Cybersecurity Risks In Legacy Scheduling Systems & How To Mitigate Them

brought to you by Netrocket

Scheduling software is integral to the operations of small businesses looking to streamline tasks. However, relying on legacy systems without actively investing in updates and patches can open businesses to cybersecurity risks. Appointment software for small businesses should be a true asset and not a liability.

That is why more businesses are looking to replace their old scheduling systems with advanced solutions that are prepared to meet today’s challenges.

Why Legacy Scheduling Systems Are a Cybersecurity Weak Spot 

Legacy scheduling system methods have the danger of making small organizations more susceptible to security breaches, even if they might still be able to satisfy practical scheduling needs.  This is particularly true as bad actors' attacks get more complex and technology keeps advancing at an accelerated rate.

This issue is made more difficult by the possibility that small enterprises do not have the full-time cybersecurity specialists and strong IT departments that are more typical of larger organizations.  Even as hackers continue to improve their techniques and discover new methods to take advantage of security flaws, crucial changes to scheduling software security can easily be neglected.

Software providers, in the meantime, could certainly be generating and sharing patches towards the new threats as a method of quick response, but the principal fact is, if these patches are not properly and effectively installed, businesses may unintentionally leak valuable data and consequently lose customer confidence to a large extent. 

Top Cybersecurity Risks Businesses Face with Old Scheduling Tools

Data breaches. Companies frequently obtain sensitive information from their clients, such as payment and contact details.  Identity theft, false charges, and other problems that endanger innocent consumers may result from this.

Ransomware. Sometimes, attackers want to use their access to private information to demand a ransom.  Companies are forced to make the ransom payment or face the repercussions of their data being compromised.  The stability and financial soundness of the business may be jeopardized by this very expensive proposal.

Phishing attacks. Cyber criminals have become incredibly adept at targeting employees through sophisticated phishing attacks that result in employees clicking on bad links. The right software scheduling solution will help educate employees so that they can recognize fraudulent activities and become active participants in protecting the company. 

Mitigation Strategies: Securing Your Scheduling Operations

Securing your scheduling operations requires a comprehensive approach. First and foremost, businesses should have the right technologies in place. That is why cutting-edge companies like Q-nomy offer updated software, multi-factor authentication processes, data encryption, and access controls. 

The Cost of Inaction vs. the Value of Modernization 

The effort and money required to update a scheduling software system is greatly outweighed by the expense of doing nothing when it comes to cybersecurity.  Cybercriminals are searching for the simplest way to obtain sensitive data, and relying on out-of-date software makes you a prime target. Attacks can have direct and dire financial consequences and more far-reaching repercussions.

Even if businesses are able to implement a recovery plan and mitigate financial losses after an attack, they can still experience a real hit to their reputation. Low consumer confidence not only means losing existing customers but also losing out on a whole host of potential opportunities that are crucial to the longevity of any company.  

Future-Proofing Your Scheduling with Cybersecurity in Mind

Any modern scheduling system worth investing in should include the following features:

Flexibility. Flexibility is the most important when preparing your scheduling system for the future. The field of cybersecurity is not something static but very much alive and changeable. Fresh threats always appear, which is why the proper system will not only recognize existing and new threats but also adapt fast enough to make a difference. The most suitable course of action for your company will offer the opportunity to increase its capacity, along with the growth of the company.

Continuous monitoring. As part of a proactive and flexible cybersecurity strategy, your scheduling system should offer continuous monitoring. It isn’t enough to run periodic scans and try to do damage control after a threat has already been allowed to take hold.

Automatic updates. Automation is an essential component that works to eliminate room for human error and make cybersecurity more manageable. Updates can happen in real time without the need for human intervention. This ability helps to free up IT personnel so that they can focus on other tasks and accelerates response times.

Prioritizing threats and responses. Not all threats are created equal. With the right monitoring and controls in place, critical threats will be prioritized for a systematic approach to handling cybersecurity risks. 

Conclusion

Most probably, your legacy scheduling system is out of date and does not effectively deal with cybersecurity risks and the protection of your business. Updating your software not only enhances the quality of your scheduling system but also helps in the fight against risks that may arise in the future.

The security of scheduling software is the most important thing for achieving customer trust, a reputable name, and the possibility of the company becoming a giant in the market.

What other features are you looking for in a new scheduling software system?

Image: Ideogram

You Might Also Read:

How Unsupported Technologies Threaten Business Security:


If you like this website and use the comprehensive 8,000-plus service supplier Directory, you can get unrestricted access, including the exclusive in-depth Directors Report series, by signing up for a Premium Subscription.

  • Individual £5 per month or £50 per year. Sign Up
  • Multi-User, Corporate & Library Accounts Available on Request

Cyber Security Intelligence: Captured Organised & Accessible


 

 


 

« AI Uncovers A Cause Of Alzheimer’s Disease
Blackouts In Spain & Portugal Likely Caused By A Cyber Attack »

ManageEngine
CyberSecurity Jobsite
Check Point

Directory of Suppliers

DigitalStakeout

DigitalStakeout

DigitalStakeout enables cyber security professionals to reduce cyber risk to their organization with proactive security solutions, providing immediate improvement in security posture and ROI.

CSI Consulting Services

CSI Consulting Services

Get Advice From The Experts: * Training * Penetration Testing * Data Governance * GDPR Compliance. Connecting you to the best in the business.

Syxsense

Syxsense

Syxsense brings together endpoint management and security for greater efficiency and collaboration between IT management and security teams.

Clayden Law

Clayden Law

Clayden Law advise global businesses that buy and sell technology products and services. We are experts in information technology, data privacy and cybersecurity law.

The PC Support Group

The PC Support Group

A partnership with The PC Support Group delivers improved productivity, reduced costs and protects your business through exceptional IT, telecoms and cybersecurity services.

D-RisQ

D-RisQ

D-RisQ is focussed on delivering techniques to reduce the development costs of complex systems and software whilst maximising compliance

Law Enforcement Cyber Center (LECC)

Law Enforcement Cyber Center (LECC)

LECC is designed to assist police, digital forensic investigators, detectives, and prosecutors who are investigating and preventing crimes that involve technology.

National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) - India

National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) - India

NASSCOM is a trade association of Indian Information Technology and Business Process Outsourcing industry. Areas of activity include cyber security.

Sepior

Sepior

Our vision is to make Sepior the leading provider of cloud-encryption software in the world.

Introspective Networks

Introspective Networks

Introspective Networks (IN) is a Cybersecurity company focusing on securing data in the network and automating knowledge work to decrease vulnerability points to critical infrastructure.

Learning Tree International

Learning Tree International

Learning Tree's comprehensive cyber security training curriculum includes specialised IT security training and general cyber security courses for all levels of your organisation including the C-suite.

Pentagon Group

Pentagon Group

Pentagon Group is a provider of security services in high-risk environments, remote areas and emerging markets in support of land-based, aviation, maritime and cyber operations.

Glilot Capital Partners

Glilot Capital Partners

Glilot Capital Partners is an Israeli seed and early-stage VC. We specialize in businesses which disrupt enterprise technology, mainly in the fields of AI, big data and cybersecurity.

Scout Ventures

Scout Ventures

Scout Ventures is an early stage venture capital firm that is making the world a better, safer place by cultivating standout frontier technologies.

CYBER.ORG

CYBER.ORG

CYBER.ORG's goal is to empower educators as they prepare the next generation to succeed in the cyber workforce of tomorrow.

Binary Security AS

Binary Security AS

Binary Security is a Norwegian information security consultancy company. We are specialists at application security, penetration testing and secure code reviews.

OnSecurity

OnSecurity

OnSecurity replaces the overhead of traditional penetration testing firms with a simple online interface, making it easy to book tests as and when needed.

PlexTrac

PlexTrac

PlexTrac is a cybersecurity reporting and workflow management platform that supercharges security programs, making them more effective, efficient, and proactive.

Emtec

Emtec

Emtec’s cyber security team provides advisory, assessment, & managed security services that help you build the cyber security policies, toolsets & best practices to elevate your cyber security posture

LT Harper

LT Harper

LT Harper specialise in cyber security recruitment. We believe in providing an individualised service to our customers whether they are looking for a new opportunity or to hire talent.

QRC Assurance & Solutions

QRC Assurance & Solutions

QRC is a PCI QSA, QPA, ISO accredited, CPA and CERT-IN empanelled organization with vast experience in conducting certification, regulatory audits, pen testing services, training and more.