How IT Security Ensures Organizations Are Shielded Against Cyber Threats
In an increasingly digital landscape, safeguarding your business against cyber threats is non-negotiable. Cybersecurity for businesses is not merely a protective measure; it’s a proactive strategy to ensure the integrity of your data and uninterrupted continuity of your organization.
In this blog, we’ll explore cybersecurity services every business should consider. We’ll also delve into the advantages of enlisting professional managed IT services for robust protection against evolving cyber threats.
Cybersecurity Services That Protect Your Business
As a business owner weighing cybersecurity options, you may be wondering which services you really need versus which ones are nice to have. Business size and scope are huge factors when making this decision.
For example, the IT security needs of a small company with fewer than 10 employees is different from a major corporation that conducts business on a global scale. With that in mind, the following cybersecurity services are considered must-haves all organizations should consider.
Firewall Protection
Implementing a robust firewall is the first line of defense against unauthorized access. Firewalls protect your computers and network from malicious attacks, potentially harmful software, and unnecessary network traffic. Regardless of the size and scope of your operation, all hardware and software should have this basic cybersecurity measure installed.
Secure Networks and Wi-Fi
Business owners can ensure that their IT network and Wi-Fi connection are secure by implementing cybersecurity measures throughout the various levels of their network. For example, you should regularly update Wi-Fi passwords and consider implementing a guest network to separate internal operations from visitor access.
Access control is another way you can secure your network, which ensures only authorized parties can access certain parts of the network. A professional managed IT service provider can walk you through your network security options during your initial consultation.
Regular Software and OS Updates
Updating your software applications and operating systems to the latest versions may not seem like a huge deal, but you’d be surprised at how many organizations allow this basic cybersecurity housekeeping item to slip through the cracks.
Outdated software is more vulnerable to hacking, cyberattacks, and security breaches. Updating your software ensures essential security patches are installed which address the vulnerabilities potentially exploited by cybercriminals. Kansas City Managed IT recommends opting into automatic updates for continuous security.
Data Encryption
Your data is arguably the most important asset your company possesses. The last thing you want is for sensitive information to fall into the wrong hands, including any competitors that may benefit from a lapse in your cybersecurity.
Encryption converts data into a code that can only be deciphered with the right encryption key, adding an extra layer of security. By encrypting your data, you can protect it from unauthorized access from internal and external users.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a cybersecurity measure that requires users to provide an additional form of authentication beyond just their password. Typically, this is either a numerical code or password sent via email, text, or through an authentication software. By implementing this basic IT security measure, you greatly mitigate unauthorized network access from malicious actors.
Timely Data Backups
What would you do if your data suddenly disappeared with no way to get it back? Likely, your operation would come to a screeching halt, resulting in countless hours of lost productivity and IT-related expenses. For some organizations, this very real IT nightmare unfolded in reality, and at great cost.
By regularly backing up your critical data to secure locations, you can keep company downtime to a minimum in the event of a data breach. Even if a natural disaster wipes out your servers, you can take comfort in the fact that your data is securely stored on a remote or cloud-based server.
The Advantages of Entrusting Managed IT Services with your Cybersecurity
You’re now up to speed on some of the most common cybersecurity services that businesses should consider. Naturally, this begs the question, “Should I attempt to implement these myself or hire a professional IT company?”
Consider these main advantages of entrusting your IT security to Kansas City Managed IT:
Expertise and Specialization
We specialize in implementing cybersecurity measures for organizations of all sizes and networks of varying complexity. This means that we can tailor your cybersecurity package to your company’s needs without overextending your budget. Cybersecurity should address the organization’s most relevant threats while also remaining affordable and scalable.
Comprehensive Threat Protection
Managed IT services provide a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity tools and solutions. Antivirus software, intrusion detection systems, and other relevant IT security measures ensure that networks and their users are protected from malicious actors and hackers.
24/7 Monitoring and Customer Service
One of the things that customers love most about working with KC Managed IT is that we take a proactive approach to business cybersecurity. We monitor client networks 24/7 so that cyberthreats and suspicious activity are identified as early as possible. And because cyberattacks tend to happen at the most inconvenient times, our company also offers 24/7 customer service and technical support. It doesn’t matter if it’s 2 a.m. on Christmas Day – our systems are watching, and our team is exceptionally responsive.
Regular Security Audits
Professional IT services conduct regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in your systems. It’s akin to identifying cracks in a home’s foundation before they have a chance to spread and grow in severity. This proactive approach allows for preemptive measures to strengthen your cybersecurity efforts.
Regulatory Compliance
Businesses in various industries are subject to regulatory compliance requirements regarding data protection. For example, healthcare organizations must adhere to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to protect sensitive patient information. Managed IT services ensure your cybersecurity measures align with industry regulations and standards, helping you avoid costly penalties and lawsuits related to compliance issues.
Getting Started with Cybersecurity Services
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is the cornerstone of a resilient and thriving business. By implementing essential cybersecurity measures and leveraging the expertise of managed IT services, businesses can fortify their defenses, protect valuable data, and confidently navigate the complex landscape of cyber threats.
The best way to get started is by arranging a cybersecurity consultation with Kansas City Managed IT. During this initial appointment, we will gather a little information about your organization, network needs, and cybersecurity goals. From there, we will provide options for cybersecurity services that support your business objectives and protect your data.
Contact us today by calling (816) 381-9969 or by sending us an email using the contact form on our website. One of our IT professionals will get back with you quickly with answers to your queries.