AVATAR Blog

Cybersecurity Managed Services from AVATAR Managed Services offer Comprehensive Protection and Peace of Mind

Cybersecurity remains a prominent topic in the media and business forums. Unfortunately, the spotlight is usually directed toward security breaches and the sometimes catastrophic effects the incident can have on lost revenue and loss of reputation. The prospect of being a victim of cybercrime can be frightening. Companies of all sizes are targeted, seemingly randomly. For business owners and subject matter experts in any other field, questions are asked like “Why would someone target me?”, “Surely there are other, more obvious targets that would make attacking my business a waste of time?”, “Where do I even start when my skillset is so removed from cybersecurity?”, “Is investing in cybersecurity measures a worthwhile investment?”

As is often the case when there is uncertainty and a lack of understanding, many companies embrace tighter security measures only after the worst has already happened. Every breach can be costly in terms of money spent, time spent, reputation loss, and the inevitable stress that results from an urgent crisis.

How do you know when data is breached?

Alarmingly, the average time to identify a cybersecurity breach can be many months. When credentials and systems are compromised and the attack is not noticed, the damage done can be extensive. Detecting a breach early and then mitigating the damage quickly is one way to reduce the overall cost of an incident.

Performing a detailed analysis of the system to investigate the scope and potential impact of a security breach alone can take significant funds and several weeks.

Where a cyber attack is malicious and disruptive, the breach could be obvious almost immediately. For instance, the breach could make the system inaccessible, or content could be replaced.

Once a company identifies that they have been a victim of a cyber attack, they may be obligated to notify authorities and clients. Publicly traded companies in the United States must disclose cybersecurity incidents that affect operations, finances, reputation, or legal obligations to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Disclosures must be done in a timely manner, with companies often only having a few business days following the identification of the breach.

Watch for the signs

Becoming aware of a cybersecurity attack may take a long time, however there are ways to try to protect the business and ways to be smart about tracking activity to investigate suspicious incidents as soon as possible.

• When userids and passwords are common across platforms or systems, the credentials being stolen or compromised on one system may lead to a subsequent breach when potentially linked accounts are identified. Although many people choose to have one password, no matter how complex that may be, as it is easier to remember, this is a potential risk.
• Track when userids are logging into a system. Any activity outside of normal working hours could be a good reason to take a deeper dive.
• Periodically ensure that no outgoing data has been sent from an account without good reason. Look out for each other as colleagues: if one team member sends some unusual information or confidential information, and someone else sees that, question it immediately.
• Set up alerts and notifications on payments and transactions if possible.
• If something looks suspicious, always report it. Don’t assume there has been a system or process change.

Who can help?

Managed Service Providers such as AVATAR Managed Services are experts in cybersecurity. Their Managed Cyber Security Services include processes and procedures that lay the foundation to protect a company’s systems and data from the cybercrime industry.

Managed cybersecurity capabilities include:

• Email security
• Network Security
• Vulnerability assessments
• Incident Response Plans
• Ransomware protection
• PEN testing
• Security policy management
• Security advisory services (ensuring the true business problems are addressed, looking beyond technology alone)
• Regulatory / Security compliance

Services offered to each client are individually tailored. Contact AVATAR Managed Services today to discuss your cybersecurity needs.