Every digital business today, whether big or small, is vulnerable to security breaches, enhancing the desperate need for stringent cybersecurity IT support.
While it is the larger companies with high volumes of sensitive data that tend to make headlines when a cyberattack occurs, SMEs are equally at risk from these continuously evolving threats.
In this article, we discuss the importance and benefits of cybersecurity IT support in enhancing the digital safety of small businesses across numerous sectors.
Cybercrime is a real and pressing threat to organisations around the world, but how vulnerable are SMEs in the grand scheme? Unfortunately, many small business owners believe they fly under the radar of these criminals given their size in comparison to the big players, who may prove more of an opportune target.
The reality, however, is that their limited resources and oftentimes weak security protocols position them as perfect prey. Statistics released in 2023 revealed that nearly one in five Irish firms had endured a cyberattack or data breach in the previous year, showcasing the dire need for business leaders to implement more extreme cybersecurity measures through managed IT support.
Taking into account the alarming statistics above, paired with an evolving threat landscape, SMEs need to examine the benefits of cybersecurity IT support in the context of protecting both their business and customers.
The National Cyber Security Annual Update 2023 revealed that “the most common cyber incidents were carried out by criminal groups for financial gain, typically using phishing attacks or installing malware”. Each of these represents a very real threat for SMEs.
Seeking the support of an IT services provider should be the first line of defence against such crime for small business owners. A comprehensive approach will ensure the continued monitoring of your operations, facilitating the early detection of potential threats through advanced threat detection systems. This ability to identify and neutralise suspicious activity before any damage has been done will in turn minimise the risk of data breaches and system disruptions.
One of the most important components of a cybersecurity IT support strategy is a reliable disaster recovery plan. This is crucial in the face of a cyber incident, enabling SMEs to maintain business continuity.
It involves putting measures in place to minimise downtime, as well as implementing regular data backups to protect the company’s most sensitive information.
Taking such steps is integral from both a financial and customer-centric point of view, as it will allow business owners to maintain productivity while keeping their reputation intact.
Data is the currency that most cybercriminals deal in. Therefore, handling sensitive customer information with the utmost care should be a priority for small business owners. Thankfully, this is something that can be implemented by managed IT providers.
These experts will ensure all data is backed up, stored securely and well protected against unauthorised access. They will also manage a company’s compliance with data protection regulations, such as GDPR – another non-negotiable step in the journey towards cyber safety.
The increase in remote and hybrid work since the pandemic hit in 2020 has been exponential – and despite its many benefits, it has brought with it a host of new security-related obstacles for SME owners to overcome.
The biggest challenge facing businesses is ensuring secure access to company resources from a variety of locations and devices. Carrying this out successfully requires a robust cybersecurity strategy, and this is where IT support comes into play.
Managed IT service providers facilitate a secure remote work environment by setting up virtual private networks (VPNs), implementing multi-factor authentication and ensuring that remote access policies are enforced. This approach protects your systems and sensitive data, regardless of your employees’ physical location.
In the context of financial crime in Ireland, cybercrime is the number one threat. In 2022 alone, the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) found that nearly €85 million was stolen through frauds and scams.
The financial repercussions of a costly cyberattack can be catastrophic for small businesses. From system restoration and legal fees to the loss of business due to reputational damage, the expense associated with a data breach can be the last straw for companies already struggling to keep their heads above water.
Investing in cybersecurity IT support, aimed at intercepting such threats before they escalate, represents a cost-effective way to prevent devastating losses down the line.
The cyber threat landscape is in a continuous state of change, and to navigate it confidently, it is vital to seek advice and support from experts in the field.
Not only will an expert provider strengthen your organisation’s security protocols with the latest cybersecurity technologies, but they will also implement solutions that are tailored to your specific needs and that are designed to protect your business from evolving threats.
In an increasingly sophisticated era of cyber threats, small businesses cannot afford to overlook the importance of cybersecurity-focused IT support. At Arbelos, we are only too aware that investing in professional IT services enables you to protect your sensitive data and ensure compliance with regulations while building a resilient foundation for your business’s future.
We specialise in providing tailored IT security and compliance services to safeguard your business against cyber threats. The benefits of our services far outweigh the costs, making it a prudent decision for any small business aiming to protect its livelihood in today’s digital world. That said, our IT support bundles are incredibly cost-effective and easy to scale up or down, depending on your fluctuating business needs.
Our team of experts is dedicated to implementing proactive measures that protect your operations and data, giving you peace of mind to focus on your core business activities. Contact us today to learn how we can put your security needs front and centre.
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