Managed IT Services and Cybersecurity: Why Managed IT is Essential for Protecting Data

No business can function efficiently without technology. Unfortunately, the technology that is essential for operating an efficient and successful business also presents countless threats to valuable and sensitive data. Hackers and cybercriminals are constantly trying to subvert digital security measures, so businesses must stay vigilant about keeping their cybersecurity resources robust, and maintain managed IT services.

Weak cybersecurity is among the biggest threats to small and medium-sized businesses. With the COVID-19 crisis causing a sharp spike in online shopping and overall dependency upon online resources, the number of cybercrimes is expected to spike in 2020. The Ponemon Institute reported in its 2019 State of Cybersecurity in Small and Medium-Sized Businesses that attacks on businesses’ data increased significantly from the previous years. Seventy-six percent of U.S. small and medium-sized businesses were attacked by cybercriminals in 2019, up from 55 percent. Successful data breaches jumped from 50 percent in 2016 to 69 percent in 2019.

Additionally, the expense of managing data breaches rose significantly. On average, a company that was victimized by cybercriminals in 2019 spent approximately $1.2 million dealing with the aftermath, up from just over $1 million in 2016.

How are companies attacked?

Worldwide, small to medium-sized businesses are typically attacked using phishing scams, compromising digital devices, and stealing credit information. Small and medium-sized businesses are under increasing threat, too. Nearly 70 percent of all small and medium-sized businesses reported a data breach or cyber attack in 2019.

It isn’t difficult to understand why criminals tend to prefer smaller businesses to large corporations, though large corporations are targeted. Smaller businesses tend to have less robust security measures and are less likely to recognize and react to the breach quickly due to a lack of resources.

Because smaller businesses are under an increased threat of data breaches, business owners must take a proactive stance on their cyber security. Managed IT services is the best resource for organizations that cannot employ their own security teams in-house.

Why do managed IT services make a difference?

Managed IT services is an incredibly effective solution for preventing cyber-attacks and threats. They provide a comprehensive range of support that prioritizes end-to-end security, including data encryption, threat prevention in real-time, security awareness training, firewall protection, and around-the-clock monitoring, among other valuable services.

Not only do managed IT services protect your sensitive data from theft, they also optimize your business operations. This is because all vulnerabilities within your IT infrastructure are isolated and addressed. This helps you achieve faster performance and advanced notification and recovery in the event of network compromises and other technical issues.

If you have a small business, taking the cybersecurity reins proactively will save you time, money, and aggravation in both the short and long-terms. If you want more information about how managed IT services can help you optimize your business, please contact the team at Visual Edge IT for a consultation.