The Devastating Effects of a Security Breach on a Business

Sophia Belnap

Enterprise security is one of the most important elements necessary in the operation of a business today. Without a solid risk management program, no matter how successful the business, it can fail if there is a data breach. There are numerous reasons the enterprise business, no matter how large or small, needs a solid security architecture, covering both online data and the physical areas of the building. Listed below are some of the devastating effects a security breach can have on any company.

Out-of-Date Security is Easily Breached

Enterprise security is a dynamic process and needs continuous updating. Hackers are smart and scour the internet looking for entry points into servers. Out-of-date software or negligent employee use of company devices can create openings. Zero trust architecture is quickly becoming the industry standard. This type of security is sophisticated and designed to prevent data breaches and limit internal access to only authorized users.

Business Reputation Will Suffer

Any business, either large or small, needs to be concerned with cybersecurity. If the business is a large enterprise business, the security breach will most likely be made public, and the business's reputation will be tarnished when trust is broken. Clients trust that the confidential information provided to the business is secure. If clients can’t trust the business, most will find another provider.

Proprietary Information Can be Stolen

A breach in security has the potential to not only expose a client’s confidential information to risk, but the proprietary information of the business may be stolen. Depending on the nature of the business, this can be quite damaging. Proprietary information can be used for leverage in ransomware or can be sold to a competitor. Pricing algorithms, client purchase history, and business partner information all need to be secured.

Employee’s Make Mistakes

In today’s business environments and work-from-home arrangements, employees more than ever are using personal computing devices. Laptops, cell phones, and IPADs are potential avenues for data mining if the employees are using an unsecured network. Another common issue with employees is negligence with the devices. Company policy must be strong and indicate exactly under what circumstances the employees can take the devices home and when they can be used for personal business. Anytime employees take property home, there is a risk of unintentional harm. That risk needs to be managed with policy.

Hackers are Good At Cracking Passwords

Security policy must dictate a strong password program. The password management program of the business must automatically send notices to reset at intervals. Procedures need to be in place to ensure that only those with the need receive access to certain network-protected areas. There should be an approval process in place. Cloud-based applications and programs need to be monitored and secure.

Uncontrolled Facility Access Opens the Door to Security Breaches

Enterprise security must include the physical premises of the buildings. Access to areas where there is confidential information must be strongly controlled. If an unauthorized person gets into an area where they are not allowed, they may see or overhear something and unknowingly or on purpose share that information. A strong entry badge system is required.

Unlocked Computers and Unsecured Files Create Crimes of Opportunity

The business must control the security of the building and data. All employees should be given initial and ongoing security training. Confidential information must always be stored when employees out of the office, and documents should be shredded when no longer needed. Employees should lock computers when away. This can be controlled by software that sets the computer to lock after a few minutes of inactively. If documents and computers are unlocked, contract workers such as custodians and maintenance staff may access confidential information.

An effective security program must be comprehensive to include all areas of risk to the business. This requires an assessment of all the software and hardware used in the company. A strong program will provide training to all employees. Management must enforce the policy. Any data breach, small or large, can be devastating to a business.