Cyber Security Challenges Facing Today’s Small & Medium Sized Businesses

In our hyper-connected world, there are many cyber security challenges facing today’s small and medium sized businesses. Not only focussed on running a successful operation, business owners also need to be aware of the dangers lurking online and have a strategy to stay safe from cyber risks.

From a strain on resources to a lack of knowledge in the cyber security field, there are many stumbling blocks to overcome on the road to online safety. 

Making The Case for Managed Security Services

Sometimes the smartest move is to ask for help from the experts. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, so a strong defense requires an always-on security mentality. Do you have someone in your organization dedicated to detecting threats? For many small and medium-sized organizations with limited resources, this shift to a more proactive approach to threat detection can be a challenge without an experienced IT professional on staff.

The solution? Use Managed Security Services to take on the cyber security challenges facing today’s small and medium sized businesses. Rather than facing the onerous task themselves, business owners can turn to Managed Security Service Providers for cost-effective security skill sets and services.

Cyber Security Challenge #1: Lack of Cyber Expertise in the Organization

Topping the list of cyber security challenges is a lack of expertise in the organization. As businesses look to strengthen their cyber security defense, the first road block they often hit is a lack of experienced IT professionals on staff. On the other hand, when an IT professional is on staff, they are often pulled in numerous directions, lacking the time to take a proactive approach to cyber security.

To overcome this challenge, work with a team of external cyber security experts who are trained and certified in cyber security best practices, tools, and techniques. Managed security service personnel understand the different types of cyber security attacks, compliance requirements, threat trends, and target vulnerabilities.

Prevent Alert Fatigue

Cyber security protection technology can generate hundreds to thousands of alerts every week, quickly overwhelming your staff by the sheer volume of the alerts. That overwhelm can allow critical alerts to fall through the cracks and potential data breaches to go unnoticed. It is vital for alerts to be vetted, prioritized, and resolved.

Help wanted! It’s estimated that the cyber security workforce needs to grow by 145% to meet increasing demand.

IT Staff Supply and Demand

Due to a rising hiring demand, the security job market is ripe with opportunities. It’s tough to keep trained security staff in today’s climate, so be ready to adjust your IT budget to add the perpetual expense of hiring and training new people.

Cyber Security Challenge #2: Time and Energy Taken Away from Business

Working with a Managed Security Operations Center (SOC) built and staffed by a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) provides immediate security expertise, quick ramp-up, and breathing room to proactively strategize the future of your IT security focus.

Easily tailored to suit your desired level of involvement, the ideal Managed SOC offers a variety of security solutions. Options can range from security services done for you, with you, or do-it-yourself, and there are benefits to each option.

Do-It-for-You

For a more hands-off approach, partner with a Managed SOC provider and enjoy top-notch cyber security protection for your business. They will work as an extension of your team, monitoring security events and providing remediation of malicious activity.

Do-It-with-You

Meld Managed SOC resources with your IT security staff. You’ll immediately reduce your cyber security risk while maintaining fewer security personnel and building internal skill sets through access to a team of experts. 

Do-It-Yourself

If your internal IT staff can keep your organization safe from cyber risks, you may decide to develop your own SOC. We recommend you still partner with a Managed SOC provider for monitoring and protection, while your team handles remediation.

Cyber Security Challenge #3: The Added Expense of Security

Is the added expense of internal IT staff stretching your budget? Or not something you even have the funds to consider? Working with a Managed SOC provider can offer a cost-savings in your IT department. A Managed SOC provider will typically provide unlimited support at a pre-defined, fixed monthly fee. That means your bill doesn’t increase, even if the number of potential threats do. This approach allows you to easily manage and monetize security-as-a-service and spread the cost savings to other areas of your business.

The Managed Security Operations Center (SOC) Difference

Built with small and medium sized businesses in mind, a good Managed SOC team understands how you work and the challenges you face. The team will work in tandem with you to ensure you’re operating as one collaborative unit, strengthening your security so you can focus on what you do best: your business. If you find yourself in the midst of an active attack, a Managed SOC team can provide clear guidance, from investigation and response to remediation.

The Final Word on Cyber Security Challenges Facing Today’s Small and Medium Sized Businesses

If you found yourself relating to these cyber security challenges, know that you are not alone. Many business owners are dealing with the same dilemmas. Download our e-book to learn more about the cyber security challenges facing today’s small and medium sized businesses and find out more about how a Managed Security Operations Center could be the answer.

Want to learn more? Contact Com Pro today. We know you’ll love the managed SOC difference!