🛡️ Definition
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the practice of designing and managing systems and processes to protect you and your business from malicious hackers and software. These threats can include ransomware, viruses, phishing, hacks, etc. and they can seek to steal data about you or your customers, funds from you or your customers, or digital resources to use for their advantage.
Impact
What Puts Your Business at Risk?
91% of Breaches Start with a Click
Phishing Still Works 91% of successful data breaches start with a phishing email. (Source: KnowBe4)
Ransomware Recovery Rates Are Grim
Ransomware Recovery Rates Are Grim 60% of SMBs that suffer a ransomware attack go out of business within 6 months. (Source: National Cyber Security Alliance)
Unpatched Software Opens Doors to Breaches
Unpatched Software = Open Doors Unpatched vulnerabilities cause 60% of all breaches. (Source: Ponemon Institute)
Remote Work Demands Stronger Endpoint Security
Remote Work Has Changed the Game Endpoint protection and identity access management are now more critical than traditional firewalls.
Insider Threats Pose Significant Risks
Insider Threats Are Real From accidental leaks to disgruntled employees, 34% of breaches involve internal actors. (Source: Verizon DBIR)
Basic Cybersecurity Check-list for Businesses
3, 2, 1! 3 copies of all your data, stored in 2 formats, with 1 being offsite
Antivirus or Endpoint Detection & Response software that patrols your endpoints for viruses and breaches
Disaster Recover Plan so business operations can be restored quickly after the loss of servers, software, the office, etc.
Antivirus or Endpoint Detection & Response software that patrols your endpoints for viruses and breaches
Password Managers to enforce strong passwords that users won’t write down in a compromised manner
Email filtering to mitigate phishing and junk mail
Security training for your users to equip them to spot and avoid attacks
Email encryption so confidential data can’t be stolen in-transit
Web/DNS Filtering so malicious websites can’t trick your staff into releasing credentials or funds
Automatic updates/patching of workstations, servers, and network devices
Firewalls in place on your network and workstations
Scans of your network to find vulnerabilities in hardware or software
VPN or ZTNA to protect remote users network traffic
Multi-factor authentication to access any confidential data, systems, or software
Servers behind a modern Unified Threat Management firewall
Dark web monitoring to alert when credentials are compromised
Data Loss Prevention
Contact
What’s next?
Worried that you might be missing necessary protection and vulnerable to attack or data loss? Contact us to review your cybersecurity stance and give you peace of mind – or actionable next-steps.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question?
FAQ's
What is ransomware, and how do I prevent it?
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your data and demands payment for its release. Prevention includes strong backups, user awareness training, anti-malware tools, and proper network segmentation.
What is a firewall, and do I need one?
Yes. A firewall is your first line of defense, controlling incoming and outgoing traffic to prevent unauthorized access to your network.
How can I protect against phishing emails?
Set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records
Use email security tools like Microsoft Defender or Proofpoint
Train staff to recognize suspicious emails
Disable macros in Office files by default
What is endpoint protection, and why is it important?
Endpoint protection secures devices like laptops, desktops, and mobile phones from malware, phishing, and other threats. It’s crucial in today’s hybrid work environments.
How often should we run vulnerability scans?
At least quarterly—but for high-risk industries or businesses handling sensitive data, monthly scans are recommended.
What is a data breach, and how can it impact my business?
A data breach occurs when confidential data is accessed without authorization. This can lead to customer loss, financial penalties (especially under regulations like PIPEDA or GDPR), and reputation damage.
How can I build a cybersecurity strategy for my business?
Assess current risks and vulnerabilities
Implement layered security (firewalls, antivirus, backups, etc.)
Train your staff
Set clear access controls and security policies
Monitor activity and respond to threats quickly
KoalaTech can help you build a full-stack strategy designed for your business size, industry, and budget.
Do small businesses really need cybersecurity?
Yes. Small businesses are prime targets for cybercriminals because they often lack advanced defenses. A single breach can result in major downtime, data loss, or financial damage.
What is DNS filtering and why is it important?
DNS filtering blocks access to dangerous websites before a connection is made. It helps prevent phishing attacks, malware downloads, and accidental visits to malicious domains.
Can you help if we’ve already had a data breach?
Yes. We offer incident response services to contain the breach, recover lost data, and harden your systems to prevent future attacks.
How often should cybersecurity training be done?
At least annually — but with threats constantly evolving, quarterly micro-trainings and phishing simulations are more effective at keeping your team alert.
What is multi-factor authentication (MFA), and why is it important for my business?
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an additional layer of security by requiring more than just a password. MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access to your systems, making it a crucial component of your overall cybersecurity strategy.