Another year, another huge bump in the cost of recovering from a cyber attack. As of 2020, it will take an average of $3.86 million to recover from a data breach or security incident, according to IBM and the Ponemon Institute.
If you want your business to avoid becoming a statistic in 2021, then cybersecurity needs to be a priority. Here are the top four cyber tips you can follow to keep your business safe:
Go Beyond a Firewall
Firewalls are essential tools for protecting your data and systems. But in today’s super-charged cyber threatscape, you’ll need multiple lines of defense; bare minimum network protection just won’t cut it.
These days, it takes a team to fend off threats, and in-house IT departments are overburdened as it is. To make matters worse, businesses overwhelmingly rely on outdated software to protect them from an ever-growing number of assailants, the majority of whom focus exclusively on Server Message Blocks (SMB).
Also, as employees increasingly bring their own devices to work (Smart Phones, Apple Watches, network devices, etc.), they introduce a slew of new security risks.
As the cracks in the firewall become easier for threats to slip through, you’ll need next-generation technology to perform functions such as deep-packet inspection and advanced endpoint protection, which will help cover those rogue IT devices that employees bring in.
Secure Your Data at All Costs
Imagine a world where employees don’t lock doors when they leave the office at night, abandon expensive laptops in public places as they go to the restroom, or leave corporate credit cards lying around.
That’s the reality we live in, except the negligence is for cybersecurity rather than physical security. In most businesses, the culture of data protection just isn’t there, which is especially tragic since the virtual threats are often more severe than the physical ones.
Awareness of unprotected data sources is key. This includes not only for data on servers and infrastructure, but also records stored on desktops, laptops, phones, ZIP drives, and on the cloud.
In many cases, a simple certificate can go a long way. Ensure that HTTPS protocols are being used to secure data to be transmitted to or from your website. Also, investigate encryption technologies for data at rest.
Adapt to Remote Working Conditions
For small businesses already having to contend with an escalating cyberwar against them, the post-COVID work-from-home revolution poses even more threats and challenges. It’s often hard to keep business with dispersed and home-based workforces safe. Because IT technicians are not as quick to support remote workers, tools like Zoom have demonstrated vulnerability, and employees are often not well protected in their personal networks and devices.
While remote work undeniably has its benefits, the security issues should be tackled head-on. One of the first items of business will be governance: stronger policies will be required to manage the use of shadow IT, the devices that employees use without the knowledge or blessings of the IT department.
Also, stronger anti-virus software will be needed to help users who may be integrating their own programs and introducing new threats to the network.
Partner for Success
Software, hardware, talent, time, technology . . .
It’s hard to gather them all under one roof. But it’s a necessary undertaking; a business is only secure as its weakest point.
This is why many companies are outsourcing their cybersecurity to firms who can leverage economies of scale, attract top cybersecurity talent, and provide cost-effective services in one complete solution.
For its clients, Techneaux not only invests many thousands of dollars in cybersecurity talent and training but we also partner with a best-in-class security software Pax8, a platform-based cloud licensing vendor that provides a high-quality yet manageable solution.
Seeking a security partner? Check our suite of Techneaux security services>>> Security Services
2021 is a New Frontier for Security
Each new year is a veritable Wild West of cyberthreats and their hapless victims. As hackers increasingly turn their attention to small and medium-sized businesses, leaders must also adapt to new remote-working conditions and a shifting economy.
In any condition, cybersecurity is a worthy investment. Make sure your data is secure, your technology is capable, and if you can’t always do that, look for a partner who can do it for you.
Don’t Become a Statistic—Check Out Techneaux’s security offerings or contact us today for more information.