4 Ways Florida Businesses Can Improve IT Security in 2022
Over the next 5 years Florida businesses will need to become more serious about improving information technology security in order to protect themselves from cyber attacks. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation announced in May 2018 that Florida ranked fourth in the United States with 517 breaches of data security in 2017, making Florida one of 36 states with an increase in breaches over 2016. Florida is not alone when it comes to noticing a dramatic increase in both number and size of data breaches. The following are 4 ways Florida businesses can improve information technology security by 2022:
1) Have employees practice cyber safety at work with role playing
Having employees practice cyber safety at work with role playing is one way Florida businesses can improve information technology security in 2022. Florida businesses could host hackathons to train their staff on how they can keep company data safe. A hackathon challenges people to find vulnerabilities within a specific time frame. Employees would be able to show their managers where the flaws are and what needs to be fixed, which would help Florida businesses prioritize IT security updates.
2) Implement software updates
Florida businesses could also implement software updates as another way to improve information technology security by 2022. Appropriate, up-to-date software allows Florida companies to stay ahead of evolving security threats and reduces the chances of becoming an easy target for cyber criminals. Implementing software updates would also improve Florida businesses’ productivity, as employees wouldn’t have to waste time removing old software that is out-of-date.
3) Protecting cloud services against malware attacks
Software updates are especially important for cloud services. Florida companies rely on internet connectivity to access these services, which makes them vulnerable to malware attacks. Florida businesses can protect their cloud services against malware attacks by practicing good cyber hygiene. This includes updating antivirus protection on all company devices and forwarding suspicious emails to the IT department for review instead of clicking on email links or opening attachments.
4) Employ a Chief Information Security Officer
A Chief Information Security Officer is another way Florida businesses can improve information technology security in 2022. The need for a top-level IT executive whose only job is information security will likely grow, and Florida may be one of the states leading this charge. A CISO would be responsible for creating and implementing a security strategy, ensuring all technology systems are secure, and developing policies and procedures to protect data.
Florida businesses should consider these 4 ways to improve information technology security in 2022. Cybersecurity is an important issue that should not be taken lightly. By implementing some of these changes, Florida businesses can rest assured their data is safe and protected from cyber attacks.
