Posted on: Mar 25, 2022 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Importance of IT Security for a Business

IT security for business

Looking at the sheer number of cyber attacks that take place regularly, one cannot deny the fact that the high intelligence of the cybercriminals poses harmful and frightening intentions. Exposing corporate data can turn out to be an absolute nightmare for businesses. Installing protective measures, firewalls and antiviruses are not enough to protect company interests. Here is exactly where the cyber insurance and IT Security Services for a business comes in. By the end of this guide, you will know how important IT security services for businesses.

Do-It-Yourself vs Do-It-Right

Irrespective of the size of your organization, cost issues remain a matter of concern always. Considering this, several businesses may decide on going ahead with security programs like malware protection and Antiviruses. Although these are excellent for personal use, they are less than ideal when it comes to IT security services for businesses.

Here's why Do-It-Right overpowers Do-It-Yourself!

1. License

Upon purchasing software, businesses buy a license to get access to that software. The pricing of this software depends on the scale and size of businesses. As compared to do-it-yourself at home, businesses require extra protection like servers, etc. Hence, buying only Antiviruses does not do the job efficiently.

2. Support

Business software tags along with 24*7 customer support for quite a long period. Software firms keep releasing unique versions in terms of security. Thus, your last year's software purchase might easily be 3 to 4 generations old. Such software firms offer expert support for older programs only. However, with business software, you can ask for long-term support with an extra fee. On the other hand, do-it-yourself does not offer this facility.

3. Updates

Each software company releases frequent updates to enhance its existing programs. The software program must receive continuous updates to ensure the latest virus definitions to facilitate cyber security in terms of antivirus. While some Antivirus programs hold automatic download options, some require expert assistance. If left alone, it might make your business prone to cyber-attacks.

Cloud Security

With time, cloud computing is turning out to be a crucial part of business solutions. In fact, more and more businesses are adopting the cloud for remote work for easy file access. However, the first advantage that cloud security offers is that it cuts down extra costs. When firms do not need to worry about maintaining the on-site servers, businesses sense a financial no-brainer.

Businesses often fear the accidental leaks of their data and increasingly sophisticated online threats. In fact, cloud-based app suites and corporate VPNs have turned out to be the chief target for hackers. If left unsecured, cybercriminals get instant access to the corporate network to do their job. Such attacks have proven to be highly damaging. They can steal huge amounts of sensitive and confidential corporate data. Hence, businesses need to use the right cloud application along with the correct practices and tools to ensure safe use of the cloud services.

With cloud security, businesses can gain reduced upfront costs, low ongoing administrative and operational costs, increased reliability, easy scaling, and enhanced availability along with brilliant DDoS protection.

Protection against Ransomware

The prevalence of ransomware attacks on small and large businesses has been at its peak now. More than 90% of malware comes with convincing emails where employees download the malware unknowingly. Consequently, this malware hijacks all the corporate data following a financial ransom demand in return for company data.

While most companies pay the ransom (bitcoin) to get their data (decryption key) back, many fail to. Both small and large businesses are prone to Ransomware attacks. In other scenarios, if a hacker enters the security and steals information, there are chances they can use that information for larger attacks in the long run. It can either be a virus, attack, or attempt to steal data like social security numbers, bank account details, personal files, etc.

Here, the IT security service provided by the cloud works as the first stage of cyber insurance. Cloud provides data redundancy that offers an alternative to paying ransom in return for data. Additionally, several cloud data security solutions spot malware and ransomware with the help of identity management, firewalls, and spam filters.

Another start to promote business IT security is to update the anti-malware and antivirus and have a well-grounded business IT services team that holds expertise in protecting files from ransomware attacks with accurate software.

Reducing downtime to a bare minimum

Downtime in businesses kills company productivity. Eventually, they result in a major drain on finances. Speaking of IT Security, any attack by cybercriminals on a company server can result in considerable downtime for the company. Be it virus or ransomware, your business faces enormous downtime. Either way, you end up paying the ransom, cost to fix the attack damage, and pay for downtime.

However, when you bring in excellent IT services, the business downtime is next to zero. Two factors state why this type of business IT security is the ideal way to reduce business downtime.

A. Protection before you require it

With enhanced firewalls, state-of-the-art security programs, etc. businesses can rest assured that all the software is up-to-date. It ensures defending in the event of an attack besides maintaining the integrity of valuable and sensitive files.

B. Protection as you require it

Despite having protective measures, hackers might still enter the company's security. This is when a sound IT service and cyber insurance come to play. When the hacker breaches the security, the IT team gets notified about the attack. In case hackers get successful in installing ransomware and viruses, the IT team can use backups to fix all damage done to the security.

How can cyber insurance help?

To fight these business IT security breaches, Cyber insurance is one of the ultimate solutions. Opting for this insurance covers all the expenses incurred in financial loss due to business disruption, network downtime, system repair, data recovery, extortion money (ransom), cost of forensic investigation, cost of notifying affected customers, and protecting the company's integrity and reputation from public/media backlash.

Cyber insurance also provides third-party coverage that covers all expenses spent against defending lawsuits (legal fees, regulatory fines, and legal claims)

Conclusion

To sum up, connecting with a professional business IT security team will help businesses shed off the headaches of cyberattacks. As the benefits of IT Security Services for businesses are tremendous, the best IT service company will ensure that your business uses the best software while keeping it updated and secure.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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