Regardless of whether your business spans a few rooms or a few countries – cybersecurity is essential. Since 2021, there’s been a reported increase of 72% in data breaches, with that number only set to rise. The business world is becoming increasingly reliant on online communication, digital storage, and remote work. Each presents its own vulnerabilities in terms of security, and when combined with the risks already present in an office setup, it’s easy to see why you should be concerned about your own cybersecurity. This rapidly growing sector takes many forms, and there’s much to consider when choosing the right partner to keep your business safe. This article aims to make it easier for you to find the services and partners that are best for you.
A Service, Not a Product
Cybersecurity isn’t just a singular product or service provided to your business. Rather, it’s the umbrella term for a range of services, practices, and technological solutions that protect a company’s network, systems, and connected devices from all kinds of harmful attacks.
Whether you’re storing data on the cloud or organizing remote meetings for teams, there’s a lot more online activity and data than there was even a few years ago. But digital data and all networks connected to the internet are at constant risk of attack. All it takes is one unsecured printer or stolen user account for chaos to ensue.
Because the threats keep evolving, so do cybersecurity services. Providers are on constant alert to protect the networks and assets of their clients, staying up to date with the latest trends and finding new ways to protect what matters.
Cybersecurity as a Partnership
Every business is different and therefore may require different forms of cybersecurity. A good service provider should be able to provide exactly what’s required, always. A lasting cybersecurity partnership begins with a thorough audit of the company’s IT systems, network, and existing cybersecurity solutions. Based on that, your cybersecurity provider will be able to present a list of possible solutions.
When choosing a cybersecurity partner, it’s important to consider these factors:
- Budget and pricing – Value for money matters, but don’t go too cheap. You get what you pay for. That said, how much can you afford to spend to secure your network? Look for quality that doesn’t break the bank.
- Scalability – If you’re expecting your business to grow, you need a cybersecurity solution that scales with you. Ask your potential provider about scalability.
- Expertise – Is your prospective partner well established in your area, with many positive reviews and the right credentials? Don’t be afraid to ask.
- Services offered – What range of cybersecurity services does the provider offer? What are you looking for? Try to find a partner that excels in the specific areas you need covered.
- Fast response – If things go wrong, your cybersecurity provider needs to have a plan and a quick turnaround time in response.
- Security compliance – Your provider needs to be in line with any local data compliance and protection regulations, and have the paperwork to prove it.
The Many Types of Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity takes many forms. Some providers may even merge two or more services into one offering, or call the same service something different. So, it’s useful to know what the major branches of cybersecurity entail. The main areas are:
Identity Management and Data Security
Employees are often the biggest weakness in a business’s cybersecurity, knowingly or not. Stolen accounts or unwanted access to sensitive information can be ruinous. So, data accessed by employees must be properly stored to prevent theft, and controlling access to certain systems goes a long way to prevent them becoming compromised.
“Zero-trust” in cybersecurity means treating everything inside and outside a business as a potential threat, and segmenting data to better protect it. Multi-factor authentication and restricted access are prime examples of zero-trust cybersecurity strategies.
Network Security
Every business is connected to the internet, and its devices are likely to be connected to each other. Even your connection to the office printer is a component of your network. Like anything connected to a network, a threat to one is a threat to all. Network security takes proactive and reactive steps to keep a business’s networks and all connected devices safe from infiltration.
Network security takes many forms, including:
- Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
- Identity Access Management (IAM)
- Firewalls and antivirus software
Network security providers play a vital role in maintaining control, constantly monitoring systems and ensuring security stays tight.
Cloud Security
In the post-pandemic world, more businesses are using the cloud to store data and host infrastructure and applications. Data needs to be both secure and compliant with local data protection mandates like the E.U.’s GDPR. What’s more, cloud security needs to account for all devices that have access to this sensitive information, wherever they may be.
The extent to which businesses make use of cloud computing varies wildly in scale, but if you’re heavily reliant on it, then cloud security is a must.
Mobile Security
Office laptops and PCs are easy enough to secure, but what happens when employees use their mobile devices to access the company network? Personal devices are vulnerable to infiltration, which in turn can pose a risk to the entire system, intentionally or otherwise.
Mobile security aims to prevent these disasters through encryption, proper access codes, and app permissions.
App Security
Speaking of apps, they’re constantly connected to the outside world and accommodate any number of devices at any given point. Some, like printer apps, are made by external parties. Any weakness in these apps can be disastrous. App security bolsters the security of the apps that your business uses by testing the code, infrastructure, and access methods, thereby keeping your network and all connected devices safe.
API keys are an example of this type of security.
Take Security Seriously
No matter the size of your business, you should always have some form of cybersecurity in place to mitigate and prevent disaster. As technology and its associated threats are constantly evolving, partnering with a cybersecurity provider is the best way to ensure you have expert protection that stays one step ahead.
And if you’re in the Tulsa area, then that perfect partner is JD Young. We have both the hardware and software expertise and experience to keep you and your business safe. Protect what really matters, and contact us today.