Today’s global digital world is an exciting place giving businesses multiple tools, software applications and platforms to grow their customer bases, transact, create and store data, communicate and more. This is why we need cyber security more than ever. Of the most useful developments has been Cloud technologies which have paved the way for accessible, cutting-edge, reliable and cost-effective services supporting data storage, software and App development, finance and CRM tools, daily software tools and more. But with the acceleration in technologies that have opened these possibilities comes the ever-present threat of cyber-attacks. From malware attacks that use worms, spyware, ransomware and trojans to infiltrate business networks to spam, phishing, corporate account takeovers and more, the threats to your business’s network and all the data and functionality contained therein are very real and here to stay. This means that it is business-critical that you have a robust cyber security strategy in place to perform key functions as part of your defence against cyber-attack. Before we go into more detail, let’s summarise exactly what a 21st-century cyber security strategy needs to cover: A multi-layer strategy looking at external and internal threats, mitigation, crisis management, data recovery and real-time analytics and reporting.A total solution covering
- Infrastructure security
- Network security
- Information and data security
- Application security
- Access control
- Cloud Security
- Employee training and support
- Disaster recovery and business continuity
Why is all of the above absolutely critical in today’s world?
Simply put, the development of digital services and businesses’ reliance on these services is increasingly on a day-by-day basis. The Covid-19 pandemic only served to accelerate this process as millions of employees transitioned to working remotely, using Cloud-based tools and work-owned and off-network devices to have calls with colleagues and clients, create, store and upload data (much of which will have been sensitive), perform financial transactions more frequently and so forth. This huge influx of new users and data created opportunities for new waves of cyber-attacks and an increase in the overall threat level – a threat that has not and will not go away. This increased threat level has also sparked a ramp-up in governmental action to force businesses to be more compliant in protecting sensitive data – for example, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) across the UK and Europe, implemented in 2018. From a business perspective, this means a whole new raft of considerations – assessing existing systems, finding compliance officers or services, updating websites and terms and conditions, continuously monitoring existing cyber-threats and staying up to date with developments of new threats… it’s a lot to think about!
What is the best way to deal with Cyber Security?
There are two main ways to ensure a robust, secure multi-layer cyber security strategy – you set it up and manage it in-house by creating a specific department to handle the entire strategy, or you hire a third-party service to handle it for you. There is no right or wrong selection, and both methods have advantages as follows: In-house
- More control on a daily basis
- An internal familiarity with processes and procedures
- Integration with existing systems
Outsourced
- Scalability to help manage costs and functions as the needs flex and change
- Avoiding initial costs of new systems and software
- Immediate expertise and highest-level experience
- 24/7 servicing
The best way to assess your business’s needs is to consult a professional team who can do an end-to-end audit of your existing security systems, identify any areas that need attention and suggest a solution that works for your needs. You’re then able to consider whether to implement the upgrades and manage your cyber security in-house, or whether to engage the third party and outsource your cyber security.
IT Services Cambridge
If you’d like to find out more about the turnkey cyber security or other IT-related services we offer, please get in touch on Cambridge 01223 834844 – we’d be glad to help.