A denial-of-service attack doesn’t just halt your business – It’s also a blow to your reputation
Nearly every business relies on digital services today, whether it’s an international software company or a local accounting firm. Both customers and employees expect uninterrupted access to your digital services.
At the same time, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks have reached record-breaking levels. These attacks are cheap, easy to execute, and highly scalable. Unfortunately, Finnish companies often underestimate this threat. Many see DoS attacks as issues only affecting large enterprises or IT departments. This mindset can be costly. In the worst case, an attack can bring your business to a halt, damage customer relationships, and cause long-term harm to your brand’s reputation.
Common Misconceptions About Denial-of-Service Attacks
“It won’t happen to us.” Many companies believe they are too insignificant to be targeted. In reality, any business using online services or cloud environments can become a target.
“Cloud services provide protection.” While cloud services offer some security features, they do not automatically guarantee full protection. Businesses must conduct their own risk assessments and ensure that external service providers meet security requirements.
“The IT department will handle it.” Denial-of-service attacks are not just a technical issue – they pose a serious risk to business continuity. Responsibility cannot rest solely on the IT department; this is a strategic issue that affects the entire company.
What Does Preparation Require?
All companies can take steps to protect themselves against denial-of-service attacks. Preparation starts with understanding the risks. Which services and systems are critical to your business, and how are they protected?
Technical solutions must be capable of addressing today’s challenges while also scaling seamlessly for future threats. Additionally, businesses need a clear crisis response plan. How will you communicate with customers and employees if your services become unavailable?
Cybersecurity is not just an expense – it can enhance both the efficiency and quality of your business. Investing in cybersecurity should be seen as an investment that pays off in multiple ways.
Three Tips for Business Decision-Makers
- Identify risks: Determine which systems and services are vulnerable to attacks.
- Allocate resources: Invest in security solutions and expertise – strong protection also improves service performance.
- Develop an action plan: Plan in advance how to respond to crises and ensure that communication channels function even in emergencies.
Don’t let denial-of-service attacks disrupt your business. By taking smart precautions, you can improve your cybersecurity, enhance service performance, and deliver a better customer experience.
