Without a robust cybersecurity program, you or your business is highly at risk of getting hacked and being subjected to other forms of data breaches. Anyone in the information technology (IT) sector is fully aware of how these problems can be costly.
In recent years, the world has seen multinational companies pay millions in settlements due to specific loopholes in their cybersecurity efforts. As online criminals have become increasingly advanced, you or your business needs to upgrade your measures, too.
Don’t wait for something to happen before reinforcing your cybersecurity measures. Look for warning signs that could mean your cybersecurity efforts aren’t working.
What Is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity covers all activities that aim to protect a computer system or any type of hardware from any form of exposure to cyberattacks. This includes securing your networks, servers, and programs.
In the United States, a cyberattack is said to be launched every 39 seconds, making it a serious threat to online users. Cybercriminals are also becoming more advanced in identifying weaknesses and vulnerabilities, often using artificial intelligence in bypassing security controls.
What Are The Signs You Need To Upgrade Your Cybersecurity Efforts?
Individuals and businesses don’t often see the need to spend money just to update and strengthen their cybersecurity programs. If you’re one of these, it can dangerously make you more attractive to hackers with malicious intent. So how do you know your efforts don’t make the cut? Watch out for these warning signs.
You Don’t Understand How Damaging Cyberthreats Can Be
You may be underspending on cybersecurity not because you don’t have enough resources. It may be because you don’t have a proper understanding of the risks involved.
If you’re a small business, you may think you’re not a valuable target for cybercriminals. But this is not so. Any business, big or small, can be a victim of cybercrimes. In fact, in 2019, 43% of cyberattacks were aimed at small businesses, according to Verizon’s 2019 Data Breach Investigations Report.
You Have Outdated Software
Websites and emails are often the most common vectors for malware and ransomware infections. But there are other ways your security can be compromised, too. Some of these include your outdated operating system and virus protection. As hackers become more sophisticated, so should your software. You should have the latest security patches and updates, aimed at addressing vulnerabilities in your software system.
Outdated software can also impact content management systems (CMS). These platforms used in creating website content can be hacked. So keep all your software updated no matter which device you’re using to help prevent it from being hacked.
Your IT Team Is Overloaded And Struggling
If you have a business, it’s common to have minor and occasional IT problems. And it’s equally difficult to hire the right persons with specialized skills in the sector, not to mention purchasing advanced hardware to beef up your cybersecurity campaign.
However, the business sector is constantly facing risks, and your IT staff should be able to keep up with the demands. In between performing routine tasks and monitoring your organization’s IT soundness, your team would be overloaded with tasks at the end of the day.
If your team is struggling to protect your establishment against cyberattacks, it’s time to explore other cyber security solutions. Avoid your security from being compromised at all costs.
Your Business Operations Are Suffering
Your customers are your lifeblood if you have a business. This means their sensitive information should remain secure. In order to attract more customers to your business and retain your current clients, you must ensure all your digital transactions are secure, especially when it comes to payment methods. When you can’t assure this, your customers might think twice about transacting with you.
Try to benefit from various IT tools. Business software, for instance, should be able to streamline your business operations, such as accounting, customer service, and inventories. If your business is frequently suffering from glitches and other technical problems, your cybersecurity measures may be to blame.
There’s A Recent Hacking Attempt
Cybercrimes can take many forms, and when it comes to choosing victims, hackers are not as choosy as you’d imagine. Anyone can be a target of cybercrimes, whether you’re an individual, small business, or big company.
If you or your company has become a recent victim of a cyberattack, it’s a telltale sign your cybersecurity efforts aren’t working. Hackers gain access to your system by exploring your vulnerabilities as a result of weak protection. Hence, it’s time to do something about your cybersecurity.
The Bottom Line
Anyone may think they’re not attractive to cybercriminals. In reality, though, this can’t be farther from the truth. No matter who you are or whatever the size of your business is, you should invest in cybersecurity measures by updating your software and hardware, seeking the help of skilled IT professionals, or training yourself or your staff on cybersecurity.
All these spendings may be costly. But they’re necessary to prevent having to spend more later on or, worse, having forced to close your business because of highly damaging cyberattacks.