Cybersecurity programs are an essential to make sure data is protected. Business such as banks and gas pipelines need these programs in place, or it could lead to devastating effects to our lives. Of course, everything in this world is not free which includes security. “On average, companies spend around 10% of their annual IT budget on cybersecurity and about $2,700 on average per full-time employee” (Krystal Triumph, Cybersecurity Costs for Small Businesses,2022, https://www.atlantic-it.net/cybersecurity-costs-for-small-businesses/#:~:text=On%20average%2C%20companies%20spend%20around,spend%20%24300%2C000%20on%20cybersecurity%20costs). This can be a substantial amount as the number of IT employees in a company increases. Not only that but the rise of cybersecurity IT education, and the rise of interest in the field will lead to this budget only increasing as the scope of security can just get higher and higher. Cybersecurity programs such as Two-Factor Authentication, Web application assessments, and Endpoint detection and Response (EDR) need to be periodically checked to keep the system and data protected with updated and accurate security measures. Though this also means that monthly or weekly payments need to be met. This is because cybersecurity has so many intricate parts with in and there are so many people who are needed to have these measures work and operate efficiently. Sever hosting and maintenance is one of the most important factors because if you don’t have a server, you can’t host and protect the data you wish to have in the first place. Atlantic-IT explains, “ You can expect to pay $1,500-$6,000 for a vulnerability assessment on a network with 1-3 servers and $5,000-$10,000 for a network with 5-8 servers” (Krystal Triumph, Cybersecurity Costs for Small Businesses,2022, https://www.atlantic-it.net/cybersecurity-costs-for-small-businesses/#:~:text=On%20average%2C%20companies%20spend%20around,spend%20%24300%2C000%20on%20cybersecurity%20costs). Though with all these payments and fees you are making sure that your information and business is protected and is safe to operate on. Security not only a way to protect information but it is a way to build trust in the clients you may have.