Finding Business Balance on the Sliding Scale of Security

Every day there’s some new malware or data leak or hacker exploit revelation. Your business is vigilant, but it feels like you always have to be doing more about cybersecurity to remain protected. Meanwhile, you want to balance security measures with usability, convenience, and cost. That balancing act puts you somewhere on the sliding scale of security.

Usability and convenience anchor this sliding scale at one end, while security sits at the other. You have to find the right balance to create effective and user-friendly solutions.

Tipping the Scale of Security
Of course, you can maximize protection by being highly restrictive. This might include multi-factor authentication, strict access controls, and encryption with long and complex keys. Still, these measures can slow down workflows. They make it more challenging for users to access the resources they need.
On the other end of the scale, you might focus on ease of use and convenience. You have lower-level security measures that are less restrictive. This could mean fewer access controls or simpler authentication. These measures make it easier to perform tasks and access resources, but they may also expose systems to unauthorized access and data breaches.
The key is finding the right level of security, which is specific to each particular system, application, or situation.
Calibrating Your Security BalanceA managed service provider (MSP) can help balance security needs and maintain usability. They’ll take into account factors such as:

• the sensitivity of the data;
• the potential impact of a breach;
• user experience;
• regulatory requirements.

They'll also consider your specific needs and contexts. For example, a medical facility may want to be more security conscious. As technology evolves and threats change, your business also needs to adapt. Again, your MSP partner can help.
Levers on the Security ScaleIT experts have several ways they can help you reach your security-scale sweet spot. They can provide balance when they:

• install anti-spam and antivirus tools to operate in the background;
• determine and control who has access to what resources and under what conditions;
• set up password managers to help users keep track of unique, complex passwords;
• adjust the strength and type of encryption used for data at rest and data in transit;
• use monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect and promptly respond to security incidents;
• update and patch software while remaining sensitive to system uptime and compatibility;
• secure remote access with virtual private networks (VPNs) or install other endpoint protection;
• set policies for data retention and data backup;
• develop plans for responding to security incidents and breaches.

Let Our Experts HelpYour business should continually revisit its security and usability trade-offs. The right balance considers system requirements, potential risks, and usability needs.

Partner with us for the regular assessments and adjustments you need. We can help you maintain an optimal position on the security scale as technology and threats evolve. Call us today at 262-515-9499.