{"id":587,"date":"2024-05-29T19:06:02","date_gmt":"2024-05-30T00:06:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/seattle-wa-1039\/?p=587"},"modified":"2025-03-28T10:12:39","modified_gmt":"2025-03-28T15:12:39","slug":"why-washington-smbs-should-rely-on-local-it-professionals-to-prevent-data-breach-threats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/seattle-wa-1039\/blog\/why-washington-smbs-should-rely-on-local-it-professionals-to-prevent-data-breach-threats\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Washington SMBs Should Rely on Local IT Professionals To Prevent Data Breach Threats"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Imagine it. The dreaded alert your customers receive notifying them that their information was involved in a data breach.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It\u2019s concerning, of course. But what will the aftermath look like?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If it\u2019s your company that\u2019s suffered a breach, you\u2019re now dealing with a recovery process \u2014\u00a0and hopefully you have a crisis plan in place! However, you&#8217;re likely still facing some common breach consequences:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Financial loss resulting from legal penalties, regulatory fines and operational disruptions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Long-term damage to your reputation and trust among customers and partners\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">But what if you could prevent these sorts of feelings and crises from happening \u2014 or avoid them as best as possible?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Well, data breach prevention efforts from <a href=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/seattle-wa-1039\/\">local IT support<\/a> are your knights in shining armor, and we\u2019re here to tell you why.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><b>[Related: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/seattle-wa-1039\/blog\/9-reasons-why-small-businesses-cant-afford-to-ignore-data-security\/\"><b>9 Reasons Why Small Businesses Can\u2019t Afford to Ignore Data Security<\/b><\/a><b>]<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Washington Data Breaches Reach Heights<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, this positive attribute also attracts the attention of cybercriminals looking to exploit SMBs\u2019 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/blog\/security-gaps-exist-heres-how-to-fix-them\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">digital vulnerabilities<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Unlike <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/seattle-wa-1039\/blog\/why-managed-it-services-are-crucial-for-franchises\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">large corporations<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>In fact, <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.atg.wa.gov\/news\/news-releases\/ag-report-data-breaches-decline-second-consecutive-year-remain-historically-high#:~:text=However%2C%20the%20number%20of%20breaches,notifications%20was%20set%20in%202021.\"><b>more than 4 million Washingtonians<\/b><\/a><b> who did business with a company learned their information was involved in a data breach in 2023.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">That\u2019s a disturbingly high number. It makes you wonder how strong these companies\u2019 data protection efforts are (and if any exist to begin with).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Although this 4-million mark is lower than 2022\u2019s 4.8 million and 2021\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Unfortunately, hackers, scammers and cybercriminals of all stripes aren\u2019t going away anytime soon. SMBs need local IT professionals like us at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/seattle-wa-1039\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">CMIT Solutions of Seattle<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> more than ever \u2014 and we certainly have our work cut out for us.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><b>[Related: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/seattle-wa-1039\/blog\/the-rising-need-for-it-support-in-small-business-data-protection\/\"><b>The Rising Need for IT Support in Small Business Data Protection<\/b><\/a><b>]<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Why Should Your Washington Business Turn to Local IT Companies?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-583 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/seattle-wa-1039\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2024\/04\/pexels-seven11nash-380769-1024x575.jpg\" alt=\"Man in small business sitting in Front of Computer\" width=\"1024\" height=\"575\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/seattle-wa-1039\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2024\/04\/pexels-seven11nash-380769-1024x575.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/seattle-wa-1039\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2024\/04\/pexels-seven11nash-380769-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/seattle-wa-1039\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2024\/04\/pexels-seven11nash-380769-768x431.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/seattle-wa-1039\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2024\/04\/pexels-seven11nash-380769-1536x862.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/seattle-wa-1039\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2024\/04\/pexels-seven11nash-380769-2048x1150.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/seattle-wa-1039\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/25\/2024\/04\/pexels-seven11nash-380769-1920x1078.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Local IT professionals offer distinct advantages tailored to SMBs\u2019 unique needs, unlike remote or outsourced IT services.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For starters, working with a local IT company is often comfortable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You may even recognize the business name, so a level of personability and familiarity is at play. <a href=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/seattle-wa-1039\/\">Local IT professionals<\/a> are also usually more in tune with the state\u2019s ongoing and past issues than out-of-state IT companies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">That\u2019s where the perks pour in when your Washington SMB chooses to work with a local company like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/seattle-wa-1039\/about\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">CMIT Solutions of Seattle<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Let\u2019s check out the benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><em><strong>Contextual Knowledge<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Because Washington is seeing a record-high number of data breaches, the state\u2019s local IT companies often work with clients experiencing the same issues you do. And in turn, they can more quickly find the problem\u2019s source and resolve it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Local IT professionals deeply understand the local business landscape, including nuances like these:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/it-services\/compliance\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Regulatory requirements<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Industry standards<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Prevalent <a href=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/it-services\/cybersecurity\/\">cyberthreats<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This knowledge lets local IT professionals develop customized and effective cybersecurity strategies that align with Washington SMBs\u2019 specific needs and constraints.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><b>[Related: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/blog\/whats-the-big-deal-about-cybersecurity-compliance\/\"><b>What\u2019s the Big Deal About Cybersecurity Compliance?<\/b><\/a><b>]<\/b><\/p>\n<h3><em><strong>Collaborative Relationships<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Relationships are important \u2014\u00a0professional and personal alike.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Proactive threat monitoring<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rapid incident response<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ongoing cybersecurity education and training for SMBs&#8217; employees<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There\u2019s a level of genuine understanding and cooperation from local support that out-of-state help is unlikely to have.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><b>[Related: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/blog\/it-support-to-benefit-your-business\/\"><b>IT Support To Benefit Your Business<\/b><\/a><b>]<\/b><\/p>\n<h3><em><strong>Range of Services<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Local IT professionals offer a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/it-services\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">comprehensive suite of services<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> beyond <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/it-services\/it-support\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">technical support<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/it-services\/data-backup\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">data backup<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/it-services\/cloud-services\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">cloud services<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/it-services\/network-management\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">network management<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They thrive as strategic advisors, guiding your SMB through the intricacies of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/it-services\/cybersecurity\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">cybersecurity risk management<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/it-services\/compliance\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">compliance frameworks<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> that lead to stronger incident responses. And in turn, they ease your stress and worry.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Leveraging local IT expertise and insight helps your SMB confidently navigate those <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/blog\/cyberthreats-are-changing-is-your-protection-keeping-up\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">ever-evolving threats<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. But remember that you don\u2019t have to do it alone \u2014 those experts can fight virtual battles alongside you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><b>[Related: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/blog\/whats-the-big-deal-about-cybersecurity-compliance\/\"><b>What\u2019s the Big Deal About Cybersecurity Compliance?<\/b><\/a><b>]<\/b><\/p>\n<h3><em><strong>Commitment to the Community<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In addition to technical expertise, local IT professionals bring a true commitment to the success and well-being of their local business community.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You know the saying: When you\u2019re happy, we\u2019re happy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Supporting your SMB by safeguarding your data and digital assets allows local IT professionals to take part in Washington state\u2019s overall economic resilience and prosperity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It\u2019s a win-win all around.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Contact CMIT Solutions of Seattle To Support Your Washington SMB<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">So, are you ready to strengthen your digital landscape to prevent data breaches at your Washington company? Get ahead of the game and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/seattle-wa-1039\/contact-us\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">contact us<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> today!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">By leveraging our unique advantages at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/seattle-wa-1039\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">CMIT Solutions of Seattle<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, your Washington SMB can better fortify your defenses against cyberthreats like data breaches.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Our vetted IT experts provide a range of valuable services that keep our clients satisfied. Take a look at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/seattle-wa-1039\/client-reviews\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">our reviews<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> to see for yourself \u2014 we\u2019re eager to work with you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Featured image via <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/high-rise-buildings-during-daytime-UmEYn_GYqFo\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Unsplash<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Imagine it. The dreaded alert your customers receive notifying them that their&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":34,"featured_media":588,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-587","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-local-it"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/seattle-wa-1039\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/587","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/seattle-wa-1039\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/seattle-wa-1039\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/seattle-wa-1039\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/34"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/seattle-wa-1039\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=587"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/seattle-wa-1039\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/587\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/seattle-wa-1039\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/588"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/seattle-wa-1039\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=587"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/seattle-wa-1039\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=587"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/seattle-wa-1039\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=587"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}