Cybersecurity can be a challenge for business owners—how can you know if you're doing enough to protect your business?

It can seem like the industry standard is always changing as technology advances and cyber criminals become savvier.

Securing a business requires constant attention. It involves a variety of tasks to build a strong cybersecurity strategy. These tasks include updating software, managing servers, backing up data, training employees, enforcing access policies, encrypting sensitive company data, and more.

As technology advances, the time needed to secure a business keeps growing. Long gone are the days when antivirus was enough to protect your business from cyber threats. Cybersecurity is not something only enterprise-level companies worry about — small businesses are now a major target for cyber crime. 

With so many moving parts within a strong cybersecurity strategy, businesses require someone to oversee the operation. Yet, many lack proactive IT leadership, leaving them unprepared. A strong cyber leader is necessary to tackle challenges, plan technology upgrades, address emerging threats, and establish recovery procedures in case of disasters.

To start down a path toward a better-protected business, take stock of what you are doing for security now while identifying areas that need improvement.

Tim Derrickson, One Step Secure IT’s vCISO and CISSP advises: "Begin with a comprehensive business audit, examining every facet of your systems for signs of poor integration, unpatched vulnerabilities, or outdated components."

“Optimal cybersecurity thrives on simplicity. Adding more technology isn’t the answer; understanding and streamlining your existing processes is. While anyone can provide a tool, the true efficacy lies in your team with the right skills and knowledge to strategically wield these tools,” he said.

Cultivating a culture of security awareness, resilience, and continuous improvement ensures business agility and resilience. As we continue to see the repercussions of escalating cyber threats, it’s important to have a team that acts as the guardian of your business, protecting it against evolving dangers.

 

Key Takeaways for Enhanced Business Security:

Regular Testing
Conduct routine system audits and vulnerability scans to identify security risks and weaknesses.

Employee Training and Security Culture
Provide regular security awareness training for all staff members and create a culture of security awareness and reporting within the organization.

Access Management
Enforce strict access control policies and promptly revoke access for former employees.

Data Encryption
Implement and update encryption protocols for sensitive data.

Stay Informed
Stay updated on cybersecurity threats, technologies, and best practices.

Plan for a Smooth Recovery
Develop and update a comprehensive incident response plan.

Simplify Processes
Streamline cybersecurity processes and avoid unnecessary complexity.

 

Shining a spotlight on your security strategy is crucial for safeguarding your business against cyber threats. By conducting comprehensive audits, streamlining processes, and fostering a culture of security awareness, businesses can enhance their resilience and agility. As technology advances and cyber threats become more sophisticated, proactive leadership and continuous improvement are essential to protect your business effectively.