Society is getting more and more digital with each passing year, and so are our businesses. From payments and data storage to social media and online stores, today’s businesses are expanding their digital footprints, regardless of size or industry.

And while this comes with plenty of benefits – like a wider audience net, or greater convenience for clients and customers – it also comes with its fair share of risks. Namely, cybersecurity.

In recent years, cybersecurity has gone from an optional extra to an absolute necessity. Businesses must take steps to protect their digital assets, in order to keep customers onside, meet regulation demands, and avoid a costly and embarrassing data disaster.

To put effective cybersecurity into practice, there are certain steps businesses can take. Here are 6 cybersecurity services you should invest in to better protect your organisation.

6 Cybersecurity Services You Should Invest in

Penetration Testing

To remain competitive and secure in today’s market, penetration testing should be an integral part of every UK business’s cybersecurity strategy.

Penetration testing, or pen testing, is an essential service that involves simulating cyber-attacks on your systems to identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. This proactive approach not only helps in strengthening your organisation’s defences but also provides deep insights into the security posture of your IT infrastructure. Penetration testing should be conducted regularly, especially after deploying new systems or making significant changes to existing ones.

PCI DSS Compliance

For organisations that handle credit card information, compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is mandatory. This service ensures that your company adheres to the stringent security standards set to protect card transactions against fraud and breaches. Achieving and maintaining PCI DSS compliance reduces the risk of costly penalties and enhances consumer trust in your transaction processes.

Disaster Recovery Planning

Disaster recovery planning is crucial for minimising the impact of catastrophic events such as cyberattacks, natural disasters, or technical failures. This service focuses on creating strategic plans that enable rapid recovery of IT systems and data access, ensuring continuity of operations. Effective disaster recovery plans are tailored to the specific needs of the business and involve regular updates and testing to remain effective.

Cyber Incident Response

An efficient cyber incident response service is vital for quickly addressing security breaches and mitigating their impacts. This service provides expertise in the immediate aftermath of a cyberattack, helping organisations to manage the situation effectively, from technical remediation to communicating with stakeholders. Having a dedicated cyber incident response team enhances your ability to recover and also helps in identifying lessons to improve future security measures.

Business Continuity Consulting

Business continuity consulting goes beyond IT to encompass all aspects of your organisation’s operations. This service helps in designing strategies that ensure your business can continue functioning during and after major disruptions. Consultants analyse potential threats and impacts to develop robust plans that cover aspects such as staffing, logistics, and supply chain management, alongside IT resilience.

ISO 27001 Compliance

ISO 27001 is an international standard that specifies the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an information security management system (ISMS). Compliance with ISO 27001 demonstrates a commitment to information security at all levels of the organisation. Investing in ISO 27001 compliance – typically with the support of an ISO 27001 consultant – not only protects sensitive information but also gives stakeholders confidence in your security practices.

Final Thoughts

As cyber threats continue to evolve, having these robust measures in place is the best way to protect your assets and ensure the long-term success of your business. For tailored advice and services, consider partnering with cybersecurity experts who can guide you through the complexities of planning, implementation, and management of these essential protections.