7 Challenges Organizations Face When Adopting New Cybersecurity Systems

Is your organization prepared to face the rising number of security threats in 2023? CompTIA's latest annual report sheds light on the state of cybersecurity, and it's clear that protecting your assets and information is more important now than ever.

Staying on top of the latest cybersecurity threats — and how to handle them — means continuously updating your approach to security. But adopting new security systems can be a challenge. It means being willing to constantly evolve in the face of threats, and requires that everyone rise to the challenge as an organization. The best way to stay safe is to keep the rest of your team as well-versed in cybersecurity best practices as you are. How do you ensure everyone is on the same page? A good offense is the best defense: Make sure staff has access to the most current cybersecurity training needed to keep your organization prepared against cyber threats.

When it comes to safeguarding your networks and data, taking proactive protective measures will always be better than a strategy built around waiting for an incident to occur. Great training will help keep your organization safer from the start. And it will also help your team respond quickly and efficiently if and when security incidents do occur.

But keeping up on the latest cybersecurity training isn't the only thing you need to overcome in order to keep your networks safe. There are several other challenges organizations must overcome in order to protect data in an ever-changing cybersecurity landscape. From mindset to measurements, understanding these barriers is the first step in overcoming them so you can improve your cybersecurity infrastructure.

1. A Belief That Current Security Measures are Good Enough

One of the biggest hurdles that organizations face when it comes to changing their approach to cybersecurity is the belief that their current security measures are sufficient. 

The absence of any recent cyber incidents may sometimes lead to complacency and a false sense of security. However, cyber attacks can happen even if you have implemented security measures. Oftentimes, organizations may not even realize they are victims until it's too late.

It is essential to continuously assess and update your security measures to ensure that your assets and information are adequately protected. Cybersecurity threats are always evolving, and a proactive approach is necessary to safeguard your business against potential risks.

2. Not Enough Budget Spend Dedicated to Security

Many organizations view cybersecurity as an expense rather than an investment, which can lead to a lack of funding for security measures.  Too small of a budget can hinder the implementation of necessary security measures. Without adequate security measures, organizations are more vulnerable to cyberattacks. 

An adequate budget should encompass the expenses associated with recruiting and retaining highly skilled cybersecurity professionals, purchasing updated software and hardware, conducting regular security audits, and providing comprehensive cybersecurity training to employees.

3. Not Staying Up to Date on Current Security Trends

Staying up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity trends can be a daunting task for organizations. However, failing to keep up with these developments can leave your organization's networks vulnerable to attack. Organizations must make an effort to stay informed about current security trends and ensure that their approach to cybersecurity is in line with these trends.

One of the best ways to stay up-to-date on current cybersecurity trends and developments is to invest in training that teaches the skills needed to keep your org safe. Online training from CBT Nuggets can keep you and your staff current on new cybersecurity tools and technologies as they're released — that way you're not playing catch-up after it's too late.

4. Lack of Understanding of New Security Threats

Organizations may struggle not only with understanding current security trends, but staying informed about new threats as they emerge.  There are also new types of attacks popping up seemingly every day. Understanding and recognizing these new attacks is crucial. If your IT team isn’t up to date on the latest threats, they face an uphill battle in keeping your networks safe.

A few ways organizations can stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats is by regularly monitoring industry news and updates, attending cybersecurity conferences and seminars, and subscribing to threat intelligence services. Organizations must make a concentrated effort to stay informed on the latest threats — and more importantly, implement measures against them.

5. Prioritization of Other Technology Initiatives

As a business, you might prioritize initiatives that drive innovation and growth, like implementing new software or hardware systems. But in doing so, it's important not to neglect cybersecurity. A lack of attention and resources dedicated to security measures can leave your organization vulnerable to cyberattacks. To protect your assets and information, it's crucial to balance the importance of technological innovation with that of cybersecurity and allocate appropriate resources to both areas.

6. Not Using Metrics to Measure Security Effectiveness

Without metrics to gauge the effectiveness of their security measures, organizations may struggle to determine if their current approach is sufficient — or if changes need to be made. 

A lack of metrics can prevent organizations from making informed decisions about their approach to cybersecurity. It can also result in a lack of continuous improvement in their security measures. Use those dashboards, folks! 

Therefore, organizations need to establish appropriate metrics for measuring the effectiveness of their security measures — and use these metrics to inform their approach to cybersecurity.

7. Uncertainty Around Contracting Out Security Efforts

Organizations may not have the internal resources or expertise to handle all aspects of cybersecurity, leading them to consider outsourcing security work to third-party vendors. 

However, selecting the right vendor and negotiating a contract can be a daunting task in and of itself, which often leads to uncertainty and hesitation around contracting security work. To make the process of selecting a vendor more manageable, consider starting with a list of requirements that meet your organization's specific needs. Then, research potential vendors and their reputations to determine if they align with your requirements. During the negotiation process, make sure the contract clearly outlines the scope of work and responsibilities to avoid any misunderstandings. Remember, you have the power to choose the right security vendor for your organization.

How to Improve Your Team's Security Skills Today

You’ll find the training you need to develop and hone in-demand security skills at CBT Nuggets. Much of our online cybersecurity training maps to highly valued certifications — and covers skills that many organizations desperately need.

Not a CBT Nuggets subscriber? Sign up for a 7-day free trial to get a feel of what it’s like to learn IT with us. Explore all of our cybersecurity training and start learning skills that can help your keep networks and data safe!

Implementing changes to an organization's cybersecurity plan can be straightforward, or it can be complex. Improving security may be as simple as making updates to existing policies or software. Or you might need to scrap things and build from the ground up. One thing is certain, though: You can never be too thorough when it comes to security updates, because cyber threats lurk everywhere.