What is SASE? Exploring the basics of SASE

by Tom Hartley | Jan 9, 2023 | Cloud

What is SASE? Exploring the Basics of Secure Access Services Edge Technology

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a revolutionary new technology that promises to provide secure, unobstructed access securely to cloud-hosted applications. As businesses embrace digital transformation and the move from on-premise infrastructure to more flexible, cloud-based solutions, it’s increasingly important for them to have secure access protocols in place without sacrificing performance or scalability. SASE can help organisations protect their data with enhanced security measures while accelerating workflow capabilities and enabling faster time to market for initiatives. SASE combines secure access and edge services such as zero-trust network access (ZTNA), cloud access security brokers (CASB), firewalls, threat intelligence, encryption, identity and access management (IAM), data loss prevention (DLP) and more. This helps organisations protect their data from potential threats while providing users with faster, more secure access to applications, services, and data. Additionally, SASE can provide granular user-level policies that are tailored to an organisation’s specific needs. This helps ensure that only authorised personnel can access sensitive information and prevents unauthorised users from accessing the system.

What are the benefits of SASE for New Zealand businesses?

SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) was developed to support the dynamic and increasingly complex demands on businesses for secure access solutions to applications, data, and assets stored in hybrid multi-cloud environments. In New Zealand, SASE provides businesses with a high level of protection from malicious threats and also enables efficient capabilities when remote workers need access to online services. These features enable organisations to avoid large upfront investment costs associated with network security solutions as well as ongoing maintenance. Additionally, SASE makes it easier for companies to leverage highly secure networks while ensuring their private information remains safe – making it a decisive competitive advantage over the competition. SASE is also well-suited to organisations in New Zealand that need to comply with stringent national and international regulatory requirements, as SASE’s features are designed to help meet the most rigorous security standards. In addition, SASE gives businesses the freedom of choice when it comes to their network infrastructure – allowing them to mix and match different SASE components to create the perfect SASE solution for their unique needs. SASE is also a more cost-effective and efficient way to meet modern cybersecurity needs, providing businesses with increased agility and scalability when changing security requirements arise. With SASE, New Zealand companies can have confidence that their data is secure – protecting them from potential cyber threats while ensuring seamless access for their end users. By investing in SASE, New Zealand businesses can benefit from enhanced security and improved efficiency, allowing them to focus on growing their business rather than worrying about potential threats.

How does SASE work, and how can it be used to protect your online security

SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) is a cloud-native reliable network security system established to protect users from cyber threats and malicious activity online. It encompasses both traditional security services like cloud firewalls, which identify and block incoming traffic from external threats, as well as more advanced components such as Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), which verifies user identity each time they access the network, thereby eliminating the need for a private network or VPN. With SASE deployed in an organisation, communication between users and the company’s cloud service is secured using encryption techniques, allowing for data privacy and ensuring data integrity throughout its entire journey. This enhanced security also makes cloud applications easier to use by offering secure remote access to applications and data on multiple devices. By providing secure access to resources no matter where they are being hosted while enforcing identity validation and eliminating the need for additional hardware or software installations, SASE provides organisations with peace of mind when it comes to their company networks’ security.

Why did SASE gain so much popularity in the last 12 months?

SASE has exploded in popularity over the last 12 months due to its ability to converge network and security functions into a single platform. SASE simplifies the delivery of secure enterprise access from any remote user or device from anywhere without compromising performance. SASE also enables customers and organisations to quickly adapt to changing business needs with greater agility and scalability. SASE replaces traditional architectures by combining multiple point products into one integrated solution that delivers secure connectivity for all users regardless of their location or device. With SASE, organisations can gain better visibility into user activities, enhanced threat protection, improved compliance posture, reduced complexity, faster time to value, and lower total cost of ownership. SASE is quickly becoming the go-to architecture for organisations looking to securely connect users, applications, data, and services from anywhere in the world. SASE is expected to revolutionise the way organisations secure their networks and digital assets.

Additionally, SASE has gained popularity due to its ability to transform IT infrastructures from static silos into an agile and flexible model that can adapt rapidly to new business requirements. SASE enables organisations to quickly move applications and services out of legacy architectures and into cloud environments for increased scalability and agility. SASE also provides a secure “zero trust” environment where access is granted only after rigorous authentication processes have been completed. This means organisations can always be sure users are properly authenticated before allowing them access to sensitive data or systems. SASE also utilises advanced analytics capabilities, such as machine learning, which makes it easier for organisations to detect threats or malicious activities that might otherwise be missed.

What are the different types of SASE technology available on the market today?

SASE technology has become increasingly popular due to its ability to provide a secure and efficient network that can integrate multiple services such as cloud security, SD-WAN, content delivery networks, and more, creating a secure software-defined perimeter. Today, businesses have a variety of SASE solutions available to them – from cloud-native services with on-premise support, to hardware-based devices that provide more control over deployment. Additionally, multi-tenancy options are becoming increasingly popular as they allow for better scalability and shared hosting costs amongst different organisations. Businesses now have the unique opportunity to select a solution tailored to their specific needs, making SASE an invaluable resource in the digital world. SASE solutions can be used to reduce the complexity of security, while also improving performance, reliability, visibility and control of access to cloud environments. SASE technology is available in a variety of form factors, including on-premises, cloud-based, and hybrid deployments:

On-Premises SASE Technology

On-premises SASE technology is deployed within a company network and provides a secure connection to the internet and other external resources. On-premises SASE technology is typically more expensive than other types of SASE technology, but it can provide a higher level of security and performance.

Cloud-Based SASE Technology

Cloud-based SASE technology is deployed within a cloud provider’s network security services and provides a secure connection to the internet and other external resources. Cloud-based SASE technology is typically less expensive than on-premises SASE technology, but it can be less secure and may have lower performance and increased bandwidth and latency.

Hybrid SASE Technology

Hybrid SASE technology combines on-premises and cloud-based deployments to provide a secure sd-wan connection to the internet and other external resources. Hybrid SASE technology can provide a balance of security, performance, and cost.

SASE technology is a powerful tool that provides businesses with greater control over their networks and allows them to quickly and securely share data, applications, and services with customers, partners, suppliers, and other stakeholders. SASE solutions also provide advanced analytics capabilities, which allow for more detailed insights into network usage patterns in order to identify suspicious activity or potential threats. Overall, SASE technology offers an unparalleled level of protection for businesses operating in today’s digital landscape.

In short, SASE is quickly becoming the go-to architecture for organisations looking to securely connect users, applications, data, and services from anywhere in the world. With SASE, organisations gain improved security posture, better visibility into user activities, enhanced security and compliance requirements and reduced complexity while achieving lower total cost of ownership. SASE is expected to revolutionise the way organisations secure their networks and digital assets moving forward.

What is the best SASE solution for your organisation?

When choosing a SASE solution, there are several determining factors to consider:

1. Company Size

One of the primary factors to consider when choosing a complete SASE solution is company size. The needs of a small business are going to be different than the needs of a large enterprise, so it’s important to choose a solution that is scaled appropriately. For example, a small business may not need as robust of security features as a large enterprise, so they may be able to get by with a less expensive solution.

2. Industry

Another factor to consider is industry. Certain industries have compliance requirements that must be met, and there are SASE solutions that are specifically designed for these industries. For example, the healthcare industry has strict data privacy requirements, so a SASE solution for a healthcare company would need to include features that meet these requirements.

3. Budget

Budget is also an important consideration when choosing a SASE solution. There are many different price points for SASE solutions, so it’s important to find one that fits within your budget. It’s also important to keep in mind that the most expensive solution isn’t necessarily the best solution for your needs – sometimes, a less expensive solution will suffice.

4. Security Needs

Of course, one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a SASE solution are security and networking needs. What level of security do you require? What type of data are you looking to protect? There are many different security features available in SASE solutions, so it’s important to find one that has the features you need. Taking a zero trust approach is the perfect start towards a comprehensive sase architecture.

5. Ease of Use

Last but not least, you should also consider ease of use when choosing a SASE solution. Some solutions can be complex and difficult to use, while others are much simpler and user-friendly. It’s important to find a solution that strikes the right balance for your needs – one that is easy enough to use without sacrificing too much in terms of functionality or security.

To ensure your needs are met and that you get the most out of your investment, seek an offering with features such as comprehensive data encryption for secure remote working environments or AI automation tools for optimising performance. Additionally, price should not be overlooked; take some time to research what’s included in various pricing models so that you can make informed decisions about which SASE is right for you. Ultimately, the right SASE depends on your unique situation and goals, but by taking these factors into account in advance of making a selection, you can be sure to select a good fit for your organisation.

The future of SASE and its potential impact on the way we do business online

The adoption of secure access service edge (SASE) solutions has immense potential to revolutionise the way we do business online in New Zealand. SASE is a cloud-delivered solution consisting of network security capabilities, including firewalls and zero-trust networking, unified under a single platform. This platform provides comprehensive protection that scales with dynamic environments while integrating traditional security measures on-premises and in the cloud. As businesses are increasingly moving data and resources to the cloud, SASE can provide an extra layer of security against various threats such as malware, advanced persistent threats, and phishing attacks. If deployed correctly, companies will be able to operate more securely online without worrying about data theft or breaches. The implementation of SASE Security will serve as a cornerstone for New Zealand’s digital transformation journey by providing invaluable tools and resources that are essential for success in the modern world. The future of SASE has the potential to revolutionise the way we do business online in New Zealand. SASE can help organisations secure their digital assets and networks while reducing IT overhead costs and improving user experience. Unlike traditional approaches, which suffered from complexity stemming from multiple vendors, the SASE model is a converged solution combining multiple security functions such as firewalls, SD-WAN connectivity, encrypted traffic management and Zero Trust Network Access into one holistic approach. This will enable companies to eliminate costly point products while streamlining security processes and policies. By providing an easy mechanism to harden an organisation’s access points, SASE could potentially have a direct effect on industry compliance requirements such as data sovereignty and privacy regulations, making us more competitive overall in an increasingly digital economy.

Conclusion

SASE is a powerful tool that can help businesses secure their data and applications in the cloud while simultaneously increasing performance and scalability. As businesses continue to embrace digital transformation, it’s more important than ever to have a robust security protocol in place. SASE can be that protocol, but researching the right solution for your organisation can be complex. SASE solutions come in many forms, and it’s important to understand the differences between each variant before making a decision. SASE can help businesses create an agile and secure network through unified security, SaaS applications, cloud networking, zero-trust access control, identity management, CASB integration, and more. As SASE evolves over time with new offerings and capabilities, businesses can expect improved network performance that is tailored to their exact needs. With SASE in place, organisations will have greater control over their data and applications while also enjoying enhanced scalability and streamlined operations for maximum efficiency.

Unlocking Zero Trust and Digital Trust

by Tom Hartley | Jan 3, 2023 | Zero Trust

Unlocking the Difference Between Zero Trust and Digital Trust

For today’s business leaders, two buzzwords that are making an increasing appearance in conversations are “zero trust” and “digital trust”. With the rise of migration to cloud computing, a mobile workforce, remote work environments, and digital transformation projects, it is important to understand how these two security concepts differ from one another. Exploring these differences can help you make more informed decisions when conceptualising your overall security posture.

Definition of Zero Trust and Digital Trust

Zero Trust and Digital Trust are two fundamentally different approaches to ensuring the security of an organisation’s data, networks, and systems. Zero Trust is a philosophy that states that no one should be automatically trusted, regardless of their network location or identity. This means that trust must be verified and authenticated before granting access or allowing any activity. On the other hand, Digital Trust is an approach that relies on digital technologies and analytics to create trust in a person or organisation. It involves leveraging tools such as identity and access management (IAM) systems, behavioural biometrics, predictive modelling, and other forms of authentication to verify identities. Both approaches are essential when it comes to protecting critical data and infrastructure. However, they have different strengths and weaknesses that should be taken into consideration when making security decisions.

Zero Trust Security

Zero Trust Security assumes all users, systems, and networks are untrustworthy until proven otherwise. The purpose of Zero Trust Security is to establish a secure environment where the level of access to applications and services is granted on a case-by-case basis. This approach uses rigorous authentication and authorisation standards, as well as real-time monitoring, to ensure that only trusted users have access to sensitive data.

Zero Trust Security eliminates the reliance on assumptions of trust. This is accomplished by implementing multi-factor authentication, restricting access to approved services and applications, monitoring user activity in real time, and deploying additional security measures such as encryption and data loss prevention (DLP).

In addition, Zero Trust Security also employs machine learning and artificial intelligence to detect anomalies in user behaviour. This helps organisations quickly identify suspicious activity and take appropriate measures to protect their system. By using a multi-layered security strategy that includes authentication, authorisation, monitoring, encryption, and machine learning, organisations can ensure the safety of their data and systems.

The Zero Trust Security model is becoming increasingly popular among organisations of all sizes due to its comprehensive security posture, as well as its ability to detect threats faster and more accurately than traditional security models. Furthermore, the Zero Trust Security model can be easily tailored to fit an organisation’s specific needs and goals, making it a viable option for businesses of all sizes.

In summary, Zero Trust Security is a security model that assumes all users, systems, and networks are untrustworthy until they can be proven otherwise. The model employs authentication, authorisation, real-time monitoring, encryption and machine learning to create an environment where only trusted users have access to sensitive data.

Digital Trust Security

Digital Trust Security focuses on establishing secure relationships between people and organisations in the digital world. To achieve this, digital trust emphasises identity management and access control, as well as setting up protocols of trust between individuals and organisations. Additionally, Digital Trust Security helps to ensure data integrity and privacy by providing methods for businesses to protect their customer’s personal information and reduce the risk of a data breach.

Digital Trust Security also focuses on helping organisations to move their operations online securely. This includes providing secure authentication protocols for account access, as well as setting up secure communication channels between systems and users. Moreover, Digital Trust Security enables organisations to identify potential threats from malicious actors or hackers in the digital space and provide solutions to protect against these threats. By leveraging the latest technologies and threat intelligence, Digital Trust Security helps organisations stay one step ahead of security threats.

At the same time, Digital Trust Security also works to ensure that users are able to trust technology in their daily lives. This includes providing secure payment processing options, as well as establishing verification systems for online identity. In addition, Digital Trust Security helps to ensure that users understand the risks associated with using technology and can make informed decisions when it comes to their online privacy. By doing so, Digital Trust Security works to provide a secure digital environment for everyone.

By implementing Digital Trust Security, businesses can benefit from improved customer protection, applications and data integrity and privacy, as well as an increased level of trust from their customers. Digital Trust Security also helps organisations to better protect against malicious actors or hackers and reduce the risk of a data breach. In the end, this all works together to build a more secure digital world for everyone to enjoy.

Digital Trust Security is an important part of establishing trust in the digital world and helping organisations and individuals to work together securely. By creating a secure environment for users, businesses can enjoy the benefits of having customers who trust them and will remain loyal in the long term. With Digital Trust Security, companies can better protect their data and customer privacy, reduce the risk of security threats, and ensure that their operations are running smoothly online. Digital Trust Security is essential to creating a secure digital world.

Benefits of Understanding the Differences

By understanding the differences between zero trust and digital trust, businesses can ensure that they are taking the right steps to protect their data and systems. By applying both concepts in tandem, companies can create an environment of secure access to applications and services, as well as establish secure relationships with customers and employees. Additionally, businesses that understand the difference between zero trust and digital trust can better connect the dots between their security policies, ensuring that all aspects of their security posture are working together to protect their data. Finally, understanding the differences between zero trust and digital trust can help companies to develop processes that are more secure, efficient and cost-effective. By considering both concepts when designing their security strategies, businesses can ensure that their systems are protected from cyber threats.

Benefits of Leveraging Both Zero Trust and Digital Trust Security

When it comes to achieving a secure environment, leveraging both Zero Trust and Digital Trust Security is essential. By using both approaches in tandem, businesses can create a comprehensive security posture that protects their data and systems from malicious actors while also building trust between customers, employees, and organisations. Additionally, by understanding the differences between these two concepts, businesses can ensure that all aspects of their security policies are in place and working together. Ultimately, leveraging both Zero Trust and Digital Trust Security can help businesses create a secure environment where data is safe, customers are trusted, and employees have the right access to applications and services.

Additionally, using both approaches to security can reduce the cost of monitoring and managing data since these solutions are designed to be more efficient than traditional security measures. As organisations continue to rely more heavily on digital tools and services, leveraging both Zero Trust and Digital Trust Security is becoming increasingly important in order to protect their data and systems from malicious actors while also building trust between customers, employees, and organisations.

Overall, using both Zero Trust and Digital Trust Security can help businesses create a secure environment where data is safe, customers are trusted, and employees have the right access to applications and services. By leveraging these two approaches in tandem, businesses can ensure that all aspects of their security policies are in place and working together while also reducing the cost of monitoring and managing data. Ultimately, utilising both Zero Trust and Digital Trust Security can help businesses protect their data and systems from malicious actors while also building trust between customers, employees, and organisations. By doing so, businesses can create a secure environment where everyone is safe and has access to the resources they need.

Conclusion

Moving forward, understanding Zero Trust and Digital Trust are essential to any business operating in Hawke’s Bay that seeks to develop a wider business presence with an increased dependence on technology.

Zero Trust Security and Digital Trust Security are two important concepts in today’s digital world. Understanding their differences, as well as how they complement one another, can help businesses build secure environments for their customers and employees, as well as protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with data privacy regulations. By taking a holistic approach to security and leveraging both Zero Trust Security and Digital Trust Security, businesses can significantly improve their overall security posture. Additionally, by establishing strong policies and procedures to ensure the security of digital assets, organisations can protect their data from malicious or unauthorised access. With proper implementation and ongoing maintenance, organisations can stay secure and compliant in an increasingly connected world.

The wise implementation of both Zero Trust Security and Digital Trust Security is essential for any organisation that wants to protect its digital assets, maintain compliance with data privacy regulations, and secure its customer’s and employees’ data. With the right practices and security tools in place, organisations can create a secure environment, protect their digital resources, and help ensure that all customers remain safe when engaging in online activities. By properly implementing both Zero Trust Security and Digital Trust Security, organisations can ensure their digital assets remain secure and protect their customers from potential threats.

Cybersecurity Threats New Zealand SMBs Face in 2023

by Tom Hartley | Dec 12, 2022 | 2023, New Zealand Business, SMB

Protecting New Zealand Businesses Against Cybersecurity Attacks in 2023

Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are the backbone of the New Zealand economy. They provide jobs, support local communities and contribute to the country’s GDP. As we move into 2023, small to medium-sized business owners (SMBs) are facing a higher risk of cyberattacks. This is due to a number of factors, including the expanding attack surface created by the growing number of cloud-based applications and devices, and the continued reliance on legacy systems that are not designed to withstand modern threats. In addition, many SMBs do not have the resources or expertise to defend themselves against sophisticated attacks effectively. As a result, they are often forced to pay the ransom or suffer significant financial losses. While the New Zealand government is working to improve the country’s cyber resilience, it is important for SMBs to take steps to protect themselves. This includes implementing robust security controls, educating employees about cyber threats, and having a plan in place to recover from an attack quickly. By taking these precautions, SMBs can help ensure that they remain a vital part of the New Zealand economy.

In this blog post, we will discuss the cybersecurity threats that SMBs face in 2023 and how they can overcome them.

1. The increasing number of cyberattacks against SMBs and the damage they cause

In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of cyberattacks against small and medium-sized enterprises (SMBs). These attacks can have devastating consequences, causing data breaches, financial loss, and reputational damage. In many cases, SMBs are ill-equipped to deal with such attacks, and the resulting damage can be enough to put them out of business. The reason for the increase in attacks against SMBs is that they are often seen as easy targets. Their lack of security measures makes them an attractive target for cybercriminals, and their smaller size means that they are less likely to have the resources to recover from an attack. As the number of cyberattacks against SMBs continues to rise, it is important for businesses of all sizes to take steps to protect themselves. This includes investing in cybersecurity measures such as firewalls and malware protection, and training employees on how to identify and avoid potential threats. By taking these precautions, businesses can reduce the risk of becoming victims of these damaging attacks.

2. The most common types of cyberattacks against SMBs and how to protect yourself from them

Though often thought of as big business targets, small to medium businesses (SMBs) are actually much more likely to be the victims of cybercrime. In fact, 43 percent of all cyberattacks target SMBs. The most common types of cyberattacks against SMBs include phishing, ransomware, and malware. Phishing is the act of sending fraudulent emails in an attempt to steal sensitive information such as login credentials or financial information. Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s files and demands a ransom be paid in order to decrypt them. Malware, short for malicious software, is any type of harmful code that can infect a computer and cause damage. While SMBs may be prime targets for cybercriminals, there are steps that can be taken to protect against these attacks. Training employees on how to spot and avoid phishing attempts is one way to reduce the risk of falling victim to this type of attack. Additionally, ensuring that all data is backed up on a regular basis can help minimize the damage caused by ransomware and other malware attacks. By taking these precautions, SMBs can help reduce their risk of falling victim to cybercrime. Here are 5 steps to achieve a balanced Cybersecurity posture in your organisation sector:

1. Ensure that your security software and operating systems are up to date – Keeping your system’s software and operating systems updated is one of the most effective ways to protect against cyberattacks. Outdated systems can leave your business vulnerable, so make sure all programs, applications, and networks are regularly updated with the latest patches.

2. Educate your employees on cybersecurity protocols – Training employees on how to identify potential threats and the importance of cybersecurity can help prevent malicious attacks from occurring. Make sure all staff are aware of standard security procedures such as avoiding clicking unknown links, recognizing phishing attempts, and not sharing sensitive information over email or social media.

3. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication – Implementing strong passwords and two-factor authentication can help protect sensitive data from unauthorized access. Change your passwords often to reduce the risk of them being compromised, and ensure that all staff members are trained on best practices for creating and managing secure passwords.

4. Utilize a firewall and VPN – Installing and configuring a firewall on your network can help protect you from external threats. A virtual private network (VPN) can also be used to encrypt data sent over the Internet and reduce the risk of third parties gaining access to sensitive information.

5. Implement strict security protocols – Establishing clear guidelines for how employees should handle confidential data and access company systems can help ensure that security protocols are consistently followed. Consider requiring employees to use complex passwords, change them regularly, and log out of shared devices when not in use. Additionally, have a policy in place for reporting any suspicious activity or potential threats. All of these steps will increase your ability to protect yourself against cyberattacks.

3. The importance of SMBs having a cybersecurity plan in place

In today’s digital world, data security is more important than ever before. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly targets of cyberattacks, and the costs of these attacks can be devastating. According to a recent report, the average cost of a data breach for an SMB is $2.2 million. This figure takes into account the direct costs of the breach, such as notification and legal fees, as well as the indirect costs, such as lost customers and reputation damage. Given these high costs, it’s essential that SMBs have a cybersecurity plan in place. This plan should include measures to prevent attacks, such as employee training on security best practices, as well as steps to take in the event of a breach, such as having a responder team in place. By taking these steps, SMBs can help to protect their data – and their bottom line.

4. How to create a cybersecurity initiative for your business

When it comes to safeguarding your business from cybersecurity threats, the key is to have a plan in place. By taking some simple steps to assess your risks and create a customized plan, you can help protect your business from a wide range of potential threats.

First, take an inventory of your company’s assets and identify which ones are most vulnerable to attack. Next, assess the likelihood of an attack and the potential damage that could be caused. Based on this assessment, you can prioritize the assets that need the most protection.

Once you have identified your vulnerable assets, it’s time to develop a security plan. Begin by creating a list of security measures that should be put in place to protect each asset. This may include things like installing firewalls and anti-virus software, establishing user authentication protocols, and implementing data encryption methods. Once you have developed your security plan, put it into action and make sure to test it regularly to ensure that it is effective. By taking these steps, you can help safeguard your business against the ever-growing threat of cybersecurity attacks.

5. Tips for SMB employees staying safe online

In today’s business world, a company’s most valuable asset is often its data. This includes everything from customer information and financial records to trade secrets and engineering designs. As a result, it’s essential for employees to take steps to protect this data when they are working online. Here are four tips to help employees stay safe:

1. Use strong passwords: A strong password is the first line of defence against online attacks. Use a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid using easily guessed words like “password” or your birthdate.

2. Avoid phishing scams: Phishing scams are designed to trick you into revealing sensitive information, such as your login credentials or credit card number. Be suspicious of any unsolicited emails or links, even if they appear to come from a trusted source.

3. Keep your software up to date: Out-of-date software can provide a back door for attackers. Make sure to install updates as soon as they are available for all the programs you use, including your operating system, web browser, and office suite.

4. Use caution when sharing information: Be careful about what information you share online, both in terms of the content itself and who you share it with. If in doubt, err on the side of caution and keep sensitive information to yourself.

By following these simple tips, employees can help to keep their company’s data safe from online threats.

6. SMB Resources for further reading

For businesses looking to improve their cybersecurity posture, there are a number of great resources available. The SANS Institute, for example, offers a wide range of resources on topics such as risk management, incident response, and security awareness. The NZCERT website also provides a wealth of information on cybersecurity threats and mitigation strategies. In addition, the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) offers guidance on how to implement cybersecurity solutions in a variety of different business environments. Finally, the American Institute for CPAs (AICPA) provides several helpful resources on cybersecurity best practices for businesses of all sizes. By taking advantage of these and other resources, businesses can gain the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves against today’s threats.

In Conclusion

In 2023, it’s more important than ever for small to medium-sized businesses in New Zealand to take cybersecurity seriously and create a robust security strategy and action plan. The threat of cyberattacks is only going to increase in the coming years, and businesses that don’t take steps to protect themselves will be at a significant disadvantage. Fortunately, there are a number of resources available to help businesses improve their cybersecurity posture. The SANS Institute, NZCERT, National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) all offer helpful information on how businesses can protect themselves against cyber threats. By taking advantage of these resources, SMBs can gain the knowledge and tools they need to safeguard their data and stay competitive in today’s digital age.

For SMBs looking for assistance in improving their cybersecurity posture, contact GOVERN today. Our team of cybersecurity experts can provide tailored solutions and advice to help your business stay secure and competitive in the ever-evolving digital environment. Don’t wait – for more information about our products and services, get in touch with us today to take the first step in partnering to safeguard your business against online threats.

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