The importance of protection and compliance in an evolving IT landscape

Canadian businesses have changed remarkably and quickly over the last few years. Business leaders across the country have had to address hybrid work, with many organizations moving key data and applications into the cloud or virtualized parts of their network infrastructure to allow for this shift. Meanwhile, throughout the country, billions of Internet-connected sensors and devices are helping give companies unheard-of visibility and control over their operations. 

These changes have lead to new levels of business agility and the promotion of innovation. However, we can’t ignore that they have also created a greater need for rigorous protection and compliance. 
 

Under pressure

It’s not surprising that cloud technologies have created new potential for cyber attacks. Every additional sensor, application and device is another entry point for cyber attackers to enter the network, potentially harming productivity, brand reputation and the bottom line. The average cost of a ransomware incident to Canadian organizations is $1.5M, significantly higher for larger organizations at $2.2M.¹

Additionally, companies must comply with evolving national and international regulations and industry standards (e.g., PCI, PIPEDA and others), which require updates to approaches and certifications in order to maintain compliance. 

So, what can be done to stay protected and compliant? The answer starts with understanding the challenge.  
 

Security in a cloud-centric world

With the promise of scalability, flexibility and cost-efficiency – values of even greater importance with the move to a hybrid working world – cloud services are becoming more vital to businesses. In fact, 80% of Canadian organizations are shifting to cloud-based infrastructure and applications.²

However, moving data and workloads to the cloud can increase risk. Businesses need to protect the devices and connections people use outside the office as well as those they use on premises. Cloud misconfiguration, named by 68% of enterprises as their biggest security concern,²  can put the traffic, data and features of the cloud experience at risk. In fact, 84% of Canadian organizations reported ransomware infections in the last 12 months. The median was two incidents per organization.¹

Businesses need a thorough security strategy with solutions that protect data where it is stored and when it’s being transferred, along with the right expertise to monitor and track threats. 
 

Staying safe

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to security. A comprehensive defence strategy is needed that reflects today’s realities and your specific needs. We recommend a strategy that touches on three key areas:  training staff on cybersecurity best practices; using zero-trust principles that give users access to only the network areas they require and deploying the most appropriate and secure network technology – including multiple and diverse networks to separate sensitive corporate data.  

Key to the success of any security strategy is a clear understanding of responsibilities for securing cloud-based data and applications. Most cloud providers adhere to the “shared responsibility model.” Within it, cloud providers manage the underlying infrastructure, offering protection and security, while key factors like password management, endpoint device protection and access management tend to fall to the cloud subscriber. 
 

Get some help from a friend

With Bell, you can meet your security challenges head on. As Canada’s largest network, we have a unique vantage point over the Canadian threat landscape and leverage this insight in every solution we discuss and build for our clients.  When we combine this with our highly skilled and certified team of security professionals, our robust portfolio of security solutions, and our best-in-class partnerships with the world’s leading security providers, we can deliver the tailored, integrated and secure solutions your business needs.   
 

Sources :
1. IDC Canadian Security Ecosystem Pulse, 3Q22: The State of Ransomware, July 2022.
2. Cybersecurity-insiders.com. Cloud Security Report, 2022.