You’ve Digitized Your Operations, Now What? Why You Must Invest in Network Security to Protect Your Assets

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In previous articles, you learned about the importance of disaster recovery and business continuity when uncontrollable factors impact your business operations. One countermeasure included digitizing as many of your operations as possible.

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The push towards digitization took center stage during the COVID-19 pandemic when many of us integrated things like cloud technologies and remote working into our daily operations, whether willingly or by force.

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And we learned that, in many instances, digital technology adoption significantly increased our efficiency. Our teams, customers, and vendors were happy because the speed at which we operated and responded to inquiries skyrocketed.

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Even at my company, we spent an exorbitant amount of time investing in a cloud-based operating system that stored our CRM, project plans, processes, and various databases. It took us well over two years to transition as much of our work as possible into the cloud. As impressive as that may be for a small business with a team of less than 10 people, our work isn’t done.

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I’ve come to appreciate that there’s an important step that I overlooked – security. Network security to be exact.

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The complete cycle for transitioning to digital operations looks something like this:?

Once you and your team identify work that can be performed digitally, you then find the appropriate technology to facilitate the transition and store associated work and data. It’s even possible that you may be able to do things like connect and pair the technology across different devices like your TV, laptop, and smartphone.

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It’s all pretty cool stuff, but if you don’t advance to the secure stage of the digital operations cycle it can make you and your business susceptible to identity theft, financial loss, data breaches, and damaged equipment.

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With the advent of 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT) combined with the emergence of AI and an even darker dark web, the more sophisticated the technology becomes the more we will need to leverage it in our small businesses to remain competitive. Having proper security ensures we won’t regret our decision to do so.

What is Security?

Tools like safety deposit boxes, waterproof and fireproof cabinets, home alarms, and security cameras exist to protect our physical assets, but what about tools to protect our electronic or digital assets?

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There are three types of internet-based security:

1. Software security
2. Hardware/Device security
3. Network security

You may already be familiar with and even have software security measures like encrypted passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA) in place. Hardware or device security tools like antivirus protection can block, prevent, or minimize the impact of harmful digital materials on your internet-based devices.

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However, network security protects the source of your internet-based activity. I recently realized the importance of having network security in place when a computer repairman reported how close I came to having to replace my laptop altogether because of dangerous malware lurking in the shadows. I should mention that I had very sophisticated antivirus software installed and a level of software security that could rival any government’s.

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Yet, my network was still vulnerable.

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Small businesses need robust layers of security just the same as enterprise-level organizations. Small businesses rely on cloud software solutions, IoT devices, and smartphones just as much as their larger counterparts, and all of these need to be protected.

What’s the Worst That Can Happen? Understanding Cyber Threats

As digital technologies and internet-based devices become more advanced, “bad actors” do too as evidenced by the increase in the frequency, intensity, and severity of their deeds. Tools used by cybercriminals can include:

• Malware: software designed to damage and gain unauthorized access to a device.
• Phishing: emails designed to fraudulently gain personal information.
• Ransomware: software designed to block access to a device until money is paid.
• DDoS attack: bots designed to flood a website with “fake” traffic to disrupt network services and shut down a website.

During the pandemic, I personally noticed a surge in malware and phishing activities and unfortunately even went through the painful experience of a DDoS attack. I remember learning that cybercriminals target small businesses because we’re easy prey. We are unlikely to have proper network security in place…and they know it.

Consider this alarming statistic from Accenture’s Cost of Cybercrime Study:?

“43% of cyberattacks target small businesses, but only 14% are prepared to defend against them.”

How You Can Protect Your Business???

There are well-known best practices for securing your internet-based devices, some or all of which you may already do:

• Using strong and unique passwords for each device,
• Updating software and firmware regularly,
• Disabling features like Bluetooth when not in use,
• Implementing access controls and user permissions, and
• Removing cookies.

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However, security goes beyond protecting your devices. It must start at the network. Best practices for securing your network include:

• Configuring and using a firewall,
• Configuring or using a VPN when traveling,
• Updating network equipment firmware regularly,
• Monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity, and
• Implementing access controls and user permissions.

Seek Professional Help

Finding, vetting, and procuring the resources to assist in securing your network can seem an insurmountable task especially if you don’t know what to look for or ask for. There’s no shortage of nefarious people who purport to be consultants and ultimately take over your network without your knowledge or consent.

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Equally frustrating is the investment required. Yes, small businesses have the same needs and same use cases as our mid-size and enterprise counterparts, but we don’t necessarily have their deep pockets. How can we make sure our digital assets are protected without breaking the bank?

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This is where AT&T Business can be a credible and reliable resource for your small business. As one of the largest American telecommunications companies, their economies of scale make it possible for them to offer solutions for network security to small businesses. They also have decades of experience helping small businesses succeed through their consultative services.

The Best Defense is Offense – Security by Design

It’s disheartening to know that just as hard as you work to build, grow, scale, and sustain your business, there are cybercriminals who are working equally as hard to destroy it. Investing in security designed specifically for our needs protects our operations and enables us to act quickly and reach resolution during times of compromise.

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You can slay the network security breach dragon without risking financial strain. Contact a representative today to schedule an appointment to learn the optimal solutions for your small business. It might be the call that literally saves your operations from impending doom.

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Disclaimer: This article is sponsored by AT&T Business but the opinions are my own and don't necessarily represent AT&T Business's positions or strategies.

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About the Author

Alicia Butler Pierre is the Founder & CEO of Equilibria, Inc. – an operations management firm specializing in increasing enterprise value for fast-growing small businesses. She’s a software inventor, a two-time Amazon bestselling author, and producer of a top 2% podcast.

Alicia also serves on the boards of three education-focused organizations and is an adjunct instructor of Lean Principles at Purdue University. She serves as the USA Chair of the G100’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. The Process Excellence Network recognized her as a Top 50 Thought Leader in Operational Excellence. A chemical engineer turned entrepreneur, she’s designed and optimized processes for small businesses, large enterprises, non-profits, and government organizations alike.