manager: Secure management and storage of passwords.

A secure network is protected by several layers of security measures, including:

• Firewalls: Control of incoming and outgoing data traffic.
• VPNs: Secure remote access to the company network.
• Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS): Detection and prevention of intrusion attempts.
• Network segmentation: Separation of sensitive areas of the network to minimize the impact of an attack.

Zero Trust is a security concept that assumes that no user or device, regardless of whether it is inside or outside the company network, is automatically trustworthy. All access must be continuously checked and access to resources is only granted based on strict authentication and authorization mechanisms.