It’s not only legitimate businesses that benefit from the many conveniences and innovations of the digital age. Hackers and cybercriminals are unfortunately just as eager to take advantage of modern tech—and they’ve got the numbers to show for it. One study by Check Point Software Technologies reports that global cyberattacks spiked by 75 percent in the last quarter of 2024, at which point organisations faced an average of 1,876 attacks per week.
These threats aren’t just multiplying in frequency, either. They’re also becoming more sophisticated in terms of how they exploit security vulnerabilities or human error to gain access to a company’s systems.
Just about any business that connects to the internet needs robust cybersecurity in this kind of environment. The better-prepared your organisation is to handle online threats, the easier it will be to protect your data and keep your systems running even during an attack—and the better your customers will feel about doing business with you. All you need in order to reduce your business’s exposure to risk are a clear understanding of key practices and the right combination of tools and training.
Network Edge is deeply dedicated to helping businesses of any size fortify their online defences. Here are some practical steps you can take:
Many of the most damaging security incidents begin not with a technical failure, but with a human one. Phishing emails, weak passwords, and accidental data sharing are all common points of entry for attackers. This means that uninformed employees are likely to be your security system’s biggest weak point. The good news is that comprehensive training can transform them into a solid line of defence.
It’s always beneficial to implement regular cybersecurity awareness training that covers topics like spotting suspicious emails and avoiding social engineering traps—but you shouldn’t stop there. When you talk about security with your employees, frame it as a companywide responsibility, not just an IT concern. Embed it into your day-to-day operations so that it stays front of mind for everyone, from your rank-and-file workers to your C-suite. Over time, you’ll build a company culture where vigilance in digital spaces is second nature.
Losing access to essential business data during a cyberattack or system failure can grind operations to a halt and, in some cases, be impossible to reverse. You’ll need to have high-quality backups available if you want to recover quickly.
Conduct data backups on a consistent schedule and store the information in secure, geographically separate locations. Don’t forget to test your backup and recovery processes periodically to make sure that you can restore them right away whenever you need to.
The networks you use to connect to the internet are essentially pathways into your company’s systems, so you’ll need to guard them carefully. Strong network security controls are useful both for preventing unauthorised access and containing any threats that do manage to find their way in.
Tools such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and virtual private networks (VPNs) form the backbone of a secure network architecture. Also try segmenting your networks to limit the spread of malware or attackers within your systems, so that one compromised area doesn’t expose everything else. Together, these defences will help build resilience at the infrastructure level.
Software vulnerabilities are among the most common entry points for attackers, but you can prevent them if you stay on the ball about patching your systems. Developers will often release patches or updates expressly to close known security gaps. It’s never a good idea to delay these updates, as doing so just leaves your systems exposed to threats that attackers actively exploit.
Put automated patching in place wherever feasible. If you use any software that needs manual updating, set up a schedule for it so it gets done on time. Don't overlook less obvious areas like routers, printers, and other connected devices; these can be weak links if you leave them unpatched.
It’s not possible to be too particular about account security, as a compromised password will throw open the door to your company’s most sensitive systems and data. Enforce policies that promote strong, unique passwords and discourage your employees from reusing the same credentials across different online accounts.
Note, however, that it’s risky these days to rely on passwords alone, as cybercriminals use automated tools to crack or steal credentials. Introduce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for additional protection. You can implement this through biometrics, mobile apps, or hardware tokens.
There’s no reason to give all your employees access to every single bit of company information. Broad permissions only increase the risk of accidental exposure and make insider threats harder to root out.
Apply the principle of least privilege instead and let each user access only what they need for their work. Review access controls regularly and update them whenever an employee leaves or changes roles. This way, you can be sure that your most critical assets are safe from both internal and external threats.
Even the best-defended business can buckle in the face of a weak supply chain. Third-party vendors or service providers may need to access your systems from time to time. They may inadvertently let in attackers in the process if they aren’t secure.
Vet your partners’ cybersecurity practices before onboarding, and include security expectations in contracts and service agreements. Don’t hesitate to conduct periodic assessments and communicate openly about potential vulnerabilities.
Cyber threats will only continue to evolve over time. The best way to combat them is to adapt as they do, so that your approach to protecting your company always stays one step ahead.
Need professional assistance improving your business’s cybersecurity posture? Contact Network Edge for personalised attention and top-tier solutions today.
