​1 - Patch Management: Regularly updating software to patch known vulnerabilities is a common mitigation technique. Attackers often exploit outdated software, so applying security updates promptly can prevent these attacks from succeeding. For example, after discovering the WannaCry ransomware attack, organisations that swiftly applied Microsoft’s security patch avoided the devastating effects experienced by others.

 

2 - Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Firewalls act as the first line of defence, blocking unauthorised access to networks. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) monitor network traffic for suspicious activity, alerting security teams to potential breaches. These systems are vital mitigation tools in detecting and stopping cyber attacks before they infiltrate critical systems.

 

3 - Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implementing MFA is an effective way to mitigate the risk of compromised passwords. Even if an attacker obtains login credentials, MFA requires additional authentication methods (e.g., a phone-generated code), preventing unauthorised access.

 

4 - Encryption: Encrypting sensitive data ensures that even if attackers gain access to a system, the information they steal remains unreadable without the decryption key. For example, many businesses encrypt sensitive customer data to mitigate the risk of data breaches.

 

5 - Regular Backups: Regularly backing up critical data mitigates the impact of ransomware attacks or other forms of data loss. If data is compromised, organisations can restore it from backups rather than paying a ransom or losing valuable information.

 

6 - Employee Training: Human error is often a weak point in cyber security. Phishing attacks, for instance, exploit employees’ lack of awareness. Mitigation through regular cyber security training ensures that staff recognise threats like phishing emails and understand the correct procedures to report suspicious activity.