One of the main arguments for working with a cyber security management firm is to provide the necessary level of vigilance. The right cyber security solutions alone won't get the job done over the long run. You need to stay vigilant to ensure your systems will be as protected as possible. Let's look at why vigilance every day is such a critical part of cyber security. 

Large Attack Surface

Every bit of your digital infrastructure is part of the attack surface. This is the portion of your systems that offer potential attackers usable entry points or targets.

If you install a web server on your network, for example, you'll have to open ports to allow outside visitors access. Likewise, every feature on the webserver expands the attack surface. If you want to let users upload files, for example, an attacker may identify that as a vector.

Similarly, every person in contact with the attack surface is a potential target. Phishing emails often focus on getting insiders to unwittingly hand over access.

Even the components you use to keep your cyber security solutions up-to-date may be part of the attack surface. The Solarwinds attack that hit government systems, for example, took advantage of a vulnerability in the server that sent software updates to different agencies.

Evolving Threats

The evolving nature of the digital world means threats will emerge and recede. For example, hackers used to focus on stealing financial information. Increasingly, a ransom is a more common approach to making ill-gotten gains online.

Similarly, some hackers now infiltrate systems with zero intent of harming the organizations in question. Instead, they siphon resources to mine cryptocurrencies, distribute attacks against other targets, and even set up transaction points for illegal trade. Your organization, though, may still suffer adverse consequences because those uses consume electricity, wear out equipment, and cause network outages.

Management and Monitoring

Ultimately, you have to make a daily effort to stay ahead of bad actors in the digital world. Think of how a warehouse company has to handle security. It can't just put up a fence. It also has to set up cameras and have security people conduct patrols when they spot something.

Cyber security solutions work much the same way. Services providers maintain large suites of monitoring tools to track customers' assets. When they identify attacks forming, they can deploy resources, shut off attack vectors, and apply security updates.