The importance of regular cybersecurity risk assessments.

The beauty of technology is its ability to bring forth innovative solutions to common problems. From the cloud to artificial intelligence (AI), these technologies help a variety of businesses enhance productivity, increase revenue, and improve the user experience. At the same time, however, reliance on digital devices and services creates certain risks. One of the most worrisome risks is cyber security.

Keeping data private is essential not only for your business, but also for the customers who entrust you with their information. Since cyber threats are constantly evolving, it’s not enough to establish strong security measures. You need to make sure that your defenses are always capable of deterring cyber threats. Performing regular cyber security risk assessments is the best way to achieve this goal.

While you may guard your network with a variety of cyber security tools, it’s possible that there are some flaws in your protection. Even if those flaws seem insignificant, an experienced cyber criminal can find a way to exploit that hole and sneak into your infrastructure. Once a cyber criminal finds their way into your network, they can cause all kinds of business disrupting havoc.

A cyber security assessment is a proactive intrusion prevention system that’s used to detect vulnerabilities in your system. This is a process where an experienced professional thoroughly examines the entirety of your infrastructure. If any problems are discovered, the consultant works with you to implement the necessary solutions to give you full protection.

Cyber security is important in business and being proactive with an assessment can save you from trouble down the road. However, this isn’t a one and done type of solution. New threats are always popping up and it’s possible they could circumvent the cyber security you currently have. By performing regular assessments, you can ensure your IT environment is ready to take on those new threats.

Assessments are a great way to keep your information safe and secure, but it’s only one step in your journey to comprehensive cyber security. In the grand security scheme, an assessment is an important part of the larger encompassing cyber security mitigation plan. A mitigation plan is a strategy that outlines actions to reduce or eliminate threats that could result in loss. If you are serious about data security, a vendor—like 42, Inc.—can help you create a plan that works for your business.

According to Cision, the number of reported cyber attacks against commercial entities went up 400% in 2020 compared to the previous year. Although much of the drastic spike can be attributed to opportunists taking advantage of the pandemic, the number has been steadily rising year after year. This emphasizes the importance of enterprise security and that starts with a cyber security assessment.

When done properly, a security assessment is able to provide a slew of benefits, such as:

• Increased Awareness: An evaluation can present an opportunity for you to educate your employees on threats that your organization faces. It can also help them understand how these threats may impact your business operations.
• Risk Mitigation: Nothing is perfect in life, including your security system. However, being prepared can help you thwart intrusion attempts you run into in the future.
• Enhanced Communication: When a security analysis is done on your network, it often leads to more communication throughout your organization. This happens because employees, departments, and shareholders have to come together and share their input. Having everyone on the same page improves the assessment.
• Ensure Compliance: Depending on your industry, your business may be subject to certain regulations. Achieving and maintaining compliance is one of the biggest challenges for many companies. An assessment can ensure you have the proper security measures in place to be compliant.

The 42, Inc. team is dedicated to helping businesses access the security they need. With our assessments, we take a deep dive into your infrastructure and identify areas that can be improved. Working with you, we help you implement solutions that optimize your network and keep your data secure.

Contact us today to learn more about cyber security assessments and the IT services we offer.