EDITOR ’ S QUESTION
WITH INCREASING CORPORATE PROFITS AND GROWING IT INVESTMENTS INTO DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION , THE AFRICAN CONTINENT HAS COME UNDER THE CYBER LANDSCAPE OF GLOBAL AND REGIONAL THREAT ACTORS . WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PRODUCTIVE AND COST EFFECTIVE CYBER SECURITY PRACTICES THAT AFRICAN ENTERPRISES CAN ADOPT TO SUSTAIN CORPORATE RESILIENCE ?
Email security is a critical aspect of modern business operations , particularly as cyber threats continue to evolve and become more sophisticated . In South Africa , where the digital landscape is rapidly expanding , the importance of securing email communications cannot be overstated . A recent report indicated that 94 % of cyberattacks begin with a malicious email , highlighting the need for robust email security protocols . The financial implications are severe ; the average cost of a data breach can reach up to R49,45 million , making it imperative for organisations to implement effective security measures . Executives from Duxbury Networking , In2IT , and Commvault , share their recommendations .
If an organisation does not have the right capacity of trained and experienced cyber security experts , it cannot monitor the environment around the clock . MDR services offer continuous monitoring , ensuring threats are detected and addressed in real time .
MDR services typically use advanced technologies , such as machine learning and behavioural analytics , to identify sophisticated threats that traditional security measures might miss . To this end , MDR improves a company ’ s ability to avoid or mitigate attacks .
For many organisations , especially small to mediumsized enterprises , outsourcing to an MDR provider can be more cost-effective than building an in-house security team and infrastructure .
PAUL STUTTARD , CEO DUXBURY NETWORKING
CAPE TOWN
In any breach or intrusion , the meantime to fix or defend becomes vital to the cost outcome of the event . MDR services provide a quick response to security incidents , helping to contain and mitigate threats before they escalate into more significant issues . By outsourcing detection and response , organisations can focus on their core business operations without the distraction of managing cybersecurity .
As cyber threats evolve , organisations recognise the value of proactive and managed security solutions , making managed detection and response , MDR a strategic choice for many . MDR as a service entitles organisations to leverage the expertise of security professionals without needing to hire full-time staff . MDR providers often have teams with specialised threat detection and incident response skills .
Cost is always a significant commercial consideration especially as a company expands . MDR services can easily scale with an organisation ’ s growth , providing flexible solutions that adapt to changing needs and threats .
Many MDR providers help organisations meet compliance requirements by implementing best practices and reporting capabilities . Some even offer compensation should a breach occur .
26 INTELLIGENTCIO AFRICA www . intelligentcio . com