As a cybersecurity company in Miami, we know first-hand what kind of damage a cyber attack can do to a small business. Unfortunately, many small businesses are not prepared for an attack. That’s where a cybersecurity assessment comes into play.
Understanding your vulnerabilities and where you can improve your security can help you better prepare for a cyber attack.
What is a Cybersecurity Assessment?
A cybersecurity assessment is an analysis of your business’s:
- Cybersecurity controls
- Ability to remediate vulnerabilities
It’s more than a simple checklist of items. It takes a deeper look at your organization’s ability to handle a cyber attack.
Small businesses can also use an assessment to identify areas that need improvement.
A cybersecurity assessment will look at several components, including:
- Current assets, such as your network, data and systems
- Vulnerabilities in your assets
- Compliance with cybersecurity best practices
- The cyber resiliency of your assets
Assessments can be performed in-house by a cybersecurity team, or you can work with a third-party service provider.
Many small business owners are already concerned about their budgets and spending. Why should they invest in cybersecurity assessments?
4 Reasons Why You Need a Cybersecurity Assessment
There are so many reasons why small businesses need a cybersecurity assessment. These include:
1. Cyber Attacks are on the Rise
An estimated 2,200 cyber attacks occur each day, with one attack occurring every 39 seconds on average.
No business is immune to an attack, and small businesses are especially vulnerable because many are not prepared for such an event.
Cyber attacks cost small businesses an average of $2.2 million per attack. With this figure in mind, can your small business afford not to get a cybersecurity assessment?
2. You’ll Uncover System Vulnerabilities
One of the biggest advantages of getting a cybersecurity assessment is that you’ll be able to uncover system vulnerabilities and address them before they become a problem.
If you work with a third party, their cybersecurity team will look at your systems the same way a hacker would look at your system. They can identify vulnerabilities and take steps to patch them to ensure your systems are protected.
3. Employees Will Develop Cyber Awareness
Throughout the assessment process, your team will also learn the importance of cybersecurity awareness and how to respond if there is an attack.
The team performing the assessment can simulate an attack on your systems and help your team learn how to respond if there is a real attack.
4. Develop a Cybersecurity Defense Plan
A cybersecurity assessment can help your business develop a defense plan to protect against attacks. The results of the assessment can help you identify specific protections that will fit the exact needs of your company.
A thorough and well-thought-out defense plan can help prevent costly attacks that would otherwise bankrupt some businesses.
As a Miami cybersecurity company, we know the importance of taking steps to protect your business against cyber attacks. An assessment is the first step in shielding your business and ensuring that your team is prepared for an attack.