If you haven’t invested in IT security, then your business is at risk.
These days, it’s easy to take technology for granted. It just seems like everything works so well. If things are working well, why spend more on things like data monitoring or secure cloud storage?
Here’s a startling fact: a lot of business owners take this approach to network security. They might think, “This will never happen to me,” when it comes to data breaches, malware and hacker attacks. While they might be great at running their businesses, they may end up skimping on their IT security.
They see it as something they simply don’t need to invest in. But a lot of business owners end up paying big because they aren’t serious enough about IT security. A simple virus scan app or firewall just isn’t enough. Hackers and cybercriminals are relentless.
Here’s another startling fact: threats like data breaches, malware and hacker attacks are a lot closer than you think. When you go cheap with your network security or don’t work with an experienced IT services company, it can end up costing you big in the long run.
A lot of business owners skip out on things like network security, cloud backup, data protection and data monitoring because they don’t like the up-front cost or another monthly bill. In reality, while you can expect an ongoing cost, working with a managed IT services firm can be remarkably cost-effective (and smart!).
When your network security solutions are running smoothly, you won’t know it. It all happens in the background. But because it’s not something you “see” on a daily basis, you might wonder if you’re really getting your money’s worth. This can be a challenge for business owners who may want to see tangible results for something they pay for. The good news is that you can get tangible results!
Many IT services firms let businesses customize their reporting. You can actually get daily, weekly or monthly reports from your IT security company! You can see exactly what they’re doing for your business and the exact threats they’re protecting you from.
More than that, a good IT services company is going to work closely with you. They’ll provide you with the information, resources, and tools you need in order to focus on your customers and the successes of your business. They’ll educate you and your team and help you identify the best technology for your needs. That’s the definition of peace of mind!
Here’s why it can be so costly to NOT invest in IT security:
SCENARIO 1: Imagine you’re hit with a malware attack, and it takes your network out of commission. Customer data is at risk, and your business comes to a screeching halt. You have to call in IT experts to fix the problem ASAP. This is a break-fix approach to IT services.
In this event, you’re going to be charged BIG to get your business up and running again. The IT specialists will have to scrub your network and make sure everything can be recovered. Not only do you have to pay to get your network cleaned, but your cash flow also takes a hit while you wait around to get everything fixed.
SCENARIO 2: You’re hit by a data breach. Hackers are looking for information they can exploit, such as credit card numbers, passwords and other identifying information. They often sell this information to other cybercriminals. In almost every case, this information CANNOT be recovered. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
This means you have to take action FAST to make sure stolen information cannot be used. This includes changing credit card information and updating passwords. In the event of a data breach, the sooner you inform your customers, the better. But this is a double-edged sword. Your customers need to know so they can protect themselves. At the same time, your customers may lose faith in you because you put their data at risk.
These are just two examples out of many. When you don’t take IT security seriously or you’re cheap with your technology, it can end up costing you BIG in the end. Work with an IT security company that will work with you to protect your business the right way – and help you avoid scenarios just like these.
