What You're Forgetting About Cybersecurity: Pittsburgh Business Guide

As cyber threats continue to evolve, businesses must stay vigilant against potential vulnerabilities. Outdated software, weak passwords, and inadequate disaster recovery plans can lead to data breaches and costly operational disruptions. Despite the rapid evolution and growing sophistication of cyberattacks, many organizations in Pittsburgh and beyond still have areas in their cybersecurity measures that need strengthening.

Over50% of SMBs in the US have not yet adopted comprehensive cybersecurity systems. Some mistakenly believe that bad actors only target large corporations, while others rely entirely on reactive measures that are no longer adequate.

The reality is starkly different—a cyberattack occurs every39 seconds, and cybercriminals target organizations of all sizes, exploiting any vulnerabilities they can find. For many bad actors, smaller entities are actually more attractive due to their weaker defenses. 

To safeguard your data, reputation, and operational integrity, it’s crucial to review and strengthen your cybersecurity measures. This article delves into the commonly overlooked aspects of cybersecurity, such as regular security audits, employee training, and updated disaster recovery plans. We’ll provide you with practical strategies to enhance your organization’s resilience against cyber threats.

Securing IT Infrastructure and Adopting a Proactive Posture

Today’s cybersecurity landscape demands a shift from traditional, reactive measures to aproactive approach in securing IT infrastructure. Aging systems equipped with outdated firewalls and encryption methods are simply inadequate for today's complex cyber threats. A proactive security posture not only addresses these vulnerabilities but anticipates and prevents future threats through advanced planning and continuous improvement.

A recentreport from Huntress shows that 1 in 4 mid-sized businesses suffered a cyber attack or were unsure if they suffered an attack in the last 12 months, highlighting the significant risk these organizations face. In light of this, businesses must make a strategic investment in proactive cybersecurity measures designed to stay ahead of emerging threats. Ignoring these growing threats can be costly, with the averagecost per breached record reaching $164. Therefore, investing in robust cybersecurity strategies is crucial to mitigate potential financial losses and safeguard against the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks.

Average Cybersecurity Budget for SMBs and Enterprises Over the Next Three Years via Kaspersky

Moreover, many industries must adhere to standardized data privacy regulations, like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Doing so requires more than just meeting minimum standards. These regulations necessitate a proactive approach to ensure continuous compliance and protection against data breaches.

To effectively shift from a reactive to a proactive cybersecurity model, businesses should consider implementing strategic measures such as:

• Migrate to Cloud Services: Leverage cloud services with enhanced AI-driven threat detection. Through continuous monitoring, you can spot and mitigate potential threats in real time, leaving bad actors no room to act. 

• Patch Updates: Implement automated patch management to address vulnerabilities promptly. Building an in-house team of IT professionals for 24/7 security monitoring can be resource-intensive and costly, with significant upfront expenses for headhunting and onboarding.

• Update MFA Systems: Implement robust MFA by integrating biometric verification (like fingerprint or facial recognition), security tokens, and app-based notifications. This multi-layered approach significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if one verification factor is compromised.

• Adopt Modern, Best-in-Class Sophisticated Security Solutions: Upgrade to comprehensive endpoint protection platforms (EPP) that offer not just malware protection but also behavioral analysis and machine learning capabilities for detecting and responding to anomalies in real time.

• Adopt a Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Solution: Utilize MDR solutions for endpoints and identities, particularly for platforms like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. These solutions provide advanced threat detection and response capabilities, leveraging continuous monitoring, threat intelligence, and automated response to quickly identify and mitigate threats, ensuring your business remains secure against sophisticated cyber attacks.

Cybersecurity Awareness Training

Employees are human, and it's normal for them tomake mistakes. Even with the most advanced technical defenses, they can still fall for basic social engineering tactics, like fake emails andphishing links. Cybercriminals only need one or two of these mistakes to exploit vulnerabilities.

As a business leader, you can mitigate these risks by hosting cybersecurity awareness training for your employees. Here are some of the common misconceptions and mistakes leaders make regarding cybersecurity awareness with their employees:

• Complacency: Organizations that have not experienced cyber incidents may mistakenly believe that training is unnecessary and they are not at risk. As we’ve discussed previously, this is a dangerous misconception.

• Time Constraints: These days, everyone is busy, and cybersecurity awareness training can feel like a burden with a busy schedule. Having strong communications and team accountability is key – and that’s where aPittsburgh cybersecurity firm can help!

• Overreliance on IT: When you have a great IT partner, it can leave you feeling at ease—as if you don’t need to take additional actions. However, there’s only so much your IT team can do if your employees inadvertently share their credentials with a bad actor. Your employees are your biggest weakness, but they can also be yourbest defense.

Implementingcybersecurity awareness training is crucial for reducing vulnerabilities and is achievable with the right approach. Whether you partner with aPittsburgh IT MSP or take it on yourself, choose a reputable provider that offers engaging trainings. Be sure you carefully communicate to employees why you’ve chosen to require cybersecurity training and hold them accountable.

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) planning are crucial yet often overlooked aspects of maintaining operations during and after a crisis. BCDR involves preparing for, responding to, and recovering from events that significantly disrupt normal business operations, including cyber attacks, natural disasters, and other emergencies. SMBs frequently neglect BCDR planning due to resource constraints and perceived complexity.

Effective BCDR planning is vital to minimize downtime, maintain customer trust, and ensure the sustainability of the business in the face of adversity. However, many SMBs underestimate the potential impacts of disruptions, which can lead to insufficient preparation and response strategies.

To bolster their BCDR strategies, SMBs should focus on the following key areas:

• Develop a Comprehensive BCDR Plan: Establish a clear, written plan that includes specific actions to manage and recover from disasters. This plan should be comprehensive, covering all aspects of the business, and tailored to address unique risks that the business faces.

• Implement Robust Data Backup Solutions: Ensure data is backed up regularly and stored securely offsite or in the cloud. Regular testing of backup systems is essential to confirm data can be effectively restored in the event of a disaster.

• Secure Mobile and Remote Operations: Extend cybersecurity measures to include all mobile devices and remote operations. Implement secure VPN access, use encrypted connections, and ensure that remote work policies adhere to the same security standards as in-office procedures.

• Establish a Formal Incident Response Strategy: Create a detailedincident response plan that outlines how to limit damage, communicate during a crisis, and recover operations. Regular drills should be conducted to ensure that all team members know their roles and responsibilities in the event of an incident.

Effective BCDR planning not only prepares SMBs to respond swiftly and efficiently to disruptions but also supports quicker recovery, helping to preserve business integrity and customer confidence.

By investing in comprehensive BCDR strategies, SMBs can enhance their resilience against unexpected events, ensuring they can continue to operate and succeed, regardless of the challenges they may face. This proactive approach is a critical component of overall business health and sustainability, promoting continuous operations and growth in a landscape marked by increasing uncertainty.

How the Pittsburgh Cybersecurity Experts at Ceeva Can Help Fill Security Gaps

As technologies evolve, cyber threats will inevitably increase in complexity and sophistication. The only way you can protect your organization is to follow a more proactive approach to cybersecurity. This includes regularly auditing your systems, conducting frequent employee training sessions, and updating your BCP as needed.

For Pittsburgh organizations lacking the resources to implement advanced cybersecurity measures, the experts at Ceeva are here to help. We’re an IT managed service provider with 30+ years of industry experience. Whether you need an extra set of hands to support your existing team or an entire team to provide end-to-end cybersecurity services, we’ve got you covered.Learn more about our cybersecurity services and how we can support your business needs.