The only constant in IT is change. Operational systems will need constant revamps and if your business is running on a multi-device anti-virus subscription as its primary defense mechanism, know that you are a cyberattack target already. Strategized IT Security should be your top priority if you want to safeguard against the impending cyberattacks that can be, in all probability, happening right now.
Referring to IT Security Services is an established practice as businesses are delegating their IT requirements to niche managed service providers to better concentrate on their core operations and reduce total IT outgo.
Top 8 Reasons Why Your Business IT Security needs a Reshuffle
IT is shifting consistently towards comprehensively cloud and network-hosted scenarios, even in non-remote workspaces.
Cybercrime has increased by 600% during the global pandemic. Damages due to cybercrime may reach up to $6 trillion in 2021.
Referring to IT Security Services is an established practice as businesses are delegating their IT requirements to niche managed service providers to better concentrate on their core operations and reduce total IT outgo.
But you will need a lot more than reactive IT Security to secure your business against modern cyberthreats.
Everyone is at Threat
Windows OS is not the primary target for cyberattacks anymore as it used to be even though most cyberattacks are still targeted towards Windows simply because of the number of users.
Android device usage overlaps with the Windows user base. Other than that, there’s a dedicated creed of macOS and iOS users, especially in the US and parts of Europe.
macOS malware attacks have grown by more than 160%. About 98% of mobile malware target Androids.
With top IT brands and innovators pushing for cross-platform usage and better data accessibility, everyone can be a target.
So, if you think your run-of-the-mill Windows PCs are the loose ends, know that your mobile device is just as vulnerable to cyberattacks irrespective of whether you use your workplace Wi-Fi or a private one.
”Setting up network firewalls at each access point between the network you use, and the internet connectivity node is the only way forward.
The IoT Security Hazard
IoT devices are conclusively becoming part of your personal and professional lifestyles. From cross-platform data accessibility to voice-activated smart home functions, you are using more IoT than you know.
But IoT brings with it a unique cyberattack loophole. With the right tools and expertise, a cyberattacker can plausibly compromise your workspace or home network via a diminutive IoT device.
More than 5,000 attacks are targeted towards IoT devices every month.
IoT devices like voice assistant extensions, already popularly used across US households, can be hacked and lead to complete network compromise.
”Keep your IoT within a secured network framework or at least on a different network altogether. Thereon, make sure that your workstation, any other PC, or mobile device is not using the same network.
In-House Threats are Increasing
No matter how many security patches you put in place to address loopholes, any expert IT consultant will first track down operational nodes that may be affected by human errors.
Almost 95% of cybersecurity lapses are due to human error.
Irrespective of the size of your operations, referring to cybersecurity expertise is the best way forward. You can stop cyberattacks before they happen!
”Managed IT services with specific cybersecurity expertise can help you put in place accurate monitoring standards, perhaps even using AI bots, and security protocols to monitor usage anomalies or patterns.
Cloud Security remains a Question
Cloud usage will keep on increasing and you may already be doing much more than just data storage. SaaS and PaaS models are helping organizations generate better productivity at lower costs and there is no doubt that the cloud is welcome progress in IT.
But cloud security persists as a point of concern although this has less to do with top infrastructure providers and depends on proper implementation, usage standards, and protocols.
A Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) will help you attach security protocols, NGFWs, and the likes to ensure cloud security at each operational node. You should invest in a CASB if your business operations include any two of the following
- Remote operations on a cloud platform.
- Cloud-hosted enterprise software.
- Data storage on the cloud.
- Cloud infrastructure hosting.
The old-school office setup as a workspace is evolving and COVID has only pushed the question of whether office spaces, or rather the concept of physically centralized workspaces, will exist in the future.
Another strategic difficulty is WFH coupled with BYOD. With your team working from home, ensuring network security becomes a lot more challenging. This also applies to the current BYOD trend with workers ‘bringing their own devices’ to work. Given that the same devices are used on obviously less secure home networks, now your workspace network is at risk as well.
”Your business will end up using multiple cloud applications and platforms that in turn use vendors you may not be aware of. Before you divert your operations to the cloud, get in touch with a Cloud Access Security Broker or CASB.
Workstations are Threat Magnets
The old-school office setup as a workspace is evolving and COVID has only pushed the question of whether office spaces, or rather the concept of physically centralized workspaces, will exist in the future.
Another strategic difficulty is WFH coupled with BYOD. With your team working from home, ensuring network security becomes a lot more challenging. This also applies to the current BYOD trend with workers ‘bringing their own devices’ to work. Given that the same devices are used on obviously less secure home networks, now your workspace network is at risk as well.
Referring to IT support services for managed Wi-Fi services can help bypass security lapses.
”Managed IT services can help you access secured internet connectivity solutions. Ensure that your team accesses all platforms, databases, apps, etc. related to business operations via only the dedicated Wi-Fi provided.
They are coming for your Data
To say that cybersecurity is synonymous with data security would be somewhat accurate. Your essential business data including consumer records, financial information, intellectual property, etc. are why cyberthreats exist in the first place.
50% of all data breaches will occur in the US by 2023.
Securing such data may not guarantee against cyberattacks in the future, but your business will survive till the next attack by when proper security measures will be in place. Instead, secure your data first to avoid operational downtime and the probability of unsolicited access to it.
”Implement accessibility protocols and limit access to such data. Preferably also use put in place network security protocols to safeguard against external cyberattacks from hackers.
Leverage Cybersecurity Intelligence
Cybersecurity intelligence is the silver lining for businesses. It is crucial that you invest resources in cybersecurity not just as a business accessing IT security, but as a benefactor to the cause.
Monitoring threats to neutralize them before they happen is the only way forward for IT security. Until more resources are allocated to cybersecurity than there are to developing new threats, the battle will be lost.
Use your CASB to access scalable data storage solutions. Secure the most valuable section of your business data first.
”If you are about to opt for IT support services, make sure to check for IT security expertise and experience. Consider cybersecurity as the best investment you can make to safeguard your business operations.
In-House Security is Insufficient
If you’re thinking of just hiring a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for your business will cover your IT security obligations, make sure you’re prepared to meet resource requirements first.
IT security that can safeguard against threats involves network monitoring, security protocols, firewalls, data encryption, etc. Your CISO will help your business follow basic security protocols to reduce loopholes, damages, and in-house breaches. However, these protocols alone will not guarantee security.
”Secure your business by providing the necessary resources for it. What you’re looking for is a premier managed IT services provider delivering the required IT security to manage, maintain, and utilize your business security.
Looking Ahead
Monitoring for threats is the only way to stay a step ahead and avoid a security breach. But this will require specific resources, both human and IT. Your in-house IT security department will seldom have adequate means and would be short-handed to provide the required deliverables.
IT security is expected to become a $170 billion+ market by 2022. Compare this to the $6 trillion estimation of damages due to cyberbreaches, it is only obvious that you rethink and redeploy your IT security strategy right now!
