These days, businesses operate through complex computer networks. The modern workplace would struggle to function without available technology.
Unfortunately, computer networks are prone to cybersecurity threats. Organizations must rely on professional IT departments to be aware of potential cybersecurity risks.
As a rule of thumb, preparing and creating as many safety nets as possible is better. And one of the best approaches to developing these safety nets is knowing what challenges await you in cybersecurity.
With the continuous rise of cyber threats and criminal activity, it's more important than ever to have reliable antivirus software installed on your computer. Let's have a look at some of the top cybersecurity issues.
Common Cybersecurity Challenges for Your Small Business (Top 8)
- Failure to Keep Up with Evolving Threats
- No Insurance
- Missing Data Backups
- Insufficient In-House Training
- Resource Constraints
- Cloud-Related Issues
- Personal Devices
- Human Risks
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As businesses shift their operations online, they’re increasingly vulnerable to viruses, malware, ransomware, and other forms of cybercrime, which can cost an organization a lot of time and money.
The good news is that there are top free antivirus solutions available today that provide comprehensive protection against various types of malicious programs.
1. Failure to Keep Up With Evolving Threats
The first challenge is keeping up with constantly evolving threats. Hackers are often one step ahead and active, whereas security developers must be reactionary and act accordingly depending on the threats.
Considering how many different security risks there are, keeping up with everything is a challenge, not to mention what it becomes when you have to devise real solutions.
Companies should have dedicated professionals who stay up to date and are knowledgeable enough to neutralize the latest risks or prepare in advance.
It is not just hackers who are becoming better at what they do. Some organizations need to implement modern security measures like device security. They have priorities other than cybersecurity.
2. No Insurance
There are different kinds of insurance, and it should not come as a surprise that one exists for cybersecurity as well.
Cybersecurity insurance is an excellent example of a safety net that more companies ought to implement. Knowing that there is financial protection just in case helps.
However, organizations should rely on something other than insurance and pay attention to other aspects of cybersecurity. Look at insurance as an extra layer.
3. Missing Data Backups
Data corruption or removal is one of the most common results of cyber attacks. Even minor malware can be powerful enough to infect the system and corrupt files or delete data.
A proper data backup can take a while to organize. However, companies have access to dedicated servers themselves. If such a thing is not possible, there is the option to rent backup solutions from brands that offer such services.
Another thing to note about data backups is that one copy might not be enough. As an extra precaution, it makes sense to create multiple backup copies. If the original data and one of the backups fail, you will have another copy to use.
4. Insufficient In-House Training
A dedicated IT department is a must, but you should always address cybersecurity-related issues directly with the IT department.
In some cases, a cybersecurity threat might attack an unsuspecting employee who needs to save time getting in touch with the IT department and seeking their advice.
At the very least, organizations should train their staff and cover the basics of dealing with cybersecurity threats. Of course, prominent attacks require special training, but day-to-day threats are simple.
From remembering to use antivirus software to identifying shady emails and other messages, a little training will do wonders in improving the overall cybersecurity awareness of your employees.
5. Resource Constraints
Only some companies have enough resources to throw at a problem to fix it. Considering the prominence of cybersecurity issues, a lack of funding to implement the necessary security measures can lead to significant losses later.
At the very least, organizations should find a way to take care of the basics. Focus more on employee training or investing in security software would be cheaper than setting up an IT department or a branch dedicated to monitoring cybersecurity.
Poor resource management is a complicated challenge affecting a company's multiple aspects. Cybersecurity is not an exception.
6. Cloud-Related Issues
Clouds are now the norm in workplaces. The reliability of the cloud became even more prominent during the pandemic because many people started working remotely.
Things have settled and are slowly returning to normal, but the increased reliance on cloud services will be around for a while.
Important files being exchanged via the cloud often become a target for hackers. According to Security Magazine, clouds present quite a challenge because they are vulnerable to ransomware attacks.
It is crucial to keep an eye on the cloud servers of an organization and react to potential risks before they manifest and cause significant damage.
7. Personal Devices
Some employees bring their computers to work. Those who work remotely also tend to stick to personal devices rather than the ones provided by a company.
Security vulnerabilities are more common in personal devices, mainly when talking about casual users who do not bother with cybersecurity concerns.
Connecting a personal computer to an organization's network could jeopardize the security system. Malware and other threats might use a personal device as a getaway to access the security system.
Ideally, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies should be closely monitored or function in a preventive sense—prohibiting employees from using personal computers during work.
8. Human Risks
Soft Activity reports that roughly 9 out of 10 security breaches occur due to human error. Organizations should worry about human-based data breaches, whether due to poor management, accidents, or malicious negligence from employees.
In rare cases, some privileged users might be in it for personal gain. Accessing and selling customer data is an excellent example of a human-based data breach that can be prevented with proper privileged access management policies in place.
Having the necessary security policies to protect sensitive data and monitor breaches while identifying users who misuse their administrative privileges is imperative.
Using an employees hours tracker is a great way to have accountability as you know when team members are logged on and this decreases the chances that any of them will misuse admin privileges.
Conclusion
There is no denying that cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, and organizations need to implement strong policies that ensure 24/7 protection.
Knowing and overcoming cybersecurity-related challenges is one of the best ways to avoid risks and disruptions caused by cyber-attacks.
