The threat of cyberattacks looms larger and more menacing than ever before, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The potential for data breaches and ransomware attacks has risen to alarming levels. Feeble practices regarding strategies, assessments, planning, and overall safeguarding - particularly in efforts of cybersecurity and resilience, create the potential for debilitating events.

It is important to raise an internal awareness regarding the readiness of your company. Enlisting strategies, technologies, communications, and best practices make all the difference. How ready and resilient is your business to face a data breach or ransomware attack? 

There is, however, a glimmer of hope amidst this growing concern. The resilience and preparedness of businesses to weather such storms is found through partnerships. Experts in the realm of cybersecurity are dedicated to keeping business and IT running smoothly. Working with external resources provides SMBs with an immediate solution alongside a long-term plan.  

Collaboration often has additional benefits. Cayuse, for example, offers a partnership advantage that combines cybersecurity expertise with our dedication to promoting diversity in the workplace. 

Attacks are on the Rise

Over the past two years, SMBs have faced an increasingly hostile digital landscape, with cyber threats such as ransomware becoming a significant concern. In fact, over 50% of all ransomware attacks have been targeted at these businesses. Alarmingly, only 20% of SMBs can afford the ransom required to recover their critical data. As the cybercrime ecosystem evolves, the risks and consequences for businesses continue to grow. 

A recent study by Embroker, a business insurance provider, highlights some disturbing trends: 

• The financial impact of ransomware-related data breaches has soared, with the average cost now reaching a staggering $7.5 million. This surge is driven by increasingly sophisticated attacks and longer recovery periods. 
• SMBs have become prime targets for cybercriminals, because it is assumed that they lack adequate means of thwarting and recovering from attacks. 
• The rise of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) has democratized cybercrime, enabling even low-skilled criminals to launch large-scale attacks with little expertise. 
• The global economic toll of ransomware for 2024 is set to exceed $25 billion, encompassing ransom payments, recovery costs, and the far-reaching impact on affected businesses. 

These figures are a stark reminder of how devastating a cyber-attack can be to a business, often leaving it crippled and struggling to recover. The need for a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy has never been more critical. Businesses must establish clear policies and procedures to prevent, mitigate, and respond to cyber threats, ensuring they are prepared to protect their assets and secure their future in this unpredictable and constantly transitioning digital world. 

Critical To-Do's

Resilience starts with understanding critical business services as they are vital to maintaining company operations while also playing a key role in withstanding and recovering from adversity.  

1. Annual risk assessments (based on an industry standard such as NIST CSF) allow organizations to determine, maintain, and update their cyber risk profile regularly, thus keeping things current. An organization’s cyber security investment and plan for the year can be outlined by first focusing on mitigating the risks identified as presenting the biggest impact to critical services. 
2. Data is one of the most valuable assets that an organization possesses. Clearly understanding the data associated with crucial business services is vital to protecting the continuation of organizational operations. A solid cybersecurity and resilience plan needs to encompass data protection processes and backups aligned with the required recovery objectives, and must include: 
    - Data validation 
    - Isolation through write once and read mostly (WORM) protection 
    - Storage in an alternate location 
   
3. Crisis communications also contribute to an organization’s resilience in two ways. First, with employee error factoring as a main cause of cyberattacks, raising and maintaining awareness throughout an organization is vital. Second, good communication bolsters organizational reputation by proactively keeping stakeholders, customers, vendors, and employees informed. 
4. Finally, an up-to-date and regularly evaluated recovery plan is critical to the restoration of business services following an attack. Recovery plans must account for all cyberattack vectors. They require validation to make sure that staff are educated and that recovery processes work when needed to respond to a real world cyberattack. 

Benefits Within Diversity

Because of their intricacies and importance, cybersecurity and operational resilience are two areas that benefit from collaboration with experts. Companies like Cayuse are ready to partner in implementing and executing a solid cybersecurity and operational resilience initiative. 

Going beyond tenure and proven expertise, a bonus to joining forces with Cayuse is the opportunity to engage in a diverse partnership, giving your business access to exclusive contractual opportunities. The utilization of an expanded list of resources including potential partners, insights, and knowledge contributes to the ability to secure larger contracts and gain faster recognition and growth potential. 

Partnering with a diverse business benefits your company by: 

• Increasing business partnership opportunities 
• Adding innovation and creativity 
• Earning respect and value by employing diversity 
• Access to resources such as customer and client databases 
• Access to programs, workshops, and mentorships 
• Invitations to events and conferences that promote networking 
• Sharing business credentials along with talent, insight, and a well-rounded partnership 

The founder of Cayuse had a goal to help indigenous populations succeed in their careers while maintaining life on the reservations. Following core values that focus on quality, work ethic, and teamwork, partnering with Cayuse gives your business a fast track to a new level of distinction, support, and empowerment, while protecting your technological presence and assets. 

Solutions in Partnership

Cyber safety and security are two of the most important yet neglected areas in business. Engaging a consultant team to manage and protect your IT deliverables while you execute your roles within the business provides a valuable boost in moving your ‘resilience needle.’ 

Collaborating with diverse companies opens new perspectives, insights, and innovative solutions, ultimately strengthening the collective ability to counter cyber threats. In a world where resilience is vital, embracing diversity is more than just a bonus, it is a strategic imperative that can make all the difference.  

As experts in cybersecurity and operational resilience, Cayuse supports and protects your company while also sharing certifications, warehouses, datacenters, and opportunities. Founded by a Native American and 100% owned by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Cayuse is a company focused on employing diversity and supporting communities.  

Well-backed, with credentials and equipped to share our benefits, we offer experience, professionalism, guidance, and a solid partnership for a renewed and well-protected 2025. 

Make sure your business is ready to thrive in 2025 and beyond. Our experts can help you build your comprehensive cybersecurity strategy and resilience plan.