Cybersecurity Tip: Ensure the right people are using the right security technology

In 2020, the reality is that companies are still incredibly vulnerable to cyber-security attacks, despite their best efforts to be as secure as possible.

In fact, it’s estimated that a cyber attack occurs every 39 seconds. That’s roughly 2,244 times a day.

We consulted with two subject matter experts to gain their insights – Sean Jennings, President at CIM Solutions and Enzo Logozzo, Director of Sales and Marketing at 365 iT SOLUTIONS. Together with Sean and Enzo, we’ve put together our collective tips for increased security and shared them here.

We’re sharing one tip a week for the month of October, which is Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Tip: Ensure the right people are using (and actually know how to use) the right security technology

A company is only as secure as its oldest technology and the latest tech is only as effective as the people who are managing it. However, a mixture of outdated software/hardware and a general lack of knowledge are exposing businesses nationwide (and around the world) to cybersecurity threats. Yet replacing older systems isn’t exactly straightforward from a risk management and/or business investment perspective. That’s where being aware of what does need updating can help prioritize a company’s IT spend.

Getting guidance on how much to spend (and on what) is crucial before committing any amount of money from the IT budget.

“I’m seeing a lot of good security technology out there, but companies are not getting the proper guidance (on what to choose or how to use it),” says Enzo Logozzo of 365 iT.

Sean Jennings of CIM agrees, “Lack of expertise is a challenge across the board with IT departments, particularly when it comes to security.”

It’s a classic example of what IT doesn’t know can and will hurt business.

Enzo elaborates, “What I’ve seen the most from a vulnerability standpoint is a false sense of security. All too many businesses think they’re protected just because they have state-of-the-art antivirus software and firewalls. But the majority of the time, it’s not what they have, it’s how it’s being used. What good is the best antivirus software on the planet if nobody’s managing it—or if it’s not configured properly? A company’s security is not a ‘set it and forget it’ type of solution. It’s a moving target that always has to be looked after. The companies not doing this have been getting into trouble. Businesses that understand how IT is an investment are the ones not paying ransomware. They’re staying out of the headlines because they know how to properly manage their security solutions.”

Being secure is also not about the biggest or most expensive solution. It’s about the right solution.

Sean has some sage advice on that front, “The type of security a business needs ultimately depends on their community. If they’re pure cloud and only a handful of users, then chances are they really don’t need to invest in a $10,000 firewall. A larger company, on the other hand, will most likely require measures beyond that 10K spend. That’s where organizations will have to rely on their IT experts for direction. And a second opinion never hurts either. With new security threats and solutions changing almost daily, it can be challenging for even the most adept IT professional to stay on top of everything—especially if they are part of a small team. This is why, more often than not, it takes a collaborative approach when it comes to maximizing a business’ cybersecurity. Leveraging outside expertise, such as an MSP (Managed Service Provider) for example, can be quite beneficial in determining the right security solutions that satisfy both necessity and budget.”

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