For many years, antivirus software was considered the go-to solution for protecting business computers. While still necessary, traditional antivirus is no longer sufficient to combat the sophisticated threats targeting businesses today. A modern cybersecurity strategy requires a multi-layered, “defense-in-depth” approach. Here are five essential security layers every Arizona business should have in place.
Cybercriminals actively search for and exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software. Leaving your operating systems and applications unpatched is like leaving a door unlocked. A managed patch management system ensures that critical security updates are applied promptly and systematically across all your devices, closing these entry points before they can be exploited.
MFA is one of the single most effective security controls you can implement. It requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to an account, such as a password plus a code from a smartphone app. Even if a cybercriminal steals a password, MFA prevents them from accessing your critical data and applications.
Think of EDR as the next generation of antivirus. While traditional AV looks for known virus “signatures,” EDR focuses on detecting suspicious behavior. It actively monitors your endpoints (computers, servers) for signs of an attack in progress, allowing for a much faster response to isolate threats and prevent them from spreading.
In the event of a ransomware attack, hardware failure, or natural disaster, your data backup may be the only thing that saves your business. A robust backup strategy involves having multiple copies of your data, including one that is stored securely offsite or in the cloud. Most importantly, these backups must be tested regularly to ensure they can be restored successfully when you need them most.
A firewall is your network’s gatekeeper. Modern firewalls go beyond simply blocking unauthorized connections; they provide advanced threat management by inspecting network traffic for malicious activity, enforcing security policies, and providing visibility into what’s happening on your network.
Building a strong security foundation requires more than just one tool. By layering these five essentials, you can create a resilient and comprehensive defense against the vast majority of modern cyber threats.
Implementing and managing these layers can be complex. The experts at Pulse Tech can design and manage a security strategy tailored to the specific needs of your business. Contact us to secure your foundation.