Effective cyber security is critical for business success, especially as remote work and cloud adoption rises. From 2020 to 2021, the number of cyber attacks increased by 31%.1 It’s only a matter of time before your business gets hit by a hacker. Without a comprehensive cyber security plan, your business is at risk for threats like malware, ransomware, data breaches, and more.
However, building a cyber security plan isn’t a one-time exercise. The technology landscape is ever-changing, and threats constantly evolve to meet those changes. In order to keep up, your cyber security plan should be reviewed and updated on a regular basis.
In this blog, we’re discussing what goes into effective cyber security plans for businesses, along with how managed security services can help you establish a stronger security posture.
Developing the Right Cyber Security Plan
More than 60% of small businesses have to shut their doors after a single cyber attack.2 Unfortunately, cyber security was simpler back when work took place within the secured confines of an office building, protected from (most) external threats. Now that work-from-anywhere employees connect from potentially unsecured personal devices and public WiFi, modern corporate networks stretch far beyond the boundaries of a traditional network perimeter.
Understanding where your network is most vulnerable is an important first step in creating a cyber security plan that covers your entire network. Some common threat vectors to watch out for include:
- Outdated Software – Software that hasn’t received the latest patch update is more vulnerable to threats, and with software running on devices outside of the office, maintaining updates often falls through the cracks.
- Poor Encryption – Data transmitted to and from your company network should be encrypted to hide sensitive information.
- Untrained Employees – Your cyber security plan is only as effective as your employees, so keep them up-to-date on the latest best practices and policies.
- Weak Credentials – Employee credentials that are too easy to guess or used across multiple accounts put your entire network at risk.
Once you’ve determined your company’s threat vectors, it’s time to develop your action plan. Identify which systems and assets are most at risk, consider the solutions that provide the greatest protection, and determine the necessary steps to follow if a data breach were to occur.
How Do Managed Security Services Simplify Cyber Security?
If you don’t have a formal security plan, you’re not alone. Many businesses have basic cyber security or threat detection measures in place but lack procedures to effectively respond to an attack. Unfortunately, developing a cyber security plan that meets the needs of your business takes time – and the repercussions of making the wrong choices can be costly.
A managed security services provider can help you gain peace of mind knowing your network is protected at all times. With an expert managed security services provider handling your cyber security needs, your in-house IT team can focus on mission-critical projects that keep your business competitive.
Strengthen Your Cyber Security Plan With CommQuotes as Your Trusted Guide
Cyber threats change on a near-daily basis, so it can be difficult to know if your network is prepared to defend against an attack. If you’re not sure where you stand, your first step shouldn’t be to create a plan or find a security provider – it should be speaking with a vendor-agnostic security expert to determine exactly what you need to protect your systems.
If you’re not sure where you stand, your first step shouldn’t be to create a plan or find a security provider – it should be speaking with a vendor-agnostic security expert to determine exactly what you need to protect your systems.
Discover the best approach to addressing your unique cyber security risks with guidance from CommQuotes. Our experienced, vendor-agnostic engineers can examine your current security posture and make recommendations on how to better protect your assets. Ready to learn more? Download our latest white paper for a deep dive on protecting your business, or schedule a consultation with our cyber security experts today.
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