Barriers Preventing SMBs from Installing UTM Firewall and Adopting Best Cyber Security Practices
Small and medium businesses would benefit from installing a UTM firewall to protect their systems and safeguard the integrity of customer data. The UTM refers to Unified Threat Management, a single solution that features several security functions.
The Australian Cyber Security Centre survey revealed that 8 in 10 small businesses are aware of cyber security and believe it is an essential component of their operations. But there’s a wide gap between knowledge and action, considering that half of them spend only AU$500 to protect their systems.
Roadblocks to Implementing UTM Firewall and Cyber Security Solutions
Lack of dedicated staff
The budgets of small and medium organisations are already spread too thin, so they cannot afford to hire a dedicated team to secure their systems. However, one solution is to outsource your IT needs to a business support company. You cannot afford to take your current security system for granted and cross your fingers that nothing will happen. You must craft a comprehensive plan to better respond to internal and external cyber threats.
Immaturity of policies and processes
The Office of the Information Commissioner said nearly 4 in 10 data breaches are caused by human error. For the most part, the leak is not deliberate but rather a result of the lack of adequate training of the staff. All employees must be on board with all your security policies and best practices. The business must also ensure that everyone — from the CEO down to rank and file — will be accountable for any breach. It’s not enough that you installed a UTM firewall; your staff should also be equipped with the knowledge to ensure compliance with your security processes.
Lack of investment in protection software
For instance, installing Palo Alto Networks will guarantee the security of your network, server, cloud-delivered apps, and endpoints. The Palo Alto software forms part of next-generation firewalls or Unified Threat Management, which are more effective in thwarting cyber attacks and spotting weaknesses in your system. However, small businesses often rely on the security patch in their software to protect their data. Unfortunately, business owners do not view a UTM firewall as a necessary investment, pushing it below the budgetary totem pole.
They do not know where to begin
Sometimes, the process of blanketing your organisation against cybersecurity seems to be an overwhelming task. As a result, some business owners do not know where to start. Fortunately, there’s a multitude of business support services like Intellect IT that can help. But, perhaps, the hardest decision you will make is who to pick since the IT professionals will do most of the heavy lifting.
They miscalculate the risks
Sadly, businesses often underestimate the damage a cyber attack or a data breach will do to their brand reputation. Forget about the actual financial cost when your systems shut down. Instead, think about the potential customers you scare away when they realise that you do not invest in firewalls to secure their data.
So don’t dismiss the importance of installing Palo Alto networks or a UTM firewall in your organisation. It could be the best decision you can make to fill system gaps and shield your company from cyber-attacks.
