The digital world is constantly evolving, and the future will most likely show that in 2022 we were only at the beginning of a new world. And technology is available to everyone. Ordinary individuals, rich and poor, celebrities, royals, small businesses, huge corporations, different foundations and organizations, artists, government officials, religious centers, everyone is connected.
As a matter of fact, we live in a world in which some people don’t have access to clean water but have smartphones. And with everyone and everything connected more than ever before, and things transforming irreversibly, the digital world has opened the doors to new types of crimes, and businesses and individuals alike are far from ideally protected.
This is why if you own a business, no matter how big or small, you must prioritize your cybersecurity. Here are some things you should consider if you want to ensure the best cybersecurity strategy possible in 2022.
Why Is Cybersecurity So Important?
The entire world was already digitizing, and the pandemic has further accelerated the pace. And with that, phishing, ransomware, and other forms of cybersecurity issues are becoming increasingly more serious problems. So, protecting your, as well as your clients’ and employees’ data must be a priority.
Is Outsourcing Cybersecurity a Good Solution?
Regardless of their size – in terms of their level of investment or number of employees – or their maturity, most companies use the internet in some way. So, the amount of data potentially available to cybercriminals for any number of harmful actions is incalculable.,
Many businesses are deciding to entrust their cybersecurity to capable data protection and cloud hosting companies, such as Liberty data center, which provide solutions to protect them from the ever-increasing risks, including data breaches and other similar offenses.
Outsourcing cybersecurity and cloud hosting is especially favorable for small businesses that often don’t have the resources to cover all of their security needs, although it’s a good solution for midsize and large businesses as well.
There is a common misconception that small businesses aren’t as prone to cyberattacks as bigger ones, the logic being that they don’t have a big profit. But their lower profits also mean that they try to cut expenses they deem unnecessary or not urgent. This can be very compelling to cybercriminals. By outsourcing, you will get access to the newest tools and services for protection, such as continuous offensive security. In the end, it will be a more cost-efficient solution.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Business?
Everyone is aware of the basics, such as passwords or multi-factor authentication and yet many still tend to use the same password for every account they own. But truly strong passwords can make a huge difference in your cybersecurity. Keep in mind that not all cybercrimes involve knowledgeable Mr. Robot-like hackers, and a lot of them happen due to weak passwords.
Other important and simple measures to take to protect your data:
- Use security software (anti-virus, anti-spyware software, spam filters);
- Setting up a firewall;
- Regularly updating software and operating systems;
- Encrypting important data;
- Making back-ups (online and offline).
The best thing about this is that with simple training, anyone can take these measures. This is why it’s crucial to train each of your employees to stay safe online, how they can store and share data safely, how they can avoid threats, and what to do in case something happens.
Moreover, make sure that each employee can only access what they need for their role, and that past employees don’t have access to anything. You should also monitor the use of the computers and the software, and set clear guidelines and policies.
Is Your Clients’ Cybersecurity Your Concern?
Not only is it your moral obligation to include your clients in your cybersecurity strategy and protect them from any cyber threats but you may also be legally liable should anything happen to their data due to your lack of cybersecurity. If your website supports user accounts where visitors give their personal information, you must make sure that this data is completely secure. Furthermore, if you are selling products or services online, you must make sure that it’s safe for people to make online payments.
Conclusion
With a lot of jobs moving completely in the online world, or at least taking some kind of hybrid form, thanks in part to the pandemic, the possibilities of cyberattacks are even more present, and investing in cybersecurity isn’t a question of luxury but rather a necessary precaution of dangers that can have serious implications not only for businesses but also for individuals, including both clients and employees.
Finally, even if you take every measure to protect your data, a cyber-attack is still possible. This is why you should also consider getting a business insurance policy that includes coverage for cyber-attacks.
