Did you know that 60% of small businesses go out of business within six months of a cyber attack? That’s why keeping your company’s information safe from hackers is so important. The Essential 8 framework is a set of strategies designed to help protect businesses from cyber threats.
However, many companies find it hard to put these strategies into action. In this post, we’ll talk about the common cyber security hurdles businesses face when trying to use the Essential 8 and give some easy solutions to help them succeed.
Lack of Internal Expertise
Many small to mid-sized businesses can’t afford to have their own cybersecurity team. This lack of in-house experts makes it hard for them to properly use the Essential 8 framework, which is a set of important strategies to protect against cyber threats.
Without experts, businesses might struggle to understand the technical details of the Essential 8 for overcoming cyber security barriers. This can lead to incomplete or incorrect implementation, leaving them vulnerable. For example, setting up multi-factor authentication (MFA), which adds an extra layer of security, can be tricky without the right knowledge.
Solution
One way to solve this problem is by working with a managed security provider like Nueva Solutions. These experts can help businesses apply the Essential 8 strategies correctly and adjust them to fit specific needs. This not only fills the gap in expertise but also provides ongoing support to deal with new cyber threats.
Resource Constraints
Implementing the Essential 8 requires time, tools, and people. For businesses with limited resources, this can be overwhelming. Limited resources can cause delays or force businesses to focus on some security measures over others, creating weak spots. For instance, they might prioritise fixing critical vulnerabilities but neglect application whitelisting due to a lack of staff.
Solution
To tackle this, businesses can break the implementation into smaller steps. Start with high-priority tasks like application whitelisting and fixing critical vulnerabilities. Gradually work towards full implementation. Companies like Nueva Solutions offer scalable solutions that match your available resources, allowing for a phased yet comprehensive approach.
Resistance to Change
Employees often resist changes to their work routines, especially when new cybersecurity measures seem complicated or disruptive. This resistance can be a significant hurdle because it affects how quickly and effectively security measures are put in place.
When staff are reluctant to adopt new security controls, it can delay their implementation. For example, introducing multi-factor authentication (MFA) or restricting administrative privileges might require employees to change how they log in or access certain systems. If employees find these changes inconvenient, they may be slow to adopt them, which can leave the organisation vulnerable to cyber threats.
Solution
To overcome resistance, education and communication are essential. Businesses should clearly explain why these changes are necessary, how they protect the organisation, and the benefits for everyone involved.
Providing training sessions and clear instructions can help employees understand and adapt to the new measures more easily. Nueva Solutions can assist by developing tailored training programs that make the transition smoother and less disruptive for everyone.
Keeping Up with Evolving Threats
The world of cybersecurity is constantly changing, with new threats emerging all the time. This makes it challenging for businesses to stay updated on the latest risk mitigation strategies and ensure their defences are adequate.
Even after implementing the Essential 8 strategies, failing to keep up with new cyber threats can leave your systems vulnerable. If businesses don’t regularly update their security measures to address new threats, they risk having outdated defenses that hackers can exploit.
Solution
Regular security audits and reviews are crucial to ensure that security controls remain effective against new threats. Engaging with a provider like Nueva Solutions can offer ongoing support and monitoring services, ensuring your business adapts its security strategies as threats evolve. This proactive approach helps keep your defenses strong and up-to-date.
Complexity of Integration with Existing Systems
Many businesses operate with older systems that are difficult to secure or integrate with the modern controls required by the Essential 8 framework. These legacy systems can pose significant challenges when trying to implement new security measures.
Integrating older systems with newer security controls can lead to compatibility issues, data loss, or increased downtime, which disrupts business operations. For instance, trying to apply advanced encryption methods or access controls on outdated software may not work smoothly and could cause technical problems.
Solution
The first step is to assess your current IT infrastructure to identify which legacy systems might pose a risk. Nueva Solutions can provide expert guidance and cyber security strategy to help integrate new security measures with these older systems.
By carefully planning and executing the integration process, businesses can minimise disruptions while improving their overall security posture. This ensures that even older systems are protected against modern cyber threats.
Protect Your Business with the Essential 8 Framework
Keeping your business safe from cyber threats is super important, and the Essential 8 framework can help. But it can be tough because of challenges like not having enough experts, limited resources, and the need to keep up with new threats. With the right help from Nueva Solutions, businesses can get strong cybersecurity.
At Nueva, we focus on making the digital world safer with smart and easy-to-use security solutions. We build trust with our clients by listening to their needs and working together as a team.
To find out more about how Essential 8 can protect your business and how Nueva Solutions can help, check out our services page or ask for a consultation. Let us help keep your organisation safe and secure — together, we can overcome all cyber security implementation obstacles.
