It is cybersecurity awareness month, and it is an excellent time for businesses to improve their technology services. Businesses today rely heavily on technology to improve their services and productivity; however, despite their efficiency, these systems pose a severe hazard to the company’s security. Cybercriminals lurk online, continually seeking ways to infiltrate systems. Once inside, they gain valuable information and expose an operation. Those attacked must face the consequences, rebound to work with clients, and restore a reputation.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Crucial Factors
As part of cybersecurity awareness month, business owners are encouraged to take action. Find ways to strengthen your system and empower your operations. Invest in cyber liability insurance and implement safety measures. Cybersecurity is vital, so make it a priority.
Why Cybersecurity Is Critical
Cyberattacks continue to rise. They remain a significant concern for any company, no matter the size. Forbes magazine reports that 43% of attacks center around small and medium organizations, emphasizing that at least 61% of small businesses dealt with at least one cyber incident last year. This situation pertains to anyone who owns a company, and those without cybersecurity preventative plans leave themselves vulnerable to exposure.
Those affected face several obstacles that make business practices harder. Companies must learn what is covered under cyber liability policies, determining how they can afford the cost of recovery and delays. In addition, establishments must deal with reputation repair, choosing how to regain their customers’ faith. The interior of the office also suffers. Employees must manage their current responsibilities and those added to their plate through security concerns.
Proactive Cybersecurity Approaches
To bolster safeguards, businesses should consider two facets: strive to maintain and monitor technology and promote appropriate online use among employees. This combination creates a front on two sides, keeping a watch for what may happen and encouraging common sense practices.
For instance, work with information technology experts to assess your network, software, and devices. Professionals should continually update systems and learn about potential threats. In addition, recognize the potential for exposure and invest in cyber insurance to assist with unfortunate breaches. When and if something does occur, this policy acts as a security system to help with the financial costs of finding the company’s security weakness and assist with expenses and losses.
Often employees may not understand how their daily actions create risk for the company. Education and firm procedures, therefore, become vital. Establish policies, discuss the significance of these expectations and enforce them. Use a multi-factor authentication system, and encourage strong password creation. Furthermore, phishing remains a problem. Keep staff members aware of current trends and have a way to report any potential issues.
Threats exist, but you can attempt to get ahead of them—this month, focus on boosting your company’s cybersecurity awareness. Work with your insurer to discuss the value of cyber insurance, and create a plan to focus on implementing best practices in cybersecurity.
About Haughn & Associates
Founded by Michael Haughn in 1986, Haughn & Associates is a full-service, family-owned, independent insurance agency based out of Dublin, Ohio. H&A strives to provide the best possible price and unique insurance solutions across a myriad of industries, including construction, IT, Habitation & Commercial Property, Agriculture, and Engineering. Devoted to providing the best of business insurance, life and disability insurance, personal insurance, employee benefits, and bonds, H&A is proof that success lies in long-standing client relations and satisfaction. To learn more about how H&A can be of service to you, contact us at (877) 802-2278.
