Companies Are Becoming Increasingly Vulnerable: How Secure Is Your (Cyber)Security Chain?

Cyber threats are everywhere and continue to grow each year. This is also true for the access and security domain. The number of ransomware attacks, for instance, has doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic began. To address these challenges, Nsecure has introduced two new remote IT services: managing local security workstations and scanning network-connected (security) devices for vulnerabilities. These services bring the entire (cyber)security chain into order, ensuring that Nsecure and its clients stay in control. 

One in Five Companies Faces a Cyberattack Annually 

Ransomware, fileless malware, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, phishing, and identity fraud: these are just a few examples of the types of cybercrime targeting Dutch businesses daily. Nearly one in five companies experiences a cyberattack each year. Within the access and security domain, there are numerous internal and external IT risks, such as hackers attempting to breach personal data or access control systems. 

Since 2020, companies have rapidly embraced digital transformation due to the pandemic, including cloud migrations. Nsecure has observed a similar shift in its field, such as the growth of remote services. These trends have increased the attack surface, leaving companies more vulnerable. The rise in cybercrime since COVID-19 has only amplified these risks. 

Cybersecurity Must Top the Priority List 

This leads to one inevitable conclusion: cybersecurity must be a top priority for businesses. Ignoring cybersecurity risks could result in ransom demands, halted operations, leaked sensitive data, reputational damage, costly recovery efforts, and privacy fines. The financial impact can be significant, with average losses ranging between €60,000 and €300,000, depending on the company’s size and the attack’s scale. 

As with any chain, a security chain is only as strong as its weakest link. In the access and security domain, this chain includes servers, security workstations, door controllers, intercoms, cameras, and, critically, the human element managing it all. 

Two New Services for Enhanced Cybersecurity 

To ensure the online safety of client systems, Nsecure has introduced two new managed IT services: 

1. Workplace management for security workstations 

1. Scanning (security) devices within networks for vulnerabilities (Endpoint Vulnerability Scanning) 

These services complement Nsecure’s existing measures, including a proprietary cloud environment, full server management, and 24/7 monitoring. 

1. Workplace Management for Local Security Workstations 

“We now offer remote management of our clients’ local security workstations,” says Alex Smaling, Manager of Identity & Cloud. “This ensures that these workstations always have up-to-date antivirus software and receive scheduled updates for operating systems and drivers.” 

This guarantees that systems and applications are used optimally and securely, with any software vulnerabilities addressed immediately. Clients opting for this service go through the following process: 

• Step 1: Comprehensive analysis of the current situation. 

• Step 2: Advisory phase regarding workplace management. 

• Step 3: Implementation of workplace management by Nsecure. 

This approach brings the entire security chain into order, keeping both Nsecure and its clients fully in control. 

2. Endpoint Vulnerability Scanning 

Nsecure takes cybersecurity a step further by scanning network-connected (security) devices for vulnerabilities through endpoint vulnerability scanning. 

Clients with numerous endpoints—such as servers, workstations, IP controllers, door controllers, intercoms, and cameras—are more exposed to cyberattacks. Endpoint vulnerability scanning involves periodic scans of all IT components within the domain to identify vulnerabilities. 

These scans generate reports containing tailored security recommendations. If vulnerabilities are detected, Nsecure advises on immediate mitigation measures, helping clients maintain a secure IT chain free from hackers and malware. 

Minimizing Risks and Ensuring Continuity 

These two services empower clients to use their security workstations, systems, and applications without concerns. With the added insights provided through dashboards and reports, clients retain complete control over their IT security, minimizing risks, ensuring operational continuity, and maximizing business opportunities. 

Nsecure as a Managed Security Services Provider 

Smaling: “Nsecure has the expertise to act as a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP),” says Smaling. “We are familiar with all systems and applications in the domain. By also managing cybersecurity, we can adopt an integrated approach and maintain oversight of all security devices, systems, and processes.” 

Security-as-a-Service 

This integrated approach to security aligns seamlessly with Nsecure’s comprehensive Security-as-a-Service offering. With this model, Nsecure can take over the entire access and security policy of a company, including personnel and technology. Separate disciplines such as hospitality, safety, compliance, continuity, and operations are merged into a cohesive whole. This effective integration of access and security into business processes ensures certainty and safety.