Many small and medium businesses (SMBs) are not fully prepared for cyber threats. A recent survey found that 51% of SMBs don’t have Cybersecurity measures in place. Among those, 59% believe their business is too small to attract cybercriminals.1
This means that many businesses are leaving themselves vulnerable to attacks. Some businesses might even say, “But I already have an IT department/team/person that will take care of it.”
However, IT and Cybersecurity teams have different roles and responsibilities. So, what exactly sets IT and Cybersecurity teams apart?
Defining IT vs Cybersecurity Teams
When you think about IT and Cybersecurity teams, it’s easy to mix them up, but they are different. Knowing what each team does can help you decide which one you need.
IT Teams
IT (Information Technology) teams are like general doctors, while Cybersecurity experts are specialists, like eye doctors. IT professionals focus on making things work and connecting systems without always prioritizing security. They might not fully understand threats or how certain configurations can lead to breaches.
Cybersecurity Teams
Cybersecurity teams, on the other hand, focus on protecting your business from cyber threats like Ransomware, social engineering attacks, or data breaches. They make sure your systems and data are safe. Their job is to prevent attacks that can steal information or damage your network. Cybersecurity teams put up barriers like patches, firewalls, and endpoint protection as well as fix any security vulnerabilities they find.
Differences
- Focus: IT teams focus on keeping technology running, while Cybersecurity teams focus on keeping it safe.
- Tasks: IT teams manage hardware and software, help with troubleshooting, and set up systems. Cybersecurity teams protect systems, prevent attacks, and respond to security threats.
- Goals: The goal of the IT team is efficiency and smooth operation. The goal of the Cybersecurity team is prevention and protection.
You may need both teams to ensure your business runs well and stays secure.
Why You Should Add A Cybersecurity Professional To Your Team
Adding a Cybersecurity professional to your team can make a huge difference in protecting your business. Cyber threats are growing, and having someone who focuses on security is important. Here’s why you should consider it.
1. Keep Your Data Safe
Your business likely has important information, like customer details, financial records, or confidential plans. A Cybersecurity professional knows how to set up defenses to stop hackers from stealing or damaging your information. Without them, you’re more at risk of losing important data.
2. Stay Updated Of The Latest Threats
Cyber threats are always changing. Hackers find new ways to break into systems, and Ransomware attacks become more advanced. A Cybersecurity professional stays up-to-date with the latest threats and knows how to protect your business from them. They can spot issues before they become serious problems and react quickly if an attack happens.
3. Build Trust With Customers
Customers want to know that their information is safe. If your business gets hacked, you could lose their trust. A Cybersecurity professional helps ensure that your customers’ data stays private, which can improve your reputation and make people more comfortable doing business with you.
4. Evade Costly Downtime
A data breach can be expensive. You might have to pay for repairs, legal fees, or fines. Plus, you could lose business because customers won’t feel safe. Getting a Cybersecurity professional to your team reduces the chances of a costly breach and can save money in the long run.
5. Help With Compliance
Many industries have rules about keeping data secure. A Cybersecurity professional understands these regulations, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Safeguards Rule, New York Codes, Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) 500 DFS Compliance, and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) frameworks, and makes sure your business follows them. This can help you avoid penalties and keep your business operating smoothly.
Is Hiring Cybersecurity Professionals Right for You?
Hiring a Cybersecurity professional can be a smart move for your business, but you might be wondering if it’s the right decision for you. Research shows that 28% of businesses that don’t improve their security are likely to face another breach within two years.
To help you figure it out, let’s look at why hiring a Cybersecurity expert could be important and how to know if your business needs one.
1. Do You Handle Sensitive Data?
If your business deals with sensitive information, like customer details, financial records, or private business plans, then a Cybersecurity professional can help you protect it. Hackers and cybercriminals are always looking for ways to steal this kind of data. Without strong protection, you could be out of business.
Cybersecurity professionals know how to secure your systems and prevent this from happening. They set up tools that block attacks, patch up systems, and detect suspicious activity.
2. Can You Afford A Cyberattack?
A cyberattack can cost you a lot of money. It’s not just about fixing the problem, but also about losing customer trust, paying fines, and even dealing with lawsuits. If an attack happens, it could take time to rebuild your reputation. In fact, 60% of SMBs fail within six months of a cyberattack, which could be a harrowing experience for a business.
Hiring a Cybersecurity professional can help you avoid these risks by preventing such attacks before they happen. If you think a cyberattack could hurt your business, then it’s worth having an expert who can protect you from it.
3. Do You Know Enough About Cybersecurity?
You might know how to handle the technology your business needs, but Cybersecurity is a specialized field. It requires specific skills and knowledge that an average IT team might not have. A Cybersecurity professional focuses only on security, staying up to date with the latest threats and how to stop them.
If Cybersecurity is not something you or your team are experienced with, hiring a professional can give you peace of mind. They’ll take care of the complicated stuff, so you don’t have to worry about it.
4. Do You Want to Grow Your Business Safely?
A survey from late 2021 showed that small businesses spend more on Cybersecurity as they grow. Nearly half of companies with fewer than 50 employees didn’t have a Cybersecurity budget. For companies with 50 to 249 employees, 35% didn’t have one, and this dropped to 18% for companies with more than 250 employees.
But as your business grows, you’ll likely have more data, more customers, and more technology to manage. This makes you a bigger target for cybercriminals. A Cybersecurity professional can grow with your business and make sure that as you expand, your security grows too. If you plan to scale your business, hiring a Cybersecurity expert early on can save you headaches in the long term.
That said, cyber threats are real, and having someone on your team who knows how to stop them can make a big difference.
| Learn how Cybersecurity experts tackled a Ransomware attack that hit a small business hard. In our “See It In The Eyes” case study, see how our team fought back, recovered, and secured their systems. See real-world strategies in action and get tips on protecting your own business. |
FAQ
Is Cybersecurity In The IT Field?
Yes, Cybersecurity is part of the IT field, but it focuses on keeping systems and data safe from hackers and cyber threats. While IT teams handle general technology, like computers and networks, Cybersecurity professionals focus specifically on protecting that technology from attacks. Both are important for keeping everything running smoothly and securely.
What Is A Cybersecurity Team Called?
A Cybersecurity team can be called many names, but according to NIST, they are usually called a Computer Incident Response Team (CIRT). This team responds to security incidents, protects data, and stops cyber threats. Some other names for them include Security Operations Team or Cyber Defense Team. They may be called different titles but all focus on keeping your business safe from attacks.
How To Start A Cybersecurity Team?
To start a Cybersecurity team, you can work with experts like the 2Secure team. We specialize in protecting businesses from data breaches, Ransomware, and costly downtime. By partnering with us, you get professional support to build a strong defense against hackers and other Cyberattacks.
Source:
- Digital.com. (2022, March 28). Digital.com Survey Reveals More Than Half of Small Businesses Do Not Have Cybersecurity Measures in Place. Prweb.com. https://www.prweb.com/releases/digital-com-survey-reveals-more-than-half-of-small-businesses-do-not-have-cybersecurity-measures-in-place-818495143.html
