Enable your business to thrive in a disruptive world

Digital Trust is a make or break for your business

In today’s digital world where most businesses operate online and data breaches are becoming more common, digital trust has become a valuable commodity for those companies that earn it. This phenomenon – where trust has become the currency by which businesses differentiate themselves from others – is starting to change the way businesses look at security. A report by CA Technologies shows that 86% of companies surveyed said that security is more important to them than convenience when choosing a product or service online. What does Digital Trust mean? We do business with those we trust, and we do more business with those we trust more.

Digital trust is under attack

Unfortunately, digital trust is under attack more than ever before:

• 300% spike in cybercrime during the COVID-19 pandemic
• 57% of attacks are missed by traditional antivirus solutions
• 69% of businesses spend more time managing tools than defending against the threats

Only the cyber resilient will survive and thrive. Digital transformation has not only brought new business models and opportunities, but also new vulnerabilities. Advanced threats and attacks push the security of most companies to their limits. More remote workers increase the exposure to security risks, and most organizations lack the expertise to deal with increasingly complex threats. So while businesses are becoming aware of the importance of cybersecurity, most have no idea whether they are sufficiently protected or not.

How protected is your business?

Even though cybercriminals can destroy your business and everything you’ve built, 83% of business owners don’t have a contingency plan for security threats. As a result, when attacks happen – even small ones – they can be incredibly costly and time-consuming.

When thinking about your cyber protection strategy, there are important questions that need to be asked. Foremost among them: Are the critical assets that power your business safeguarded? Those assets include your data, devices, and, just as importantly, your reputation.

Why your business should outsource your security strategy

Most business owners, want to focus on their core business – your drive and area of expertise probably isn’t cybersecurity. Why would you want to pit your skills against those of expert hackers and cyber criminals?

Outsourcing your cybersecurity strategy makes sense because, if chosen properly, a managed service provider (MSP) can ensure the unique, and often complex, cybersecurity needs of your organization are met, enabling you and your employees to focus on the business. If they truly understand your business’s priorities and risk tolerances, the right MSP can keep your cybersecurity effective – and as simple to manage as possible – becoming a trusted advisor and an extension of your team.

One of the most important skills of any technology partner is excellent listening skills. A managed service provider should be your trusted consultant and fit into your environment (not the other way around) to become a true partner and part of your team. By focusing on your point of view and aligning with your business goals, an MSP can build a security program specific to your business’s needs. Ensuring your organisation’s cyber resilience makes it a safe, thriving environment that welcomes innovation, maximizes productivity, and is able to cultivate the digital trust of your customers.

A sound cybersecurity practice is not just technology: it’s people

Enabling cyber resilience means ensuring your business uses best-in-class technology, but is also reinforced with well-trained, risk-aware people. A trusted technology partner should be an expert in providing cyber leadership. Comprehensive endpoint detection, protection, and response plans enable an MSP to help you monitor and manage all your business’s data, applications, and systems – regardless of location. Balancing that technology with human intelligence is critical. Security awareness, training, and processes that enable your team as the first line of defence are key to thriving in today’s disruptive world.

Its time to make digital trust a top priority

Over the past year, people around the world have moved online and now conduct most of their lives digitally – both personal and professional. For most, this shift has required increased trust from all of us. The shift to a digital world impacts your business, its brand, and the trust of your customers. Trust is big business, and loss of consumer trust can wreak havoc on your business’s brand, reputation, and finances.

Keeping cybersecurity as simple as possible, and instilling a relationship with a trusted IT technology partner who understands your unique business requirements, are key to a successful outcome in today’s disruptive world. As an Acronis Brisbane partner, Smile IT can provide you with recognised best-in-class cybersecurity tools, access to expert knowledge and advice, and the supportive, professional relationship your business needs to thrive. Just get in touch with us and discover how simple it is.