Key Differences Between Advanced and Foundational Security

What’s the Difference Between Advanced and Foundational Security?

Most companies know that cybersecurity is a must in order to keep their businesses safe. But what’s the difference between foundational and advanced cybersecurity?  

With the current state of cybercrime and the many, swirling stories of ransomware attacks, password hacks, and data breaches, most Central Florida companies know: Cybersecurity is a must.

The question remains, however: As a company, just how do you go about making absolutely sure that your business and data are protected?

In fact, there are many aspects to this inquiry that need answering. After all, both internal and external security weaknesses can put your company at risk. Additionally, the measures you take should ultimately be dictated by what potential hackers are after in your business.

There’s also the matter of advanced security strategies versus foundational security strategies. Both are necessary, but as a business owner, it’s important to know in what capacity you must address each one.

So, let’s start there.

What’s the difference between foundational security and advanced security?

As the name implies, foundational security strategies are implemented at the most basic level. It’s the first line of defense against cybercrime. Foundational security strategies include the following:

• Antivirus software
• Management of data backups (in the cloud)
• Perimeter security
• Patch management

Advanced security measures take things up a notch. If you have had a security breach before or you carry particularly sensitive data, you’ll want to implement advanced security controls so that you can feel confident about your protection in the event of a targeted threat.

High-quality IT security companies can help you implement the best-advanced security measures for your particular business. What you choose to work with will be based on your industry, the size of your company, what type of data you store, and the foundational cybersecurity measures you’ve already chosen. Advanced security strategies usually include:

• Extended email security
• HIDS (host intrusion detection)
• Harden system configurations
• MDR (managed detection and response)
• Security awareness training
• SIEM (security information and event management)
• DNS security
• Monitoring of the dark web
• Network traffic replay
• Vulnerability scanning
• Password protection and MFA (multifactor authentication)

Contact SemTech IT Solutions for All Your Cybersecurity Needs

If you own a business in Central Florida, it’s time to take cybersecurity into your own hands. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Florida has already been hit hard by cybersecurity crimes in the last year. Several Florida municipalities, in particular, have had network security breaches that ended up causing them hundreds of thousands of dollars. Lake City paid $480,000 while Riviera Beach paid $600,000. Later, Key Biscayne had a security breach as well, and the city of Naples ultimately lost $700,000.

Unfortunately, experts say this is only the beginning. Hackers and cybercriminals from around the world want money through ransomware schemes, but they also want sensitive data, including financial information. According to the experts, ” Money is motivating, but hackers aren’t always after quick cash. Personally identifiable information, known as PII, can be used for identity theft.”

Even if your business does not deal directly with personal financial information (for example, even if you’re not a legal office or a medical supply company), the personal information of yourself and your employees could be at risk. If you have any customers or clients who have given you their financial information for payment, this could also be at risk. As soon as people find out that a company they work with has had a security breach, they often cut all ties. This could ultimately put your business under.

Again, don’t take that risk. Contact SemTech IT Solutions today to learn about the best ways to implement both foundational and advanced security measures. SemTech IT Solutions is a leading IT company in Orlando and has extensive experience protecting Central Florida companies from cyber threats.

Contact us today for your first consultation and to learn about the security options that will best fit your business.