As the demand for IT services grows, providers may feel tempted to offer zero-risk promises to entice customers. However, it's essential to understand that despite best efforts, no IT endeavor can ever truly be without risk.
Today, the only way to have total security is to turn off your internet, lock down your system, and remove human use (and, therefore, human error).
For over 25 years, WEBIT Services has built effective cybersecurity procedures for hundreds of clients. It is passionate about using strategy and education to protect its clients.
By reading this article, you will learn seven reasons IT providers cannot promise a zero-risk environment.
7 Reasons Why You Can't Have 100% Cybersecurity
1. Technology is Ever-Evolving
The field of IT is dynamic and constantly evolving. Innovations arise rapidly, and what seems risk-free today could become obsolete tomorrow.
Promising zero risk would be shortsighted. IT providers cannot foresee future technological changes or potential challenges.
New hardware and software introduce new vulnerabilities and risks. Developers may address these vulnerabilities, or cybercriminals may exploit them.
Once developers deal with those vulnerabilities, cybercriminals work to find and exploit new vulnerabilities. Then those vulnerabilities are corrected by developers, and the cycle begins anew.
Technology considered secure a month ago is not necessarily secure today.
2. Human Error is Inevitable
Human beings remain an integral part of IT operations. Unfortunately, humans are prone to making mistakes.
No matter how robust the systems or stringent the protocols are, there will always be the potential for human error. If an IT Provider promises a zero-risk environment, they ignore the reality of humans interacting with technology.
Even the most technically-minded human can make a mistake, click a bad link, or accidentally unplug vital hardware. Humans innately create risk.
3. External Threats
One of the most significant risks in the IT landscape is the ever-present threat of cyberattacks. No system can guarantee absolute protection against malicious hackers or cybercriminals.
As new protections arise, cybercriminals work to find new vulnerabilities. If they can't hack their way into a system, they work to create better social engineering schemes to fool users into giving up their credentials.
IT providers must focus on enhancing cybersecurity rather than making unrealistic zero-risk claims.
4. The Complexity of IT Projects
IT projects often involve intricate systems and numerous interdependencies. As a result, unforeseen challenges can arise at any stage of implementation.
Documentation and understanding a client's IT environment are crucial in IT onboarding. A quality IT provider seeks to understand the system, its dependencies, goals, and functionality. With this understanding, IT providers can better construct projects and reduce risk.
A client's technology can also contribute to their risk profile. For example, an IT provider cannot promise a zero-risk environment if the technology has been declared End of Life or End of Service.
Promising zero risk ignores the complexity of IT environments.
5. Diversity of Client Needs
Every client is unique, with varying requirements and expectations. IT providers cannot predict all possible scenarios that might emerge in each client's specific context.
In addition, clients must decide their risk appetite and expectations. Some clients are very comfortable with risks; others are not. Their needs, unique IT systems, and workforce will also contribute to their risk profile.
A zero-risk promise oversimplifies the complexities of catering to diverse needs. IT providers must know each client's risk appetite, resources, and goals. Making a broad, zero-risk promise disregards unique client needs and expectations.
6. Dependencies on Third-Party Services
IT providers often rely on third-party services and products to deliver comprehensive solutions. However, they have limited control over these external factors.
Of course, quality IT providers do their best to partner with secure third parties. But they cannot control how their vendors work behind the scenes.
Any issues arising from these dependencies make zero-risk promises unrealistic.
7. Nature's Unpredictability
Natural disasters and unforeseen events can wreak havoc on IT infrastructure. Although IT providers can implement disaster recovery measures, they cannot eliminate the inherent risk of uncontrollable factors such as earthquakes, floods, or power outages.
The best way to battle a natural disaster or IT disaster is to plan for each worst-case scenario. Your IT provider or internal IT team can help you prepare for potential IT disasters, use effective backups, or create IT continuity.
Next Steps for Increasing Your Cybersecurity
IT providers must refrain from making zero-risk promises. There will always be inherent risks associated with technology and IT services. Risks may come in many forms, and it is impossible always to address all risks.
Factors that may contribute to risks include:
- Technology's ever-changing nature.
- Human error is inevitable.
- External threats from cybercriminals.
- The complexity of IT systems and projects.
- Clients' varying needs and expectations.
- Third-party services.
- Nature's unpredictability.
Acknowledging and openly discussing these risks with clients is essential to foster trust and maintain healthy working relationships.
Instead of misleading clients with unattainable guarantees, providers should promote transparency, robust cybersecurity practices, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Embracing and addressing the reality of risk responsibly sets a healthy foundation for an IT partnership.
If you have questions about your cybersecurity setup, talk to your IT provider and review your last risk assessment. If it's been more than three months or there's been a significant change since your previous risk assessment, you can request a new one.
If your IT provider is unwilling to perform a risk assessment or discuss the results, this is a service red flag. You may consider looking for a new provider.
WEBIT Services is passionate about helping clients define acceptable risk levels and reach their cybersecurity goals.
If you're looking for a new IT provider, schedule a 30-minute consultation to see if WEBIT Services might fit your company.
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