Let’s clear something up, there’s no organisation or industry in the world that doesn’t appeal to cyber criminals. But why is that? Well, where there’s data, there’s opportunity, and organisations hold a lot of data. That’s why they’re an attractive target for cybercriminals, and too often, their cyber defences are easy to penetrate.

From media and telecom companies to manufacturing firms, no industry is safe. In fact, over the last year (2022-2023), IBM noted around 95% of studied organisations were a victim of one or more cyber breaches. What’s more around half of those organisations continue to put themselves at risk by failing to increase their cybersecurity measures.

So, what if there was a solution that supported your organisation when a breach occurred? According to cybersecurity services provider, and creator of secure+, ramsac, it could be as simple as employing a cybersecurity monitoring service, just like you would an employee. It’s time to consider that proactive cybersecurity measures are just as essential as your payroll or HR department, and just as vital as your paid specialists. Without it, your organisation could see tough times ahead.

What is cybersecurity monitoring?

Designed to detect a breach the moment it happens, cybersecurity monitoring services offer a proactive response and resolution when a cyberattack occurs. Approximately 90% of all cyber-attacks are caused due to human error or simple mistakes. With the chances of human error being so high and the consequences costly beyond belief, securing your operations and systems before a cyberattack occurs should be the top priority.

Why is it important for organisations?

Cybersecurity monitoring is an essential part of any organisation. It’s just like your HR and payroll departments; without them in place, it can affect a whole number of factors. Morale, productivity and employee trust can easily spike in the wrong direction. However, with them in place, it not only offers stability for your workforce but also ensures you remain compliant.

Consider the essential employees your organisation has that you can’t function without. In your organisation, it could be valuable content writers who know your client’s needs thoroughly or a data analyst who is fundamental to keeping your organisation on track. Without them, you may struggle to meet client requirements and expectations, or you could fail at achieving your business objectives. Without fundamental employees, it could be detrimental to your organisation’s success.

So, why should your business be without cybersecurity monitoring? As an “employee” or an essential element of your company, it carries a lot of weight. Without it, you could experience downtime that eats into your profits, affects your employees’ ability to serve customers and damages your overall brand health. However, with it in place, you’ll be able to mitigate some of these hurdles, ensuring a secure remote backup is available so there’s minimal downtime and your customer data remains intact. You’ll also show initiative by actively monitoring potential weak points and taking immediate action before things escalate.

What about good anti-virus software?

Anti-virus software is not cybersecurity monitoring but it should still be a staple for any organisation, or any computer. Yet only 58% of Brits actually use it. As a security programme, it’s designed to detect, prevent, search and remove viruses from all devices, including networks. Organisations without any form of cybersecurity in place are sitting ducks for potential attacks.

Many might ask what the need for a cybersecurity monitoring service is when you have good anti-virus software in place. Monitoring offers organisations even more autonomy and will normally mitigate a potential cyberattack. A good monitoring service uses Machine Learning and AI to flag unlikely or impossible digital scenarios Essentially, it gives companies options and peace of mind, ensuring minimal disruption for customers, service users and employees, whilst guaranteeing business operations can remain functional.

As a 24/7, 365 service, cybersecurity monitoring is completely tailored to your organisation’s needs, priorities and sensitivities. Unlike anti-virus software, that proactively monitors your devices, but doesn’t understand the complexities your company faces, a managed cybersecurity monitoring service fills that gap. That doesn’t mean to say you should drop your anti-virus software, because doing so could make you incredibly vulnerable. Instead, the two are designed to work in harmony. When partnered alongside a cybersecurity monitoring service, they create the ultimate power couple.

What are the benefits of cybersecurity monitoring for your organisation?

• Consistency of service for your customers

Whilst there are official channels and processes your organisation must follow when a cyber-attack occurs, you’ll want to ensure your customers still receive the service they expect. It’s also important that you can confidently reassure them about the situation.

Offers preparedness around cyber-attacks

The first indication of a cyber breach is often after it’s too late. With a proactive service by your side, organisations can rest assured that potential breaches are being monitored around the clock with intervention in place to reduce the threat.

• Adapts to evolving cyber-threats

With AI embedded in almost everything, it’s no surprise that scammers are utilising this tool too. Cybercriminals are able to simulate more realistic requests through AI, such as an email requiring bank details or a requirement to meet with the CEO. As technology and software changes, cybercrime will evolve. Fortunately, a cybersecurity monitoring service is a step ahead here. As well as monitoring for active threats, it can measure potential threats and understand how cybercrime is evolving. Now, your organisation can stay ahead too.

So, are you going to remain vulnerable?

With cybersecurity monitoring services now an option for organisations, it’s the right time to employ them as part of your workforce. Just as you would with vital business functions, it’s time to protect your organisation’ online presence.

The firm’s latest research-backed blueprint explains how nonprofits can bolster their defenses against data breaches by proactively assessing existing privacy and security gaps to implement improvements.

The modern digital landscape has significantly amplified the potential for sensitive data leaks and theft. Data breaches at nonprofit organizations in particular can result in heightened risks and as they compromise the wellbeing of their members, donors, and users, causing disruptions to nonprofits’ day-to-day operations. These consequences extend beyond finances and include operational disruptions, service delays, and potential penalties. To aid nonprofit organizations in safeguarding their stakeholders’ information, Info-Tech Research Group, a leading global IT research and advisory firm, has released its latest industry blueprint, Strengthen Your Nonprofit’s Privacy and Security Operations.

Info-Tech’s resource explains that a nonprofit organization’s fiduciary obligation and mission promise to prioritize the stakeholders’ interests must include its obligation to protect IT assets that hold their personal data through privacy and cybersecurity protocols. However, nonprofits face several obstacles in combating data breaches, including prioritizing mission-focused budgets over operational ones, a lack of defined cybersecurity and privacy foundations, and an inaccurate reliance on cyber insurance as a sole solution.

“Nonprofits are starting to pay attention to data security, yet they loathe to make changes that mitigate cyber risks due to lack of capital and human resources, which remain major obstacles to the path of maturity and consistency,” explains Pagtalunan.

According to Info-Tech’s research, the foremost concern for nonprofits is the risk of information leakage, which affects the entire organization and is not limited to IT alone. There are several processes where a nonprofit may be exposed to the risk of a data leak, including data collection, processing donations or event registrations, or transferring data to the cloud. The impacted data can include sensitive, personally identifiable information of donors, members, and users. The potential impacts can include the following:

• Exposed confidential or sensitive information
• Inaccessible data and a compromised environment
• Reputational damage and the loss of support and revenue
• Legal or regulatory fines and investigations
• Organization-wide interruption

To combat data breaches, Info-Tech advises nonprofit organizations adopt a comprehensive approach, which includes effectively communicating the importance of robust cybersecurity and privacy programs to key stakeholders using language that aligns with the organization’s goals. Additionally, evaluating the intersection of privacy and security measures will help in understanding how to mitigate the risk of data leaks or loss of donor or member information. Taking the crucial first step of assessing existing privacy and security gaps enables nonprofits to proactively address vulnerabilities and enhance their overall defense against data breaches.

Managing security operations is an ongoing and continuous responsibility for organizations. Despite obstacles like the cybersecurity skills gap and limited IT resources, allocating appropriate oversight and supervision is crucial to ensure effective security and privacy operations. In cases where assembling an in-house IT team is not feasible, Info-Tech recommends outsourcing as the ideal option.

Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading information technology research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT professionals. The company produces unbiased and highly relevant research to help CIOs and IT leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For 25 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with IT teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

• Safetech Innovations Global Services (“Safetech”) launches today in London at Plexal, the innovation hub for tech change-makers.
• With today’s launch, Safetech combines their unparalleled, global cybersecurity expertise with the UK’s legacy of being at the cutting edge of cyber development.
• The launch marks one of the most significant Romanian private investments into the UK tech sector post-Brexit.

Cybersecurity company Safetech Innovations Global Services (“Safetech”) launches today in London to provide cybersecurity services and training to British critical infrastructure and organisations which are most vulnerable to cybersecurity attacks including healthcare, financial services, retail, and local government.

This launch marks one of the most significant private investments into the UK tech sector by a Romanian company since Brexit, and will create highly skilled local jobs to service clients around the world.

Safetech is a Department of Business and Trade supported organisation.

“Anything with a digital interface can be hacked – but having the most advanced technology is only half the battle in protecting organisations from cybercrime. You must also understand the behaviour of cyber criminals and how they prey on your vulnerabilities. By combining our expertise in both the technology and people involved in cybercrime, we keep our customers safe,” said Anca Stancu, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Safetech Innovations Global Services. “I’m proud to launch Safetech here in London as testament to the strength of the British market, and to continue Britain’s legacy being at the cutting edge of cyber development.”

“I’m pleased to celebrate the launch of Safetech in the United Kingdom, as yet another example of the strong Romanian-British partnership,” said Laura Popescu, Romanian Ambassador to the UK. “Romania is a world leader in cybersecurity, and I hope this significant investment in the UK technology sector will attract even more business for our two nations.”

“I’m excited and humbled that Safetech has chosen to base their headquarters at our Plexal Stratford location and will also build their new Security Operations Centre here,” said Andrew Roughan, Chief Executive of Plexal. “Safetech is emblematic of Plexal’s mission to bring together expertise and innovation in technology, from industry leaders to government policymakers, and solve the greatest challenges facing the UK.”