Cybersecurity is a major issue for every business, whether you’re running a multinational organization or a local company. Here’s what you need to know about why prioritizing cybersecurity is so important – and some advice on developing a cybersecurity strategy that aligns with your company’s needs and your IT budget.
Why cybersecurity is so important
When it comes to cybersecurity, there’s no such thing as being too careful. Cybercrime is rapidly on the rise, and the average cost of a security breach has shot up to over $13 million in recent years.
What’s more, antivirus and antimalware programs aren’t enough anymore to protect your company from increasingly sophisticated threats. Statistics show that 52% of breaches featured hacking, 28% involved malware and roughly 33% included phishing or social engineering, respectively.
If you plan on keeping your business secure, there are a few steps to follow.
1) Know what you need from your cybersecurity
Every viable cybersecurity strategy is designed to achieve two things. Firstly, it should protect your business from external threats. Secondly, it should minimize the risk of negligent employees exposing your sensitive data to hackers.
To get started, it’s a good idea to download or create a planning tool. This will allow you to note down your cybersecurity goals and how you plan on achieving them. You can revise this plan if necessary and set new goals as you go along.
2) Establish threats and risks
Make sure you understand the impact of any disaster, be it a security breach or a malware infection, on your operations. Prepare for as many eventualities as possible and review the threats to your business regularly.
3) Set targets for maintenance
Update your antivirus and antispyware software regularly, and set up your systems so they automatically download crucial patches when they become available. Maintain your hardware and replace or repair faulty equipment when necessary.
Make it a goal to change passwords regularly and always monitor access to your wireless network for any suspicious activity.
4) Schedule backups
Make sure that you back up important data and system processes at regular intervals. Automate these backups where possible so you don’t forget about them.
First, decide how frequently you’ll back up data and where you’ll store it, such as in the cloud or in hard copy. Make sure you comply with privacy laws and other sector-specific regulations.
5) Don’t forget employee training
Your employees are key to ensuring that your cybersecurity strategy is a success. Set training goals and review employee understanding of cybersecurity issues on a semi-regular basis.
When setting training goals, set out a manageable schedule for cybersecurity training and a plan for monitoring adherence to cybersecurity processes.
6) Seek expert advice
IT managed services providers are best placed to help you devise effective cybersecurity goals that suit your business needs and your budget. If you’re unsure how to get started on a cybersecurity strategy, or if you’re worried that your current strategy isn’t working, it’s a good idea to seek professional help.
Staying protected
Although every business is unique, there are some cybersecurity goals common to them all. Ultimately, keeping company data secure from evolving and existing threats should be a priority for every business going forward. For more information on developing a cybersecurity strategy that suits your business, contact us today.