Computer Network Security Companies: Why SMBs Need Them

Summary: This article describes the services professional computer network security companies can provide to protect your SMB from cyberattacks. Many small businesses mistakenly believe that IT support companies offer the same services as cyber security companies. Learn why SMBs are the favorite targets of cybercriminals and the cyber security solutions for small businesses that are available. Cyber security is too important to be left to chance. Computer network security companies can help protect all of your hard-earned business data, including the sensitive personal data of employees and customers. Comprehensive small business IT support must include network security to reduce risk and liability from a breach.

Network Security Services

Network security services are not automatically part of IT services. Unfortunately, many SMB owners don’t know the crucial importance of locking down their networks and assume one IT expert can do it all. In reality, robust cyber security is an expertise that is not necessarily part of basic IT support. In the face of a cyberattack, the average professional IT support specialist might not have the tools, knowledge or experience to fully protect a business network.

Business and Cybersecurity

More and more companies rely on online operations for most, if not all, of their work. At the same time, cybercrime has continued growing to unprecedented levels and has become one of the biggest business threats. Business and cybersecurity depend on each other. Depending on the size and resources of a company, maintaining robust cyber security might be beyond its capabilities. Smaller companies tend to stay focused on the day-to-day operations of their core business and do not place as much importance on cyber security as they should. Ironically, SMBs are a favorite target of hackers. However, many small businesses don’t have the budget for an IT department and rarely have the in-house knowledge and tools to maintain a resilient cyber security posture. Cybersecurity planning is the primary component of robust security. But without in-house IT expertise, where do you start?

Because creating a comprehensive plan is such a vital part of designing cybersecurity solutions for small businesses, many companies enlist the services of computer network security companies. IT security professionals have the knowledge and tools to perform a cyber risk analysis of your computer network to identify what vulnerabilities exist within your system.

As more cyber threats emerge and cyberattacks are launched daily, SMBs must step up their cyber security game. Ransomware, malware, viruses, DDoS attacks, and other deadly cybercrimes can bring business operations to a grinding halt if they do not have the proper security in place and a plan for recovering from a cyberattack. Much of cyber security is in the planning.

Developing a detailed, robust and up-to-date cyber security posture cannot be achieved without garnering company-wide support and compliance from your employees and ensuring everyone is working together to protect your computer system and network cyberattacks. However, without an in-house IT security expert, most businesses wouldn't have the knowledge to conduct a thorough cyber risk assessment. Therefore, many small businesses consider outsourcing cyber security services to third-party professionals. But is outsourced cyber security worth the expense? What kinds of services do they supply? Here are some of the steps that a managed security service provider (MSSP) will take to secure and monitor your small business computer system and network:

• Cyber Risk Assessments – Knowing your company’s cyber vulnerabilities is the first step toward understanding how to bolster your business’s overall security. IT professionals have the knowledge, experience and tools to examine your computer system comprehensively and perform an extensive cyber risk analysis to detect issues anywhere in your network. Reputable computer network security companies have far more diagnostic tools at their disposal. They are aware of all the latest threats and the best cybersecurity solutions for small businesses.
• For High-Compliance Companies – Companies governed by compliance laws, such as medical practices and law firms, might be subject to cyber security risk assessments required by their insurers, partnrs or vendors. Many cyber insurance companies require proof of network security before issuing a policy.
• Risk Assessment Reports – A professional risk assessment report also includes:
• A list of existing vulnerabilities
• Identification of internal threats, if present
• An assessment of how the company identifies and addresses cyber threats
• Plans for what your company does in the event of data breaches
• Assignation of who is responsible for each task when faced with a cyber event.
• Suggestions for mitigating the chances of future attacks and how often to conduct cyber risk assessments

Unfortunately, expansive cyber security is never a one-and-done scenario. It is essential to establish a comprehensive list of best practices that all employees must follow. To ensure that your policies are complete, it is wise to collaborate with IT security professionals in preparing your company’s policies.

Third-party support from IT security experts also includes:

• Ongoing Network Security Monitoring – Nothing about cyber security is set and forget. Monitoring your SMB’s network is a never-ending process. IT professionals can monitor your network to ensure all your components are running as fast and efficiently as possible, unhindered by cyberattacks, thereby avoiding future downtime, loss of revenue and compliance issues.
• Securing and Monitoring All Endpoints – Early detection of endpoint vulnerabilities and compromises is integral to protecting your computer network. Endpoint security has become more complicated by the rapid expansion of remote work. Cell phones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, and all your connected devices are possible entry points for cybercriminals. Even if your remote workforce is located in different locations and time zones, every employee who connects to your network can potentially spread malware and viruses to the rest of your system. Cyber security IT companies can supply 24/7 network monitoring, which includes endpoint security. In addition, IT professionals can serve as your detection and response team to minimize your or your employee’s involvement in the cyber protection process.
• Event Log Analysis – Event logs record activities system-wide. They automatically capture activity in your operating system, software and devices. In addition, they document log-ins and log-outs, file requests, file transfers, error messages and other information as designated by administrators. Event logs are great tools for system audits, recovery from data breaches and tracing the path to where an event is initiated. In the event of a complete system failure, event logs can provide valuable data to help identify the cause.
  • IT Experts Can Install Log Aggregators – Log collecting software can collect data from multiple logs, providing a central location from which log data can be analyzed. Aggregating event logs in one interface streamlines and speeds up the analysis process.
• Development of a Cyber Incident Response Plan – It’s all in the planning. In the event of a cyberattack, everyone must know the sequence of actions to follow and the individual responsibilities of the employees charged with responding to an attack. Having a detailed response plan in place will increase your chances of mitigating the downtime and recovery from a breach. Cyberattacks are chaotic events. You may not be able to use office computers during a cyber incident. Having a plan in place is essential for recovery.
  • Powerful Security Tools – IT professionals have the best tools. A small business without an IT department or expert on staff will not have an array of state-of-the-art cyber security solutions. However, professionals with the right tools can perform:
    • Firewall Management – Firewalls are one of the first layers of defense for your computer network. IT experts can ensure you have the best firewall for your SMB and that it is set correctly.
    • Premium Anti-Virus Programs – Cyber security is no longer an off-the-shelf, set-and-forget process. IT professionals can offer the best, most up-to-date anti-virus software to protect against viruses.
    • Threat Detection – You can’t defend against something you can’t see. In the world of cyber threats, the longer a threat remains undetected, the more invasive it will become. With monitoring by pros and using the right cyber tools, many threats can be neutralized quickly, thus mitigating the damage caused by a data breach.
      • Malware Detection and Protection – Cybercriminals constantly release new malicious software (malware). Therefore, protections must keep up with new threats. Cyber security experts can lock down your computer system using the latest malware detection and protection tools.
• Endpoint Detection/IoT Security – Every device connected to your network is a potentially vulnerable endpoint. But in addition to your computer system, every smart device connected to your network is at risk. Many users don’t realize that smartphones, vacuums, thermostats and electric lights are just a few of the connected IoT (Internet of Things) “smart” devices that become new endpoints once logged on to your network. Endpoint protection has become too complex for guesswork. Professional cyber security experts can provide exceptional small business IT support to detect and protect all your network’s endpoints.
• Anti-Phishing Protection – Phishing is one of the most common types of cyberattacks. When phishing, hackers use emails and other messages to trick users into thinking they are dealing with trusted sources. Users' carelessness and impulsivity enable these attacks. “Think before you click!” has become a time-honored mantra. However, employees need ongoing training in spotting suspicious emails and what to do if they accidentally click on a malicious link. Cybercrime tactics evolve constantly.
• Software Security – Businesses use so many software applications that it is imperative that they remain secure. Hackers use software to exploit business data. The good news is that developers for reputable software companies understand the importance of software security and write their programs with that in mind. However, third-party software applications might be launch pads for cybercrimes. In fact, they often have malicious software incorporated into their programs. The average user would not be aware of the threats posed. However, professional cyber security consultants can detect problematic software and recommend protecting or replacing it. Malicious software can lead to massive data breaches, exposing private data such as banking info, credit card numbers, proprietary data, passwords and other sensitive information. This private information in the wrong hands can lead to identity theft, with potentially devastating consequences. With proper preparation and diligence, identity theft can be avoided.
• DDoS Defenses – DDoS (Designated Denial of Service) attacks are when a computer system is overwhelmed by large amounts of traffic or data, causing the system to crash. Obviously, when your system is down, all your employee users are down too. DDoS attacks can be difficult to spot in advance. Many DDoS attacks seemingly come out of nowhere when they have actually been in your system, awaiting activation. If your business does not have an IT department, professional cyber security consultants can monitor your system and act quickly in the event of a DDoS attack.
• Data Backup and Recovery – Maintaining regular, clean backups of your business’s data is crucial to robust cyber security. By having current, clean backups of your company’s data, you can ensure that you don’t lose it in the event of a cyberattack that hijacks your data. In the case of ransomware, an attack that encrypts your data and holds it hostage, current clean backups can get your business up and running while you try to resolve the ransomware issue. Cyber experts can help you automate your backups, and in the event that file recovery is required, they have the newest tools to recover data, even from corrupted storage drives.
• Collaboration in the Creation of Detailed Cybersecurity Policies – The “human factor” is always a weak link in business cyber security. Reckless clicking on links, opening emails from unknown sources, downloading unapproved software and visits to malicious websites are just a few of the impulsive hazards presented by employee users. Therefore, it is imperative to establish the policies, train your employees, and ensure 100% compliance with all established cybersecurity policies.
• Cloud Defenses – There are several vital steps that a cyber security expert can take to secure your cloud backup:
  • Encrypting All Data – Data encryption is a vital layer of cyber security when data is stored online.
  • Creating a Central Platform – By centralizing the visibility of all your cloud environments, it will be easier to assess their security
  • Install a Web Application Firewall. Web application firewalls are a crucial layer of cloud security that protects all cloud-native applications from breaches.
  • Threat Intelligence – Threat intelligence capabilities help cyber experts predict threats in advance and plan how they can be preempted.

IT Support for Remote Employees

As we discussed previously, the remote workforce has expanded rapidly since the onset of the pandemic, which has left SMBs charged with the task of managing remote work employees, including their cyber security protection. Whether an employee works from their home office or an airport in Europe, anywhere they log on to your company’s network, your business is at risk. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) must be mandatory for remote security. VPNs create your own virtual private network within your network. VPNs also encrypt your data and hide your IP address, making it very difficult for hackers to get very far. IT support for remote employees also includes help for remote employees having computer problems. As many issues can be diagnosed and corrected remotely by IT and computer repair experts, your employees can travel and get professional repairs wherever they can get an internet connection.

Small Business IT Support

The top-line benefits of using small business IT support security experts for securing your SMB’s computer network are:

• Data Protection – Your SMB’s data is its lifeblood. The longer a company is in business, the more private data it accumulates. Insufficient data protection can lead to devastating consequences. For some companies, private data includes proprietary information, patents or designs that, if breached, can be sold to their competition.
  • Better Compliance – High-compliance companies must prioritize data protection. SMBs, such as medical, accounting, and legal practices, must protect private data at all costs. Failure to comply with established regulations can lead to loss of business, reputation and possible legal exposure.
• Increased Consumer and Vendor Trust – If a business’s cyber security is compromised and any of its business partners or consumers are affected by the breach, the business’s trust and reputation are on the line. If a cyberattack is serious enough, an SMB can lose so much business and reputation that it goes out of business. Sadly, 60% of all SMBs that fall victim to a cyberattack go out of business within six months of the attack.
• Enhanced and Uninterrupted Business Continuity – If you’ve created strong cybersecurity policies and a thorough cyber incident response, your business will be less likely to suffer a data breach and more likely to recover faster and with fewer long-term consequences.
• Improved Business Profile and Competitive Advantage – Professional small business IT support and cyber security can help your business gain trust over time. Doing so bolsters your SMB’s image in the marketplace as a reputable source. Also, if your computers, network and data are all locked down with superior cyber security, it will give your business a competitive edge as a “most trusted” source.
• Increased Productivity – Viruses and malware can slow down an entire computer system before anyone is aware of the infection. Slowdowns affect productivity. IT security experts can ensure your business has the best cyber security in place and detect potential threats early, allowing you to mitigate or stop the attack before severe damage has been done.

Customizable, Flexible and Scalable

Small business IT support is flexible. The level of support you need will depend on the vulnerabilities detected by a professional cyber risk analysis. Cyber security IT companies can customize your support and partner with your business to assist you with all your cybersecurity planning and help you stay in step with your company’s growth. With the help of computer network security companies, an IT expert can keep you secure if your company and cyber security needs expand. Also, if new cyber threats are posed and your security posture needs updating to deal with new threats, cyber professionals can seamlessly adjust to emerging security threats. In cyber protection, there is no such thing as “set and forget.” Adaptability is vital to ongoing security. Many small businesses get so involved in their day-to-day operations that they fall out of touch with what started as a comprehensive security plan. However, with small business IT support monitoring your SMB’s computer system, you can focus on building your business and driving revenue. In addition, professionals can help you update your cybersecurity policies and train your remote and office employees how to incorporate and implement any change, including any adjustments to your business’s cyber incident response plan.

Conclusion

Small businesses do not have the resources for in-house cyber security experts. Even if they have one dedicated IT staff person, that individual would be unable to keep up with a changing cybercrime target landscape and the protections required to protect your hard-earned business data. However, cyber security IT companies offer a very cost-effective solution for small businesses. Reputable security companies will stay up to date with developing threats and can be contracted to monitor your computer system continuously. They can also proactively recommend changes to your SMB’s cyber security posture and implement system-wide adjustments as needed.

If your company neglects its cyber security posture and becomes complacent, it is taking an enormous risk and increasing liability for the protection of personal data, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. Businesses are becoming more interconnected than ever. That connectivity means that you are responsible for ensuring that your business partners can trust that you are taking the necessary steps to lock down your computer network. You should expect the same from them. If you are in a high-compliance business, you might be legally bound to present proof of network security to your partners or insurers.

SMBs cannot effectively cover all the cyber security bases on their own. Lack of time, lack of the right tools, and lack of IT security expertise make protecting your business data a roll of the dice. The idea that hackers only target huge companies is entirely false. In reality, SMBs are easier prey and are, therefore, targeted with certain kinds of cyberattacks such as phishing and other social engineering attacks.

Small businesses have enough to worry about operating and growing their organization. Every business has many moving parts. Therefore, it is easy for SMB owners and management to forget about cyber security threats until they are under attack. By then, their private data might already be compromised, and all of their connected employees and business partners might be drawn into the fray—a fray that can bring them all down.

Small Business IT Network Support to the Rescue

Outsourcing your network support to a company with experience in cyber security is a cost-effective way to give you peace of mind. They can monitor your entire system to protect it from viruses, malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats. They can also develop a 360-degree approach that includes firewall protection, network security, anti-virus software, robust cyber security policies, and best practices training that can get all of your employees on the same page.

Deciding to contract IT security experts, armed with up-to-the-minute cyber security solutions for small businesses, can afford your SMB very efficient and cost-effective cyber protection.