Chapter 2: Network Security Recommendations for Small Businesses

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape of the 21st century, securing your business's valuable data and IT infrastructure has become paramount. A breach can lead to significant financial losses, damage your reputation, and, in some cases, even lead to the downfall of a business. With an increasing number of sophisticated threats, it's essential to understand the security solutions that every business must have. This post will cover four critical solutions that companies should consider: Cloud Firewalls or SASE, Managed Detection, Next-Generation Antivirus Software, and Backups.

Cloud Firewall or SASE

One of the most critical security measures every business needs is a robust and reliable firewall. A firewall is essentially the first line of defense against cyber threats, monitoring traffic and preventing unauthorized access to your network. Traditional firewalls, while effective, may fall short in today's cloud-centric world.

That's where Cloud Firewalls and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) come into the picture. Cloud firewalls protect your business's data from being accessed or stolen by malicious actors, even when it's stored in the cloud. These firewalls not only protect against common threats such as malware but also offer granular control to allow only legitimate traffic. According to Gartner, by 2025, at least 60% of enterprises will have implemented SASE, up from less than 20% in 2020. The adoption of SASE is driven by the need for security that keeps up with the changing landscape of business networking, providing secure, flexible access to corporate resources.

Managed Detection

Cybersecurity threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and harder to detect. Many small and medium businesses may not have the resources or expertise to manage and respond to these threats effectively. That's where managed detection comes into play.

Managed Detection and Response (MDR) providers offer round-the-clock monitoring, detection, and response to threats. This service ensures that any suspicious activity is immediately identified and dealt with before it can do significant damage. According to a report by Markets and Markets, the MDR market size is projected to grow from USD 1.5 billion in 2020 to USD 2.7 billion by 2025, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.4% during the forecast period. This growth reflects the increasing recognition among businesses of the value of proactive, expert-led defense against cybersecurity threats.

Next-Generation Antivirus Software

Antivirus software has always been a staple in the cybersecurity arsenal. However, traditional antivirus solutions may no longer be enough to protect against modern threats. This is where next-generation antivirus (NGAV) software steps in.

NGAV leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect and respond to a wider range of threats, including ones that have never been seen before. It's designed to protect against advanced threats such as ransomware, zero-day attacks, and fileless attacks which traditional antivirus solutions may struggle to deal with.

According to the Cybersecurity Insiders 2020 Antivirus Report, 79% of cybersecurity professionals feel that traditional antivirus solutions are insufficient to protect their organization's endpoints, while 42% are considering supplementing or replacing their current solution with NGAV. This shows a growing awareness of the limitations of traditional antivirus software and the need for more advanced defenses.

Backups

Last, but certainly not least, having a robust backup solution is a must for every business. Data loss can occur for a variety of reasons, including human error, physical damage, and, of course, cyberattacks.

Regularly backing up data ensures that even in the event of data loss, your business can quickly recover and resume operations. The best practice is to follow the 3-2-1 rule: have at least three copies of your data, store the copies on two different media, and keep one backup copy offsite.

According to the World Backup Day report, as of 2020, 29% of data loss is still due to human error. Furthermore, Cybersecurity Ventures predicts that by 2021, a business will fall victim to a ransomware attack every 11 seconds, and many of these attacks result in data loss. These statistics highlight the importance of regular, secure backups in protecting your business.

In Conclusion

Investing in robust security solutions is no longer optional for businesses; it's a necessity. As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, so should your defenses. By implementing a cloud firewall or SASE, managed detection, next-generation antivirus software, and a solid backup solution, your business will be well-equipped to tackle any cybersecurity challenge that comes its way.

Remember, securing your business is a continuous effort. Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and trends, and continuously review and improve your security measures. Cybersecurity is not just about protecting your data; it's about securing your business's future.