The Importance of Cybersecurity for Businesses
While the introduction of cybersecurity software is associated with certain expenses, this is done to prevent greater potential damages, such as installing a fire suppression system, which helps prevent a conflagration that could burn the entire building down. Cybersecurity measures provide value by preventing damage that could cost a lot more than the expenditures they require, potentially saving firms from being destroyed altogether (Hubbard & Seiersen, 2023). In the event of a crisis, downsizing is preferable to going out of business.
Addressing the High Costs of Cybersecurity Implementation
The investment in constant upgrades and updates to the system is a valid concern, but it does not come in a lump sum to be paid immediately, all at once. It is an ongoing expense that is not as taxing on the end users as has been presented. Once upgrades are made, they will remain relevant for a while before needing to be replaced (Hubbard & Seiersen, 2023).
Updates, on the other hand, are provided for free by most cybersecurity vendors as part of their contract with the end users (Hubbard & Seiersen, 2023). It is their responsibility to offer tools and services that respond to the latest threats in cyberspace. Likewise, it is their responsibility to ensure that the system is functional. Otherwise, they are liable to litigation.
Managing Employee Resistance to Cybersecurity Adoption
Employee resentment of new technologies is not a new problem, as it occurs every time a new way of doing things is introduced into the process. These issues can be overcome through change management processes, letting people know exactly why these changes take place and what are the benefits of acquiring it.
The Consequences of Failing to Implement Cybersecurity
The alternative to all of these measures is to remain completely unprotected. This would open the company to hacking attempts, valuable data being stolen, entire computer systems being shut down by viruses, assets seized with malicious intent, websites getting shut down, and other crippling blows to the company’s production, intellectual property, and financial security (Hubbard & Seiersen, 2023). How can the company protect itself without investing in cybersecurity? In the 21st century, it is not a matter of whether one should or should not invest in it. Cybersecurity is a necessity, plain and simple.
Reference
Hubbard, D. W., & Seiersen, R. (2023). How to measure anything in cybersecurity risk. John Wiley & Sons.