Cybersecurity breaches are among the most significant threats to businesses large and small. The internet is teeming with cybercriminals looking for any way to seize some leverage against your business. Whether it’s stealing banking information, holding important files for ransom, or installing software to control your systems remotely, there’s no end to the damage a bad actor can cause to your business. If you want to protect your brick-and-mortar premises, use cameras and security guards. If you want to protect your data from digital threats, start with a
cybersecurity audit.
The Effect of Cybersecurity Attacks on Businesses
Many small business owners make the mistake of thinking that cybercriminals just go after large businesses since there are more digital assets at stake. However, it’s precisely the increased value of those assets along with the IT budgets of larger companies that typically see more robust digital defenses in place. The reality is that small companies tend to ignore cybersecurity and so they become easier targets for hackers. In fact,
41 percent of cybersecurity attacks are on small organizations, meaning no one is truly safe without the education, training, and technology in place to prevent breaches.
Plus, big companies can often weather breaches with large reserves and other assets to leverage and stay afloat. A small business, on the other hand, might not survive a significant cybersecurity attack as the ransom for files or the access to centralized bank accounts could be too much without the right reserves in place.
Small to medium sized businesses lose anywhere from $25,000 to $3 million with each breach, which leaves many of these companies at a deficit if they ever become targets.
How a Cybersecurity Audit Works
The purpose of an audit is to take a close look at your digital protective measures including your processes, protocols, and policies, as well as software and hardware. Your security will be measured against current industry standards, which also includes certain laws or regulations that need to be adhered to when dealing with customer data. By the end of the
cybersecurity assessment, you will know where your strengths lie, but also what your weaknesses are and how you can go about shoring up your digital defense.
An auditor will start by planning out the tasks and determining the scope of the project, the amount of time it will take, what resources will be needed, and what
method of approach to use. This will be a mutual agreement between the auditor and the client. The purpose of the audit will be clearly outlined, and a comprehensive checklist will be created to ensure that it goes according to plan.
The next step will be the audit itself. The auditor will conduct interviews, review documents, digitally scan hardware, look for weaknesses, analyze cloud software, and even perform their own hacks to attempt to penetrate existing defenses. If an auditor can quickly gain access to important files or information, it’s a sign that major upgrades are needed to ensure your organization’s digital safety.
Last is the reporting stage. Your auditor will compile all his or her findings and data into a report along with expert recommendations on how to address any issues found during the audit. This report will show how at-risk you are of a cybersecurity breach and where your effort will be best placed going forward.
How JCM Telecom Can Help
Needless to say, it isn’t possible to take your business’ cybersecurity too seriously. Just one breach could spell disaster for a large organization and has the potential to sink a smaller business. There are some things you can procrastinate on when it comes to your operations, but don’t let a cybersecurity audit be among them.
Here at JCM Telecom, we offer
top-tier cybersecurity audit services to Fort Lauderdale area businesses to help entrepreneurs and executives alike locate gaps in their digital armor and prevent hackers from accessing their digital assets. Rest easy and avoid costly breaches by giving us a call today to get started.
