Many organizations keep sensitive distinguishing information in their files — social security numbers, names, protected medical information, intellectual property and credit card numbers — to identify employees, customers and patients. This type of information is necessary for day-to-day business transactions, to meet payroll, fill orders or keep track of order history. Unfriendly third parties can use these details for identity theft or fraud, so businesses must have a solid plan to protect vital information.
Guarding client, employee and patient information should be high on the list of security measures for all businesses and organizations. An online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Management Information Systems (MIS) – Cybersecurity program from Northwest Missouri State University (Northwest) can prepare students with practical skills and the cybersecurity tools to safeguard sensitive information. Students in this online program will learn how system analysis and design support business operations, provide business and management decision-making and protect network systems.
What Role Does Cybersecurity Play in Protecting a Business?
No business, regardless of size, is immune to cybercrime. With the world’s increased reliance on online technology, cyberattacks and identity theft are becoming increasingly common. Without a cybersecurity program, a business cannot prevent or defend itself against hacking or data breach campaigns. Cybercriminals today use advanced techniques to resist traditional cyber defenses, such as firewalls and anti-virus software, to gain access to personal data.
Since cyberthreats can happen at any business level, all employees should receive cybersecurity awareness training to learn about common cyberthreats such as phishing, malware designed to steal personal data, social engineering scams and ransomware attacks. Businesses, large and small, are at constant risk of cybercrime and the reputational damage that can result. Small businesses are especially at risk of becoming an easy target since many don’t have the required cybersecurity controls to deter and detect a cyberattack or fraudulent activity.
It is vital for businesses to protect not only themselves but also their employee and customer information. Cybercriminals can use stolen tax identification numbers to redirect tax refunds, change information on a business registration, impersonate an owner or manager to qualify for a loan, manipulate credit reports and install malware on computer systems to hide fraudulent activity. A business can protect itself and its employees and customers by monitoring its credit reports for unusual activity, not posting sensitive information online, building a secure filing system, shredding paper documents containing sensitive data, going digital to avoid mail theft and following safe cybersecurity practices.
Some of these practices include protecting access to company computers, employee training, using secure wireless networks and data storage practices, running regularly scheduled malware and virus scans and restricted software installation for employees. Creating secure information backups both onsite and offsite can safeguard vulnerable information.
About Northwest’s Online B.S. in MIS – Cybersecurity Program
Since identity theft is a severe problem for individuals and businesses, organizations must understand the risk and take the necessary precautions. Students in Northwest’s online B.S. in MIS – Cybersecurity program learn to combat cybersecurity breaches and identity theft in courses like Introduction to Cybersecurity, Secure System Administration and Digital Forensics. Graduates of this online program can pursue jobs like security engineer, systems administrator, information security analyst, cybersecurity architect, security software developer, digital forensics analyst or cryptographer.
Learn more about Northwest’s online B.S. in MIS – Cybersecurity program.
