Most entrepreneurs know that in order for their business to thrive, extra precautions must be taken to prevent theft, damage to property, and injuries to employees. However, preventing data breaches or cyber attacks should also be a priority since these can have a strong financial impact on companies. According to recent data, nearly 60 percent of businesses have been hit by ransomware in 2024. About 95 percent of attacks have a financial motive, while the rest are motivated by cloak-and-dagger activities.
Using cybersecurity software is an effective way to protect your business from hackers and cybercriminals. Doing so will not only help you maintain your daily operations, but it also builds trust with customers and lets you stay ahead of the competition. Keep your business safe and secure your tech stack–here’s a guide to choose the right cybersecurity software for your company.
Understand Your Business Needs
Understanding your business’s or organization’s needs can help you select appropriate cybersecurity software. First, you’ll need to know which systems and data are essential for your operations to safeguard customer and vendor information, contracts, and financial records. You’ll also need to evaluate your cybersecurity plan so you can tailor it based on your business’s industry. For instance, if you’re running a retail shop, or if your company offers e-commerce capabilities to your customers, you’ll definitely need software for fraud detection, as well as solutions to stay ahead of potential data breaches. These tools may include antivirus software to catch and stop malware attacks, Endpoint Detection and Response to detect devices connected to your system, and Domain Name System (DNS) protection to prevent employees from accessing dangerous websites or content.
Meanwhile, a government office or agency will need cybersecurity solutions with stricter compliance requirements than those used by retailers. Government agencies need to have cyber protection in place to prevent hackers from stealing information obtained from their Business to Government (B2G) contracts. The US government awards multi-million contracts to businesses across the country year after year, and according to RFPhub, the largest portion of the government’s spending goes to defense, healthcare, and energy and infrastructure institutions. Since these industries are also widely targeted by cybercriminals, government entities will need to implement a zero trust cybersecurity plan. This may include limiting access to information, continuous monitoring for the presence of required software, incident response solutions, and real-time OT and IoT insights, among others.
Choose Future-Proof Solutions
Technology is constantly evolving, so your business will need cybersecurity software that can keep up with new tech developments to keep your company safe from cyber threats. Since hackers keep on finding new ways to breach even the most secure systems, you’ll want to have cybersecurity solutions that can defend against newer technologies like quantum computing which can unscramble encryption in mere seconds, machine learning, and AI. Also, since you don’t want to change your software every few years or so, look for vendors that offer flexible licenses so you can add or remove services without paying additional fees. To accommodate business growth, choose scalable software solutions so they don’t lose efficacy or become obsolete in the future.
Multi-factor authorization is another way to future-proof your cybersecurity solutions since you and your employees will need to confirm access through an app or a text message, and this can be effective to stop phishing attacks. Developing a solid incident response plan can also shield your business from multiple cyber threats throughout the years. This plan may involve incorporating patch management into your system and doing regular updates.
Check for Compatibility and User-Friendliness
For smooth and hassle-free operations, see to it that your cybersecurity software is compatible with your existing IT systems. Before purchasing, ask vendors if they can provide compatibility tools to see if your system can run their software. You’ll also want to check the software’s minimum system requirements, noting any special condition that it needs to run. Incompatible software can make your system vulnerable to cyber threats, so take the time to ensure compatibility before buying and installing.
Finally, you’ll want to check for user-friendliness when securing your tech stack. The software should be simple enough for individuals who are not cybersecurity professionals. You and your team should be able to use and navigate it without having to make constant calls to the vendor or their customer service personnel. You’ll also want to make sure that the software does not interfere with your customers’ or staff’s experience, especially if you’re running your business online.
There’s a wide array of software and tools that can protect your business from cybercriminals. Consider these tips to choose and build a strong cybersecurity plan for your company, and protect your venture and customers from current and emerging cyber threats.
