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5 Excellent Pieces of Advice About Reducing Cybersecurity Cost For SBMs

SecurityForEveryone

Security for Everyone

09/Jan/23

The number of cyber-attacks has been increasing rapidly. Businesses of all sizes must take responsibility for protecting themselves and customers’ data from cyber-attacks by investing in cybersecurity solutions. However, this can come at a hefty price tag, leaving many small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) struggling to find the resources to invest in such measures.

Although defending may require some capital, attacking is effortless, inexpensive, and automated.

Cybersecurity costs can quickly become prohibitively expensive, but there are some steps SBMs can take to reduce those costs.

Number 1 - Utilize Automation Tools

Why?

Attacking is automated: Nowadays, attackers are using automated tools to launch cyber-attacks more easily and at a faster rate. Automated tools allow attackers to conduct malicious activities without having to do any manual operation. They can quickly scan the internet for vulnerable systems, launch multiple attacks simultaneously, and make attacks across networks with minimal effort.

Your tech stacks are searchable: Also, there are lots of services that make your website technologies searchable over the internet. This make it easier for attackers to identify the outdated and vulnerable services of an organization, making them more susceptible to cyber-attacks.

New vulnerabilities are discovered each day: Cybersecurity is an ever-changing landscape, with new vulnerabilities being discovered every day. This makes it difficult for organizations to keep up with the latest threats.

How?

Using automated vulnerability scanning tools: Automated security solutions can help SBMs save time and money by helping them detect and respond to attacks more quickly and effectively. Additionally, some automation tools are designed to help organizations identify vulnerable points to patch them more quickly, reducing their attack surface. SMBs can easily automate vulnerability scanning, and alerting processes. Some examples are;

Number 2 - Educate Employees on Cybersecurity Practices

Why?

Reduce human mistakes: Your employees are the first line of defense against cyber-attacks. They can easily make mistakes and introduce vulnerabilities to your systems if they lack cybersecurity awareness.

Increase employee productivity: Additionally, it is important that all employees have basic knowledge of security protocols and processes so they don’t waste time trying to figure out how to do something securely.

Attackers may target them: Attackers may try to exploit employees by targeting them directly with phishing or other malicious emails. If just one of your developer's systems is compromised, attackers can gain access to the entire system.

How?

Use cyber security newsletter: This method allows you to quickly distribute information about the latest security threats and solutions. You can use a cyber security newsletter as a way to deliver timely security tips and news to your employees on a regular basis. Some examples are;

Follow security blogs related to your tech stack: It is important to stay up-to-date with the latest security threats and solutions related to your tech stack. Following relevant blogs can help you keep track of new vulnerabilities that are discovered and alert you when one may affect your systems. Examples include;

Conduct periodic training: Periodic cybersecurity training can help your employees stay on top of the latest security threats. Additionally, it gives them an opportunity to practice their skills and gain better understanding of how to defend against cyber-attacks.

Number 3 - Engage Professional Security Service Providers

Why?

Gain access to expert advice: Cybersecurity is a complex field and requires expertise to navigate it successfully. It is often best to leave security tasks in the hands of experts who have experience with different threat scenarios. Otherwise, your investments might be wasted and your security objectives not met.

Automated tools have limits: Automated vulnerability scanners and other security tools may not be able to detect all possible threats. Professional services can provide more comprehensive coverage and help you identify vulnerabilities that automated solutions might miss.

How?

Using penetration testing services: Penetration testing is a way of testing the security of your systems by simulating attacks from an outside source. This can help you identify weaknesses in your overall security posture and take steps to mitigate them before they are exploited. Automated tools can not provide the same depth and accuracy as a professional penetration tester. Some examples;

Number 4 - Use Hardening Checklists

Why?

Remove well-known weaknesses: Hardening is the process of making your systems more secure by applying various security measures. This includes things like disabling unnecessary services, setting up firewalls, using strong passwords, and many more. Hardening is an effective way of reducing cyber security costs. It enables organizations to better protect their systems from malicious attacks and reduce the cost associated with recovering from a breach.

Reduce attack surface: Using a hardening checklist can help you quickly identify any potential weaknesses in your system and ensure that all security measures are applied correctly. This can reduce your attack surface and make it harder for attackers to gain access to your systems.

How?

Using hardening checklists: There are many different types of hardening checklists available online that you can use to assess the security of your system. These checklists can help you quickly identify any potential weaknesses in your system and take steps to mitigate them. Some examples are;

Number 5 - Backups

Why?

Protect against data loss: Backing up your data is a critical part of any security strategy. This ensures that you have a copy of all your important data in the event that it is lost or damaged due to an attack or other unforeseen event.

Ensure business continuity: If a disaster happens, having backups can help minimize disruption and ensure that you can quickly resume operations.

Ransomware: Ransomware is a type of malware that can encrypt your data and hold it, hostage, until you pay the attacker. Backing up your data regularly can help protect against this type of attack, as you will be able to restore any affected files from the backup.

How?

Implementing a backup strategy: It is important to have a comprehensive backup strategy in place to protect your systems and data. This should include regular backups of all critical data as well as testing of the backups to make sure they are working properly. Additionally, it is important to store the backups securely off-site in case of physical disasters. Some examples are;

In conclusion, it is essential for businesses to take the necessary steps to secure their networks from attack. By using services like automated vulnerability scanners, penetration testing, hardening checklists and backups, businesses can ensure that their data is kept secure and reduce the risk of a successful attack. Additionally, it is important to remember that security is an ongoing process; organizations should constantly review their security posture and update their defenses as needed. With the right strategies in place, businesses can protect themselves from cyber threats and ensure their data remains secure.

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