Supply Chain Cybersecurity Risks are the Biggest Threat to Your Business Relationships! The average hacker has complete access to your network nine months before being detected.
That is nine months of a cybercriminal digging into your financials, human resources information, and intellectual property! Further, if your business is storing, accessing, or transmitting client or patient data, you are legally responsible for securing those records. As a result, clients, prospects, and patients will view you as a security risk for sensitive information if you have a breach.
Cybersecurity is Now Affordable for SMBs
In the past, managed security was unaffordable to SMBs. However, managed security cost decreased significantly in recent years, and technology has advanced tremendously. Therefore, small- and medium-sized businesses no longer rely on the basic block and tackle security techniques. Instead, they can now armor their network with the most advanced cybersecurity measures.
Are You Responsible for Your Clients’ Data?
In today’s world, many businesses are entrusted with sensitive information that belongs to another company. For this reason, supply-chain cybersecurity has become mandatory for vendors who access, transmit, or store sensitive data for enterprise or government entities.
Regulated industries like health and finance require vendor risk assessments. Examples include the Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Graham-Leach- Bliley Act GLBA.
You should also take precautions if your business captures the following individuals’ personal information:
• Credit Card/Debit Card Information
• Social Security Numbers
• Phone Numbers
• Addresses
• Drivers License Number
• Passwords
• Banking Information
• Your employees’ personal information
It is good practice to think through all the companies you share this information with, such as telemarketers, HR companies, data analysts, etc. It is critical to ensure your vendors safeguard your company’s sensitive information.
Georgia State Security Breach Notification
All 50 states have implemented Security Breach Notification Laws that require businesses to notify individuals when a breach involves personally identifiable information. Specifically, Georgia Security Breach Notification Law lists the data types that make individuals most vulnerable. Additional requirements state a company “shall notify the information broker or data collector of any breach of the security of the system within 24 hours following the discovery.”
Therefore, it is not only good practice to perform a Risk Assessment on yourself but also insists that every vendor you share sensitive information does as well. Regardless of who is at fault for the breach, your employees and clients will ultimately hold you responsible if you do not do your due diligence.
Root Cause of Most Cyber Security Data Breaches
Negligent employees and contractors account for 62% of all data breaches. The Ponemon Institute 2022 Cost of Insider Threats: Global Report reveals that threat incidents have increased 44% over the past two years, with cost per incident up more than a third to $15.38 million.
INSI Can Help Protect Your Data
Fortunately, you do not have to go through this alone. INSI has comprehensive Managed Security packages to help protect your sensitive data. Examples include:
• Security Information & Event Management (SIEM) – 24/7 real-time threat monitoring, event correlation, and incident response.
• End-Point Managed Detection & Remediation (MDR) – The next level of antivirus analyzes and monitors device events, detect threats, stops the threat, and guides you to remediation.
• Risk Assessments – Identify your network strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) by using policy-based frameworks.
• INSI Complete Security Package – includes a security audit, network security vulnerability assessment, semi-annual security check, biannual penetration test, phishing email test and training, quarterly security checks, staff training, antivirus monitoring, web content filtering, web protection, and spam protection.
INSI: The Best MSP in Atlanta!
Innovative Network Systems, Inc. has a unique approach to integrating IT support and cybersecurity. Our month-to-month programs range from basic support to proactive support, managed support, and customized support. Each program is tailored to the client’s needs and internal IT strengths.
For more information about cybersecurity dangers and the preventative measures for your company, connect with the top MSP in Atlanta; Contact INSI: 770-387-2424, option 2 or click the link below. In addition, we offer 16 different cybersecurity programs to protect you and your data.
About the Author
Deborah Frazier is the author of IT Outsourcing Secrets – A Small Business Guide to Compare IT Support Companies. With nearly 20 years of experience consulting small and medium-sized businesses on their IT support needs, she brings a wealth of knowledge to INSI as Head of Marketing and Sales. If you like this article and want to get notified when a new article is posted, click here.
