Every organization is at risk for cyberattacks, regardless of industry or size. To keep assets secure, business leaders should consider hiring a cybersecurity consultant to implement resilient cybersecurity measures. Rather than create a team dedicated to cybersecurity, most businesses are exploring outsourcing cybersecurity consulting needs.
What is Cybersecurity Consulting?
Cybersecurity consulting provides expert guidance to businesses on protecting digital assets from unauthorized access, data breaches, and cyber threats. There is a vast range of services that help companies become more cyber-aware and build resilience to cyber-attacks. Depending on the requested initiatives, these services may include preparation assistance for necessary audits, conducting various assessments and analyses, or partnering with an external Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
Data Breach Impact
Businesses are facing data breaches at an increasingly alarming rate, due to the advancement of technology and the utilization of electronic data throughout the world. The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), tracked 2,116 data compromises for 2023, surpassing the previous record of 1,862 breaches in 2021.
Businesses face endless and ever-changing risks when it comes to cyber and data security. One of the leading causes of data breaches are unintentional insider threats, such as an employee falling victim to a phishing email. Other risks include insufficient planning for incident response, outdated software, inconsistent monitoring, and lack of company knowledge around cyber and data security. In the 2023 IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report, it was unveiled the global average cost of a data breach was 4.45 million, a 15% increase over 3 years. Cybersecurity initiatives save organizations millions of dollars and increase the business’s credibility to protect their assets, as well as their clients.
Why You Should Consider Hiring a Cybersecurity Consultant
Many businesses consider hiring a cybersecurity consultant to gain a competitive edge for increasing sales or if they have undergone a recent data breach. Regardless of industry, it is best practice to implement proper security measures, as every organization is susceptible to an attack if they are not properly secure.
Reduce Costs
Working with an external cybersecurity consultant results in substantial cost savings and increases overall efficiency by eliminating in-house costs and providing great flexibility when it comes to different packages that can be offered.
Mitigate Risk
Having a proactive mindset around cybersecurity allows the company to learn how to take care of threats before they arise. A consultant will assess the security posture of a company through various analyses and assessments. At every level, there is an opportunity to build up robust resiliency and continuously monitor and strengthen security measures.
Stay Up to Date on Technology
Organizations must leverage the right tools to maximize efficiency and avoid unnecessary costs. Cyber-attacks are becoming increasingly complex, making new and improved security software necessary for staying ahead of cyber threats. An external consultant can evaluate the current software and determine if a company is paying for any unnecessary security controls or requires additional measures. This helps to ensure organizations are not burdened with unnecessary expenses, allowing them to allocate resources more effectively.
Remain Informed
Cybersecurity consultants provide an abundance of knowledge and expertise, allowing businesses to increase their knowledge of cybersecurity best practices. To decrease the likelihood of unintentional insider threats, the consultants can build up the company culture around cybersecurity by implementing security awareness training programs, instilling a sense of responsibility among employees.
Partner With a Cybersecurity Consultant Today
With data breaches on the rise, it is more crucial than ever to protect your business assets. Partnering with a cybersecurity consultant is a strategic move that sets your business apart from others by instilling robust security measures and building up the company culture around cybersecurity awareness. The sooner your business adapts to a cyber-secure mindset, the better you will mitigate risks and protect yourself from the significant costs associated with data breaches.
