Developing a security strategy for your business shouldn’t just be about the here and now. If you want your business to grow, you need a security system to scale with you. If computer speeds double every 18 months, what does that mean for other technical aspects?
While there is no way to completely keep up with technological advancements, you can future-proof your security strategy to minimize disruption.
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| Photo by Kevin Ku on Unplash |
Why Do You Need to Future-Proof Your Security?
The security system you implement today will likely become outdated a few years down the line, if not more. While there is little you can do about that, you can ensure that your strategy stands the test of time. You may have to update security technology and software to keep up. However, this is part of your security strategy.
Here are a few reasons future-proofing your security strategy is a must:
- Reduce the risk of cyber and physical threats
- Enable your security system to scale with you
- Stay up to date on all your security matters
- React quickly to new threats
- Save yourself time and energy implementing new technology
What Security Threats Will You Face?
Traditionally, we thought of security as a physical presence, such as hiring a guard or using video security cameras to deter physical threats. Now, we might think of firewalls and software preventing phishing, hacking, or other cyber threats. However, cyber and physical threats are not two separate entities.
Security threats you might face:
- Internal security incidents
- External hacking attempts
- Accidental employee data breach
- Third-party risks
- Poor incident response
Your security strategy should detail each potential threat and the steps to mitigate risks. As time goes on, new types of security threats may emerge. Outlining a solid incident response will help prevent damage in such cases.
Compliance Isn’t the Endgame
Every industry has its form of compliance. Usually, these are regulations that you’re legally bound to follow. However, laws change. Just because there are a particular set of rules in place today (e.g., GDPR) doesn’t mean that these will stay the same forever.
Relying on sticking to compliance as a baseline will lead to complacency. Instead, implementing your own set of rules will help manage your security and protect you if compliance regulations change.
Proactively Manage Systems
Proactively managing your networks will help you prevent threats before they arise. Even minor disruptions, such as high traffic causing slow loading times on your website, should be dealt with immediately. If you employ real-time management security, you can prevent downtime from causing a significant issue.
Additionally, proactive management will help you spot new threats as they appear. Your security strategy should always include a proactive management plan.
Implement and Update Security Technology
Security technology improves day by day. While you cannot always buy the latest technology, your future-proofed security strategy should allow for regular updates. Plan to conduct routine analysis of your physical and cyber security systems. Check whether they’re still doing the job they’re supposed to and if there are more cost-effective solutions available.
Merging Cyber and Physical Security
The best way to future-proof your security strategy is to start merging your cyber and physical security technology. Cloud-based physical security can integrate with your cyber platforms to keep all your data in one place. As technology advances, integrated systems are increasingly popular.
Physical and cyber security have the same goal: to prevent and respond to threats. When you start viewing them as the same entity, you can optimize your overall safety.
Cloud-Based Security Platforms
Cloud-based security platforms are far more manageable than in-house computer systems. Not only is the world turning to more remote working, but it’s inconvenient only to check your security when on the premises. As your business scales, it’s easier to adapt and tailor your security system from an online management platform.
Plus, you can install cloud-based physical security so that all your data insights are in one place.
Integrating Platforms
Integrating your platforms allows for automated workflows and easier management. As your business scales, checking multiple security software platforms isn’t practical. Whereas, if you combine access control with video security cameras, you can save yourself time and money.
Future Legislation
As we mentioned, future compliance and legislation may change. We cannot predict when or what new rules may drop. There is only so much we can do to ensure our security systems abide by future legislation. However, by implementing a flexible strategy, we can ensure that new regulations won’t cause significant disruption to our security systems.
Bottom Line
Future-proofing your security strategy is vital. As technology advances at an incomprehensible rate, cyber and physical threats also increase. However, by adopting a flexible, comprehensive, and proactive security strategy, you can ensure that your business is always in the best position to manage threats.