What is Cybersecurity?

One of the few things everyone agrees on in the world of cybersecurity is how to define cybersecurity. Webster's Dictionary defines it as, "measures taken to protect a computer or computer system (as on the Internet) against unauthorized access or attack.” Cybersecurity often can be divided into sub-categories that cover physical security, cloud security, and network security. With standards like the GDPR and ISO 27701, privacy also runs in parallel with these traditional cybersecurity focuses.

Although the concept of cyber security seems simple, implementing a secure cyber infrastructure for a business is a nuanced procedure that can be quite complicated. Increasingly, keeping data secure has become an exercise in juggling external and internal networks thanks to remote work, hybrid work models, and swiftly growing international companies with numerous locations. The onslaught of networked communication tools has also added to the complexity. The amount of data medical practices, businesses, and even your grocery store collects is monumental.

Unfortunately, cybersecurity only tends to make the headlines when there is a major breach. There are not many headlines about valiant efforts to lock down security. What company managers tend to hear is that protecting data across cloud networks, traditional networks, as well as physically, is expensive, time-consuming, and ultimately unsuccessful. That is not highly motivating. Many companies today gamble that they will not be victimized and hope they are correct.

What Businesses Need to Meet Cybersecurity Standards

There are a variety of cybersecurity standards and certifications. One of the most prestigious is ISO 27001, which Smithers Information Security Services experts are accredited to audit for and certify. The ISO 27001 provides a valuable framework for any type of business, regardless of size, that will help prevent cyberattacks. That is because part of the standard is making sure management is involved and training occurs regularly across all employees. Estimates suggest that 75-90% of cyber incidents occur because of some type of human error, whether that is clicking on a phishing email or downloading a virus.

If you run a small business, you may think the ISO 27001 is too much for your company. You may also think hackers won’t bother with a company like yours because they only go after giants like Microsoft or federal agencies. According to Verizon’s 2023 Data Breach Investigation Report (DBIR), however, small businesses experienced significantly more breaches than did larger companies (1,000 or less qualified as small while more than 1,000 employees was defined as a large company). Although hackers may not make as much money off a small business, the cumulative effect serves them well, and small businesses are often left unable to react in time.

Cybersecurity attacks can happen to any type of business, whether you are in the foodservice industry, healthcare, or something else. Malware and ransomware attacks go wherever data and hence money can be found.

In addition to a universal standard like ISO 27001, your business may need to meet international privacy standards as well. These international compliance regulations are encompassed in the European GDPR, the ISO 27701, and others. Again, these standards are relevant to any type of business that will be working with private data across international borders. The size of the business does not matter when it comes to cybersecurity and privacy standards.

Cybersecurity and the Department of Defense

If your business deals with the aerospace or defense industries, cybersecurity takes on an additional meaning, particularly if you process Controlled Unclassified Information or CUI. Because you will be handling sensitive data, it is mandated that your business has a solid and effective cybersecurity infrastructure. In fact, if you are under contract with a company that requires DFARS 252.204-7012 compliance, you also need to be NIST 800-171 compliant (effective as of 2018).  

There has been a lot of controversy in the world of DoD cybersecurity standards over the last three years, particularly in regard to the delayed release of CMMC 2.0. Determining what your company needs to comply with when can be complicated, but failing to meet the correct standards can also result in the loss of valuable contracts and potential growth in the future.

Need Help with Cybersecurity Compliance?

Whether you are just getting started with your cybersecurity risk assessment or whether you are confused about what certification you need, Smithers is here to help. Book a complimentary 30-minute meeting with our experts today. We will offer customized advice specific to your business needs.