Dealing with cybersecurity threats can be overwhelming for small businesses. That’s where CDW’s “cybersecurity easy button” services come in. This set of bundled, ready-to-use tools make it easier to recover quickly after a cyberattack involving ransomware, phishing or a data breach.
In my years of experience, it can help teams simplify the security process so they don’t lose valuable time when something goes wrong.
LEARN MORE: How to elevate your cybersecurity with CDW services.
Why It Matters for Small Businesses
Small businesses are increasingly being targeted by cybercriminals. In the past twelve months, 1 in 3 small businesses reported at least one cyberattack, according to a Microsoft security report.
SMBs do not have big IT teams or deep pockets, but they still need to protect their data, systems, customers and reputations. And that’s exactly why this simplified, automated, “easy button” response is so important.
What’s Included in an Easy Button Service
A strong cybersecurity easy button solution typically includes:
- Incident Response Plans: Step-by-step guides for how to respond to common attacks like ransomware or email phishing
- Communication Tools: Clear instructions on who to contact and how to stay in touch during an attack, even if email is down
- Backup and Recovery Tools: Quick access to clean, secure copies of data so work can resume quickly
- Automation: Tools that can spot threats, shut down risky activity and alert teams — without someone needing to press a button
- Training and Testing: Tabletop exercises and drills so teams learn what to do during a crisis
Setting Up Easy Button Services
SMBs looking to get started with a cybersecurity easy button strategy should first build a core task force or response team. This can be just a few people who decide who will handle IT, communication and decision-making during an incident.
Next, create basic playbooks with simple, clear steps for responding to different types of attacks (i.e., ransomware, insider threats or a locked-up system). Working with a tech partner such as CDW to find affordable tools that include automated detection, secure backups and central dashboards is essential at this stage. IT leaders should choose platforms that bring everything (plans, contact lists, alerts) into one place. Budget is also a factor here, so prioritize the most critical areas first, such as data backups and cross-team protocols. A trusted IT adviser can also help run short, low-stress exercises to walk through what would happen in a real attack.
It's also important to keep the cybersecurity easy button strategy updated. Threats evolve, and so should a SMB’s defense tactics, so make sure the tools and plans keep up.
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The Benefits for Small Businesses
With the right setup, a cybersecurity easy button can help teams:
- Respond faster with ready-made playbooks and automation.
- Restore data from clean backups instead of paying ransomware criminals.
- Meet compliance requirements more easily with audit plans.
- Create a sense of confidence and competency so that teams have reduced panic in a crisis.
EXPLORE: The third-party services that can help grow your small business.
What To Look for in a Cybersecurity Easy Button Platform
IT leaders should look for a cybersecurity easy button solution with simple dashboards and reporting systems, integration with existing systems, automated alerts, the ability to add partners or legal teams if needed, and secure communication during outages.
Platforms such as Semperis’ Ready1, ServiceNow or IBM’s incident response tools are just a few examples. CDW can help evaluate these options, as one size does not fit all.
How Can Teams Tell Whether It’s Working?
Sometimes, teams implement a new service or solution and forget to check whether it’s working. Here are a few signs an easy button is paying off:
- IT teams recover from incidents faster than before.
- IT leaders spend less time tracking down who needs to do what.
- Staff feel more confident in combatting threats and during a crisis.
- Cyber insurance reviews and compliance checks are completed more easily.
At any stage, CDW can help SMBs find tools that are appropriately sized for their budget and risk tolerance.
This article is part of BizTech's AgilITy blog series.
