
Almost 60% of Small Businesses FAIL After a Cyberattack. Are You Protected From Cyber Threats?
According to the National Cybersecurity Alliance, almost two thirds of smaller businesses go out of business within six months of a cyberattack. And it is no wonder, with the average cost of a data breach running to a whopping £4,200, according to a recent government report.
Cyberattacks are happening in every industry, and to businesses of all sizes. Between 2021 and 2022, one in four businesses reported a cyberattack, with one in five saying it had a significant negative impact. So if you think cyber threats don’t apply to your business, it’s time to think again.
From system downtime and loss of productivity to reputational damage that some businesses just don’t come back from, the cost to business of a cyber breach is more than just financial.
Sadly, too many businesses see cyber security as a cost rather than an investment, so they try to find the least cost solution. But relying on DIY or off-the-shelf IT security packages is a dangerous approach. When it comes to protecting your data, your day-to-day operations, your brand reputation and your livelihood, there really should be no corner cutting.
Let’s take a look at one specific example to illustrate the point. Let’s explore the subject of firewalls.
What is a firewall?
The term ‘firewall’ originated from an actual wall designed to prevent fire from spreading around a building so that occupants had longer to escape. A PC or network firewall works in the same way, but instead of keeping fire out, it prevents cyber threats getting through.
A firewall prevents unauthorised access to devices and networks, providing protection against the likes of viruses and malware. If a firewall detects anything untoward or malicious attempting to access your network via the internet, it will stop it in its tracks.
But I can use any firewall, right? Like the one that topped the reviews in PC Pro?
Definitely not. When it comes to firewalls, all are not made equal. And this is the key message. Different businesses have different network setups. They work and use the internet in a variety of ways, so are exposed to different levels of threats. So it’s vital that the firewall chosen is suitable for their individual needs.
Cyber criminals are getting smarter. On discovering a weakness, they’ll probe every online connected device and attempt to penetrate the network via that device.
Without the right firewall in place, one that’s correctly configured, they’ll gain access to files, removing them, encrypting them or using them maliciously. Aside from the considerable financial losses associated with loss of customer goodwill, data recovery and dropped productivity, there’s also the threat of regulatory fines, which can be substantial.
However, with a properly configured, professionally maintained and monitored business class firewall, your network, devices and data will be protected. And in reality, the only way you’re going to know you’ve got that properly configured firewall that suits your individual business needs, is to seek the tailored advice of a cyber security expert.
“According to Gartner research, misconfiguration causes 95% of all firewall breaches”
As well as choosing the right product, you also need to make sure your firewall is able to manage cyber threats effectively, without slowing down your network or devices, or compromising productivity. Again, only an IT security professional will be able to provide the bespoke guidance you need on this, and will be able to protect your business ongoing from the latest cyber threats.
Don’t become a statistic. Protect your business from costly cyber threats with a market leading firewall solution from ClearTec IT.
As cyber threats increase in severity and frequency, it’s vital to seek expert, tailored guidance on cyber security for your business.
Cyber security solutions, including firewalls, are notoriously complex and it can be challenging to know what’s best for your organisation. But at ClearTec IT, we specialise in making the complex simple, outlawing jargon and helping businesses grow through solutions that reduce risk, and enhance productivity.
To learn more about our market leading cyber security services and firewall solutions, get in touch to arrange your free, no obligation IT security consultation.