5 Surprising Things Cyber Security Consulting Can Prevent

by Kevin Smith Author

Unfortunately, web-based attacks are becoming more and more common. Organizations can end up spending a small fortune in response to a single incident, which can be devastating to the company's bottom line. Cybersecurity consulting can help your business to prevent the risk of cyber-attacks, including identity theft, data theft, hacking, and even a few surprising risks that you may have previously overlooked.

1. Lost or Compromised Data

Working with a cybersecurity firm can help businesses protect sensitive data. Antivirus software, firewalls, encryption, password protection, regularly scheduled backups, and monitoring are all solutions that a cybersecurity consultant can help you to effectively implement in order to prevent data loss. Using these strategies on your own may be ineffective if done improperly; working with a consultant will ensure you get the most out of these security measures.

2. Potential Lawsuits

It only takes one vulnerability in a system or one small mistake from a well-meaning employee to leave data unprotected. Stolen, lost, or corrupted data can have serious ramifications, such as identity theft. Businesses may be held liable for any damages resulting from compromised data. An added benefit of having a cybersecurity professional help to protect your data is that you can put a stop to any potential lawsuits due to data loss or compromised customer data.

3. Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks are attempts by hackers to steal data such as login credentials or credit card numbers by assuming the identity of a trusted individual or business. Most often found in the form of a text or email, phishing attacks use attachments or links that install malware on the victim's computer to gain access to the company's network. With proper guidance and security tools from a consultant, your company can be protected from these crimes.

4. Lack of Preparedness in the Face of a Cyberattack

Many companies make the mistake of postponing thinking about cybersecurity consulting until after a threat arises. Working with a cybersecurity specialist can improve threat management by implementing effective incident response protocol as a precautionary initiative, rather than after the fact. When your company has appropriate approaches to addressing and managing potential cyberattacks, you can rest easy knowing your company is safe.

5. Employee Mistakes

A cybersecurity consultant can also help you properly train employees to identify and avoid cybercrimes. Technology is a great solution for safeguarding your businesses from cyberattacks - but only if your employees know how to use it. Well-trained employees are your company's best defense against cybercrime, and working with a consultant is the surest way to implement safe workplace practices and cultivate company-wide cyber awareness.

The need for cybersecurity professionals is becoming greater, making it difficult and expensive to hire an internal cybersecurity team. Luckily, third-party cybersecurity consultants can provide a cost-effective solution for businesses requiring cybersecurity expertise on a budget. If you're looking to upgrade your company's cybersecurity measures without hiring a full-time team, an independent consulting firm can provide the expertise you need.