Small and mid-sized businesses (SMB) aren’t exempt from cybercrime. Just as large enterprises would, they must also create a cybersecurity strategy to protect their business from both external and internal threats. Organizations in the small and mid-size market lack the funding that enterprise level companies have and cannot afford to develop in-house solutions to adequately protect their clouds and networks. Unlike corporate giants such as Johnson & Johnson– small and mid-sized businesses aren’t likely to survive a cyberattack. Below are a few ways that SMBs can upgrade their cyber defense:
Securing the Cloud
It’s important to protect all cloud-based files, information, applications, and infrastructure. Many SMBs rely on the cloud to serve as their organization’s infrastructure. Although cloud-based systems are easily accessible, cost-friendly, and efficient, they aren’t equipped to keep intruders out. Choose cloud platforms and applications that offer high levels of security and are prepared to withstand common attack methods.
Securing your Network
Network security entails authorization of access to a network, as well as controlling the devices and data included on that network. Consider investing in security products like virtual private networks (VPNs) and firewalls – these defense mechanisms can’t always guarantee protection but can be highly effective when paired with supporting solutions. By securing your network and training internal employees handling sensitive information, you can mitigate risk from cyberthreats significantly.
Upgrade your Security Tools
Many businesses put their trust in the hands of outdated solutions, causing the company’s assets to be vulnerable to attack. Programmers and developers are constantly improving their solutions and are on the lookout for new threats. One way you can improve your cyber defense plan is to commit to regularly upgrading your cybersecurity tools and systems.
Data Backups Are a Must
Your small or mid-sized business should always store multiple backups of your business’s information; in the event your organization is affected by a data breach. These backups should be stored on devices that are separated from the organizations cloud and done regularly. In short, backing up your data will ensure restoration if you’re beached.
Invest in your Organization
Cybersecurity was once a proactive strategy; your organization can no longer afford for defense to be neglected. Make the investment before your business is targeted, not in response to a cyberattack. Regardless of size, your business has an equal chance of becoming the next victim of a cyberattack. By investing in cybersecurity tools, your business will be fully equipped to handle outside intruders.
Consider a New and Improved Approach
For small and mid-sized businesses, security can’t be a daily focus, nor should it be. Consider adopting a fully managed SOC-as-a-Service; AgileBlue is a SOC-as-a-Service platform that’s proven to detect cyber treats faster and more accurately across your entire digital infrastructure and cloud. The platform provides 24/7 monitoring, detection, and response to identify cyber threats before a breach occurs. Our products are 100% cloud-based including machine learning and user behavior analytics backed by our team of cyber experts who are always watching over your networks and devices, so you don’t have to. To learn more about AgileBlue’s monitoring, detection, and response capabilities, request to see a quick demo here.
