A Fractional Chief Information Officer (CIO) is an information technology executive who works on part-time, contractual basis to provide affordable technology leadership to drive business growth and mitigate risk, without the expense of a full-time CIO.

For a recent CIO Fractional engagement, the business objectives included:

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Let’s explore how WTA can contribute to advancing your technology-driven objectives.

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No matter what industry you’re in, your business likely depends on a wide variety of online communications and services. From virtual chat software to customer-facing support systems, losing network access could leave your company scrambling to deal with a plethora of negative consequences. Delays in one area could lead to problems in another, and even the restoration of the services could result in a workflow backup, loss of productivity and eroded confidence in your company. According to Gartner, something as minor as one minute of downtime can cost your company up to an average of $540,000 an hour. Gearing up your cybersecurity could greatly benefit your business.

Whether it’s because of a power outage, natural disaster, or basic human error, no company can afford to deal with the extensive impacts of system downtime. The best way to mitigate downtime risks and minimize the associated costs is to invest in preventative maintenance like cloud security. If you’re interested in keeping your downtime levels as low as possible without breaking the bank, review these three cybersecurity solutions that can help you avoid costly downtime. At Company Name, we can provide the solutions your business needs to thrive. 

1. Identify and Address Threats with a Risk Assessment 

To keep your organization protected, it’s important to gain visibility into the existing and emerging threats to your critical assets, operations and intellectual property. The most efficient and cost-effective method of accomplishing these goals is to conduct a thorough risk assessment. This is where your company can identify your current IT requirements, review the adequacy of your existing cybersecurity policies, analyze threats and vulnerabilities and develop practical recommendations for improvement. 

2. Protect Your Business with a Multi-Layered Cybersecurity Strategy 

The key to providing the most comprehensive defense against a variety of cyberthreats is to layer multiple types of security measures so that the gaps, loopholes and vulnerabilities between each measure are significantly smaller, allowing hackers considerably less time and the ability to gain entry. Why settle for a strategy that focuses exclusively on network security when you can deploy a multi-layered strategy that encompasses everything from firewalls and data backup to cloud security and mobile device protection? To implement a strategy like this in your organization, you’ll need to analyze existing weaknesses in your IT infrastructure, review existing security policies and create an integrated mesh of protection around your company’s systems. 

3. Teach Your Employees to be the First Line of Defense with Cybersecurity Training 

If your employees aren’t capable of recognizing a cyberthreat, they cannot be tasked with avoiding, reporting or mitigating one. On the other hand, making employees aware of cyberthreats and how to combat them is a surefire way of strengthening one of the most vulnerable links in the chain. After all, approximately 95 percent of security breaches occur as a result of human error. No number of firewalls or amount of security software can combat the negative impact of employees who are left vulnerable to phishing, malware and other sneaky tactics. To make sure your employees are the first line of defense against cyberthreats, you’ll want to invest in an ongoing training program that’s customized for your unique business needs. 

Secure Your Critical Systems from Cyberthreats and Unplanned Downtime 

If you’re looking to invest upfront in proactive cybersecurity measures and greatly mitigate the chances of a security breach hurting your operations and breaking the bank, it’s time to partner with a technology partner that has your best interest in mind. At WTA Consulting, we’ll assist you in identifying current and emerging threats, implementing a multilayered cybersecurity strategy and providing your employees with cybersecurity training to help mitigate any potential risks. Contact one of our security experts today! 

  

As technology advances, so do the methods cybercriminals use to attack businesses. The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency reported that 65% of Americans have had their personal information exposed by cybercriminals. The ransom payments to get their information back hasn’t been cheap either, racking up to an average of $170,400 in 2021 according to Sophos. Most of the time, those who pay the ransom don’t even get their data back. 

In the last couple of years, cybercriminals have taken advantage of the vulnerability brought to workplaces globally to attack. According to Forbes, ransomware attacks are up as much as 148% because of the increase of working remotely. These gaps in your cybersecurity give room to attackers to get into your network.  

There’s no disputing that cyberattacks are increasing, but what motivates these bad actors to steal data? Let’s review the five main motives of cybercriminals.  

5 Reasons Why Cyberattacks Happen  

1. Financial Gain 

Financial gain is typically the primary motivation for a cyberattack. When attackers get into your system, they can gain direct access to your bank accounts, steal login information to your financial sites, and transfer assets over to their own. According to a 2020 Verizon report, 86% of data breaches were financially motivated.  

2. Recognition 

When it comes to cybercriminals, some work in hacking groups while others work independently. These attackers have a desire to be recognized for their wrongdoings. As humans, we’re competitive by nature, which drives cybercriminals to complete more complicated hacks.  

3. Insider Threats 

Insider threats account for 15% of data breaches. These threats come from internal employees, vendors, contractors or a partner who has access to information or systems of their organization. Insider threats are viewed as one of the greatest cybersecurity threats to businesses.  

4. Politics 

Some cybercriminals can be motivated by a current political cause or go up against groups whose views don’t align with their own. A common attack these criminals use is a distributed denial of service attack, which overloads a website with too much traffic and causes it to crash.  

5. State Actors 

State actors engage in cybercrimes to help their own nation. They steal information such as intellectual property, personal information, and money to fund or further espionage. Some of these actors will conduct a cyberattack and claim that their actions are justifiable in favor of whoever they work for.   

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Now that you’re aware of the motivations of a cybercriminal, you can get a better idea of ways you could improve your cybersecurity at your business. It’s crucial that you’re protecting your assets, that way you can avoid situations like data breaches. 

If you’re looking to ramp up your cybersecurity measures, consider partnering with an MSP. WTA Consulting is ready to help. We’ll assess the current state of your security and determine solutions to continue keeping your business secure and protected. 

A thorough security assessment is what your business needs. Schedule one with us today.