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Security and IT: Avoid Risk With Cybersecurity Best Practices
Alex Oosterman
Security and IT are often treated as interchangeable, but they cover different areas of your business. Understanding how they connect—and where they differ—can help you make better decisions about protecting your systems, data, and people. In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between IT and cybersecurity, explain how they work together, and show you the risks of ignoring either. You’ll also learn about common security practices, threats, and how to build a strong foundation using reliable IT security frameworks.
What security and IT really mean for your business
Security and IT are two sides of the same coin. IT (Information Technology) refers to the systems, networks, and tools your business uses to operate—like email servers, cloud platforms, and internal databases. Security, on the other hand, is about protecting those systems from unauthorized access, damage, or theft.
When we talk about security and IT together, we’re referring to the combined effort of managing technology and keeping it safe. That includes everything from setting up firewalls to training staff on password safety. Businesses that treat IT and security as separate often leave gaps that attackers can exploit. That’s why it’s important to think of them as a connected strategy. Security measures like encryption, access controls, and monitoring tools help protect sensitive information. But without a solid IT setup, even the best security tools won’t work properly. And without security, your IT systems are vulnerable to breaches, downtime, and data loss.
Common mistakes to avoid when managing security and IT
Many businesses make the same errors when trying to manage IT and security. Here are some of the most common mistakes and why they matter.
Mistake #1: Assuming IT handles all security
IT teams often focus on keeping systems running, not necessarily keeping them secure. Without a dedicated IT security expert, threats can go unnoticed. Security requires its own strategy, tools, and oversight.
Mistake #2: Ignoring updates and patches
Outdated software is a major security risk. Hackers often exploit known bugs in old systems. Regular updates are a simple but powerful way to reduce your exposure.
Mistake #3: Weak password policies
If your team uses simple or repeated passwords, you’re inviting trouble. Strong password rules and two-factor authentication are basic but essential security practices.
Mistake #4: No employee training
Even the best systems can’t stop human error. Employees should know how to spot phishing emails, avoid unsafe downloads, and report suspicious activity.
Mistake #5: Not backing up data
Without regular backups, a ransomware attack or system failure could wipe out critical data. Backups should be automatic, tested, and stored securely.
Mistake #6: Skipping risk assessments
You can’t fix what you don’t know. Regular risk assessments help you identify weak spots in your IT and security setup before they become real problems.
Mistake #7: Overlooking mobile and remote access
Laptops, phones, and remote logins are common entry points for attackers. Secure mobile device management and VPNs are key to protecting off-site access.
Key benefits of aligning IT and security
Bringing IT and security together helps your business run smoother and safer:
- Reduces the chance of a security breach by closing system gaps
- Improves compliance with industry standards and regulations
- Makes it easier to manage user access and permissions
- Boosts system reliability and uptime
- Helps your team respond faster to incidents
- Supports long-term planning with better visibility into risks
Understanding the role of cybersecurity in IT
Cybersecurity is a subset of IT security focused on protecting digital systems from online threats. It includes tools and practices like firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems. While IT manages the infrastructure, cybersecurity ensures that the infrastructure is protected from cyberattacks.
Cybersecurity also involves monitoring for unusual activity, responding to incidents, and staying ahead of new threats. It’s not just about stopping hackers—it’s about building systems that can resist and recover from attacks. A strong cybersecurity plan works alongside your IT setup to keep your business safe.
How to build a strong IT security framework
A good IT security framework gives your business a clear structure for managing risks. Here are some key components to include.
Step #1: Define your assets
Start by identifying what needs protection—servers, customer data, employee devices, etc. Knowing what you have helps you decide what to secure first.
Step #2: Assess your risks
Look at where your systems are most vulnerable. This could be outdated software, open ports, or weak access controls. Risk assessments help you prioritize fixes.
Step #3: Set clear policies
Document rules for how data is accessed, stored, and shared. Make sure employees know what’s expected and what’s off-limits.
Step #4: Use layered security
Don’t rely on one tool. Combine firewalls, antivirus, encryption, and monitoring to create multiple lines of defense.
Step #5: Monitor and respond
Set up alerts for unusual activity and have a response plan in place. Quick action can limit damage during a security incident.
Step #6: Train your team
Security isn’t just IT’s job. Everyone should know how to spot threats and follow safe practices. Regular training keeps security top of mind.
Step #7: Review and improve
Technology and threats change fast. Review your framework regularly to make sure it still fits your needs.
Practical steps to implement security and IT strategies
Start by bringing your IT and security teams together. If you don’t have separate teams, consider working with an external IT security expert. They can help you assess your current setup and recommend improvements.
Next, create a roadmap. List your top risks, choose the right tools, and assign responsibilities. Use trusted IT security frameworks to guide your planning. Finally, track your progress. Set goals, measure results, and adjust as needed. Security and IT management is an ongoing process—not a one-time fix.
Best practices for managing IT and security
Follow these tips to keep your systems safe and running smoothly:
- Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication
- Update all software and hardware regularly
- Back up data in multiple secure locations
- Limit access to sensitive systems and data
- Monitor systems for unusual activity and respond quickly
- Train employees on basic security awareness
These steps help reduce risk and keep your business prepared.
How Unified Technicians can help with security and IT
Are you a business with 50 or more employees looking to improve your security and IT setup? As your company grows, so do your risks—and the need for reliable systems and protection. We understand the challenges that come with scaling your operations while keeping everything secure.
At Unified Technicians, we help businesses build strong IT foundations and secure them from top to bottom. Whether you need help with risk assessments, IT security frameworks, or day-to-day support, our team is here to guide you. Let’s talk about how we can support your goals.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between IT and cybersecurity?
IT refers to the systems your business uses—like servers, networks, and software. Cybersecurity focuses on protecting those systems from online threats. While IT builds and maintains the tools, cybersecurity makes sure they’re safe from attacks. Both are essential for keeping your business running and secure.
Cybersecurity also includes protecting sensitive information and preventing data breaches. It uses tools like firewalls, antivirus software, and monitoring systems to detect and stop threats before they cause damage.
How can I tell if my business has strong information security?
Strong information security means your data is protected from unauthorized access, changes, or loss. You should have clear policies, secure systems, and trained staff. Regular audits and risk assessments help ensure your setup is working.
If you’re unsure, an IT security expert can review your systems and suggest improvements. Look for gaps in your network security, outdated software, or missing security measures.
What are the most common cybersecurity threats for businesses?
Phishing emails, ransomware, and weak passwords are some of the top threats. These can lead to data loss, system downtime, or financial damage. Businesses should stay alert and use tools to detect and block attacks.
Security threats can also come from inside your organization. Make sure your security team monitors access and investigates any suspicious activity. Event management tools can help track incidents and responses.
Why is cybersecurity important even with strong IT systems?
Even the best IT systems can be vulnerable without proper security. Cybersecurity adds protection against hackers, malware, and other online threats. It’s about prevention, detection, and response.
Without cybersecurity, a single security breach could expose sensitive information or shut down your operations. Security refers to more than just tools—it’s about having a full plan in place.
How do I choose the right IT security frameworks for my company?
Start by looking at your industry requirements and business size. Frameworks like NIST or ISO 27001 offer guidelines for managing risks and protecting data. An IT security expert can help you choose the right one.
The right framework supports your risk management goals and helps you meet compliance standards. It also gives your security team a clear structure to follow.
What are the best security practices for remote teams?
Remote teams need secure access to systems without exposing your network. Use VPNs, strong passwords, and device encryption. Train employees to avoid risky behavior like using public Wi-Fi.
Security best practices also include limiting access to only what’s needed and monitoring for unusual activity. A good IT setup makes it easy to support remote work without increasing security risks.
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