There’s a big misconception that cybersecurity is going to slow down productivity. However, this is simply not true. Cybersecurity will increase productivity, not decrease, and if you increase productivity, you increase profitability.
Why cybersecurity increases productivity
Ignoring cybersecurity because you think it will be more efficient is a risky business. Think of your online network like a physical space. Not having cybersecurity measures in place to protect your data is like leaving the doors wide open on your retail shop when you go home for the evening. Sure, if you didn’t have to lock up every night, you’d save both time and money by eliminating the need to come in early to open up, and the time it takes to lock up at night. Of course, the money you save on labor costs is but a drop in the bucket of having your entire inventory stolen.
If you don’t secure your network and your data, it’s like leaving your doors wide open. The cost of a security breach is going to greatly outweigh the tiny savings you’ll gain from ignoring cybersecurity.
Integrating cybersecurity from the start
Any time you implement new processes and software you have to think about integrating cybersecurity from the start. Fortunately, most products and processes include cybersecurity to protect your data. However, you also need to think about security measures as part of your organizational structure.
Access to information
Some will ignore cybersecurity thinking that it will limit access to the network and important data. However, you want to limit access. Limiting access is one of the most effective cybersecurity measures. Let’s go back to the example of securing a brick and mortar business. Would you give every employee a key to the store? Would you give every employee a key or a code to the petty cash safe? No, you wouldn’t. Limiting access is such an ingrained and natural security measure that is implemented from the beginning that we barely notice that we are using it.
Similarly, you need to limit online access. Set up your network to only allow employee access to the files and data they need; don’t give them a key to the entire kingdom. Limiting access isn’t going to slow down productivity, it will only provide greater security without disrupting workflow and productivity.
Safety net
Cybersecurity provides a safety net in case of a breach. Having a back-up and data recovery tools in place will give you peace of mind in the event of a data breach disaster. Should you do suffer a breach, you will have a complete backup of your system and data so that you can get back up and running in no time, without losing the confidence of your customers and employees. A security breach is going to be much more detrimental to your business than the little time it will take you to implement comprehensive cybersecurity measures.
Talk to an expert at OnePointSync about the best cybersecurity measures for your small to midsized business in Denver.
