Suhaib Zaheer SVP, Managed Hosting at Digital Ocean & GM, Cloudways
In an age where technology drives business operations, the threat of sophisticated cyberattacks looms over organisations of all sizes. From stealthy ransomware attacks to intricately orchestrated phishing schemes, the arsenal of online adversaries is expanding. Cyberattacks were listed as one of the biggest threats to the UK in the 2023 risk register. Added to this, 97 people per hour fall victim to cyberattacks. The threat of a cyberattack not only jeopardises businesses and their valued employees but also poses a significant risk to their customers. A breach of security has the power to decimate an organisation’s hard-earned reputation and impose severe financial distress.
Today, safeguarding your business against the rising tide of sophisticated cyber threats is no longer a choice. This article explores actionable ways to fortify your business’s defences, empowering you to navigate threats with resilience.
Navigating the cybersecurity landscape
Over the past few of years, the widespread adoption of remote work practices surged, consequently exposing businesses, particularly SMBs to elevated cybersecurity risks.
Before remote work, businesses could dictate strict rules governing the access points for critical documents. Company computers were tethered to office desks, seamlessly connected to in-house servers. The primary concern for management teams was fortifying the office server and upholding computer security.
Fast forward to today, and the workforce is no longer confined to office walls but spans cities, and even countries. This shift brings a twofold challenge—exposing vulnerabilities in servers and individual computers. Added to this, the intricacies of data protection laws differ in each country. Companies must equip teams with secure technology that provides enterprise-grade security to protect against hackers and sophisticated threats.
The challenge lies in not only supporting dispersed workforces but doing so without compromising the sanctity of sensitive information in a world where data security must align with international legal intricacies.
Fortifying small businesses
Small business owners find themselves particularly susceptible to security and privacy threats due to their limited resources, which often translates into inadequate cybersecurity measures compared to their larger counterparts. Even if resources are limited, business owners can safeguard against security pitfalls by implementing well-defined security procedures in collaboration with their employees – making it everybody’s responsibility.
Building customer trust hinges on the assurance that their information is secure when interacting with a company’s website. Recognising the pivotal role of customer trust in the sales process underscores the critical need for businesses to make cybersecurity a top priority.
Prepare for future threats
Outdated technology remains a vulnerability for businesses, as the repetitive and resource-intensive nature of updating website security opens avenues for human error. Solutions capable of automatically detecting updates, executing secure backups, and enhancing security procedures alleviate this burden, eliminating the need for manual maintenance.
AI is capable of handling laborious tasks as it analyses data for anomalies, swiftly detecting and flagging abnormalities for cybersecurity teams to address. AI-powered solutions also automate time-consuming processes, securely updating websites and backing up data, enhancing overall efficiency.
Critical features for website resilience also include the ability to manage traffic surges seamlessly. Optimising bandwidth capacity minimises friction during peak periods, ensuring responsive handling of heavy traffic loads. Crucially, automated technology that adjusts bandwidth capacity during traffic surges prevents system failures and unauthorised access.
Additionally, businesses can safeguard against security pitfalls by implementing well-defined emergency procedures in collaboration with their employees. The urgency instilled in employees when they receive seemingly urgent demands from their employers creates a vulnerable juncture that cyberattackers exploit, seizing the opportunity to pilfer information and gain access to sensitive data.
Furthermore, business owners must invest in robust security measures, implement secure payment gateways, and educate users on mobile security practices to build trust and safeguard information. Staying abreast of the evolving security landscape and adapting cybersecurity strategies to meet changing customer expectations are crucial for business success.
As we move towards a new year, it is clear that businesses need to ensure that security is a top priority. Cybercriminals will continue to use new technologies to launch ever more effective and creative cyberattacks, so businesses need to ensure that they are working to protect their data with a similar level of ferocity. This will be a key aspect of supporting business growth and success in the future.
