Small and medium-sized businesses are currently at a heightened risk of cyber threats. The number of cyberattacks increases each year, and their consequences for businesses can be catastrophic. The loss of important data, leakage of confidential information, or compromise of systems not only results in financial and reputational damages but can also threaten the very existence of the business. For small enterprises with limited resources, the situation is even more complicated: they rarely have the ability to maintain an adequate level of cybersecurity but remain just as vulnerable as large corporations.

In response to these challenges, the national project Diia.Business, supported by the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the Office for Entrepreneurship and Export Development, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has launched an entrepreneurship support program that provides access to quality cybersecurity services. One of the key service providers is ALESTA, a leading multi-vendor systems integrator with years of experience in cybersecurity. Within the program, small and medium-sized businesses can receive professional cybersecurity diagnostic services that help identify vulnerabilities in a timely manner and protect their information infrastructure from potential threats.

The service offered by ALESTA within the Diia.Business program is the Vulnerability Assessment of the information environment. This is a critically important procedure for any business, as it allows timely identification of weak points in the IT infrastructure before they can be exploited by cybercriminals.

The goal of the service is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the company's digital infrastructure and identify potential vulnerabilities. It encompasses a full analysis of the digital infrastructure, considering its type (on-premises or cloud), using scanning methods to detect possible threats.

After the testing is completed, the company will receive:

• A description of the overall state of information security and digital infrastructure;
• A complete list of all identified vulnerabilities, including descriptions and classifications by level of criticality;
• Recommendations on security policies, procedures, and technical measures to enhance the overall security level of the company's digital environment;
• Conclusions and recommendations that may be useful for system administrators.

You can learn more about the services and opportunities of the Diia.Business program at: cyber.business.gov.ua.

Why is it important to conduct vulnerability assessments?

All organizations have vulnerabilities in their IT environments. Companies use a wide range of software solutions, and these programs may have flaws that can be exploited by an attacker. Every time an organization adds a new system or updates its software, there is a possibility that new vulnerabilities may arise in its systems.

A vulnerability assessment allows an organization to identify these shortcomings before an attacker does. By regularly conducting assessments and promptly responding to the results, a company can significantly reduce its cyber threats. By eliminating vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers or pose the greatest threat to the business, an organization ensures greater security for its information infrastructure.

Benefits of Conducting Vulnerability Assessments

Conducting vulnerability assessments provides numerous advantages for businesses, including:

• Increased security level: After identifying and eliminating vulnerabilities, the overall level of protection for the information system is significantly enhanced.
• Reduction of cyberattack risk: Vulnerability assessments help decrease the likelihood of successful cyberattacks, protecting the confidential data and resources of the enterprise.
• Improved risk management: Companies gain detailed information about risks, which assists in developing strategies for their management and minimization.
• Customer satisfaction: A high level of data security contributes to increased customer trust and improved experiences.

Given all the challenges faced by small and medium-sized businesses, it is crucial to remain vigilant regarding cybersecurity. Vulnerability assessments can be the key not only to data security but also to the successful functioning of the business as a whole.