Cybercrime has experienced explosive growth in recent years. Not only large corporations are victims of it, but small and medium-sized businesses are also increasingly seen as an easy(er) target by hackers. Because digital threats are constantly changing, it is important to be constantly vigilant and keep yourself armed against a cyber attack.
More and more organizations are opting to conduct periodic cybersecurity scans, for example, using the Cyber Security Assessment Tool (CSAT). This tool, developed by QS Solutions and deployed globally by companies like Microsoft, collects relevant security data from various sources within the hybrid IT environment by scanning:
Additionally, CSAT uses a questionnaire to gather information about the security policy and other important indicators.
But what are the benefits of such a periodic scan? For convenience, we’ve listed them for you below:
Since a security scan exposes potential risks and vulnerabilities in the hybrid IT environment, it provides concrete insight into the organization’s cyber resilience. Hackers use similar tools to identify ‘gaps’ in security and exploit them. It’s crucial to outsmart them!
With the recommendations that come from a security scan, you can make decisions based on facts rather than gut feelings. This way, you address your organization’s weak points in a well-informed and targeted manner. This is not only more effective but also ensures that the available cybersecurity budget is used in the best possible way.
Although conducting periodic security scans does not directly increase cyber resilience, it is a step toward protecting data and networks. The insights from the scans allow you to quickly and easily create an action plan to make your organization safer and more resilient. This makes you a much less attractive target for hackers.
Consumers and businesses are more aware than ever that data security is no longer a given and increasingly consider this when deciding whether to engage in business relationships. According to research by PwC1), organizations can regain trust by making data security and privacy core values in their policies. A solid cybersecurity strategy is indispensable for this.
By conducting periodic assessments, you not only uncover new vulnerabilities but also gain insight into the effectiveness of the organization’s security strategy. After all, it’s not just about closing ‘gaps’ but also (and especially!) about preventing vulnerabilities. The results of the scan allow you to adjust your security approach where necessary.
Hybrid business networks are becoming increasingly large and complex. For most organizations, manually mapping their security is nearly impossible. Automated scans are much faster and, therefore, more efficient. They thoroughly examine the entire organization, collect data from various sources, and show exactly where resources need to be deployed.
In many organizations, a lack of knowledge at the executive level hinders the approach to cybersecurity. Where do you start? The recommendations from the scans provide clarity, making it easier to create a concrete action plan. This raises awareness and involvement, bringing you closer to budget and resource allocation.
The direct and indirect financial consequences of a cyberattack are enormous. By taking action on periodic scans, you reduce the risk of an attack, and in many cases, you can use software you already have! Additionally, there are significant savings to be made through increased operational efficiency and the targeted use of resources.
Virtually every organization has to deal with data privacy regulations, such as those established by the GDPR. In addition, there is increasingly specific cybersecurity legislation coming from the EU, aimed at better protecting Europe against cyberattacks. An example of this is NIS 22). To comply with such laws and regulations, periodic scanning is a must.
To adapt flexibly and effectively to the ever-evolving cyber risks, your organization must stay constantly informed about its vulnerabilities. A periodic security scan is an essential part of a healthy security strategy. It helps you manage various security risks and stay ahead of new forms of cybercrime.
1) PwC: Four Steps to Gaining Consumer Trust in Your Tech 2) Chamber of Commerce: European Cyber Laws: What They Will Mean for Your Business
In our whitepaper ‘Security Assessment: The First Step in Cybersecurity,’ we delve deeper into the importance of periodic risk analyses. How mature is your organization in terms of cybersecurity? What are the vulnerabilities and risks? What steps can you take to improve security, and where should your priorities lie? Concrete, actionable information that you can apply immediately.
WHITEPAPER LEZEN
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