We reveal why cybersecurity is becoming a top priority for businesses across the globe, and why it should be yours too!
This time last year, PWC carried out a survey which revealed that 63% of CEO’s worry that cyber threats will have some form of effect on their company’s growth.
As a result, it is not surprising that the threat of a potential attack has forced them to increase security spending by up to 25%, ultimately stagnating productivity and growth. But as you’ve probably already guessed, it’s an essential investment, as it’s a case of when not if an attack takes place!
What’s the Big Deal?
In 2017 alone, there were over 160,000 reported attacks – almost double that of the previous year, and with more IP related technology and a forever-growing online presence, naturally, the rise in cybercrime is going to go hand-in-hand.
Cybercrime is costing businesses around the globe billions. In fact, according to antivirus software company McAfee, an eye-watering $600 Billion (yes, $600 Billion) was spent last year as a result of cybercrime, and with similar, if not bigger numbers expected today – the threat of cyberattacks is one we simply can’t ignore.
According to the Institute of Directors, the average cost to SMEs is as high as £25,000 per attack – crippling businesses up and down the UK each year!
So whether you’re a large multi-billion pound organisation or an SME business owner with only a few employees on payroll, there’s one thing we all have in common – we’re all at risk, and it’s simply a matter of when not if an attack takes place.
Cybersecurity Is Needed in Every Business
Most people think that because their business isn’t handling the credit card details of a customer, they’re not really at risk – probably thinking to themselves, “what would a hacker get from me?” Well, the reality is, a hacker can gain so much from so little.
Whilst you might not be in a business to consumer (B2C) operation, you’ll almost certainly have business to business (B2B) liaisons with suppliers, partners and customers – all of which with valuable and sensitive information being exchanged. So whether you manage this in-house, or outsource, it is your duty as a business to keep this data in safe hands.
Any way you look at it, you as a business are responsible for the safe handling of data.
So you might be wondering, what do I need to look out for?
Recognising the Risk
Knowing what to look out for and recognising the risks are certainly a step in the right direction, however, hackers are becoming more intelligent and ruthless, constantly changing the landscape, ultimately begging the question; can you afford to take the risk of not having a concrete cybersecurity strategy in place?
Cyberattacks come in all shapes and sizes, but the most two common types of attacks are Malware and Phishing.
Malware
Malware is a term used to describe malicious software, including spyware, ransomware, viruses, and worms. Malware breaches a network through a vulnerability, typically when a user clicks a dangerous link or email attachment that then installs risky software. Once inside the system, malware can do the following:
- Blocks access to key components of the network (ransomware)
- Installs malware or additional harmful software
- Covertly obtains information by transmitting data from the hard drive (spyware)
- Disrupts certain components and renders the system inoperable
Phishing
Phishing is the practice of sending fraudulent communications that appear to come from a reputable source, usually through email. The goal is to steal sensitive data like credit card and login information or to install malware on the victim’s machine. Phishing is an increasingly common cyber threat.
Whilst some hackers do have ulterior motives and turn to what is called “hacktivism” where they’ll obliterate systems, businesses and networks for political and social reasons, the majority are however after financial gain – with over 53% of cyberattacks resulting in damages costing each business thousands of pounds.
To hear about all the latest cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities online, sign up to our ‘Weekly Threat Report’ here.
Prevention Is Far Better Than the Cure!
Like anything, prevention is far better than the cure – so do you really want to wait until after an attack has happened before you realise the level of seriousness and the detriment it could have on your business?
That’s if you still have a business at that point of course!
Former Cisco CEO, John Chambers once said,
“There are two types of companies: those that have been hacked, and those who don’t yet know they have been hacked.”
Managed Network Security is Your Best Defence Against Attack
Protecting your network from the latest threats is a daily challenge. To succeed, you need the most up to date technology, the most highly skilled staff, the most advanced software and a comprehensive Disaster Recovery plan.
But all of this protection comes at a cost. Especially if you find yourself in a situation where you need to bring it all in unexpectedly in direct response to a critical situation.
A Managed Network Security service, on the other hand, gives you all the advantages of an in-house solution at a fraction of the cost.
Full Protection at a Fraction of the Cost
With our managed network security service, you get all the benefits of having a dedicated security team, ready to assist you in the event of an attack. We protect your workplace with the latest hardware, software and expertise, and secure your network within our fully protected environment.
We take the responsibility of staying up to date with the latest threats away from you and leave them in the highly trained hands of our experts, whose entire job is to stay up-to-date with threats and take action to protect you.
We make the complicated task of network security simple.
How Will a Managed Network Security Solution Keep Your Workplace Safe?
- Protect your workplace against newly emerging threats automatically
- Defend against attack with the latest and most sophisticated hardware available
- 24/7 support from a dedicated team of security experts
- Bring expertise into your team at a fraction of the cost
Get a FREE no-obligation consultation at your business and let us examine your existing infrastructure and security network(s).
As well as examine what you’re currently doing, we will advise on how you can best protect your assets – and help prepare you and your business for the imminent threat of a cyberattack.
