How to future-proof your company’s IT security

Newer and more complex cyberthreats like ransomware (malware that is programmed to deny access to a computer until a ransom is paid) and illegal cryptocurrency mining (using someone’s computing power without their knowledge, putting additional strain on the hardware) will require your business to update its cybersecurity system often. Without constant vigilance and frequent reinforcement of your cyber defenses, you’ll expose your network to cybersecurity threats.

Many small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will close just months after experiencing a cyberattack. It's not because most of them didn’t invest in cybersecurity tools; it’s more because they didn’t prepare for the shifting network threat landscape at all.

The ideal way to sustain your enterprise is to be ready for the future. You can future-proof your company’s IT security by using products, services, or systems that will not require major updates even as technology continues to progress.

Here are some tips to implement better network defenses and keep your company’s data safe:

Enforce and maintain a firm security policy

Everyone in your SME must be familiar with your security standards, protocols, and defense architecture. Place these policies in a document for new employees to go over and understand, and occasionally perform random checks to see if your staff still remember your protocols.

Your security policy must include a disaster recovery plan that will guide everyone on what to do should they encounter a data breach or system failure. Get feedback from all departments about possible scenarios so everyone can properly prepare for the event and the recovery period.

Invest in big data analytics

Big data analytics assesses huge, varied sets of data (collectively called "big data") like social media content, web server logs, survey responses, and machine data collected by the Internet of Things (IoT) to help a company make informed decisions based on market trends, consumer preferences, or hidden patterns. This allows the enterprise to come up with more effective marketing campaigns, improve customer service, and gain an advantage over the competition.

The tools for big data analysis can also be used to fight off security threats. For example, access control data can help you discover any insider threats by identifying and verifying an individual or application, and setting an access level or set of actions related to that IP address or username. Monitoring your log data can also spot security loopholes in your business applications.

 

Make use of cloud computing technology

Even if more industries are investing in the cloud nowadays, there are still some companies that hesitate to use it, relying instead on their internal data centers. These organizations may be unaware that insider threats and system breakdowns pose high-security risks to in-house data centers. They may also be in the dark about the many benefits of cloud computing.

For one, the cloud is cost-effective. Internal servers are also expensive to maintain, as the company must rent extra office space and purchase cooling systems for them. The cloud also affords a new level of accessibility: you can access your business data from anywhere with an internet connection. The cloud is also secure, giving you power over who can access your data. Finally, you can even invest in a hybrid cloud setup to enjoy the advantages of having both an in-house data center and cloud environments.

Work with a reputable MSP

IT changes so quickly; it no longer comprises just a list of approved business applications, a single operating system, or even one or two computer models. The cloud and mobile devices have also introduced a mishmash of apps, platforms, and devices for your IT department to manage and secure.

Because of these constant changes, your SME must continually keep its network systems secure and updated. Instead of struggling to keep up with the pace that IT is going, why not hire a trustworthy managed services provider (MSP) like Complete Technology?

By allowing a third party to take care of collaboration tools and security, mobile initiatives, data center solutions, cloud deployments, etc., your enterprise can concentrate on its core business objectives and stop worrying about system upgrades, patches, repairs, and maintenance.