There has been a steady increase in cyber attacks by malicious actors over the past several years as businesses increasingly conduct their activities online. Impacted businesses can experience severe and long-lasting consequences. In addition to a loss of reputation, these businesses may also experience a significant financial loss as a result of measures implemented to contain and manage the data breach. Businesses impacted by a data breach may also be subject to litigation by individuals whose personal information may have been compromised. In 2018, the average cost of a data breach was $3.86 million, up from $3.62 million in 2017, a 6.4 percent increase.
Businesses traditionally kept their networks secure by locally installing anti-virus and anti-malware software on all endpoint devices. With increased cloud adoption as well as the sophistication of cyber attacks, however, these traditional security mechanisms are no longer sufficient; cloud-based applications have unique vulnerabilities that are not fully covered by traditional security mechanisms. Therefore, the optimal way to ensure that a network is fully protected is to implement a cloud-based cybersecurity strategy.
What is Cloud-Based Cybersecurity?
Cloud-based cybersecurity, also known as cloud-based endpoint protection, is a cybersecurity strategy whereby a network infrastructure, as well as all end-user devices, is kept secure using cloud security tools and applications. This service is performed by a third-party provider who has the responsibility of ensuring that all devices connected to the network as well as the network infrastructure are kept secure. Businesses typically have to pay a regular fee to the third-party provider for their use of the cloud-based cybersecurity service.
Benefits of Cloud-Based Cybersecurity
The use of a cloud-based cybersecurity strategy for your business offers a whole lot more benefits than traditional security strategies, especially if your network is cloud-based. Discussed below are some of the benefits conferred on businesses that use a cloud-based cybersecurity strategy.
1. Threat Detection in Present Time
Malware and viruses are identified more rapidly when using a cloud-based cybersecurity strategy. Network monitoring and analysis are typically done in real-time; as such, any threats to the network can be rapidly identified. Upon identification, measures can be immediately implemented to localize and contain the threat so as to prevent further spread. This is in contrast to traditional security mechanisms where network monitoring is performed at regularly scheduled intervals. As a result, a threat may go undetected for a long period of time and cause significant damage to the network infrastructure.
2. Security Updates / Upgrades
Using a cloud-based cybersecurity strategy for your business ensures that your network remains constantly up to date with the latest security updates and upgrades. Any updates and upgrades are deployed as soon as they are available across the entire network and end-user devices, thereby ensuring that there are no vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious actors. In contrast, security updates and upgrades take longer with traditional security mechanisms because they have to be installed individually on each device; there is also the potential that an end-user device may be missed thereby putting the entire network at risk.
3. Mobile Devices
Mobile devices such as laptops and notebooks usually pose the greatest risk to network infrastructure as they can be used in several network environments. With a cloud-based cybersecurity strategy, however, mobile devices connected to your network can be closely monitored for any security threats. In addition, controls can also be put in place to restrict the access of mobile devices to specific parts of the network; threats that are inadvertently introduced into the network can therefore be easily contained and localized.
The Bottom Line
At Cyber Sainik, we know how important it is to keep your network secure. In business since 1988, we have the knowledge and expertise needed to develop a cloud-based cybersecurity strategy for your business. Contact us today for more information about our services.