How consulting can open doors to cyber security and comprehensive IT support

Cyber security consulting services can provide the expertise and specialist skills needed to keep your business protected from cyber threats.

In this article, we’ll provide information about the various services IT consultants can provide, and explore the advantages of using a reputable managed IT service provider to keep your business running smoothly.

The growing importance of cyber security compliance

In today’s world, businesses must take proactive measures to prevent data breaches. Multiple Australian corporations have made headlines in recent years after becoming the target of a cyber attack, resulting in a damaged reputation, legal repercussions, and hefty financial losses. Research shows that cyber crime in Australia is continuing to rise.

Even if your business has taken measures to address cyber security compliance, there might still be weaknesses in your systems that could be exploited. The advantage of working with a cyber security consulting service is that they will have up-to-date knowledge and expertise, helping to put your organisation in a much stronger position.

Understanding the role of consulting in modern IT environments

Partnering with an experienced cyber security support consultant can provide multiple advantages for your business. Specialist IT consultants can provide a cost-effective solution to keeping your systems up-to-date and secure.

These are some of the services cyber security consultants offer:

• Perform a security audit to find vulnerabilities in your systems
• Provide cyber security awareness training for your staff
• Develop a cyber security defence plan that’s tailored to your organisation
• Ensure your business meets cyber security compliance requirements
• Suggest IT improvements to improve operational efficiency

Whether your business is large or small, investing in cyber security consultancy can be invaluable – ensuring full regulatory compliance, and helping to close security gaps.

Why cyber security consulting is crucial

Identifying vulnerabilities and risks

A cyber security consultant can assess, identify, and prioritise your greatest risks, and help you develop a roadmap towards cyber resilience. During the risk assessment process, your systems and processes will be evaluated to determine whether there are any vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers.

Risk assessments need to cover all areas of operation including networks, hardware, software applications, and employee access privileges in order to provide comprehensive knowledge about where any weaknesses lie. From here, strategies can be put forward to address these weak areas and implement improvements.

Solutions based on case-by-case needs

Experts in cyber security support will be able to provide bespoke solutions that are precisely tailored to the needs of your business. If you’re running a small to medium-sized business on a tight budget, hiring a consultant is a great way to effectively improve your security procedures without needing to invest in an in-house cyber security team.

Because cyber security consultants are experts in their field, they can provide recommendations that are in-line with the latest developments. You can make the most of their knowledge and expertise, and develop strategies to protect your business from threats.

Ensuring ongoing compliance, security, and scalability

A cyber security consultant can help you implement a comprehensive security framework that aligns with regulations such as the Privacy Act and the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme. The consultant can also design and deploy scalable security solutions that grow with the business, incorporating advanced technologies like intrusion detection systems, encryption, and secure cloud services.

For some Australian organisations, it’s mandatory to have a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) with safeguards, measures and processes prescribed in detail. This applies to institutions in the banking, finance, superannuation, and insurance sectors, which are regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). Organisations operating in these sectors are required to adhere to Prudential Standards CPS 232: Business Continuity Management and CPS 234: Information Security.

Interactive can help you achieve Business Continuity Compliance, with cyber security consulting services that are customised according to the specific regulations you must comply with. Together, we can help your business maintain a strong security posture, while supporting long-term compliance and scalability.

Types of consulting services

Here, we’ll explore the range of cyber security consulting services that Interactive offers. From Governance Risk and Compliance through to continuous security optimisation, we have managed IT support solutions to suit businesses of any size.

Virtual CISO

The role of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is to oversee an organisation’s cyber and technology security. A virtual CISO provides the same strategic and operational leadership except on a flexible and/or remote basis. By leveraging their expertise, a virtual CISO offers cost-effective, scalable security leadership, enabling organisations to protect their assets and respond to evolving threats without the need for a full-time, in-house CISO.

Interactive’s virtual CISO service makes it possible to keep your business secure without the ongoing Operating Expenditure (OPEX). This means you can gain access to top-tier security executives in a way that’s affordable.

Cyber strategy and roadmap consulting

Our Strategy and Consulting services can assess, identify, and prioritise your greatest risks and develop a roadmap towards cyber resilience. Our team of seasoned experts provide end-to-end support, offering both professional consulting and strategic services.

An expert cyber security consultant can work with you to make sure your security initiatives align with your business objectives. A well-defined roadmap outlines actionable steps, timelines, and resource allocations – facilitating effective implementation and continuous improvement. This consulting service helps optimise security investments, enhance resilience against cyber attacks, and support sustainable growth.

Security manager-as-a-service

Security Manager-as-a-Service (SMaaS) is a model where an external provider delivers the expertise and management of an organisation’s security functions on a subscription or contract basis. This service allows businesses to access high-level security leadership and operational management without the need for a full-time, in-house security manager.

Interactive offers Security Manager-as-a-Service to take action on your security program. This can include risk assessments, security planning, management reporting, and more.

Security project delivery

Interactive’s cyber security consulting team can provide end-to-end management and execution of specific security initiatives. Security project delivery includes tasks such as deploying new security technologies, establishing incident response protocols, conducting security assessments and audits, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.

This process ensures that security projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards – ultimately strengthening your defences against cyber threats.

Pay-as-you-go cyber consulting

Pay-as-you-go cyber security consulting offers flexible and cost-effective access to expert cybersecurity services without the commitment of long-term contracts. This model allows you to scale your security efforts according to immediate needs and budget constraints, making high-quality cybersecurity expertise accessible.

This model ensures that organisations can address specific security challenges as they arise, whether they need assistance with compliance, threat assessment, or incident response. Interactive makes it possible to maintain a robust security posture without incurring unnecessary expenses.

The symbiotic relationship between IT support and cyber security

IT support ensures the smooth operation of an organisation’s technology infrastructure, while cyber security focuses on protecting this infrastructure from threats and vulnerabilities. Effective IT support enhances cyber security by ensuring systems are up-to-date, patched, and configured correctly, reducing potential attack vectors. Strong cyber security measures protect the IT support systems from being compromised, ensuring they can continue to operate efficiently. Together, they create a resilient IT ecosystem where operational efficiency and security reinforce each other.

Examples of IT support enhancing cyber security

Here are some ways that robust IT support can enhance your cyber security posture:

• Regularly updating and patching software and systems can fix security vulnerabilities and prevent exploitation by cyber criminals.
• Implementing and managing user access controls ensures that only authorised personnel have access to sensitive information and systems.
• Continuously monitoring systems for unusual activity helps to mitigate potential damage.
• Ensuring that data is regularly backed up can minimise downtime and data loss in the event of a cyber attack. 
• Ensuring systems are configured securely can protect against threats.

Another step you can take to protect your business from cyber crime is to use Microsoft Secure Score. This tool provides a score based on your current security settings and practices, and it offers recommendations for enhancing security.

Choose Interactive for your end-to-end support solutions

Interactive provides unrivalled expertise, exceptional service, and the highest standards of security and compliance. We offer Cyber Security Consulting and IT Support Services that adapt to the changing needs of your business.

Explore our range of Digital Workplace solutions and discover how Interactive can help to improve and maintain your security posture. With Azure Cyber Security, you can achieve better security outcomes for less – discover how Azure Cloud Services and Azure Cloud Management can benefit your business by contacting us today.