Virtually every week brings news of yet another high-profile cybersecurity attack on citizens, companies or governments. Over the last year, large parts of our world moved online. This unprecedented, large-scale digital migration has also made us ever more exposed to cybersecurity risks.

Our security stance has fundamentally changed as the pandemic accelerated the transition of applications. Disruption brought about by the crisis is an opportunity to embed security, not an excuse to skip it.

Size doesn’t matter

It’s not just large companies that worry about cyber-attacks. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) too have become attractive targets for cybercriminals. Defending against cybersecurity threats is tough for any business, regardless of size. However, it’s ever truer for SMBs who are conducting an increasing amount of business online and rightfully, spend most of their time and talent on their core business.

And while security has become extremely complex for organizations, cybersecurity has to be simple and easy. When we make it harder for people to use security tools, we make it easier for hackers to break in. As the largest enterprise security company, at Cisco we’re uniquely placed to drive simplified, scalable, and flexible solutions that provide visibility and control, leading to better security.

Simplifying cybersecurity for SMBs

In Italy, Cisco partnered with TIM (Telecom Italia) to develop TIM Safe Web, a cybersecurity service integrated into their network. It provides a highly secure service platform that protects business users from malware, such as ransomware, phishing and other malicious cybersecurity activities. Our partnership allows us to simplify our customers’ cybersecurity approach so that they can focus on their core business whilst being safe from cyber threats.

I had the chance to talk about TIM Safe Web with Stefano Donadel Campbell, the CEO of My Style Bags, makers of beautiful weekend bags and travel accessories in Milan. He laid out the challenge small businesses face perfectly, “Everyday our customers entrust us with sensitive data such as payment methods, shipping addresses, names – information that must be managed by the best technical partner. This allows us not to have other issues than to concentrate on our work, and TIM Safe Web is a solution that allows our company to focus on its work.”