The importance of Cybersecurity for businesses

Once upon a Time

We’ve certainly come a long way in technology from the 17^th century in England, where the proverbial phrase “the early bird catcheth the worm” was said to have originated. That expression - still apropos in today’s world – is about mindset and best communication practices.

Alongside communication, technology plays heavily in a firm’s ability to rapidly and concisely reach customers. Speed also matters. When shipping and delivery is concerned the ability to move products and services over a large geographic area without delay results in the difference between a happy or disgruntled customer. Peopling and safe security measures factor equally in advancing a company down victory lane in the realm of commerce.

The “safe” world once dreamed of ended with the attacks of 9/11. A dramatic shift occurred in the minds of people and governments. Borne from that time and those challenges, businesses recognized the need to hire competent workers to alleviate fears of chaos and prevent malicious attacks on their entities. The evolution of business practices continues taking into account best practices and procedures needed to minimize risks for cyber-crimes making businesses less vulnerable.

Careful planning, hiring technology experts to manage their systems further encourage cybersecurity success. As the internet grows, so does the demand for information security experts. Luckily for business owners, labor statistic projections suggest a 37% increase through 2022 for these analysts. Great news - jobs will be available for these individuals.

Experts in Canada recognize the importance for cybersecurity in corporations and industries. The Public Safety Canada website states Canadians spend more time online than any country in the world, averaging 43.5 hours per month. You don’t have to be a mathematician to know heavily connected networks will require experts to ensure the fewest vulnerabilities and least entanglement to those operations take place. Minimizing mischief in any communications traffic will lead to accelerated growth.

Business expansion can be as simple as the number of touches you have with technology. Every time you make a telephone call or scan a document, you are communicating with software that may have virus exposure. When you open browser cookies, caches and other data create system changes that can be compromised. Yes, you need cybersecurity.

Fortunately, some people know how to squelch threats and a hungry population yearning to enroll in advanced cybersecurity courses.

Safeguarding your Company

A critical part of any business plan is a company’s organizational structure. Regardless of the size of your company and the length of time between strategic planning sessions, it is critical to consider staff composition when designing your company’s future.

Commerce today is significantly different than in the past. Even in places like Pleasant Camp, BC, where the population ranges from 4-16 people, internet/satellite connections allow for immediate response. Your ability to act quickly bolsters confidence with your customers and assures them you are ready, willing and able to meet their needs.

Imagine for one moment if you had to revert to the practices of yesteryears. How would your goods and services be transported? How much would it cost? Worse yet – imagine this scenario.

You come into work to find all your computers frozen with a message saying give us money or your computer system will remain frozen. Ransomware attacks are on the rise. They are often used to target specific brands. Having readily available messaging for your staff would be significantly beneficial in this instance, along with trained, certified cybersecurity experts within your organization to prevent these critical incidents. Both would assist in reducing the impact on your organizations’ productivity. No doubt, you can see how the absence of security safeguards could potentially affect your bottom line.

While ransomware is just one example of potentially destructive threats - it is real. Whether you work in the private, public or government sectors, harmful predators exist and cruel operators prey on innocents.

We are seeing unparalleled security risks in society today. Companies today can no longer afford to have the mindset that it won’t happen to us. Cyber insurance claims are on the rise with email and ransomware claims leading the way.

Measures to maintain customer and vendor confidence should be standard business practices. Restricting data permissions and involving employees in protecting your business helps build awareness. All persons using third party software applications within your business (e.g. Payroll, health care and insurance software) should be versed on the next steps to be taken should data integrity in these areas be compromised.

Merely telling your customers their information is confidential no longer cuts it. Offering them assurances, by having certified cybersecurity experts in the mix, will instill confidence to customers and bolster employee morale too. Having documentation to support best practices will assist with methods for minimizing/blocking potential system attacks. The presence of modern cybersecurity systems prevents possible loss or theft of intellectual property, interruption to the flow of projects in work, fraud in telephone or mail and your bank account.

Better safe than sorry

Don’t leave it to chance – be resourceful with critical infrastructure. Smart business actions include:

-          Training staff to be aware/report potential malfeasances

-          Install, use and regularly update antivirus/antispyware software on all computers

-          Use firewalls

-          Back up data and information regularly

-          Secure all Wi-Fi networks

-          Download/install software updates for operating systems and applications when available

Offering courses or even a workplace glossary of “cyber” terms will promote the importance of cybersecurity within your organization.

Opportunity + Preparation = Luck

The same beauty that allows us to work remotely and monitor our systems from afar affords bored and often spiteful hackers and spies time to break into our information systems. Have the forethought to stop them dead in their tracks. Avert cybersecurity disasters with excellent planning. Be the exceptional business owner you want to be.

Take measures against the undesirables of the world. Employ the best information technology people to manage your security systems, and you will witness marvellous results. Best of luck!