Cyber-attacks are becoming an increasing threat to businesses of all sizes. Employees might notice simple changes to their homepage, endless pop-ups, strange new programs, phishing emails that look legitimate, frequent crashes or even complete file lockout due to ransomware. Unfortunately, these experiences are becoming more prevalent as technology evolves and is adopted by more businesses. According to research from Cyber security Ventures, a business fell victim to a ransomware attack every 40 seconds in 2019. They now predict that by 2024, that statistic will shrink to only 6 seconds on average between attacks. And, to make matters worse, it can be tough to choose the right cyber security strategy and to understand what is really needed.
Small businesses often think they are immune to cyber attacks, but in reality, they are often targeted by cyber criminals. In fact, small businesses are more likely to be targeted than larger ones because they often have weaker security measures in place. Investing in cybersecurity and IT management can help protect small businesses from costly data breaches and protect the sensitive information of their customers.
One of the biggest risks for small businesses is a data breach. A data breach can not only result in the loss of valuable customer information, but it can also lead to costly fines and penalties. Cyber criminals often target small businesses because they know that they are less likely to have strong security measures in place. By investing in cybersecurity, small businesses can protect themselves from these types of attacks and ensure that customer information is kept safe.
Another important reason for small businesses to invest in cybersecurity and IT management is to protect their brand reputation. A data breach can lead to negative publicity and a loss of trust from customers. This can be devastating for small businesses that rely on customer loyalty to survive. By investing in cybersecurity and IT management, small businesses can protect their reputation and ensure that their customers continue to trust them with their sensitive information.
In addition to protecting against data breaches and protecting brand reputation, investing in cybersecurity and IT management can also help small businesses save money in the long run. Implementing strong security measures can help prevent costly data breaches and downtime caused by cyber attacks. This can help small businesses save money on both recovery costs and lost revenue.
In conclusion, small businesses should invest in cybersecurity and IT management to protect themselves from costly data breaches, protect their brand reputation, and save money in the long run. It’s important to remember that cyber criminals often target small businesses because they know that they are less likely to have strong security measures in place. Investing in cybersecurity and IT management can help small businesses protect themselves and give them a competitive edge in today’s digital landscape.
So, let’s break it down by examining Intechtel’s four cyber security layers using the analogy of a castle for the sake of this blog. The castle represents a computer or device within a network.
The 4 Layers of Protection
- Managed DNS Network Security – The Moat
- Managed Firewall with IPS – The Outer Wall
- Managed Anti-Virus – Castle Guard
- Ongoing Employee Training – The Royal Decree
The Moat: Managed DNS Network Security
Our managed DNS service could be compared to the moat surrounding the castle. The large protective moat is intended to keep the bad guys (hackers) from reaching the castle. Managed DNS network security blocks, detects and contains advanced attacks and potential threats before they can cause damage. This type of cyber-defense uses predictive security using machine learning and AI.
The Outer Wall: Managed Firewall with IPS
Like a moat, the outer wall is intended to keep the bad guys out. A managed firewall with IPS (intrusion prevention system) is like that tall outer wall surrounding the castle and provides an additional layer of security. And much like how the wall’s gates allow or deny access, firewalls use rules to allow in harmless traffic or to keep out unwanted visitors.
Castle Guard: Managed Anti-Virus
Knights were assigned to guard the castle whether the threat was inside or outside of the actual castle walls. In the same way, managed anti-virus is installed on a computer and either prevents attacks from entering or finds threats within the device to be eliminated. Intechtel monitors and eliminates identified malware providing a hassle-free experience for customers.
The Royal Decree: Ongoing Employee Training
Although “royal decree” may be a stretch, there are certainly some important rules that every employee needs to understand in order to keep hackers at bay. If employees aren’t careful, they may unknowingly invite the enemy right into the heart of the castle. That’s where Intechtel’s hands-on training and digital classes come in. Intechtel can ensure that each employee learns and demonstrates an understanding of cyber security risks and defenses. This layer of protection is vital in any business with multiple employees. In addition, Intechel can create parameters and access barriers to lower risk from inside threats.
Each layer of protection serves an important security purpose. While any one layer is effective, the combination of all four creates a powerful defense strategy. Keep in mind, Intechtel is ready to respond if or when your business is faced with a cyber threat. It should also be said that no company can guarantee 100% protection against cyber-attacks, but with a combination of software, services, and employee training, Intechtel can substantially mitigate potential cyber security risks to an organization. For more information call (208) 635-4400 to speak to a cyber security specialist.