Cybersecurity is a word that we hear about in the news, but that doesn’t often inspire deep curiosity and interest; it’s not exactly “light reading.” Cybersecurity refers to the protection of digital assets and data from unauthorized or criminal use. It includes the methods, tools, systems and processes used to help keep your organization’s information safe.
If you have a brick-and-mortar store or office, you likely have an alarm, CCTV cameras or a security system. Your team may have open and close routines and other procedures to keep them and the store safe. Cybersecurity functions in much the same way for your digital storefront and assets.
As more of our daily lives move online, a growing number of Canadian companies are concerned about their cybersecurity needs. Businesses themselves are banking online, placing orders, communicating with customers, and doing bookkeeping online.
In 2017, Statistics Canada found that 20% of small enterprises and 30% of medium enterprises experienced a cyber incident in Canada. Moreover, 80% of enterprises did not have a written policy to manage or report cybersecurity incidents.
A robust cybersecurity plan can help prevent the disruption, downtime, loss of data and other challenges that result from a data breach.
What kind of data needs protecting?
You should protect any corporate electronic data that you wouldn’t want to be leaked. That may be customer info, financial records, intellectual property documents, contracts, communications, hardware, systems and networks.
Of course, cybersecurity needs vary from business to business. At SeekingFire Consulting, we offer a range of services from vulnerability scans (AKA ethical hacking) and assessments to audits and Security Incident Response Plans. We even provide the support of a CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) on a multi-year contract.
Good cybersecurity management isn’t just about responding to an incident or breach. It is also about identifying, testing and mitigating risks in advance to keep the bad guys out.
Thanks to the folks at SecureWorld for highlighting this meme:
Why does it matter?
Hopefully, by this stage of the post, the answer to this question is obvious! We’re talking about protecting your organization’s online data and assets and keeping those items safe from exploitation. It matters because it could be the difference between running a successful business or having a PR nightmare as your clients’ data goes up for sale on the dark web.
With more of us now working from home or accessing work files and emails remotely, the risk and importance of cybersecurity is growing pretty much daily. But, don’t worry, we can help!
At SeekingFire Consulting, we’ve been making the digital world a safer, more secure place since 2005. We’re proud to support businesses and institutions across Western Canada with their data security needs. If you have a cybersecurity question, check out our FAQs or contact us for a no-obligation chat.
Disclaimer
While we have made every effort to present accurate, unbiased and helpful information in this article, please note that it reflects the author’s opinion and is written for the purposes of general knowledge, information and discussion. This article is not intended as legal advice, nor should it be considered as advice specific to your individual data security situation. If you would like to discuss your cybersecurity needs in specific detail, please get in touch with us.
