A cybersecurity breach, virus, or malware infection can cripple a company. It's vital that Philadelphia businesses - big and small - implement adequate cybersecurity measures.
However, many businesses don’t really know where to begin when it comes to their cybersecurity. It can be overwhelming to think about, especially with so many other tasks and concerns on their plates.
That’s where a Philadelphia IT support company can help.
An outsourced IT company provides businesses with remote IT technicians who help them manage all kinds of cybersecurity risks. They ensure that a business's IT infrastructure is functioning at an optimal state, and that security vulnerabilities have been identified and mitigated.
Philadelphia is full of up-and-coming businesses that could benefit from cybersecurity. They need a little extra security help to stay safe and keep up with their competition.
Need help managing your IT risks? Here is everything you need to know about protecting your Philadelphia business and defending against the latest threats.
But first...
What Exactly is Cybersecurity?
Before you can know how your business can manage its IT risk, you must understand what cybersecurity is and why it matters.
The importance of proper cybersecurity cannot be understated. Cybercriminals do not care who you are or how small your business is; if they can access your network and reap valuable data, they will try to do so. In fact, a recent report found that cyber breaches occur roughly every 39 seconds.
Just one online attack can cost your business an average of $25,000 in reparation fees. This is well beyond what most small to mid-sized companies can afford, and many end up closing their doors following a serious attack.
Even if your business can financially recover from a cyberattack or data breach, you may still have to face the possibility of a damaged reputation. If a cybercriminal gains access to private consumer information, it can be challenging for your business to maintain community trust.
Do not let your business fall victim to a cyberattack – prioritize local, Philadelphia cybersecurity protocols that anticipate the latest threats.
Outsourced IT companies protect your business networks, servers, and systems from cybersecurity threats like hackers. An IT provider allows you and your employees to focus on core business operations instead of worrying about outside threats and IT disruptions.
How Can You Keep Your Business Technology Protected?
As mentioned, you can partner with an outsourced IT provider that will implement and manage cybersecurity protocols on behalf of your business.
However, if you plan on tackling your IT security internally, without hiring further help, what changes can you make to keep your IT infrastructure and users safe?
Here are five tips for improving your cybersecurity - whether you have help or not.
1. Employee IT Security Training
A recent study found that employee negligence is the root cause for about 21 percent of cybersecurity breaches in the United States.
If your employees do not know how to protect themselves online, they can mistakenly put your entire business at risk. Employees may open the door to cybercriminals when they click on links from fraudulent emails, download unauthorized software, or overlook proper cybersecurity practices.
To combat this threat, you must provide cybersecurity training for all of your employees. Education on cybersecurity basics can help your staff identify and avoid blunders that would otherwise invite cybercriminals into your company network.
2. Firewall Software
Implementing firewall software is one of the most important cybersecurity measures you can take to protect your business. Firewall software technology detects unauthorized access to your network, alerts users of the threats, and (if necessary) blocks computer access.
Firewall software may also block internal employees from entering dangerous sites that could lead to a cybersecurity incident.
3. Implementing Multi-Factor Identification and Strong Passwords
You can reduce the chances of a cyberattack or data breach by implementing multi-factor identification steps to your business programs that require a password.
Multi-factor identification requires a user to provide two or more forms of authentication before gaining access. By doing so, you can ensure that no unauthorized person is able to access your systems or data.
4. Software Updates
Keeping your security software up-to-date reduces the chances of cybersecurity threats and network disruptions. A software update will fix flaws, bugs, and other issues in your system that could make it susceptible to an attack.
It's important to update your software as soon as a new version is released. That’s why we recommend setting up an automated process to notify users of every necessary update.
5. Data Backups
Lastly, you should ensure that your business data is backed up to a secondary location, like the Cloud.
This ensures that you have an easy way to restore data in the case of a cybersecurity breach or system failure. Otherwise, you risk losing critical data, like your company's financial records and client information.
How Can Outsourced IT Support Improve Your Cybersecurity?
Although you can take steps to protect your business on your own, you can achieve far greater defenses and backup systems with the help of an expert IT team.
Keeping your business technology safe is not easy to manage all on your own, especially when you have other responsibilities to oversee. Outsourcing your cybersecurity to professionals at a local, reputable IT support company can help you manage your risk without all the stress.
Here a just a few of the ways a great Philadelphia IT provider can improve your cybersecurity protocols and your overall operations.
Advanced Security Protocols
A quality IT provider will set your business up with advanced, multi-level cybersecurity. This means that your business will have multiple layers of protection to keep your network and data safe from unauthorized users.
In addition, your IT provider will run frequent updates and penetration tests to ensure your business keeps up with the latest threats and tactics on cybercriminals. They will also check to determine if your plan complies with the latest Philadelphia cybersecurity regulations and laws.
24/7 Support
If your business suffers a system failure or cyberattack, you’ll need to act fast to resolve the issue before it worsens. IT issues left unaddressed for long periods can leave you vulnerable to other threats or lead to a costly recovery process.
It’s a good idea to look for an IT provider that can offer cybersecurity support, 24/7. Around-the-clock support gives you and your employees access to IT technicians who can help you resolve issues whenever you need them - even on weekends and holidays.
Proactive Monitoring & Maintenance
A worthwhile IT company that will actively work to keep cybersecurity issues from arising – not just play catchup when problems do appear.
With a proactive cybersecurity plan, you'll learn about cybersecurity threats before they can do any damage. Your IT company will continuously monitor your network and conduct regular assessments of your systems. If an issue arises, your provider will take the appropriate steps to resolve the cybersecurity risk.
Tips for Finding a Great IT Provider for Your Cybersecurity Needs
Now that you know how outsourced IT support can help improve your Philadelphia cybersecurity, let's discuss tips for finding the best provider for your business.
Look for Relevant Industry Experience
Cybersecurity shouldn’t be the same for all businesses - technology differs by industry. That's why it's best to partner with an IT provider that has cybersecurity experience in your particular field, or at least one similar to yours.
Although any IT provider can learn about your needs, some industries require specific data and security certifications. [KS2] For instance, medical organizations need to meet HIPAA security regulations while government contractors need to meet DOD compliance standards.
Therefore, a provider with the appropriate industry knowledge and certifications will be able to support your IT security with effective solutions immediately.
Furthermore, you can often receive better IT security from local providers rather than national or global ones. A local IT provider will have more experience supporting Philadelphia cybersecurity in the prevalent industries in the area - such as telecommunications, manufacturing, and healthcare. They’ll know the local threats, and therefore be more equipped to defend against them.
Examine Their Reviews and Testimonials
One way to tell if a Philadelphia IT company is reliable is by examining their reviews and testimonials. If they have a cybersecurity review or cybersecurity testimonial page on their website, you can read what others think about the provider's cybersecurity strengths and weaknesses.
If you don't see any cybersecurity reviews posted online, ask your provider if they've worked with other businesses in your industry to secure cybersecurity for those companies. Don’t be afraid to request information on their track record before committing to anything.
In Conclusion
We hope this post gives you a better understanding of the importance of cybersecurity and how an outsourced IT company can help your Philadelphia business manage its risks.
The importance of great cybersecurity for businesses of all sizes and industries cannot be understated. IT security isn’t an option - it's a necessity. With an experienced IT team in Philadelphia, you will receive advanced cybersecurity that keeps your business safe and secure.
What does good cybersecurity look like, and how can it help you manage your overall business risk? Let's find out together.