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PrideStaff Akron

You’ve thought extensively about your personnel, your budget, and your goals for the year, but have you considered how much of that depends on functioning computers and internet? As technology improves, so does the ability of hackers to commit cyberattacks. While it’s difficult to entirely stay on top of the latest software and hardware trends – and the hackers who follow – do what you can as a business to keep your network as safe as possible.

  • Rising costs.

The increase in cyberattacks in both scope and depth mean it will cost more to arm yourself against them. In fact, ransomware cost organizations about $1 billion in 2016 alone, spiking 6000%. But the cost comes from more than just paying hackers: When your business gets hacked, it means a potential loss of trust from consumers and clients. Nobody wants to associate with a company that allows their personal data to be breached and used. It also costs money to prepare against cyberattacks – the older your machines, the easier someone can hack them. So, you’ll need to bring on specialized talent to head your network security. 

  • Hard-to-find talent.

The problem with the latter? The number of people who have the requisite skills is small. Work to find a tech security person with the background needed to adequately protect your company’s tech environment. Heavy competition leads to you needing creative and monetary solutions to bringing on the right person for the job. 

  • More sophisticated attacks.

Again, ransomware attacks such as WannaCry (which spread over 150 countries, infecting 300,000 machines) and the even more powerful NotPetya took down ATMs, businesses, schools, hospitals, and, frighteningly, nuclear power plants. Those who buy this software as service often have little technical knowledge but simply use it to wreak havoc. The healthcare industry has even claimed cybersecurity as a public health concern. 

  • Hackers find new ways in.

While cloud advancements and Internet of Things mean we do not have to worry about storage space or crashed computers, it also makes for vulnerable attack points of entry. IoT items can become weaponized (not even teddy bears are exempt) to steal confidential data and attack other websites. Consider the fact that employee mobile phones are at risk for revealing corporate data because organizations don’t have as much control over them. You must plug the holes you have and then keep a sharp eye out for those new ones that will inevitably appear.

Be as aware and up-to-date as possible on new threats to your network through updates and even innocent innovations. Make sure you have cybersecurity talent who know what they’re doing and will stay vigilant with your systems. For advice on how to find that person, work with PrideStaff.

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