In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity isn’t just another item to check off your to-do list. It’s the backbone of your business’s survival. Without it, it’s just a matter of time before something occurs that sends your company spiraling toward a disaster it might never recover from.
Cyber threats increase exponentially as you transition operations to the cloud. Hackers don’t target small businesses with as much vigor as major corporations. In fact, many criminals deliberately go after smaller companies with weaker defenses, so ignoring cybersecurity is like leaving your office doors wide open overnight and hoping everything is still in place the next day.
So, how can you shield your company from the seemingly endless malware, phishing, ransomware, and other threats constantly lurking around the perimeter?
The Cloud: Opportunity Meets Responsibility
Cloud platforms like Microsoft 365 offer small and medium-sized businesses convenience, scalability, and efficiency that they might be otherwise unable to access. The cloud allows your teams to work remotely, for example, while saving physical space and resources.
However, just because your data is in the cloud, it’s not automatically safe. Cybersecurity in the cloud follows the shared responsibility model. This means that Microsoft (or your chosen cloud provider) secures the infrastructure, but you’re responsible for protecting data, users, and devices.
What Do You Have To Do To Keep Your Business Safe?
Cyber security is a lot like maintaining a building. Your cloud provider gives you a solid foundation; you’ll have trouble if you leave the windows open (with weak passwords) or fail to lock the doors (don’t control access). With that in mind, here’s what you need to do:
Address the Human Element
Human error is the number one cause of a cyber attack. If your employees click on phishing emails, use weak passwords, or reuse credentials across sites, there’s a good chance you’ll face a data breach, spyware infection, or other issue. Provide ongoing training in cybersecurity best practices, implement clear rules, and require multi-factor authentication (MFA) to access company resources.
Protect Your Data
Sensitive business information, customer records, and financial data are prime targets for hackers. Encrypt your data, limit access, and monitor activity for unusual behavior.
Control Devices
Remote work and bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies introduce cyber threats. Ensure all company and personal devices accessing your systems have endpoint protection, updated software, and remote disabling and wiping capabilities.
Develop a Disaster Plan
Data breaches and DDoS attacks can still happen even with the best defenses. A solid incident response plan can mean the difference between a slight disruption and a total meltdown. Regularly back up critical data, run breach drills, and have a clear recovery strategy.
Cybersecurity Is a Business Decision
Cybercriminals don’t care about your company’s size. They’re looking for gaps, and if you’re not proactively securing your business, you’re inviting trouble.
Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue; it’s a business continuity issue. Don’t just check the box and move on. Make addressing cyber threats a priority. Your business’s future depends on it.
