Security

Small-business owners have likely read about using a firewall for their websites, installing antivirus software on computers and insisting on strong passwords. However, the most serious security threats may not come from where you think they will. Sometimes, everyday risks pose the biggest danger. 

In addition to the massive technological changes with artificial intelligence (AI), criminals look for any slight advantage to gain access to data or your physical location. Here are some hidden areas you might not have considered before and how to secure them today.

In today's hyper-connected digital world, application security is more critical than ever. With the increasing number of cyber threats targeting software vulnerabilities, security testing has become a non-negotiable aspect of the software development life cycle (SDLC). Two of the most common and essential types of security testing are Static Application Security Testing (SAST) and Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST). Each has its strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases.

Marketing professionals and IT departments should have equal urgency when securing their business technologies. For instance, content management systems became immensely safer with encryption. Biztech experts across teams must collaborate to develop a secure strategy to protect digital assets in CMS environments. These are the best practices and methods to follow for implementation. 

Integrating physical security principles into cybersecurity strategies can significantly enhance an organization's defense mechanisms. Just as businesses protect physical assets with layered barriers, controlled access and continuous monitoring, they must take similar steps to protect digital infrastructure.

Below are key physical security principles and their corresponding applications in cybersecurity, along with actionable steps to help IT professionals implement these best practices.

Cybersecurity is a top concern for many small businesses, especially since internet-based operations are central to many of them. As cyberattacks grow more frequent and severe, some decision-makers weigh whether to outsource their IT security needs. That approach has both positive and potentially negative aspects to weigh.

Pro: Additional Cybersecurity Expertise

Many IT teams working for small businesses struggle to safeguard their employers from emerging threats. That issue can arise for various reasons, including the fact that theymay have fewer overall resources, resulting in cybersecurity professionals becoming overworked and potentially distracted.

Today’s businesses face the constant threat of scams, costing them resources and dipping into profits every year — the average cost of a data breach was $4.88 million in 2024. While smaller organizations may see less of an impact, the costs can still add up. Having a plan in place reduces the expense and gets the business back up and running quickly so it doesn't suffer from lost business.

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms are crucial for helping companies streamline processes and maintain central locations for all essential operational data. However, due to their wealth of information, ERP platforms are also popular cybercrime targets. How should cybersecurity teams protect data to decrease the risk of attacks and make infiltrations less effective if they happen?

1. Keep the Software Updated

Most ERP tools are easy to update, and administrators receive alerts when newer versions are available to install. Sometimes, staying up to date is even easier because people can change settings to make software updates happen automatically.

Although social media is one of the best marketing tools, it is also a massive target for cyberattacks and scams. Unfortunately, its popularity entices bad actors. Whether companies use an account to post news, network or market products, they must ensure it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. What can business leaders and information technology (IT) teams do?

Phishing-as-a-Service (PhaaS) has emerged as a significant threat in the cybersecurity landscape. This evolution allows even those with limited technical skills to launch sophisticated phishing attacks, making it easier for cybercriminals to target organizations of all sizes. Understanding PhaaS is crucial for IT professionals because it enables them to anticipate and mitigate these advanced threats.

Retail shrink is a huge and ever-growing issue. While retailers need to act fast to prevent billions of dollars in losses, their current solutions adversely affect shoppers — and may drive them toward e-commerce alternatives. How can companies overcome theft once and for all?