Cybercrimes are constantly evolving and no business is immune from these malicious attacks. Maintaining protection from cyberattacks requires executives to take a strategic, proactive approach that involves understanding risk, incident response planning, employee training, limiting access to sensitive data, regularly patching software and operating systems, installing and activating firewalls, and partnering with an independent cybersecurity consulting firm.
How Does Cybersecurity Consulting Help Organizations?
As technology continues to grow and transform at an astonishing rate, cybersecurity consulting firms have become a valuable resource to companies in all industries. There are many types of cyber companies who offer different services and technologies, so the first thing to consider is what you need. Many companies don’t have an internal Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), so they begin with an independent cyber consulting firm that can provide experienced CISO leadership who brings deep expertise and tried and true strategies to thwart attacks, recover data and strengthen systems to prevent cyber criminals from exploiting vulnerabilities.
Below are some of the most common ways that organizations benefit from an independent cybersecurity consulting firm.
Develop a Right-Size Strategy
An independent cybersecurity consulting firm doesn’t sell cyber tools or represent any vendors, which allows them to help companies evaluate their options and determine what technology is best suited to help keep data safe and guard against cyberattacks. After assessing an organization’s critical assets and identifying threats and vulnerabilities, a cybersecurity consulting firm can develop a multiphase roadmap that addresses immediate concerns as well as a longer-term strategy for security, compliance and ongoing governance to address changes as the organization evolves over time.
Mitigate Business Risks That Were Previously Undiscovered
Approximately 64 percent of businesses have experienced a web-based attack, according to Fundera, and small to mid-size organizations spend an average of $7.68 million per incident. Cybersecurity consulting can help organizations mitigate certain risks and prevent identity theft, hacking and data theft. A cybersecurity consultant can also help identify risks that the business may have previously overlooked.
Ensure Data Is Completely Protected and Recoverable
Cybersecurity consulting firms work hard to help safeguard businesses from cyber-attacks. Technology alone is not enough to keep a business safe if the company does not know how to use it properly. By working with a cybersecurity consulting firm, businesses can take the necessary precautions to protect and recover sensitive data. Cybersecurity consulting firms may recommend a variety of security measures to maintain security, such as antivirus software, encryption, firewalls, password protection, and backups and monitoring.
Lower the Possibility of a Successful Phishing Attack
Phishing is a common type of social engineering attack that cybercriminals use to steal business data, such as login credentials or credit card numbers. During a phishing attack, a hacker may masquerade as a trusted entity to trick the victim into opening a text message, email or other form of online message with a malicious link that installs malware on the victim’s computer, and therefore, the company’s network. Cybersecurity consultants can help lower the chance of these attacks by providing proper guidance and tools to protect against these crimes.
Improve Threat Management and Incident Response Protocol
Information security threats have become more sophisticated and targeted over time. The time to start thinking about your response to a cyber attack isn’t after the attack happens. A cybersecurity consulting firm can help a business with threat management and the development of an effective incident response plan with well-thought approaches to addressing and managing a wide variety of potential cyberattacks or network security breach scenarios.
Avoid Potential Lawsuits from Lost or Compromised Data
Just one employee mistake or vulnerability in a system can lead to lost or compromised data. When sensitive business data is stolen or corrupted, a business may be held liable for any damages, such as customer identity theft. Hiring a cybersecurity consulting firm can help businesses avoid potential lawsuits stemming from lost or compromised information.
Effectively Train and Inform Employees on Handling Cyber Threats
Properly trained employees are an organization’s best defense against cybercrimes. It is essential for companies to educate their employees on how to identify and avoid potential cyber threats that could put the business at risk. Cybersecurity consulting firms can help train employees on safe workplace practices and work to establish and maintain a culture of cyber awareness through an ongoing education program.
Save Costs on Hiring Cybersecurity Staff
Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand. It is difficult and expensive to hire and retain employees to work in an internal cybersecurity role. Outsourcing to a third-party cybersecurity consulting firm is a cost-effective option for businesses that require cybersecurity expertise but cannot afford, or don’t need a full time team or leader. An independent cybersecurity consulting firm can provide expertise in a variety of areas to meet the needs of the business.
Speak with the Cybersecurity Consultants at Hartman
The consequences of data loss or corruption can be catastrophic for a business of any size. Fortunately, there are cybersecurity consulting firms available to help businesses in need of IT services. For more information or to speak with an independent cybersecurity consulting firm, contact Hartman Executive Advisors today.