Priority Questions to Ask About Cyber Security
Regardless of size, businesses are often at risk of data breaches and hacking activities. While small businesses can fall after a serious attack, established enterprises can lose valuable data—along with the trust of their shareholders—which can be just as devastating. Simply put, cybersecurity has to be one of the main priorities of all businesses. Here are some common and hidden threats that can put your online security in jeopardy:
Why do I need cybersecurity and how can it affect security?
Determine what sets your business apart from your competitors. That way, you will know which areas should be protected. Once you determine which aspects are most important, IT and security can work together and come up with an appropriate defense against malware and hackers. This will also help you figure out where you can expect threats and will aid you in throwing off attacks and preventing more in the future.
Can we protect ourselves when an attack occurs or do we need help?
Once you determine what you need to secure and who to protect it from, you can determine what you are lacking in terms of security. The answers will help you create a security strategy that can fill security gaps and address future concerns. Secure essential business assets first and allocate your budget accordingly.
Are mobile devices sufficiently protected?
More and more businesses are equipping employees with portable devices that can facilitate their work inside and outside the office. From accessing emails to making transactions, smart devices have become an essential part of operations. Unfortunately, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies also come with their own risks when it comes to cybersecurity. They may seem secure, but they pose more of a threat than other devices as they do not have firewalls or strong security software. To prevent hacks, invest in software solutions that are made specifically for portable devices especially those that are assigned to remote external workers.
Is our current IT setup sufficient for cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity threats evolve with time and so should your defense against it. Designing one that changes with time by adapting to those threats can keep business assets and information safe from hackers. In other words, rather than creating programs that only target key assets, investing in a comprehensive cybersecurity solution will be more cost-effective in the long term. Such solutions can also be improved to adapt to threats as they appear.
Do we have employees with the necessary skills to maintain cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity requires a team of experts who have specialized skills but you will also need to set down policies to maintain services. This includes a secure work environment that can help them manage key data. Appropriate training, resources for projects, and testing/analysis should be provided on demand as well. To fill gaps in skill sets, research external options such as partners and vendors who have those missing skills. This way your IT department can remain business-focused and maintain security across the board.
Is cybersecurity training prioritized?
Besides ensuring that suitable solutions are set in place, employees besides those in IT should also be trained to prioritize online security. Most attacks and threats are the result of negligence and errors which can be prevented if your workforce is trained to avoid them. If they know what to watch out for, they will be more careful whether they are working remotely or on-premise. A cybersecurity policy that is accompanied by training is better than half-baked solutions. The contents of a manual are quick to forget, but not if it is based on practical training sessions. For instance, employees should learn not only what threats to watch out for, but how to prevent them in real-time. Besides work activities, this should also extend to personal smart devices that can eliminate chances of breaches.
Privacy and Data Protection by 360training.com
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