Safeguarding data in the eye of the storm: cybersecurity experts weigh in on the aftermath of Hurricane Helene

Quick recap: When Hurricane Helene struck, it wasn’t just physical destruction that posed a threat—businesses also faced heightened cyber vulnerabilities. To mitigate these risks, organizations need a comprehensive approach to data protection that mirrors their disaster recovery plans, Kevin Nejad, founder and CEO of Vijilan Security, said in a message.

Expert advice: When disaster strikes, securing your business’s data requires proactive measures to prevent cyber threats from slipping in unnoticed. Here are key strategies to strengthen your defenses:

• Advanced threat detection. Like storm warnings for hurricanes, advanced threat detection systems continuously monitor network activity, flagging suspicious behavior, such as abnormal login attempts, before any damage is done.
• Data ingestion and routing. Even during network disruptions, data needs to be routed securely. “By intelligently directing data to redundant and safe storage systems, businesses can maintain continuity and ensure that sensitive information is not lost or exposed during a disaster,” says Nejad.
• Real-time network visibility. With employees logging in from unfamiliar networks, the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches spikes, says Nejad. The solutions detect when alternate networks are used and flag potential security risks before they’re exploited.
• Network segmentation. Just like cities designate evacuation zones, businesses can segment their networks to contain potential breaches. Isolating critical systems can prevent a cyberattack from spreading across the entire network.

The Bottom Line: In times of crisis, protecting data and ensuring continuity is as important as ensuring physical safety, said Nejad. "By leveraging advanced threat detection, data routing, and network visibility technologies, businesses can proactively defend against data breaches, safeguard critical information, and ensure that even in the aftermath of a storm, their security posture remains intact."