Smaller Businesses Trailing Bigger Counterparts in Security and Integration, According to Recent Study
Small businesses are being encouraged to focus on enhancing workplace communication and security as digital transformation becomes increasingly important, according to a survey conducted by Zoho Corporation.
The survey, titled "Trends in Digital Workplace Transformation," found that small businesses in the US have a lower maturity level compared to international companies, with only 58% maturity. This is in contrast to an average of 62.3% maturity internationally.
One area where small businesses are lagging is in the implementation of physical security controls. Only 30% of organizations surveyed have implemented measures like distributing ID badges or designating secure areas. This is a critical oversight, as small businesses need to recognize the importance of these steps in their digital maturation journey.
In terms of technology adoption, the survey suggests that small businesses should look for vendors offering pricing structures like "land and expand" and associated CRMs. This approach allows businesses to scale their tools along with their growth, making them more affordable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMBs).
Another area where small businesses can improve is in the use of integrated and scalable digital solutions. The survey highlights that SMBs should prioritize adopting these solutions while placing renewed emphasis on security for all employees. This is particularly important as only half of US businesses make use of multi-factor authentication (MFA), biometrics, or one-time passwords (OTPs) to access systems.
Moreover, less than one fourth of employees have received any cyber threat training whatsoever, leaving many businesses vulnerable to attacks. The survey also found that only half of remote workers surveyed said they undergo secure access policies, such as VPN encryption or authentication, while working from home.
The survey also revealed that small businesses rarely implement new tools when the technology becomes available. This is concerning, as it suggests that many small businesses are missing out on opportunities to improve their operations and security.
However, there are some areas where small businesses are excelling. For instance, small businesses are more likely to have adopted a structured and automated request management system compared to larger businesses. Additionally, SMBs are less likely to rely on traditional, organization-wide communication channels, with few businesses having channels to disseminate information, verify the identity of a sender, or hear directly from HR.
One notable example of a small business making strides in the security sector is Viaspace. The company has been particularly active in recent years, introducing new security measures, especially in container security and homeland security technologies. They have collaborated with major firms like Raytheon on sensor and real-time diagnosis systems for detecting threats such as weapons or explosives.
In conclusion, the survey by Zoho Corporation underscores the need for small businesses to prioritize digital transformation and security. This includes centralizing and making information accessible by anyone within an organization to support asynchronous work, adopting more integrated and scalable digital solutions, and placing renewed emphasis on security for all employees. By doing so, small businesses can better protect themselves from cyber threats and improve their operations.
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