IBM Article Sample

Insufficient security can result in downtime, or even worse, reduce credibility with customers and partners. Just as worrisome, noncompliance with regulations can result in hefty fines. With new viruses and malware emerging, increasingly sophisticated hackers, and mobile employees accessing systems remotely, it's increasingly challenging for small and midsized businesses (SMBs) to protect themselves across all fronts. But perhaps even more challenging is how to identify areas of vulnerability.

Security assessments can reduce information risks in the same way that physical examinations diminish the possibility that minor health problems can become a full-blown medical crisis. System-wide security checkups can be as simple as network scans or as in-depth as hacker intrusion simulations to strategically assess areas of potential weaknesses. Typically, these assessments gauge four areas where information security is vital to business health: overall security capabilities, privacy, risk management and compliance.