What are the costs and benefits of developing cybersecurity programs in business? 

There are many benefits in creating a cybersecurity program for a business. Even a small business should consider the benefits of implementing cybersecurity protocols into their daily operations. A comprehensive cybersecurity program helps secure customer data, company data, and employee information. Having a secure network will allow easy access to customer information. This will allow for efficient operation and give the customer a secure peace of mind. If the customer is not comfortable in the company’s ability in keeping their information secure the likelihood of repeat business is unlikely. A cybersecurity program will also protect sensitive company information from those who wish to exploit it. This could mean backing up information onto other offsite secure servers or implementing company training into the risk of cyberthreats. Education and training of employees can have the most effective impact on cybersecurity. The human factor is always the weakest link in the cybersecurity chain and training is the easiest way to harden that link. As an employer you are obligated in the protection of your employee’s personal information. A cybersecurity program can give the security that an employer values their employee’s security and give a level of confidence that can only be come from a history of safe practices. A strong cybersecurity program will allow a company to operate at maximum efficiency. Preventing malware and other malicious content from slowing down a network will allow a company’s servers and flow of information to remain at peak efficiency. However, this security does come with a cost. Implementation of security features and programs can become expensive as the company grows. If the company requires IT support to set up these features this will add to the overall expense. Maintaining an up-to-date firewall and antivirus will require IT support and other maintenance support. No matter what the expense is a cybersecurity program will help prevent unnecessary loses and prevent a hard target to those wishing to do harm to a company.