If you are a small business owner, you know what you know – and unless you are an IT professional, you might not know about proactive cyber security.

Proactive cyber security is a way to look ahead, anticipating future issues and needs when it comes to your cyber security. It’s playing offense as opposed to defense, essentially.

At a time where cyber crimes are increasing, you can’t ignore the threat. In 2020 alone, the FBI estimates that more than $4 billion was lost to cybercrime in the U.S.

So, what is proactive cyber security, and do you need it?

Proactive cyber security is laying the groundwork so you can respond adequately BEFORE a cyber attack. If you respond after the attack has occurred, it’s too late. You want to prevent them.

Being proactive means your organization works to cut the risk, patches vulnerabilities in your infrastructure, prevent data and security breaches and regularly test your defenses.

You do not want to be reactive when it comes to cyber security – meaning your firewalls, antivirus software and other threat monitoring systems are not enough.

Reactive cyber security addresses the “knowns.” Proactive measures address the unknowns. You do need both – but investing in proactive measures can save you.

Here are some proactive measures to consider:

  1. Threat hunting – you need to look at potential threats, meaning your IT team actively looks for holes in your security system and potential bad actors who might come after you.
  2. Penetration testing – you will need to hire hackers who will intentionally try to break into your systems. And then, if they do, you fix the holes and gaps.
  3. Training – if you aren’t training your employees to recognize and prevent breaches, make 2024 the year that you do. More than 90 percent of breaches happen due to your employees’ errors.

AccuNet Inc.

If you want to talk about how to keep your data secure, we can help. Contact us today!