It’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month!
It isn’t new information that failure to establish cybersecurity measures leads to many repercussions in various aspects of a business. In this blog, we’ll talk about the cybersecurity situation in Raleigh, why it’s strategic to hire a managed services provider for your cybersecurity processes, and what local managed services providers do to help businesses make a strong cybersecurity plan.
The Cybersecurity Situation in Raleigh
The threat of cyberattacks in Raleigh looms larger than ever, and the arsenal of tactics employed by cybercriminals continues to evolve. From malware infiltrations to insidious ransomware attacks and the deceptive allure of phishing emails, these malevolent actors exploit vulnerabilities to breach cybersecurity defenses and wreak havoc within business communities. Small to mid-size businesses, in particular, find themselves in the crosshairs of these threats, facing unique challenges in their efforts to safeguard their digital landscapes.
The alarming statistics underscore the scope of the issue. More than 65% of businesses surveyed have experienced a cybersecurity breach within the past 12-18 months, a staggering figure that paints a vivid picture of the rampant nature of these attacks. These breaches go beyond mere inconveniences; they have profound consequences that reverberate throughout the affected organizations and beyond.
The aftermath of a cyberattack can be catastrophic. For many businesses, the financial toll can be overwhelming, with recovery costs escalating rapidly. But the consequences go beyond the balance sheet. The damage inflicted by a breach can erode customer trust, tarnish brand credibility, and undermine the hard-earned goodwill that businesses have meticulously built over time
In some cases, the impact is even more dire. For a significant number of organizations in Raleigh, the severity of the attack leads to a halt in operations that they struggle to overcome. Unable to sustain the aftermath, these businesses are left with no recourse but to close their doors, further emphasizing the destructive potential of cyberattacks.
Shortage of Cybersecurity Professionals in Raleigh
Adding to the complexity of the situation is the acute shortage of cybersecurity professionals in the marketplace. The demand for skilled experts who can effectively combat these threats far outpaces the available supply. This leaves businesses, particularly smaller ones without the resources to hire dedicated cybersecurity personnel, in a precarious position.
In the face of this harsh technological environment, businesses are turning to trusted IT security experts as a beacon of hope. These professionals possess the knowledge, experience, and specialized skills required to navigate the intricate landscape of cybersecurity threats. With a deep understanding of the latest tactics used by cybercriminals, these experts can develop and implement strategies that bolster defenses and mitigate potential risks.
The Vital Role of Cybersecurity Experts
Collaborating with IT security experts offers a multifaceted approach to cybersecurity. These professionals not only understand the technical intricacies but also consider the human element. They recognize that employees are both the first line of defense and a potential entry point for cyberattacks. Therefore, they prioritize education and training to empower employees to identify and thwart potential threats.
The shift towards entrusting IT security experts is a testament to the recognition that a comprehensive defense strategy goes beyond merely implementing cybersecurity tools. It requires a holistic approach that encompasses preparedness, education, proactive monitoring, and swift response.
In conclusion, the battle against cybercriminals is an ongoing one, and the stakes are higher than ever. Small to mid-size businesses must acknowledge the reality of cyber threats and take decisive action to protect themselves. The choice to engage IT security experts is a strategic step that not only addresses the immediate threats but also lays the foundation for a more resilient digital future. By joining forces with these experts, businesses can stand strong against the tide of cyberattacks and secure their place in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Managed Services Providers in Raleigh
The role of IT services has transformed from a mere convenience to an absolute necessity. With the growing importance of digital operations, businesses opt to rely on managed services providers to stay competitive and secure.
A Raleigh-based managed IT service provider caters to a range of businesses including CPA firms, law firms, nonprofits, and both large and small enterprises. Their offerings encompass a variety of business IT solutions, such as IT consulting, business communications, business continuity, telephone services, wireless networking, data recovery, cloud services, and cybersecurity.
Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can offer a mix of their own services and those from other providers. Some focus on specific vendors or technologies while others encompass a broader array. The term MSP, once tied to infrastructure-centric services, now includes ongoing management, maintenance, and support of various kinds.
Choosing a local IT company is pivotal. Unlike national counterparts, a Raleigh-based managed services provider boasts in-depth familiarity with businesses in the same local setting. This familiarity extends to industry-specific solutions prevalent in Raleigh. The local managed services provider’s advantage lies in their ability to accumulate insights from the local environment, leading to a more tailored approach. Furthermore, they offer a personal touch by being physically present, with a local team right beside your business, providing prompt and customized assistance.
Whether you have an internal IT team or are still building one, a managed services provider such as Rea & Associates can partner with you to provide the tools and knowledge you need to keep your IT infrastructure running smoothly. Our experts can help you scale your IT resources quickly and easily, so you can focus on growing your business.
Creating Multilayered Procedures for Cybersecurity
Here are several vital steps that constitute a good cybersecurity strategy for your business:
Ongoing Education: Establish a continuous learning cycle, ensuring that individuals with local or remote access to your business systems undergo comprehensive training. This education equips them with the necessary knowledge to identify and respond to potential threats.
Password Management: Implement stringent password requirements and establish a regular schedule for changing security access information. Robust passwords are a fundamental defense against unauthorized access.
Access Review: Regularly assess access levels for individuals within your organization. Restrict access to systems that are no longer necessary for day-to-day operations, particularly those containing sensitive or confidential data.
Proactive Upgrades: Maintain a proactive schedule for software and hardware upgrades. This includes IoT devices like smart TVs and WiFi network devices. Up-to-date technology reduces vulnerabilities.
Database Audit: Thoroughly audit the databases collecting customer information. Seek opportunities to consolidate multiple storage locations and simplify reporting mechanisms, enhancing data security.
Active Monitoring: Deploy an active monitoring solution and machine monitoring capable of detecting suspicious behavior. These systems can trigger automatic responses aligned with your business requirements.
Business Partners: Evaluate the security practices of key business partners with access to your systems. Ensure they adhere to security best practices to prevent potential vulnerabilities.
Firewall and Filtering: Establish a robust firewall and implement web-based filtering for emails and network traffic. These measures serve as barriers against unauthorized access and malicious content.
Documented Practices: Document your cybersecurity practices comprehensively. This documentation streamlines breach protocol activation in case of a security incident, facilitating swift response.
Mobile Device Management: Define a procedure for mobile device management. This ensures your staff can safely connect to their preferred devices without jeopardizing the security of your business.
While this list isn’t exhaustive, these steps encompass critical components of a successful cybersecurity strategy tailored to your business’s protection and resilience.
Don’t Leave it to Chance!
Cyber threats have been rampant in Raleigh. Leaving your assets to chance can be detrimental. It is a strategic choice to partner with an experienced managed services provider, that can constantly update the cybersecurity measures for your business.
At Rea & Associates, we work with organizations of all sizes to ensure that you have the latest enterprise-scale security solutions and access to proactive expertise.
At Rea & Associates, we ensure to implement the latest enterprise-specific security solutions to businesses of all sizes within Raleigh. We have experience in unique challenges that businesses in Raleigh have encountered, which gives us an understanding of the patterns of the cybersecurity needs of our local clients. We continuously improve our systems and the cybersecurity standards of our clients. From our active monitoring to our regular service reviews, the professionals at Rea & Associates are meticulous in details making sure that we are able to provide top-notch cybersecurity solutions to our clients.
Want to learn how your business could get specific cybersecurity solutions and more? Reach out to our team.