CYBERSECURITY THREAT AMIDST TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT IN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Technology diffusion as a result of Globalization has led to companies having to invest more and more in technology to ease their businesses process. Technological advancement has led to more Information Technology networks being integrated to support remote work, enhance the customer experience, and generate greater value, all of which has its own vulnerabilities.

The increasing demand for remote working access, less human contact in document delivery and payment processing is increasing cyber security risk because cybercriminals now have larger target in their quest to find and exploit vulnerabilities. Cybersecurity is the protection to defend internet-connected devices and services from malicious attacks by hackers, spammers, and cybercriminals as no organization is immune to cyber attack.

Cybersecurity is used by individuals and enterprises to protect against unauthorized access to data centers and other computerized systems. The surge in the use of Information Technology networks has made companies vulnerable to phishing schemes, web exploit attacks, ransomware attacks, Insider threats, identity theft, data breaches, and financial losses.

It is no surprise that few months ago, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) warned that Chinese government-backed hackers had breached several sensitive victims worldwide, including “major telecommunications companies.” 

Small- to mid-sized professional service firms may have been fortunate enough to fly under the radar in the past but are not immune to cybercriminals activities.

As professional services firms turn towards technology to adapt to an increasingly digitalized business environment, the problem cybersecurity poses need to be taken seriously and computer network need to be protected from unauthorized access. software like anti viruses helps to identify, thwart and eliminate computer viruses and other malicious software. While anti-spywares help restrict backdoor program, trojans and other spy wares to be installed on the computer.

A perfect way for businesses to protect themselves against these threats is by educating staffs on the fundamentals of computer security. This will help reduce cyberattacks caused by human error and employee negligence to a great extent.