The right approach to cyber security is essential. Threats are evolving faster than ever – and when over 60% of Australian SMEs don’t survive a data breach, you cannot afford to take your chances on security tactics that may not work. One heavily debated factor is reactive vs proactive security. What are they? Which is best? And how will each impact your business?
What is Proactive Cyber Security?
Proactive cyber security focuses on preventing attacks before they occur. This involves anticipating when and where they will strike, identifying vulnerabilities they may exploit, and implementing defensive measures.
Some proactive strategies include:
- Conducting regular security audits and penetration testing
- Implementing strong access controls and encryption
- Monitoring systems for suspicious activity
- Keeping software and hardware up-to-date
- Providing cyber security awareness training for employees
What is Reactive Cyber Security?
Where proactive security aims to prevent breaches, reactive cyber security focuses on incident response. How you behave during and after an attack is just as crucial as what you do to prevent them in the first place.
Reactive measures typically include:
- Threat detection and response
- Digital forensics and investigation
- Restoring compromised systems
- Updating security protocols after a breach
- Communicating with stakeholders about security incidents
Proactive vs Reactive Cyber Security: Which is Best?
The debate between proactive vs reactive cyber security typically boils down to two things: available resources and your business’ risk tolerance. Each strategy carries significant benefits that may make all the difference.
Proactive cyber security stops potential threats before they can cause harm, reducing downtime and financial losses. It also improves regulatory compliance and maintains trust, by increasing your overall security.
Reactive security still reduces downtime, but it does this differently to proactive measures. While the latter focuses on preventing attacks, the former is designed to get your critical systems back online as fast as possible. It will also help you retroactively identify weaknesses that you may have missed, allowing you to strengthen your defences in future.
If your business has low risk tolerance and cannot handle the consequences of a cyber-attack, it may be better to prioritise proactive security first. But if your industry is regularly attacked (such as healthcare) or you cannot afford advanced security solutions, it may be worth investing in reactive tactics instead.
The Case for Both: A More Balanced Approach?
Some believe that the entire debate of proactive vs reactive security may be missing the point. Increasingly, experts are suggesting that the best approach is to combine both – using a proactive cyber security strategy to prevent attacks, and a reactive one to respond to any that slip through the gaps.
Benefits of this approach include:
- Reduced Risk: Proactive security lowers the likelihood of cyber-attacks, creating peace of mind.
- Limited Damage: If a breach does happen, reactive security will ensure a swift resolution and minimise harm.
- Continuous Improvement: Post-attack analyses help you refine your proactive strategies over time, making them even stronger.
- Regulatory Compliance: Many businesses are required to implement both preventative and reactive measures.
By integrating both into one cohesive cyber security strategy, you create a well-rounded defense against modern cyber threats. As a result, your business will be protected from all angles.
How to Get Started
Building a new cyber security strategy from scratch can be difficult. Here are some steps to help you get started:
- Assess Your Current Security Posture: Conduct a security audit to identify potential vulnerabilities.
- Prioritise Defences: Determine what your biggest threats are, and how each would impact your business. Then prioritise your defences accordingly.
- Implement Security Controls: Use firewalls, antivirus software, employee training programs, and access controls to secure your business.
- Develop an Incident Response Plan: Create a strong plan outlining how you will respond to and resolve threats. Include steps for a post-breach analysis.
- Monitor and Adapt: Threats are not static, and your security shouldn’t be either. Regularly review your cyber security strategy, and adjust it to reflect changing conditions or new threats.
A Unique Security Strategy that Combines Prevention and Cure
No one can deny that prevention is better than cure – but where cyber security is concerned, both are essential. Proactive strategies can be used to lower your risk of an incident ever occurring, but where they fail, a solid response plan will carry your business through the hardships. Embracing both will allow you to minimise damage, protecting your reputation and your profits.
Do you need help securing your business? Led by a team of experts, Austin Technology crafts tailored strategies designed to address modern threats. No matter what challenges you face, we’ll keep you safe so you can focus on long-term goals. If you’re ready to learn more, explore our cyber security plans.
