What You Shouldn’t Be Doing with Your Cybersecurity in 2024

As global macroeconomic conditions worsen and funding slowdown continues, Indian startups are cutting their spends on an integral part of tech businesses – cloud storage – by renegotiating contracts with service providers like AWS and Google Cloud, multiple startup founders told ET.

Many of these companies have slashed cloud expenses by 20%-30% while some growth stage startups such as ecommerce platforms Meesho and Dealshare have brought down their cloud expenses by 50%, under pressure to control their cash burn, they said.

This has led to the top three cloud service providers – Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure – waging pricing wars to lure startups onto their platforms in the current downturn.

Over the past months, several startups have been approached by AWS rivals to switch over for lesser pricing, multiple founders who have been in talks with them confirmed.

In some instances, founders are using pricing quotes received from Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure to renegotiate discounted contracts with AWS, their primary cloud service provider, said one of the founders.

Cybersecurity ecosystem

The Data Security Council of India has forecast that the cybersecurity ecosystem will expand up to a point where nearly one million professionals will be required by 2025. Additionally, the demand for cloud security skills is estimated to grow by 115% between 2020 and 2025, representing almost 20,000 job openings, Narayan added.

An extensive exercise in reskilling and/or upskilling the existing workforce, believe staffing experts, is one of the ways that telcos can future proof their work.

Indian mobile phone operators are expected to at least double their investments on network security with the 5G roll out expected to spark a surge in network vulnerabilities, which assume critical importance especially for enterprises.

However, it is already proving to be a challenge for telcos to have robust security teams.

Bharti Airtel, for example, has been preparing for 5G roll out by upskilling its professionals and offering them certification courses such as CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) and CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional). The courses are offered based on skill and eligibility level free of cost.

Startups are cutting cloud costs, renegotiating deals

As global macroeconomic conditions worsen and funding slowdown continues, Indian startups are cutting their spends on an integral part of tech businesses – cloud storage – by renegotiating contracts with service providers like AWS and Google Cloud, multiple startup founders told ET.

Many of these companies have slashed cloud expenses by 20%-30% while some growth stage startups such as ecommerce platforms Meesho and Dealshare have brought down their cloud expenses by 50%, under pressure to control their cash burn, they said.

This has led to the top three cloud service providers – Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure – waging pricing wars to lure startups onto their platforms in the current downturn.

Over the past months, several startups have been approached by AWS rivals to switch over for lesser pricing, multiple founders who have been in talks with them confirmed.

In some instances, founders are using pricing quotes received from Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure to renegotiate discounted contracts with AWS, their primary cloud service provider, said one of the founders.

Cybersecurity ecosystem

The Data Security Council of India has forecast that the cybersecurity ecosystem will expand up to a point where nearly one million professionals will be required by 2025. Additionally, the demand for cloud security skills is estimated to grow by 115% between 2020 and 2025, representing almost 20,000 job openings, Narayan added.

An extensive exercise in reskilling and/or upskilling the existing workforce, believe staffing experts, is one of the ways that telcos can future proof their work.

Indian mobile phone operators are expected to at least double their investments on network security with the 5G roll out expected to spark a surge in network vulnerabilities, which assume critical importance especially for enterprises.

However, it is already proving to be a challenge for telcos to have robust security teams.

Bharti Airtel, for example, has been preparing for 5G roll out by upskilling its professionals and offering them certification courses such as CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) and CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional). The courses are offered based on skill and eligibility level free of cost.

Top 5 Tips for Solving the Email Security Problem

Email is a cornerstone of modern communication, making it a prime target for cyberattacks. From phishing schemes to malware, the threats are constant. Here are the top 5 tips to enhance your email security and protect sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.

1. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

One of the easiest and most effective ways to secure email accounts is by enabling multi-factor authentication. MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring users to verify their identity through something they know (password) and something they have (such as a mobile device). This drastically reduces the chances of unauthorized access.

2. Train Employees on Phishing Awareness

Human error is often the weakest link in email security. Conduct regular training sessions on how to spot phishing attempts, such as suspicious links, attachments, or requests for sensitive information. Training employees to identify and report phishing attacks can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to scams.

3. Use Encryption for Sensitive Emails

Encryption ensures that the content of an email is readable only by the intended recipient. Implementing end-to-end encryption for all sensitive emails protects data from being intercepted or tampered with during transmission. Most modern email platforms offer encryption features that can be easily enabled.

4. Deploy Advanced Email Filters

Spam filters and advanced threat detection systems can prevent malicious emails from reaching inboxes. Modern filtering tools use AI and machine learning to detect abnormal patterns and flag potential threats before they can cause harm. Regularly updating your filters ensures they stay effective against evolving threats.

5. Regularly Update Software and Patches

Outdated software is a common entry point for hackers. Ensure that all email software, including plugins and add-ons, is regularly updated with the latest security patches. Automating these updates ensures that your system stays protected against the latest vulnerabilities.

Final Thoughts

With these top 5 tips, you can take proactive steps to enhance email security, safeguarding your business and personal data. Prioritizing email security not only protects sensitive information but also helps prevent costly data breaches.

Optimizing email security is essential in today’s threat-filled landscape, and these strategies will help secure communications and avoid becoming another cyberattack statistic.