Blog

Cybercrime would be the greatest threat to every company on earth.

This forecast was stated back in 2015 during IBM’s Security Summit in New York City. IBM’s then CEO, Ginni Rometty, was forewarning Chief Information Security Officers, CIOs, and CEOs from various companies.

Fast forward to the future, and damages from cybercrimes are estimated to surmount to a staggering $10.5 trillion each year, starting in 2025.

In the present situation, with remote work dramatically increased since the pandemic, the risks of exposure to cyber crimes have also increased significantly. With the current rise in cybersecurity crime and the current work-from-home landscape, it is more important than ever to find a cybersecurity partner for your business who is reliable and will keep your digital assets protected. With the myriad of options available, it can be tricky to find the right cybersecurity company to match your requirements. Here are a few factors to consider to make your task simpler.

1. Finding a cybersecurity partner starts with determining your security requirement

Considering the vastness and diversity of cybersecurity services, the process of searching for the right cybersecurity partner should always begin with your business’s specific requirements. A few critical enterprise security requirements include

• Network security

• Endpoint security

• Access control management

• Malware and phishing protection

• Anti-virus

• Device and data storage protection

2. Choose the right type of cybersecurity company

Depending on your requirement and your budget, you could choose to outsource your enterprise security to Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP), who will typically handle end-to-end network security, including upgrades and modifications. An MSSp will also monitor your network security. Your second option is to go with a consulting firm that specializes in compliance guidelines by providing help with regulations such as Canada’s Consumer Privacy Protection Act (CPPA), Europe’s GDPR and HIPAA.

3. Versatility is vital in the world of cybersecurity

As mentioned in the first point, your enterprise security requirement is myriad. The ideal option is to find a cybersecurity partner who is well-rounded and covers most, if not all, areas of security. Be wary of IT security providers who advertise themselves as being specialists in one or two areas. Instead, choose a single provider with the experience and know-how to provide overall protection to your business data and digital assets.

4. Certified cybersecurity professionals are a good bet 

While you may never know how reliable and capable a cybersecurity company is specializing until you employ their services, learning about their certifications is the first step towards picking a potentially dependable security partner.

You can start by looking for positive reviews left by other organizations that may have utilized a security company’s services. Also, read any available case studies to learn about previous cybersecurity threats and compromises that the company may have successfully tackled.

Finally, check the company’s industry certifications, which should give you an indication of the extent of their capabilities and expertise. A few common cybersecurity-related certifications include GSNA, CISSP, CISA, CISM, CCSP and GSEC, to name a few.

5. Check on their accessibility, preparedness and response time

Find a cybersecurity partner who is available 24/7 to respond to any form of cybersecurity issue your business might face. A responsive firm is especially important when you have employees working in shifts or cater to clients round-the-clock. It is always a bonus if the security partner is willing to provide a dedicated representative to cater to your company’s cybersecurity needs.

Also, learn about their contingency plan if a cybersecurity attack or a security compromise does happen. How will their team respond, and how fast can they respond to minimize damages?

6. Look for a cybersecurity partner who can expose any existing weakness in your IT systems

Having a cybersecurity partner who will protect against threats is one step towards safeguarding your and your client’s data. However, you can go one step further by finding a cybersecurity partner who can conduct an in-depth audit of your company’s IT systems and applications.

An audit could involve a real-world simulated cyberattack that can reveal existing vulnerabilities, which, once fixed, further reduces the chances of a cyber attack or data or system compromise.

If your company is developing an application, you could also opt for managed security QA. Managed security QA involves integrating application security assessment in the product development cycle. This will ensure the most cost-effective and time-budgeted risk management approach to avoid fixing vulnerabilities after the product has been launched. 

Improve the chances of safeguarding your business and your client’s data

At PacketLabs, we help clients like you strengthen their cybersecurity with services such as penetration testing, also referred to as ethical hacking. To learn more about how our team can improve your organization’s IT systems, check out our penetration testing services or please write to us at info@packetlabs.net. You can also receive free quotes on our pen testing services, and we’ll get in touch with you within 48 hours.