Defendify’s article on how businesses can use their strong cybersecurity program as a competitive business advantage was recently published on Business.com. And it’s even more relevant for cybersecurity providers – read our take on using your own cybersecurity posture to differentiate your business, and be sure to check out the original article on Business.com.

Small businesses are realizing more each day that dedicating time and resources to cybersecurity is critical to keeping safe. But cybersecurity can be cumbersome and cost-prohibitive, so many organizations look to Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Systems Integrators, consultants, or other third-party providers to help them get started.

As a cybersecurity provider, you know the need for cybersecurity isn’t going away, and you’ve likely already begun to roll out some cybersecurity services to protect yourself and your customers while driving more revenue.

What you may not have considered is this: in addition to offering a strong cybersecurity program in your product mix, your own cybersecurity program is an advantage that sets you apart from the competition.

Leveraging the Cybersecurity Factor

You protect your company with a strong cybersecurity posture because you know that a breach can cause serious damage to your company. But in turn, if your customers’ sensitive information is compromised, it can be damaging to them.

Because of this, your customers have a healthy degree of concern about the way third-party companies (like yours!) treat their information. Cybersecurity, IT, and systems integration providers store a great deal of proprietary business data:

• Network and IT infrastructure
• Susceptibility to cybersecurity threats
• Employee information
• Building and security plans

If you’re taking the extra steps to protect yourself and your customers, that’s important and appealing to those considering your services. So what steps can you take to leverage your cybersecurity to better your business?

1. Maintain a strong cybersecurity posture by running assessments, building policies and procedures, training your team, and deploying technology. Follow an ongoing program and be sure to track your progress and measure success through a regular cadence of testing on your organization.
2. Bulk up your security and privacy policies on your website, proposals, and presentations. Be sure to include information about how data is safely stored and transferred, how transactions are processed, and how and when you share information with third parties.
3. Spread the word to your current customers and prospects through email announcements and notifications. And don’t forget to talk it up when you speak with your loyal customers and new prospects – your dedication to their privacy and safety is impressive and merits discussion.
4. Seek security-conscious businesses such as government organizations and large customers and vendors, who may require a certain level of cybersecurity measures from their vendors for regulation or industry compliance reasons.

In a world where a day rarely goes by without news of a new attack or breach, customers want to know they are doing business with someone who takes security and privacy seriously. So don’t hesitate to let them know the cybersecurity steps you’re taking—chances are, your competition isn’t.

Read the article on Business.com.

Stay Safe,

Your Friends @ Defendify