Why You Should Rethink Your Cybersecurity Policy

Cybersecurity refers to the technology and processes used to protect data and networks from attacks and unauthorized access. Attacks can come in many forms, so a variety of security measures have been designed to combat attacks on all levels. Some common attacks your business could be vulnerable to are:

• Direct-access attacks
• Phishing
• Reverse engineering
• Tampering
• Malware

The right IT provider can help you design the best cybersecurity strategy for your business so you can streamline operations in all areas of your business. With this, you can rest easy knowing that your network, data, and users are protected from malicious attacks.

Not long ago, cybersecurity was considered to be a job for company IT staff only. Today, cybersecurity is among the top priorities of the biggest companies in the world, and billions of dollars are spent each year on information security technology.

Simple security tools such as firewalls and antivirus software are no longer strong enough to protect your information from today’s threats. If you haven’t updated your security needs in a while, there are several reasons why it is extremely important to reevaluate your cybersecurity needs as soon as possible.

Just as one motorist’s defensive driving improves the safety of everyone else on the road, maintaining proper security measures on one device increases the safety of others—especially if they are part of the same network. One compromised device may contain the information hackers need to reach others within your company, potentially causing a major security breach.

It’s also important to note that hackers do not only target large companies. Small businesses and individuals are also at risk for cyberattacks, and damage to one can quickly spread to the other. Avoid infectious security failures by implementing proper security measures at every level.

While it may seem counterintuitive, the quick rate at which technology is advancing increases the risk of cyberattacks on businesses, as hackers quickly learn to exploit new features before preventative measures can be established. 

Faster broadband speed is one technological advancement that can boost cyberattacks. Expansive 5G networks, in particular, have created a multidimensional vulnerability that businesses must now learn to navigate. Similarly, the increased use of cloud computing has also left more networks open to attack.

Better technology as a whole puts businesses at greater risk, as hackers gain the ability to automate their cyberattacks. As devices grow more connected than ever, automated cyberattacks can easily compromise secure systems using artificial intelligence and machine learning. These automated attacks are particularly dangerous because they can be carried out on a larger scale, potentially with widespread consequences.

While cyberattacks can compromise classified information, they can also cause major damage to businesses and their reputation among consumers. An attacked company can potentially lose intellectual properties and information, and thus be unable to claim ownership of its service or products. They may also be unable to continue with business operations during system downtime.

Cyberattacks also may lead to costly legal battles where the victimized business is usually found responsible for the consequences of the attack due to a lack of adequate cybersecurity. The company may even be required to provide compensation for all affected data owners, often translating to millions of dollars.

The legal and economic aftereffects of a cyberattack are often coupled with major damage to a company’s reputation. Customers are likely to fear a subsequent attack and the possibility that their data may also be compromised due to insufficient security practices. This lessened reputation causes the business’s profitability to lower significantly.

While cyberattacks pose a major threat to the safety and success of your business, there are steps you can take to improve your cybersecurity. By taking the necessary preventative measures, you can protect your business from hackers, and keep your data safe from those with malicious intent.

Increase Awareness

Many cyberattacks become successful when an employee or user makes a security mistake, often due to ignorance of the proper security requirements. Creating awareness and training employees to become familiar with cybersecurity measures can significantly minimizer the likelihood of a successful attack.

This cybersecurity training should consist of effective strategies for managing passwords. Passwords generally provide the most straightforward line of defense against cyberattacks, but they are often managed incorrectly. Proper password management is one of the easiest ways to increase your business’s cybersecurity.

Hire the Right IT Provider

While there are steps you can take to increase your cybersecurity on your own, the best way to protect your business against cyberattacks is to hire the right IT provider for you. Providers such as Bastionpoint Technology work to provide you with a security strategy tailored to the specific needs of your business.

If you haven’t updated your cybersecurity policy recently, now is the time to do so. Investing in a good cybersecurity strategy is one of the most important things you can do for your business and will ensure that you avoid the damages that cyberattacks inflict. Find the right cybersecurity policy for your business today, and rest easy knowing that your data is protected.