Mimecast's state of email security report 'Securing the Enterprise in the COVID world' found that 79% of companies were hurt by their lack of cyber preparedness' with email threats rising by 64% from 2019 to 2020' and 70% of companies considering it likely that an email-borne attack will damage their business in 2021. These statistics point to an alarming trend' where businesses are aware of increasing risks but are not taking appropriate action' leaving themselves vulnerable to cyber threats. These companies are risking positioning themselves as sitting ducks and an attack could mean serious damage. Mimecast reported an average downtime of six days following a ransomware attack (and a 52% payment rate for ransoms) and data breaches may lead to non-compliancy security fines as well. So' it's time to act fast.
Taking action is important’ but it needn’t be scary’ complicated’ nor expensive. The first crucial step is to evaluate your current tools and processes. Security leaders’ Sophos’ recommend a pro-active response plan’ urging businesses not to “build a blueprint in a vacuum”‘ but instead develop an incident response plan prior to an attack. This means if an attack does occur’ individuals can calmly follow a clear’ thoughtthrough action plan’ rather than improvising their defence. To build such a plan requires clear visibility into the tools and processes that span your organisation and strong consideration of the security risks these may pose. This information takes time to compile and consider and therefore often isn’t fully understood or available in an adhoc defence during an attack.
Another consideration is that of cyber liability insurance. It is not enough just to have insurance; you need to understand what your insurance entails: what it offers and what it requires from you. Failure to align with the policies and regulations required by your insurance provider may lead to rejection of any claim. Adherence to regulation and meeting policy requirements requires a deep understanding of your organisation. Ask yourself’ are appropriate security controls deployed across your entire environment? If so’ are these tools and controls integrated? Have you identified where your sensitive data resides? Have you identified potential gaps in your emergency response plans?
Now’ this may all seem overwhelming’ understandably so. But that’s where a managed services provider (MSP) comes in. An MSP knows the questions to ask’ the risks to look out for’ and the leading tools on the market. Synergi’s managed services team work with you’ undertaking a deep dive learning of your processes that can shape an individualised solution that fits your needs and budget. With so many companies at risk due to a lack of cyber preparedness there is a real impetus to act’ but this shouldn’t come with fear. As your partner’ Synergi is here to support’ guide’ and protect your organisation
