What is Cybersecurity Monitoring?
Cybersecurity monitoring is the practice of continuously monitoring an organization’s digital assets to detect potential threats and vulnerabilities. This includes monitoring network traffic, endpoints, servers, databases, applications, and user behavior. The purpose of cybersecurity monitoring is to identify any suspicious activity that could indicate a security breach or compromise, and take action to prevent or mitigate the impact of an attack.
Why Companies Should Invest in Cybersecurity Monitoring
Cybersecurity monitoring is a critical investment for companies because of the potential damage that a security breach can cause. In addition to the financial losses, data breaches can also lead to loss of customer trust, reputational damage, and legal consequences. The cost of a data breach can be significant, with the average cost of a data breach being $4.24 million in 2021, according to the IBM Cost of a Data Breach report. Cybersecurity monitoring helps companies to detect and respond to potential threats before they cause any damage.
Outsourcing vs. In-House Cybersecurity Monitoring
While some companies may consider in-house cybersecurity monitoring, outsourcing this service to a specialized provider can offer several advantages. Outsourcing allows companies to benefit from the expertise of cybersecurity professionals who have experience in detecting and responding to threats. It also allows companies to focus on their core business activities instead of diverting resources to cybersecurity monitoring. Outsourcing cybersecurity monitoring can also be more cost-effective, as it eliminates the need to invest in expensive monitoring tools and technologies.
Small vs. Large Companies
Cybersecurity monitoring can look different for small and large companies. Small companies may have limited resources to invest in cybersecurity, making outsourcing a more viable option. In addition, small companies may be more vulnerable to attacks, as they may have weaker security measures in place. Large companies, on the other hand, may have more complex IT infrastructures, making cybersecurity monitoring a more challenging task. Large companies may also have a dedicated cybersecurity team that can handle monitoring in-house.
Signs that Companies Need to Invest in Cybersecurity Monitoring
There are several signs that indicate a company needs to invest in cybersecurity monitoring. These include:
- A history of security breaches or attacks
- Use of legacy systems or outdated software
- Lack of employee cybersecurity training
- Use of cloud services without proper security controls
- Inadequate or outdated cybersecurity policies and procedures
- Run a remote team
Cybersecurity monitoring is a crucial investment for companies of all sizes. It helps companies to detect and respond to potential threats, preventing potentially catastrophic outcomes. Want to learn more? Book a time to chat with us.