As the COVID-19 global pandemic compelled many people to start working from home, organizations realized that digital transformation is the key to ensuring business continuity. Digital technologies, such as Big Data and IoT, can enhance business efficacy and enable organizations to deliver greater value to their customers. As such, it is not difficult to see why many businesses are undergoing rapid digitization to remain competitive.
However, the one aspect that many organizations forget when it comes to digital transformation is cyber-security. Despite the many benefits that digital technologies have brought us, cyber-crimes remain a top threat for digital businesses. Cyber-attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and more difficult to detect. In fact, across all industries, cyber-attacks have recently been using COVID-19 as a lure to trick victims into sharing confidential and sensitive data. This has contributed to a rise in cyber-crimes. Clearly, the security of digital products should remain a top priority for businesses embarking on digital transformation.
Do not sacrifice security to rapidly changing environment
The fast pace of change in the digital landscape has become the norm. This is why many businesses often view security considerations as a hindrance to the rapid implementation of digital technologies. Nonetheless, when IT security takes a backseat, it opens the doors for costly potential breaches to happen - as global cybercrime damages are estimated to cost businesses $6 trillion annually by 2021. Consequently, businesses must invest in proper cybersecurity services.
This is where IT security service providers can support businesses in their digital transformation. Every business has unique IT infrastructures and different cybersecurity challenges. Such service providers have a wide range of IT security solutions that can be customized so each business can have a secure IT environment and minimize their digital risks. If your business is looking to safeguard its cybersecurity, here are three ways that IT security service providers can help:
1. Updated cybersecurity in an evolving digital landscape
Just like how digital technologies are constantly changing, IT security threats are continuously evolving as well. Key areas would be the management of data and security of digital identities. Subsequently, good access management practices allow for a safer digital workplace. Access points and areas of potential vulnerabilities need to be assessed, across the organization’s digital products and services within its IT architecture.
This is crucial for spotting loopholes and potential vulnerabilities. Organizations can then update their security measures accordingly and lower their risks of cyber-attacks. IT security service providers will work closely with businesses to identify the latest threats, which would be applicable to their situation and how to potentially prevent cyber-attacks from happening. Since these vendors are updated with the latest threats and cyber-attacks, they can support businesses in protecting their data from even the most advanced and evolved cyber-threats.
2. Ensure security throughout the solution development process
Instead of an afterthought, cybersecurity solutions should be integrated within the process of an organization’s digital transformation process. This secure-by-design approach ensures thorough cyber-security within the IT ecosystem. IT security consultants will work towards better understanding an organization’s needs and provide a detailed analysis of how IT security components can be integrated into the solution design process.
Backed with quality software engineering and continuous testing, an organization’s IT system will not only be built securely but also within schedule. Sustainability is ensured as operational requirements are regularly evaluated and reflected in the design.
3. Proactive in discovering and reacting to cyber-attacks
One way to counter such threats is to have adaptive security solutions. These solutions proactively detect suspicious activities and potential cyber threats, allowing businesses to respond to the situation faster.
By implementing continuous, risk-based user authentication for example, the IT system can detect a cyber-attack even after the victim’s account has been hacked. Even if the user’s device has been compromised, the system can detect a breach by comparing multiple attributes like behavioral biometrics, geo-location and device information against the user’s present activity. The system can also be programmed to automatically respond to the breach, by terminating the session and informing the user accordingly. This solution can counter even malware-based and identity theft attacks that could even overcome multi-factor authentication solutions.
Teaming up with a professional partner pays off
As organizations all around the world prepare themselves for a digital future, they must understand that ensuring IT security is just as important as implementing digital technologies. Reducing the risks of cyberattacks will ensure that digital businesses can continue their operations safely and effectively. As a result, engaging IT security providers as partners will be a worthwhile investment for businesses everywhere.
