Cyber security has been a concern for IT Principals from the moment the first computer virus came onto the scene. However, the old method of protection that involved anti-virus software and basic firewalls are not enough to combat the growing cyber threat that businesses are facing.
The problem is the “attack surface” that criminals have to work with. The term refers to the number of ways that hackers can breach a network and compromise a company’s data, employees or customers, according to Patrick Lambert in a recent TechRepublic article.
Because of the level of sophistication that hackers are operating on, it is increasingly difficult for IT departments to get by from a security standpoint with retail anti-virus software alone. There is also the added problem of keeping password and social media management under control. While these tools make it easier for companies to connect with clients and vendors alike, each system is another avenue that ne’er-do-wells can use to access sensitive information.
“There needs to be a much higher degree of cooperation in the industry, between security professionals, management, and IT. In an era of openness and connectivity, more focus needs to be put on quick detection and response, instead of relying on aging technologies,” Lambert wrote. “At the end of the day, it won’t be the organization with the most hardened firewall that will succeed in keeping online threats out, but those with the highest degree of awareness and understanding.”
The challenge that IT Principals face is maintaining a strong level of awareness and remaining proactive with security protocols. However, this can be difficult for companies that do not have a dedicated IT security team. This is where VARs and MSPs can become valuable resources to help IT departments combat any and all security threats.
