Small and medium businesses (SMBs) face unique cybersecurity challenges. On the one hand, they are often targeted by cyber criminals, leading to significant financial and reputational impacts. On the other, they typically have limited budgets and resources to address the risks.
Given the need to do more with less, SMBs can implement strategies that will maximize their security efforts. A few of those strategies include:
Leverage Automation
- Implementing automated tools for threat detection and response can significantly enhance efficiency and accuracy by swiftly identifying and addressing potential threats. Specifically, a recent ESG report also highlights that organizations using advanced automation in their security operations experience a 40% reduction in the time needed to detect and respond to incidents. Additionally, organizations with the best threat detection and response (TD&R) capabilities are 3.5 times more likely to have extensively automated operations than those that are weak.
- By automating routine tasks, security teams can optimize their workflow and focus on more strategic initiatives and complex issues that require critical thinking, creativity, and personal interaction. Delegating repetitive tasks to AI reduces errors and provides faster service to clients, ultimately leading to a more efficient and effective operation.
Prioritize Critical Assets, Secure them First
- Conduct a thorough risk assessment to understand which assets, if compromised, would have the greatest impact on your operations. Prioritize security measures like data protection, identity management and network segmentation on those areas to most effectively allocate limited resources and avoid the worst-case scenarios.
Outsource When Needed
- For specialized functions that require expertise beyond the capabilities of your in-house team, consider outsourcing to managed security services. These external services can provide access to advanced tools, knowledge and 24/7 monitoring, ensuring that your organization is protected against evolving threats while reducing the burden on internal resources. Given the on-demand nature of these services you can also avoid significant capital expenditures.
Train Employees
- A significant percentage of attacks come down to human error like phishing and social engineering. According to the Cost of a Data Breach 2024 report, employee training is the most effective way to reduce the cost of data breaches. Educating staff on current threats, best practices and policies fosters a security-aware culture, thereby reducing risk. Training IT staff in cybersecurity basics also broadens their skillset, creating a more adaptable workforce capable of handling diverse IT and security tasks.
Partnerships with Educational Institutions
- Work with local colleges and universities to establish or take advantage of cybersecurity internship programs. Students can gain valuable hands-on experience, and organizations can tap into a pool of emerging talent. Collaborations like these can address immediate cybersecurity needs while developing the next generation of talent and encouraging innovation.
Role of Technology and Services to Help Close Security Gaps
Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) Services serve as a prime example of how businesses can gain expert cybersecurity guidance without the cost of hiring a full-time security executive with security skills. By leveraging vCISO services, organizations can access personalized security strategies tailored to their unique needs. These services provide experienced leadership that can lead and build existing security teams.
In addition to vCISO, a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity services can fortify your security team and protect your organization. From threat detection to incident response services, they enable the rapid action needed to address a threat or attack.
Beyond the basics, third party security services can extend to comprehensive risk management and regulatory compliance support. These companies can also offer advanced endpoint protection, safeguarding devices across your network, and data protection services to ensure your data’s integrity and confidentiality.
Dell offers all these services and more, with extensive cybersecurity solutions designed to significantly enhance your security posture in a flexible, cost-effective manner. Whether it’s the latest in threat detection or endpoint management to augmenting your security staff, Dell can help you advance your cybersecurity posture.
Conclusion
Today’s continually evolving threat landscape means continuing cyberattacks that are growing in number and sophistication. Organizations need robust protection to protect their operations, but teams and budgets are often stretched thin. Maximizing your team’s efforts requires education, the right staffing, the latest cybersecurity technology, and potentially the assistance of third-party services. When you need help, Dell offers a variety of solutions and expertise committed to advancing your cybersecurity posture, wherever you are on the journey.
Learn more on Dell’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month site.
