Cybersecurity Threats Are Here to Stay -- Don’t Ignore These 5 Challenges in 2019

It’s no secret that we believe in educating our customers about the challenges and issues around securing their networks and information.

Research and common sense -- how many of you have received a “friend request” from a hacked Facebook friend recently? -- reveal that cyber criminals are continuing to ramp up efforts to steal your data.

Here are a few cybersecurity trends for 2019.

Security Still an Issue

This one feels like cheating, but I want to reinforce the point that cybersecurity isn’t going away and that attacks will continue on everyone -- from individuals to the Fortune 1000.

What to do: Address security head-on. Don’t hide your head in the sand and hope it goes away or you don’t become a victim.

Cybersecurity Hiring Gap Continues

We’ve discussed this in more detail in a previous post: The Cybersecurity Skills Shortage And How You Can Still Protect Your SMB's Critical Data.

A new study by ISC, the Cybersecurity Workforce Study, 2018, shows an increase in the number of unfilled cybersecurity positions. In fact, the title focuses on this point -- Cybersecurity Professionals Focus on Developing New Skills as Workforce Gap Widens.

In the 2017 report, there were 1.8 million open positions. That number has risen to 2.9 million globally. In North America, the number is 498,000.

The impact is real. Of the 1,500 respondents, 59% said their organization was at greater risk because of this skills shortage.

What to do: Treat your cybersecurity staff well! If you’re having a difficult time staffing cybersecurity positions, consider outsourcing with a managed IT provider. Click here to download a toolkit that explains everything you need to know about managed IT.

Cyber Extortion and Data Breach Risk Rises

Cyber extortion, like ransomware attacks, will be a greater risk say 67% of respondents. 66% believe “data breaches or cybersecurity exploits will seriously diminish their organization’s shareholder value.”

What to do: Realize ransomware is a real challenge. Read more here.

Lack of Executive Leadership Continues

Even as threats grow, only 36% of IT security practitioners say their senior leadership see cybersecurity as a strategic priority. This attitude can hinder hiring and prevention of cyber attacks. To understate the case: that’s not good for you business.

What to do: If you are an executive reading this, take it seriously. If you aren’t, use some of these statistics to reinforce your case.

Reactive Response to Threats and Incidents

Instead of proactively approaching security, 53% of respondents say their organization responds to the attack of the day. This points to a need for automation of vulnerability management and patching/updating software and network devices.

What to do: Automate updates as much as possible.

One final, interesting (and frightening) tidbit; while not immediately relevant for our business, there are growing concerns of nation-state hacking and fears of cyber warfare for many of you reading this.

For smaller businesses with limited resources, it can be difficult to address cybersecurity issues. Outsourcing security with managed network services is one way to cost-effectively address this challenge so that you can sleep better at night -- and your existing IT staff can focus on higher-value work.

Regardless of whether you outsource or DIY, I want to reinforce my original point:

Cybersecurity is not going away. It affects EVERY business - from one-man shops to the global brands. Executive leadership is needed to keep your business secure.

We see many of our clients and potential clients making serious cybersecurity mistakes. To help you understand them, we’ve create an infographic called the The 7 Deadly Sins of SMB Cybersecurity. Download a free copy here or click the image below.

*Research statistics are from Ponemon Research:

• Separating the Truths from the Myths of Cybersecurity
• 2018 Study on Global Megatrends in Cybersecurity