Cyber threats pose a significant risk to businesses, with potential consequences that could damage operations, assets, and reputation. Many businesses believe that engaging IT support alone is enough to protect against these threats. However, IT support only provides general IT services and does not necessarily focus on cyber security. Therefore, businesses need to recognise the importance of engaging both IT support and cybersecurity professionals to ensure comprehensive protection.
To understand the importance of both IT support and cybersecurity, it's essential to understand the differences between them. IT support is primarily concerned with maintaining computer systems, troubleshooting software and hardware issues, and assisting users with technical difficulties. On the other hand, cybersecurity focuses on protecting an organisation's digital infrastructure, data, and systems from external threats such as hackers and malware.
While there is some overlap between the two fields, IT support ensures that systems run smoothly and efficiently, while cybersecurity proactively defends systems against malicious cyber-attacks.
Here are some reasons why your business should consider investing in both IT support and cybersecurity services:
Shared Responsibility
Business owners need to take responsibility for their own cybersecurity as IT providers are not solely responsible for protecting your business from cyber threats. By engaging both IT support and cybersecurity professionals, your business can proactively address potential vulnerabilities and safeguard its digital assets.
Specialised Expertise
IT support services may provide some cyber security elements but rarely do they cover all unless that is the nature of the contract you have in place with you IT support provider. Cybersecurity knowledge is specialist and some IT support providers do have the in-house specialist expertise, or even teams, required to address complex and evolving threats BUT you have to contract those services specifically. Cybersecurity engineers dedicate their careers to staying updated on the latest trends, tools, and techniques to protect businesses from cyber-attacks, so you need to explore with your IT support provider what their expertise is. They should provide evidence of cybersecurity expertise to ensure that your business is benefiting from the most up-to-date strategies to counteract cyber threats.
Comprehensive Protection
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and businesses must stay vigilant to protect themselves. With IT support and cybersecurity professionals working together, your business can benefit from a multi-faceted approach to protection. This ensures that your business is not only prepared to address technical issues as they arise but also proactively defends against cyber-attacks.
Regulatory Compliance
Many industries are subject to strict regulatory requirements regarding data security and privacy. Failure to meet these standards can result in severe penalties, fines, and legal action. By partnering with cybersecurity professionals, businesses can ensure that they comply with all relevant regulations, minimising the risk of costly consequences.
Damage Control
In the unfortunate event that your business does fall victim to a cyber-attack, having both IT support and cybersecurity professionals on your side can help to mitigate the damage. IT support can assist with everyday efficiency and productivity for end users, while cybersecurity professionals can investigate the breach, identify vulnerabilities, and implement measures to prevent future attacks, whilst backup and disaster recovery services will get you back to business if the worst does happen.
By engaging both IT support and cybersecurity services and professionals, you can ensure that your business is adequately equipped to handle the diverse range of technological challenges it may face. Remember, the responsibility of protecting your business from cyber threats lies with you as the business owner, your IT provider is the tactical investment you need to make to defend and recover as needed. By taking a proactive approach to both IT support and cybersecurity, you can safeguard your business and its assets against an increasingly dangerous digital landscape.