Imagine it. The dreaded alert your customers receive notifying them that their information was involved in a data breach.
It’s concerning, of course. But what will the aftermath look like?
If it’s your company that’s suffered a breach, you’re now dealing with a recovery process — and hopefully you have a crisis plan in place! However, you’re likely still facing some common breach consequences:
- Financial loss resulting from legal penalties, regulatory fines and operational disruptions
- Long-term damage to your reputation and trust among customers and partners
That overhanging stress leaves you ruminating on what exactly happened in the first place. For that matter, how long will it take until things get better?
But what if you could prevent these sorts of feelings and crises from happening — or avoid them as best as possible?
Well, data breach prevention efforts from local IT professionals are your knights in shining armor, and we’re here to tell you why.
[Related: 9 Reasons Why Small Businesses Can’t Afford to Ignore Data Security]
Washington Data Breaches Reach Heights
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Washington State face an escalating threat: data breaches. This is primarily because the state has a vibrant SMB ecosystem, which contributes to its economic vitality.
However, this positive attribute also attracts the attention of cybercriminals looking to exploit SMBs’ digital vulnerabilities.
Unlike large corporations, SMBs often lack dedicated, in-office cybersecurity teams and sophisticated defense mechanisms due to budget constraints. As a result, SMBs and their customers become prime targets for malicious behavior.
In fact, more than 4 million Washingtonians who did business with a company learned their information was involved in a data breach in 2023.
That’s a disturbingly high number. It makes you wonder how strong these companies’ data protection efforts are (and if any exist to begin with).
Although this 4-million mark is lower than 2022’s 4.8 million and 2021’s 6.5 million, 2023 remains the third highest on record in the state. And it begs the question of whether the breach number will climb higher or plateau in the coming years.
Unfortunately, hackers, scammers and cybercriminals of all stripes aren’t going away anytime soon. SMBs need local IT professionals like us at CMIT Solutions of Seattle more than ever — and we certainly have our work cut out for us.
[Related: The Rising Need for IT Support in Small Business Data Protection]
Why Should Your Washington Business Turn to Local IT Companies?
Local IT professionals offer distinct advantages tailored to SMBs’ unique needs, unlike remote or outsourced IT services.
For starters, working with a local IT company is often comfortable.
You may even recognize the business name, so a level of personability and familiarity is at play. Local IT professionals are also usually more in tune with the state’s ongoing and past issues than out-of-state IT companies.
And dealing with the consequences of a data breach is no easy feat for your SMB. It takes so much more than simply pulling yourself up by your bootstraps. It involves dedicated rebuilding, often requiring extensive time and resource investments.
That’s where the perks pour in when your Washington SMB chooses to work with a local company like CMIT Solutions of Seattle.
Let’s check out the benefits.
Contextual Knowledge
Because Washington is seeing a record-high number of data breaches, the state’s local IT companies often work with clients experiencing the same issues you do. And in turn, they can more quickly find the problem’s source and resolve it.
Local IT professionals deeply understand the local business landscape, including nuances like these:
- Regulatory requirements
- Industry standards
- Prevalent cyberthreats
This knowledge lets local IT professionals develop customized and effective cybersecurity strategies that align with Washington SMBs’ specific needs and constraints.
[Related: What’s the Big Deal About Cybersecurity Compliance?]
Collaborative Relationships
Relationships are important — professional and personal alike.
Local IT staff make it a point to foster closely collaborative relationships with local SMBs. They typically build their partnerships on trust, communication and a mutual understanding of needs.
Unlike distant or anonymous service providers, local IT companies are also readily accessible and responsive. Timely assistance when you need it most may include indispensable services:
- Proactive threat monitoring
- Rapid incident response
- Ongoing cybersecurity education and training for SMBs’ employees
There’s a level of genuine understanding and cooperation from local support that out-of-state help is unlikely to have.
[Related: IT Support To Benefit Your Business]
Range of Services
Local IT professionals offer a comprehensive suite of services beyond technical support, such as data backup, cloud services and network management.
They thrive as strategic advisors, guiding your SMB through the intricacies of cybersecurity risk management and compliance frameworks that lead to stronger incident responses. And in turn, they ease your stress and worry.
Leveraging local IT expertise and insight helps your SMB confidently navigate those ever-evolving threats. But remember that you don’t have to do it alone — those experts can fight virtual battles alongside you.
[Related: What’s the Big Deal About Cybersecurity Compliance?]
Commitment to the Community
In addition to technical expertise, local IT professionals bring a true commitment to the success and well-being of their local business community.
You know the saying: When you’re happy, we’re happy.
Supporting your SMB by safeguarding your data and digital assets allows local IT professionals to take part in Washington state’s overall economic resilience and prosperity.
It’s a win-win all around.
Contact CMIT Solutions of Seattle To Support Your Washington SMB
So, are you ready to strengthen your digital landscape to prevent data breaches at your Washington company? Get ahead of the game and contact us today!
By leveraging our unique advantages at CMIT Solutions of Seattle, your Washington SMB can better fortify your defenses against cyberthreats like data breaches.
Our vetted IT experts provide a range of valuable services that keep our clients satisfied. Take a look at our reviews to see for yourself — we’re eager to work with you.
Featured image via Unsplash
