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Understanding Security Risks with Third-Party Software

Understanding Security Risks with Third-Party Software

Third-party software can give your team cool features without the hassle of creating them from scratch. While these tools can boost productivity and bring in new functionalities, they also come with some security risks. At PCS, we’ve seen it all when it comes to the pitfalls of using these applications, and we’re here to help you navigate through them.

Common Security Weak Points

It’s a fact that third-party software, especially the free or open-source kind, can have security holes that hackers love to exploit. This happens because sometimes, the code isn’t checked as thoroughly as it should be or it doesn’t get the necessary updates that keep it safe.

To tackle this, you need a good game plan that involves checking the software thoroughly, keeping an eye on it regularly, and fixing any issues as soon as they pop up. Our team at PCS is all about getting ahead of these problems before they affect your business.

Data Breaches and How to Avoid Them

Hackers often target third-party software to get to your valuable data. If a business doesn’t properly check these software options’ security, they’re leaving the door wide open for breaches.

It’s really important to take a close look at any new software’s security measures before you start using it. Plus, adding extra security layers can make a big difference. That’s something we specialize in here, making sure your data stays locked down.

The Real Deal with Malware and Spyware

Here’s something else—some third-party apps can sneak in nasty surprises like malware or spyware. These can steal your info, mess up your files, and cause a ton of other headaches.

To dodge this, always download software from sources you trust and keep that software up to date. It’s one of the simplest yet most effective ways to keep your systems clean.

When Bad Code Happens to Good People

Occasionally, third-party software is thrown together by developers who might not be fully up to speed or who skip important safety checks. This can mean you end up with buggy software that hackers can easily break into.

The High Cost of Ignoring These Risks

Turning a blind eye to the security risks of third-party software can hit your wallet hard. Studies show it usually takes about 200 days to spot a data breach. That’s a lot of time for someone to be snooping around your data unnoticed. Back in 2020, data breaches cost businesses an average of almost $4 million!

Plus, many companies don’t check up on their software vendors often enough, and even fewer keep an eye on their supply chain’s security. This just adds to the risk.

How We Help You Stay Safe

At PCS, we start by figuring out where your business might be vulnerable and then we prioritize what to fix based on what could hurt the most. We set up defenses that cover all bases and we keep checking in to make sure everything’s tight.

Our team manages your security every day, gives you updates each month, and steps in immediately if anything looks off. We can also train your crew on how to spot and avoid risks on their own.

Why Choose PCS?

We get the challenges of managing IT services and how important it is to keep things running without a hitch. Our team is here to help you spot potential threats and shield your business from them.

Give us a shout today to beef up your cybersecurity and keep your business smooth and secure.

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