? EDITOR ’ S QUESTION //
“
FINDINGS REVEAL THAT SMBS PLACE
HIGHER
IMPORTANCE ON HAVING THE RIGHT SECURITY
STRATEGY IN PLACE .
A t Cisco , we recently published our 2021 SMB Security Outcomes Study , highlighting what SMB leaders are doing to thrive in today ’ s everevolving threat landscape , as well as offering actionable insights on where they should focus their digitisation , security planning and cyberdefence efforts in the year ahead .
Findings reveal that SMBs place higher importance on having the right security strategy in place . They also take the time to understand how this factor can best align with the Digital Transformation and growth agenda of their business . Planning for modernisation of technology remains a critical factor for today ’ s SMBs looking to advance their security fabric and for organisations to consider when working on their security strategies .
The study has identified three areas small organisations should focus on to achieve success in their security planning : enabling business , managing risk and operating efficiently . When it comes to enabling businesses , the following criteria are essential to achieving security outcomes : having sufficient security staff , a secure development approach and facilitating IT and security collaboration . Each of these components have been shown to increase confidence and buy-in from peers , alongside delivering greater security success .
Moreover , when looking at managing risks , the study found that SMEs which proactively and regularly upgrade to the best available IT and security technologies , have improved the chances of mitigating critical cyberthreats and avoiding major incidents .
As for operating efficiently , enterprises both large and small are budget conscious and must seek ways to streamline both IT and ensure security optimisation . Small and midsize organisations are finding success when teams understand security . Understanding how security strategy and planning can support business imperatives streamlines incident response and minimises unplanned work .
Methods that help in security planning on a budget , other than having teams working together , are the role of establishing wellintegrated technology and incident response solutions for operating efficiently in midsize companies . Ensuring these two factors helps to effectively minimise unplanned work and also increases cost-effectiveness .
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AS FOR
OPERATING EFFICIENTLY , ENTERPRISES BOTH LARGE AND SMALL ARE BUDGET CONSCIOUS AND MUST SEEK WAYS TO STREAMLINE BOTH IT AND ENSURE SECURITY OPTIMISATION .
FADY YOUNES , CYBERSECURITY DIRECTOR , MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA AT CISCO
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