Be aware IT Staff

In today's digital world, in which companies are increasingly reliant on IT infrastructures, the importance of IT security is constantly growing.

New loopholes are mercilessly exploited

Attackers' new technologies detect technical security gaps quickly and efficiently and then exploit them mercilessly. The IT team is under particular pressure to close known security gaps as quickly as possible and to install bug fixes - known as patches.

People are often the weakest link in the cyber security chain because we don't work 24/7 and can't constantly check all systems manually for new security vulnerabilities. This makes it all the more important to create security awareness among IT staff and actively integrate it into a company's security strategies.

Carelessness leaves doors open

Security awareness refers to the ability and awareness to recognise security threats and respond to them appropriately. On this basis, employees can develop strategies and seek new solutions to make the systems more secure both externally and internally. Targeted training and awareness programmes can sensitise employees to develop a critical eye for potential threats and strengthen the security system. 

Convenience or carelessness harbours great dangers: "Until now, the systems were also secure - it's best to freeze everything and that's that..." or "never change a running system" is often heard among IT employees. This makes it clear how important it is to establish a strong security culture within the company.
But security awareness in IT staff is more than just imparting knowledge about potential threats. It is also about developing an attitude in which cyber security is seen as a priority. Security awareness must be understood as a continuous process that is regularly renewed.

New tools to detect and automatically close gaps

Thanks to new tools, our systems are no longer defenceless against attacks. However, these new tools must also be sought out and utilised. At Flying Supporter, we have the tools and the expertise to train IT staff in the security tools of the present and the future.

These tools close the gaps - even automatically if required. With our patch management, this is child's play and all relevant software and operating system updates are rolled out regularly and in the shortest possible time - the latest patches are always available for Microsoft products, Mac and Linux as well as for over 300 third-party applications - from the cloud or on-premises. An effective security strategy therefore includes effective patch management with the following aspects:

➤ Regular inspection and inventory: All software solutions used must be regularly checked for available updates. A comprehensive inventory helps to keep track of all programmes that may pose a security risk.

➤ Automation of updates and rapid response to critical security vulnerabilities:
Wherever possible, updates should be downloaded and installed automatically in a timely manner. This minimises the risk of security gaps and critical vulnerabilities being exploited by forgotten or unperformed updates.

➤ Testing of patches: Before an update is rolled out to the entire organisation, new patches should be checked on test systems to avoid compatibility problems or errors.

This strategy is most effective when the attention of IT staff is also combined with other security measures such as firewalls, anti-virus programmes and intrusion detection systems (IDS).

Optimum IT security

Optimised IT security is always the result of successful cooperation between human awareness and technical infrastructure. Companies should therefore pursue an integrated security concept that includes training and sensitisation as well as technical protective measures. Security awareness in the IT staff and well thought-out patch management are two fundamental pillars of IT security. While training and education help to sensitise employees to security threats, effective patch management ensures that technical systems remain secure and up to date. By combining these two approaches, companies can sustainably improve their security and protect themselves against the growing threats from cyberspace.

In a world where cyber attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, it is essential to take both the human and technological aspects of IT security seriously and to invest continuously. Flying Supporter is happy to support you in this endeavour.