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

Expanding cybersecurity programs in businesses today is essential. “In 2014, Year-End Economic Reported the National Small Business Association, found that “half of all small organizations reported that they had been the victim of a cyber-attack from 44 percent in just two years” (The Impact of Cybercrime on Small Business). Cyber-attacks are well-known and on the rise. Many small businesses are liable to cyber-attacks due to the lack of resources and knowledge of threats. “The cost of cybercrime to small organizations can be destructive. In 2013, cyberattacks cost small organizations on average $8,699 per attack. Today, that integer has skyrocketed to $20,752 per attack” (The Impact of Cybercrime on Small Business). Emerging a strong cybersecurity program can be a huge financial benefit. It can save these vulnerable companies thousands. Another benefit of developing a cybersecurity program is the protection of sensitive and confidential information. “More than ever, sensitive data, trade secrets and personal information of small and medium-sized firms are targeted by an ever-increasing and sophisticated community of cybercriminals” (The Impact of Cybercrime on Small Business). Private and sensitive data can be safeguarded and surveilled with the implementation of a strong cybersecurity program. Customer information, credit card information, and other client’s information will no longer be breached, which will cause more trust in using online businesses. Another benefit of developing cybersecurity programs in business is reducing phishing and impersonation incidents. “Small enterprises are particularly vulnerable to email attacks closely, mimicking those of banks or other entrusted establishments and citing an urgent need to login to an account or provide some other key information. Since multiple employees could have access to crucial information” (The Impact of Cybercrime on Small Business), many employees are not well versed in recognizing attempts to access vital information and may fall victim to hacking. With the use of cybersecurity programs, these incidents can be avoided. Training and education are necessary for all employees.

“The Impact of Cybercrime on Small Business .” SBIR-STTR, https://www.sbir.gov/tutorials/cyber-security/tutorial-1#.

2. How can you tell if your computer is safe?

The main advantages of implementing cybersecurity programs and protocols can create a competitive advantage for the company. The ideal approach for the implementation of cybersecurity programs is to be integrated into the IT governance of the organization. . IT Governance is a method used to formally align IT strategies and policies with Business Objectives. The integration of these strategies will result in the achievement of the company’s goals and objectives. Based on experience, this alignment gives the company a significant boost because IT investments and security implementations are aligned to business activities and will provide adequate input during the cost-benefit analysis and ROI (Return of Investment). However, this integration does not focus on the security of the systems implemented, which most organizations often overlook. Integrating all these strategies can be a challenging part for the top-level managers of the organization. Integration and selection of the right IT security solutions for the organization should start with an Initial Assessment. Perform an initial assessment for the security protocols and policies deployed in the organization. This will give them baseline data on where to start and the current state of their network security. This will also help the organization identify vital functions and risks during the process integration. Once all areas are already addressed, the integration of the systems will follow.

In this fast-paced technology, cyber threats also evolve proportionally against cyber defense technologies. There is no perfect system and security, based on the famous saying, “Security is just an illusion,” even when your defenses protect you from cyber threats today, there is no guarantee how long it will last. Every one of us should be vigilant, and the integration of various security implementations could help mitigate future risks due to cyber threats.