18 Apps are changing the way businesses operate. Today, a surprising 71 percent of small business owners and managers feel at risk for a cyber attack. Many rely on apps to keep their business running smoothly and securely. Among those that suffer a breach, 60 percent may fold within six months.

The stakes have never been higher. An IBM study found that the average cost of a data breach is $3.86 million, with an average of $148 per record lost. Businesses that use multiple apps to handle large amounts of data have much more to lose.

IT and data security, often managed through enterprise apps, now decide whether a business thrives or fails. In a city as competitive as New York, every company—large or small—should perform an information security audit and review the apps they use to secure business data from attackers.

Are you confident in the security of your business infrastructure and apps? Learn more about security auditing for apps and how it can help your business below.

Three Main Types of App Security Diagnostics

After a wave of high-profile breaches, many IT Managed Service Providers (MSPs) added app security services to their offerings. Today, many are Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs). They help businesses of all sizes with IT, data, and app security.

MSSPs are now essential for many companies. Some can’t afford an in-house app security team. Others use MSSPs to strengthen their existing teams at a lower cost.

A security audit is one of three main diagnostics offered by MSSPs. Each diagnostic has a unique purpose for your apps and systems.

App Security Audits

A security audit evaluates your apps and systems. It does not change your IT setup or security mechanisms. Instead, the audit measures how well your apps and infrastructure meet security criteria. These standards may come from your company or a regulator.

A thorough audit looks at both software and physical setup. It checks how users access your apps and whether your company meets regulations like HIPAA. Auditors review server locations, employee logins, password policies, and remote access from mobile apps.

Vulnerability Assessments for Applications

A vulnerability assessment goes deeper to find weaknesses in your apps and systems. The goal is to identify and fix security issues. Each vulnerability gets a severity rating. Critical issues can lead to disaster if left unaddressed. Auditors document these risks and guide your team on how to resolve them.

You can assess your entire IT system or focus on new applications during development.

Penetration Tests for Apps

A penetration test simulates a cyber attack. Security experts try to breach your systems, showing you what could happen in a real attack. These tests reveal vulnerabilities and help your team practice their response.

However, penetration testers must follow the law. They cannot break into third-party unless those partners agree to the test.

Why Your NYC Business Needs App Security Audits

New York businesses are prime targets for hackers. In 2016, attackers stole over 200 million financial records from local financial companies, often exploiting weaknesses in 18 apps.

Many small businesses think they are too small to be targeted. This is a mistake. Studies show that one in four businesses will experience a data breach, often through insecure 18 apps. Hackers use automated tools to break into apps and systems. They target any business with valuable data, regardless of size.

Bots constantly scan websites and apps for weaknesses. Hackers profit from any data they steal, whether it comes from a hospital, a bank, or a small store.

Keep Your NYC Business and Apps Secure

After your security audit, you need to update your 18 apps and defenses. Use intrusion detection, access controls, and malware protection to stay ahead of threats. An MSSP can provide these services and train your employees to avoid phishing and other social engineering attacks through apps.

One of the best tools is 24/7 network and app monitoring. After your audit, monitoring helps track all network and app traffic and spot anomalies. This proactive approach is key to preventing attacks.

Regular auditing, vulnerability testing, and monitoring will shift your app security from reactive to proactive.

Start Your App Security Audit Today

If you’re unsure about your app security, assume you are at risk. Auditing and updating your app and network security must be ongoing. No company is immune to a breach. As hackers become more advanced, you must adopt a zero-trust mindset to stay safe.

Ready to start a security audit for your New York business apps? Contact us today or call our NYC office at 516.606.3774!