What you can do to enhance cybersecurity and avoid budget-busting
Time and time again we try to resolve our cybersecurity woes with a new policy. However, we’re also hobbled by the intimidating prospect of burning through budgets. It’s an inverse problem to the idea “money fixes everything,” where lack of fixes nothing. However, while it’s true you do need capital and financial resources for cybersecurity – just as you would with any department – you don’t have to shatter the bank to create a stable architecture.
The concept of throwing money at the problem is a big misnomer. Investment in expensive tools does not guarantee safety and can make solving the cybersecurity question harder. The more apps and resources you introduce, the more complex the cybersecurity environment gets.
So, let’s review the ways you can enhance cybersecurity without compromising on high costs!
Method One – Set up a pathway for improved learning
Your current cybersecurity and IT staff should always have the means to improve their skills. The realm of cybersecurity is a constant battle and attackers persistently seek ways to use technology for brutal, efficient attacks.
From renewing certifications (or seeking better ones), it’s important to supply a supportive foundation for improved learning and skillsets. Not only that, it enforces the idea your enterprise values long-term commitment and is willing to invest in its staff and resources.
Training can range from skill investment to scenario practice, such as BDR plans, high-pressure situations, and how to handle modern cybersecurity threats (like ransomware). Learning pathways also determine the skills your team(s) need improvement on and provide them with resources to update their skill sets.
Method Two – Monitoring and Network Insight
IT and security teams work best with available data – that is, what they can “see.” Network visibility plays an important part in this, as it lets them understand attack-surface volume, weak points, network traffic, users accessing resources, and information relevant to the enterprise.
Monitoring tools are essential for modern business and can prevent problems like “shadow IT.” Shadow IT is when users onboard apps and software not verified by the business, creating enormous blind spots and potential cybersecurity issues. When that happens, IT teams lose insight and struggle to make better security-driven decisions. Therefore, if not already, expand your company’s insight and monitoring tools so you can make cost-effective plans.
Method Three – Consider outsourcing certain processes
Despite the critical need and overwhelming demand for IT and cybersecurity staff, SMBs find themselves coming up short. Thus, it’s common to seek out third-party resources to help shore up weak areas, or handle certain non-critical functions. It’s a great way to relieve burdens and stress associated with IT work, leaving your teams with ample time to focus on mission-critical tasks.
MSPs – or managed service providers (like Bytagig) – can handle a range of functions fitting any business profile. From backup services to insight-driven network security, it’s wise to think about outsourcing if you’re low on options.
The question does, however, come down to available capital. An MSP or similar is worth the investment if their costs are lower than onboarding new staff – including time to train and potential stay. Not all MSPs are the same and many have different options. But it’s an idea to keep on the table, especially when you’re getting outpaced by technology and the demands of the digital era.
Method Four – Establish policies for everyone
The thing about good cybersecurity is it’s not just a problem for IT teams. It’s an enterprise-wide struggle, and everyone involved with routine business activities needs to be involved in some capacity.
Establishing security policies and guidelines is critical to maintaining both a healthy security culture and reinforce your current IT posture. IT teams that are stuck putting out every fire can quickly become overwhelmed and exhausted. This burnout leads to a trove of additional problems and weakens coherency, your ability to respond to threats, and future-proofing the business.
While every business is different and, ultimately, you must identify the tools and resources that best aid your enterprise, our listed methods build a proper foundation for good cybersecurity.
