Cybersecurity Ventures predicts that by 2022, there will be 6 billion internet users (75% of the world’s population) – and more than 7.5 billion internet users by 2030 (90% of the projected world population). Despite this dramatic move towards digital, many midsize organizations have yet to update their security posture to reflect the needs of modern business.

In an increasingly digital world, Phishing has become a serious problem for companies of all sizes. In fact, 90% of today’s security breaches are a result of human error – when employees click on a malicious link or open a malicious attachment and unwittingly expose their credentials.

Our recent 2018 Tech Insights Report reveals that, while most organizations recognize the threat of a cyberattack is very real for businesses of all shapes and sizes, the majority of midsize businesses are still not prepared to deal with it.

Our experience tells us there are two primary reasons for a lack of urgency surrounding cybersecurity in midsize organizations:

1. Lack of dedicated internal security and compliance experts to lead the charge
2. Lack of awareness regarding capabilities in modern security solutions

Advanced Cyber Security Is Closer Than You Think

We work with a lot of companies that think they can’t afford the protection features and functionality needed to defend against modern threats. However, what many organizations are surprised to learn is that not only is it entirely possible to build a strong cyber defense against modern threats but most of the time you already have a powerful arsenal of tools at your disposal!

Microsoft Advanced Threat Protection

If you’re already leveraging Microsoft products through your Microsoft 365 subscription, then you already have built-in security features that you may not even be aware of. Given phishing is the most likely threat – and one of the most difficult to manage – I want to highlight Microsoft Advanced Threat Protection. This intelligent solution can protect your email, files, and Office 365 applications against unknown and sophisticated attacks.

Customers with subscriptions to select Office 365 plans can add Advanced Threat Protection for just $2.00 per user.

Here are the advantages of using Microsoft Advanced Threat Protection:

• Protects against unsafe attachments: All suspicious content is filtered through a real-time behavioral malware analysis to evaluate the content for suspicious activity.
• Expands protection against malicious links: Safe Links protects your environment when users click on a link. The URLs are examined in real-time, at the moment the user clicks on them. Reports are sent to administrators so they can better manage the environment.
• Evolves with your business: Security is no longer something we set and forget. Microsoft Advanced Threat Protection uses artificial intelligence to learn your environment and evolve based on how your business collaborates and uses data.

Building a Layered Security Model

While modern tools like Advanced Threat Protection are reducing overall security scope, a single solution isn’t enough to protect against modern threats. Today’s mobile workforce extends beyond the office and typical work hours. Whether it’s a lost device or a phishing attack, you can no longer assume a “wall” will keep hackers out.

When it comes to managing internal threats from employees, you need to change your approach. With a layered security model, companies can ensure that their users and data are completely covered around the clock. Layering security doesn’t have to be a hassle, either. In fact, it can be done in a way that’s easy to put into place, maintain, and operate over time.

For most of our clients, this usually means layering Microsoft Advanced Threat Protection over other security features available in Enterprise Mobility + Security. We also recommend Managed Defense to help organizations remain agile and competitive while keeping their data, tools, and resources accessible to employees.

We know there are a lot of companies out there thinking that they are getting by just fine without any security in place. But consider this: your company could go for years without any problems, but what kind of damage could one incident cause? The consequences could be catastrophic.

Regardless of where you fall in your security evolution, BDO Digital can help you identify the best way to enhance capabilities, expand coverage, and benefit from the collective expertise of a managed services provider to build a strong defense in today’s ever-changing threat landscape.