![[Column] Garsen Naidu: Conducting business online continues to thrive and so do cyberattacks](Images/Key Persons/Garsen Naidu, Country Manager, Cisco South Africa.jpeg)
[Column] Garsen Naidu: Conducting business online continues to thrive and so do cyberattacks
Virtually every week brings news of yet another high-profile cybersecurity attack on citizens, companies or governments. Over the last year, large parts of our world moved online. This unprecedented, large-scale digital migration has also made us ever more exposed to cybersecurity risks.
Our security stance has fundamentally changed as the pandemic accelerated the transition of applications. Disruption brought about by the crisis is an opportunity to embed security, not an excuse to skip it.
Size doesn’t matter
It’s not just large companies that worry about cyber-attacks. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) too have become attractive targets for cybercriminals. Defending against cybersecurity threats is tough for any business, regardless of size. However, it’s ever truer for SMBs who are conducting an increasing amount of business online and rightfully, spend most of their time and talent on their core business.
And while security has become extremely complex for organizations, cybersecurity has to be simple and easy. When we make it harder for people to use security tools, we make it easier for hackers to break in. As the largest enterprise security company, at Cisco we’re uniquely placed to drive simplified, scalable, and flexible solutions that provide visibility and control, leading to better security.
Simplifying cybersecurity for SMBs
In Italy, Cisco partnered with TIM (Telecom Italia) to develop TIM Safe Web, a cybersecurity service integrated into their network. It provides a highly secure service platform that protects business users from malware, such as ransomware, phishing and other malicious cybersecurity activities. Our partnership allows us to simplify our customers’ cybersecurity approach so that they can focus on their core business whilst being safe from cyber threats.
As My Style Bags discovered, a company’s smaller size doesn’t hinder the possibility of big wins when it comes to building successful approaches to online security. Cisco surveyed 4,800 IT, security, and privacy professionals around the world, and amongst them, 857 represented SMBs. Their responses showed good things do come in small packages. Small and mid-market teams are more successful than their larger counterparts in building security approaches that enable the business. The link between security and the overall business, even more so for SMBs.
Scale drives simplicity and efficiency
Altogether we’re blocking 2.5m threats a second. Cisco’s talented network of threat researchers provides insight based on a billion web requests and millions of emails. Security is built into the very fabric of Cisco’s business. Trustworthy technologies, consistent and scalable cybersecurity policy, transparent and accountable processes. Small and medium sized businesses are the backbone of our economy. We’re proud to provide technologies that help them strive.
Garsen Naidu is the Country Manager at Cisco, South Africa
