Looking At Cybersecurity In Every Aspect Of Your Business

We often look at cybersecurity as a single department or an exclusive aspect of conducting business. However, cybersecurity is a necessary component in every aspect of your business, as digital safety ensures the smooth functioning of a host of systems.

In the modern era, cybercriminals are sparing no effort to infiltrate company networks to steal or ransom data. The shift to more remote processes in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic led to an explosion in cyberattack numbers, with ransomware attacks alone shooting up 350% for the year.

With our private data under siege, businesses need to implement extra steps in reviewing their cybersecurity defenses. Here’s what you should know.

Data Storage Across Departments

One of the most important places you can ensure the safety of your company’s data is in its storage system. There are a variety of ways businesses manage and host their data. Each of these comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks, with the right decision for every company contingent upon business model and resources.

With more employees than ever now working from home, data storage decisions will be a vital aspect of day-to-day processes. You will need data that can be edited, encrypted, and stored in a safe and remotely accessible database, and there are a few ways that can be done.

First, businesses must decide whether a public or private cloud network is better suited to host application marketplaces. This is a decision that may come down entirely to cybersecurity considerations, since a private cloud network will require that businesses have a cybersecurity team on hand ready to handle attacks and breaches.

Private data cloud networks and application marketplaces can be a great and safe way for a company to transparently manage an information network. However, this also means you’re responsible for your own cybersecurity solutions.

A public data cloud network outsources that security to other professionals, and could save you money in cybersecurity costs and labor long-term. The trade-off is less immediate control of your network.

However, many businesses are opting for a hybrid cloud system. This is a data-hosting system that combines the best of both worlds, using on-site hosting for private network data that requires more immediate control and outsourcing other data storage to a third-party host.

Regardless of the cloud system you choose, it is important to address the myths surrounding cloud-based file sharing and implement strict processes for cybersecurity review. Every department of your business requires safe transmittal and sharing of data. This is possible with both private and public cloud options, but only if your team is properly educated.

The Role of Communication in Cybersecurity Solutions

Communication is the best way to both share information and to conduct thorough cybersecurity processes. In the course of your work, your business will undoubtedly operate alongside other businesses for tech integration and solutions. In doing so, all businesses involved should prioritize exploring the effects of changes and partnerships on cybersecurity.

For example, in the process of post-pandemic shake-ups of various business practices, you may employ the help of a managed service provider (MSP) to help sort out the technical hiccups. Among a wide variety of helpful services, MSPs offer:

• IT infrastructure management
• Cybersecurity features
• Technical support for staff
• User account management

Services like these can be invaluable to spreading technical support over a cloud system and remote workforce. However, regardless of whether a business has opted for private or public data storage, you’ll still need some oversight of how well protected your systems are.

In one instance, UBX cloud engineers uncovered an exploit in MSP software that allowed hackers to infiltrate with ransomware. This exploit ended up costing the MSP $150,000.

Attacks like these illustrate the reasons why companies need clear communication with one another over secure networks, allowing them to check each other’s work and develop a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Often, this strategy is best served by employee education spread to every department, regardless of their role in the company.

How Every Employee Can Help

Ninety-two percent of malware attacks are distributed via email, and phishing attempts have increased by 109%, according to PurpleSec. This means any company employee can play a role in ensuring digital security.

For a cybersecurity approach that covers all aspects of your business, educate your employees in digital best practices like the following:

• Never click on pop-ups or unknown email.
• Use strong passwords and multifactor authentication.
• Use firewalls and VPNs.
• Install authorized security updates.
• Never give out personal information to an untrusted source.

These simple tips can help keep systems safe across the breadth of a company. As a result, consumer data will be protected and expensive damages caused by data breaches will be reduced.

Regardless of budget, by at least implementing employee education, your business data can be better protected. Start today for a safer digital future.