Businesses with an online presence are susceptible to cyberattacks, and the legal, physical and financial implications of an attack. Data breaches exposed more than 4.1 billion records in the first half of 2019, according to RiskBased, and this number is likely to steadily increase as technology continues to evolve at a rapid rate.
Cybersecurity consulting services are available to businesses of all sizes and in all industries. These services aim to reveal hidden vulnerabilities and target a viable action plan for safeguarding data assets. Know what to expect from your cybersecurity consulting expert and how working with a cybersecurity consultant can improve IT security.
What Is Cybersecurity Consulting
Cybersecurity consulting is a specialized service for businesses in need of enhanced IT security. The main objective of a cybersecurity consultant is to protect sensitive data from hackers and cyberattacks. However, the roles and responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals are much broader. Today, businesses rely more heavily on technology than ever before, but as technology grows, so do the risks of using them.
Experienced cybersecurity consultants possess a wide range of skills to understand the latest threats, strategies and procedures. They are proficient in security incident handling and response and are knowledgeable in intrusion detection. Working with an experienced cybersecurity consulting management team can save companies time and money, and help clients strive towards greater efficiency.
What To Expect During Cybersecurity Consulting
An estimated 43 percent of all cyberattacks are aimed at small businesses, according to Accenture, but only 14 percent are prepared to defend themselves against these attacks. Working with a reputable cybersecurity consulting team helps keep valuable digital information secure and reduce the impact of potential attacks. Outsourcing IT security tasks is also more affordable than hiring a full-time employee to oversee cyber defense.
When hiring a cybersecurity consultant, it is important to know what to expect. Some of the most common services provided to businesses include the following:
Analysis And Testing
One of the first services that most cybersecurity consulting firms offer involves analysis and testing. A cybersecurity consultant may perform an information security assessment to analyze the state of a company’s existing information security program and identify possible weaknesses or areas of security that require improvement. Carrying out a risk assessment allows companies to view their infrastructure from an attacker’s perspective and determine all critical assets of the technology infrastructure.
Cybersecurity consulting firms also offer penetration testing services. Penetration testing identifies potential weaknesses or gaps in a company’s network that intruders could break through to steal or corrupt sensitive information. Cybersecurity consultants develop custom test scenarios to check applications, networks, operating systems and services. Different attacking techniques are used to replicate a real-life hacking scenario, such as spoofing, SQL injection and social engineering.
Use Of Network Tools And Monitoring Software
Cybersecurity consulting firms use various tools and monitoring software to limit data loss and keep businesses protected from digital threats. A cybersecurity consultant can also recommend tools and software to companies, such as tools that continuously scan for credential leaks and data exposure. Monitoring software is equipped to monitor business systems and devices round-the-clock to prevent gaps in security coverage. Consultants can also recommend tools to help businesses meet compliance standards.
Poor security policies and protocols can threaten a business’s profitability. Technology is constantly evolving and companies must keep pace with these changes to minimize their vulnerability to cyber risks. When a business decides to outsource its IT security to a cybersecurity consulting firm, they are allowing trained professionals to monitor and manage their IT infrastructure remotely.
Educating Employees On Cybersecurity Best Practices
Not all cyber threats come from external sources. In some cases, data loss or corruption can occur when employees are not well-trained to ward off these vulnerabilities. Developing a strong IT security policy is just the first step in protecting a company from cyber risks. Businesses must also train employees how to properly respond to digital threats and identify security gaps that could leave the business susceptible to hackers.
Companies are responsible for educating staff about phishing, social engineering scams and other attacks like malware and ransomware. Cybersecurity consultants can educate employees on cybersecurity best practices and ensure that the company’s IT policy is understood by all staff members. Companies need to take a proactive approach to educating the entire workforce about cybersecurity threats and how to best protect against IT attacks on a routine basis.
Reach Out To An Experienced IT Security Compliance Firm
Making the decision to work with a cybersecurity consulting firm can make a drastic difference in a company’s ability to block costly cyber threats. To learn more about what to expect during cybersecurity consulting services or to speak with an experienced IT security compliance firm, reach out to the experts at SeaGlass Technology today.