As cybercriminals grow more sophisticated, businesses are scrambling to keep up with the rising threats. In a recent webinar, Adam Sprague, CEO of BrunNet, and David Shipley, CEO of Beauceron Security, outlined essential strategies to bolster organizational resilience and stay a step ahead of attacks.
The webinar focused on human, technological, and cultural readiness to fight cybersecurity and offered practical steps for strengthening businesses’ defences.
Preparedness is everything; people, process, and culture are essential to any effective cybersecurity strategy.
“Preparedness is everything,” Adam said and urged small and medium businesses (SMBs) to run tabletop exercises and develop crisis plans that work when it matters most.
David reinforced this approach when he said that “people, process, and culture are essential to any effective cybersecurity strategy.”
Key takeaways from the webinar:
Cybersecurity should be a cultural priority
An effective cybersecurity policy focuses on both technology and people. It should be part of a culture where employees know their role in maintaining security. Regular training on digital safety can help make cybersecurity a best practice.
AI Is a great tool but comes with risks
AI benefits productivity and simplifies complex tasks, yet it comes with significant safety and ethical concerns. It is being used by attackers to enhance phishing and social engineering tactics. Businesses must govern AI use; they should monitor data flows and verify sources. This helps avoid unintended exposure risks.
Data hygiene is critical for protection
Regular data clean-ups and governance are essential to reduce vulnerabilities. For example, sensitive data should be well managed. Only essential data should be stored on shared platforms like SharePoint or OneDrive to prevent accidental exposure.
Multi-factor authentication and phishing defence
Phishing attacks are now more sophisticated, so multi-factor authentication (MFA) is essential to prevent unauthorized access. Businesses must stay vigilant about new phishing tactics, like QR code phishing. They should educate employees on spotting these threats.
Prepare and practice for crises
Expect cyberattacks and create an action plan to prepare for a crisis. Tabletop exercises can help employees understand their roles in a crisis and ensure the plan works.
Data Usage Policies
Knowingly or unknowingly, a lot of data is being processed through AI. Businesses must set clear rules on where data goes. They need stricter privacy policies in place. This reduces the risk of data leaks and protects customer trust.
Invest in Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity investments are a necessity. Cyber crimes are rising and costing billions each year. SMBs, in particular, face a growing burden when it comes to addressing cybersecurity. Investing in the right tools and practices is vital to staying secure.
In an era of increasing cyber threats—from deep fake technology to emotionally manipulative scams like grandparent scams—the necessity for a proactive and comprehensive cybersecurity strategy has reached a critical point.
Thankfully, spending on cybersecurity has surged, and awareness is growing. Yet, we can and should do more. By fostering a strong culture of security, implementing the right technologies, and preparing for incidents, organizations can help protect their communities from evolving threats.
Watch the full webinar to learn more about safeguarding your business from online threats.
Want to learn more about cybersecurity and build a plan for your organization? Reach out to BrunNet for customized solutions that meet your unique cybersecurity needs.