The Importance of Cybersecurity for Your Business
Cybersecurity is the process of protecting networks, devices and data from unauthorized access or criminal use. It also involves ensuring confidentiality, integrity and availability of information. It’s easy to think that cyberattacks only target large corporations — or maybe individuals who have “something to hide.” But no business is immune. In fact, cyberattacks are projected to cause more than $10.5 trillion in damage by 2025.
The best defense against cyberattacks is to be proactive and practice preventive measures. This includes ensuring your business has updated operating systems, applications and hardware. In addition, use a security solution that can prevent malware infections by scanning and quarantining suspicious files. Additionally, use different passwords for work and home and separate tools to manage personal and enterprise systems.
Another key strategy is to develop an incident response plan in the event that an attack does occur. This includes determining how the attacker gained entry, what assets were compromised and whether any critical business functions were affected. Then, determine a response including restoring data from backups, reinstalling software and hardware and reporting the incident to authorities.
Lastly, invest in employee training to understand the importance of cybersecurity. Then, remind employees to follow basic security protocol, such as not clicking on phishing links or sharing login information. This is the only way to help ensure your business can withstand even the most sophisticated cyberattacks. Without solid defenses, it would be easy to destroy modern-day essentials like power grids and water treatment facilities.