Data breaches are incredibly expensive, especially for small businesses. From the direct costs of ransomware to operational downtime, a successful cyberattack can spell the end for many SMBs.
So, what’s the solution? Several things come to mind: backup and disaster recovery plans, firewalls, cybersecurity training, and network monitoring, to name a few. However, these steps, both proactive and reactive, are only part of the story. Before installing new security software and reengineering policy, businesses can take important steps to understand where the security risks are. This process is known as vulnerability testing, and it’s an essential part of an organization’s overall cybersecurity strategy.
What Is Vulnerability Testing?
From servers and hardware to networks and applications, technology is embedded in every part of modern business. This introduces certain risks that businesses in the past didn’t need to consider. To mitigate these risks, there’s a wide range of security best practices to implement. Just as important as this implementation is determining where the vulnerabilities are.
Consider by analogy a facility’s physical security. Vulnerability testing, sometimes referred to as penetration testing, would involve an experienced professional attempting to enter a supposedly secure facility. They might test the front door first, then the windows. Both locked? Good. But what about the roof access hatch? Are there cameras? What about keycard or passcode entry systems?
The point here is that it’s difficult for a layperson to know exactly what to look out for. In the world of IT, vulnerabilities can be far more technical. This is where an organization like Liss Technologies comes in.
The Process
- Testing – We’ll use automated tools to detect vulnerabilities in your servers, networks, and applications. Our approach considers all of your IT assets to form a complete risk profile.
- Analysis – After we identify each vulnerability, our efforts shift to finding the root cause. Often, a single fundamental issue is causing multiple threats. In other words, we don’t just track symptoms—we diagnose the disease.
- Risk Assessment – Not all vulnerabilities pose the same threat. A hole in one system may put confidential customer information at risk, while another could let hackers on to your network. A risk assessment allows us to prioritize remediation strategies.
- Remediation – In this step, we implement new tools, training, and procedures to eliminate security holes. This includes integrating new strategies into existing security processes to boost efficiency.
Benefits
We hear a lot about the importance of cybersecurity. New processes, ransomware attacks in the news, major leaks of confidential data. The immediate reaction for many businesses is to buy a new security tool and then call it a day. At Liss Technologies, we ensure our partners are actually secure instead of just putting on a confident front.
We’ve made vulnerability assessments the core of our cybersecurity strategy. What steps are you taking to ensure your organization is secure? Contact us today—we’d love to assess the situation.
