While antivirus has been the basic cybersecurity tool for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for years, the evolution of cyber threats has made it necessary to adopt a more comprehensive approach to protecting corporate data. In modern times where cyber threats are increasingly complex and sophisticated, the use of antivirus software alone is no longer sufficient to ensure the security of business information. For sure, it can help against malware, but it is unable to detect more complex threats such as phishing attacks or spam campaigns. In addition, a simple antivirus may not recognize the newest threats. As a result, SMEs need to adopt a comprehensive security strategy that includes additional tools such as a firewall, network monitoring system, and intrusion prevention system.

Therefore, consideration should be given to implementing a comprehensive cybersecurity solution, including firewall, antivirus, anti-malware, endpoint protection, network protection, and security incident detection and prevention solutions.
Incident response measures, such as creating a data recovery plan, training employees on cybersecurity and incident management training, should not be overlooked.

Firewall helps SMEs protection against external threats

A firewall can help SMEs protect against external threats, such as attacks by experienced hackers and cyber intrusions. A network monitoring system, on the other hand, can help identify, detect, and prevent internal threats, such as employee attacks. An intrusion prevention system can also help companies identify vulnerabilities in their systems before cybercriminals abuse these flaws.

A firewall is a critical technology for ensuring the security of computer systems. Small and medium-sized businesses need to be aware of the importance of a firewall and its benefits. It is a barrier for filtering traffic in and out of a network. This filter can be configured to prevent access to a given network or to block certain types of content. With a firewall, SMEs can protect their systems from malware, viruses, cyber-attacks, online fraud, and other digital threats. A firewall is an essential technology for all organizations that often lack the resources to invest in cybersecurity.

A firewall can help SMEs protect their data, thereby reducing the chance of being victims of cyber-attacks and may help reduce company costs related to security management.
Therefore, it can be a helpful solution for any organization that does not have enough resources to invest in a more complex IT security solution.
It can be easily installed, configured and managed, and does not require a specialist team. The firewall is also a scalable solution, meaning it can be adapted to the needs of growing SMEs.

To make the most of a firewall, SMEs must ensure that they have good knowledge of the principles of cyber security, so that systems are properly configured and updated.

In addition, SMEs should implement cybersecurity policies that all employees must follow, such as creating complex passwords, using a secure network and sending secure e-mails.
Companies should also consider training staff on cybersecurity so that employees are able to recognize cyber threats and know how to deal with them. In summary, while the use of antivirus is still important to help SMEs protect themselves from malware, it is not enough to ensure the IT security of corporate data.
SMEs need to take a more comprehensive approach to cyber security, including the use of a firewall, a network monitoring system and an intrusion prevention system, and appropriate security policies.

Cloud-based solutions are also useful

SMEs should consider using cloud-based security solutions that will allow them to constantly monitor their network environment and prevent cyber-attacks. These cloud-based solutions can save time and money, minimizing the need to manage internally their systems. These technological solutions provide small and medium-sized businesses a more efficient and cost-effective way of managing their systems and services. With the cloud-based system, in fact, SMEs can access to a variety of applications and services in a remote hosting environment, without having to install and manage a local IT system. This could significantly reduce management and maintenance costs, as well as providing greater business flexibility and efficiency - a wide range of services including backup and recovery, data storage, business applications, content management services, monitoring, communication services, security services and more. All this in a total, remote control policy. These services can be accessed from anywhere via an Internet connection, giving SME employees the ability to work remotely more efficiently.

Data recovery plan

A data recovery plan is a report that specifies the process needed to be taken to restore an IT system or database in the event of interruption or data loss. A data recovery plan is a key element of maintaining business continuity, protecting data, and ensuring access to business systems in the event of a failure. For SMEs, it is essential to have a data recovery plan to protect their data and continue their operations in the event of a failure. A data recovery plan provides an action plan and tools to deal with any disruption or loss of data. Achieving a data recovery plan is a time-consuming process.

Here are some main steps need to be followed to realize an effective data recovery plan:

1. Define the target of the recovery plan. You must define clear, measurable and realistic aims of your recovery plan before you start;

2. Identify threats. You need to identify any threats that could result in data loss and provide evidence of them on a list. This list should include both internal and external threats;

3. Define recovery procedures. You should define the protocol to be followed in the event of a data disruption or loss. These procedures should be clear, easy to follow, and documented;

4. Try out the plan. You should regularly test your data recovery plan to ensure it is working properly and that you can quickly restore your data in the event of an interruption;

5. Update the plan. You should periodically update your data recovery plan according to your business and technology needs. A data recovery plan is an essential part for SMEs that want to protect their data and ensure business continuity.Achieving a data recovery plan takes time, but it's a useful asset to minimize risk and loss in the event of a disruption or loss of important information.

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bitCorp Team