Cybersecurity remains a critical concern in 2024, and it’s easy to see why. With cyber incidents on the rise, staying ahead of potential threats is more important than ever. The stakes are incredibly high, with $2.9 million lost to cybercrimes every minute worldwide. It’s no longer a question of if a breach will occur, but when. In this blog, we’ll explore five essential things you need to know to protect your organization from cyber threats. Let’s ensure you’re well-prepared for whatever comes your way.
1. No Silver Bullet
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to cybersecurity. Despite the best efforts and tools, every organization is at risk. The most effective defense strategy involves being proactive with multiple layers of security and having a solid incident response plan. Does your business have a plan for when a breach occurs? Now is an ideal time to create a Technology Roadmap or review your current plan. Partnering with a Managed IT Services company like Applied Innovation can be highly beneficial, especially for businesses without an IT department. We offer Virtual CIO services to create comprehensive security plans and provide essential IT education, ensuring your organization is well-prepared for any cyber threats.
2. Educate Your Users
Human error is a significant vulnerability, with over 80% of data breaches originating from email attacks. Your employees are your first line defense. Regularly training and testing your staff on cybersecurity practices can prevent data loss and protect critical information. Phishing attacks are a major threat, and cybercriminals rely on unsuspecting individuals to gain access to networks.
3. Protect Your Remote Workers
With the rise of remote work, re-evaluating how your users access company data is crucial. Implementing “Acceptable Usage Policies” and enhancing remote access security are vital steps. Adopting a Zero trust model and utilizing Virtual Desktop environments, combined with multi-factor authentication, can provide secure and convenient access for remote workers without increasing risk.
4. Review Your Cybersecurity Insurance
Cybersecurity insurance is no longer optional; it’s a necessity. The average cost of a data breach was $3.86 million in 2020 and has only increased. Many companies cannot afford to restore their networks or pay ransom demands without insurance. Understanding the details of your policy is crucial to ensure your claim isn’t denied. Regularly reviewing and updating your cybersecurity insurance can protect your organization from sever financial loss.
5. Test Your Backups
Regularly testing your business continuity and disaster recovery solutions is essential. At a minimum, you should test your backup systems quarterly to ensure quick recovery from a cyber-attack. If your IT department cannot perform frequent tests, consider partnering with Applied Innovation. Our Co-Managed IT Services can assist with this critical task, ensuring your backups are reliable and your data is protected.
Staying informed and proactive about cybersecurity is vital in today’s digital landscape. Cybercrime is expected to cost the world $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. Reviewing and updating your network security policies can help identify and mitigate risks. Partnering with Applied Innovation can provide you with an expertise and support needed to strengthen your cybersecurity posture. Our team can help you create a Technology Roadmap, test your backups, and educate your staff, ensuring comprehensive protection against cyber threats. Don’t wait for a breach to occur – take action now to safeguard your business with Applied Innovation.