Are your Cyber Defenses Focused on The Right Things?

We all know that to protect your home against potential intruders, you must keep your doors and windows locked and secure. Some homeowners may even take added measures, such as erecting a fence or enlisting the help of a fierce-looking dog to stand guard. 

However, these efforts are futile if an intruder has already infiltrated your home and set up camp in the basement.

And yet this is the security policy employed by numerous businesses to safeguard their data against cybercriminals. 

While they invest in security software and take measures such as multi-factor authentication, encryption, reliable backup systems, and staff cybersecurity training, they often overlook the critical areas of detection and response.

A new study shows that only a third of businesses prioritize detection in their cyber strategy, while two-thirds say prevention is their primary focus. 

In other words, 60 plus % of SMBs are more focused on locking the doors and windows than on what happens if someone does manage to break in. It’s like having a security guard who only checks IDs at the entrance but doesn’t patrol the building to look for suspicious activity.

This approach leaves a business vulnerable to attacks that could go undetected for weeks or months, giving attackers plenty of time to wreak havoc and steal sensitive data.

So, while prevention is essential, more is needed. 

Detection and response are just as crucial and involve the following:

  • Ongoing scanning of all systems for any sign that a crook may have gained entry somewhere.

  • Having a process in place to stop an attack in its tracks, 

  • Staying up to date on the latest threats and attack techniques and 

  • Having a plan in place just in case an attack succeeds. 

We wish we could tell you that with enough money, time, and effort, your business can be the fortress of fortresses and will never fall victim to a cyber attack. But when it comes to cybersecurity, one thing is sure: there are no guarantees. No matter how many layers of security you put in place, there will always be a risk of a breach. Hackers are constantly finding new ways to infiltrate systems and steal data, and predicting every possible attack vector is impossible.

By including detection and response strategies in your security framework, you’re going beyond locking the doors and windows; you’re prepared to respond to the worst, ready to minimize your risks and enjoy greater peace of mind. 

If you need IT services in Orange County, NY or surrounding counties, please reach out to us today to discuss your cyber security and IT needs.