All industries can feel the benefits of digital transformation. Companies seek numerous competitive advantages by implementing as many technological tools and programs as possible. However, introducing many new devices increases the likelihood of a cybersecurity attack. Businesses need more effective defensive strategies to mitigate the devastating effects of cyberattacks.
Video Overview
The Importance of Cybersecurity During Digital Transformation
Cybersecurity is important at all times. However, it is arguably more critical during a transition because several factors make infrastructure more vulnerable. For example, many companies use intermediary solutions, like middleware, to bridge the gap between old and new infrastructure. Additionally, data is temporarily exposed during transit until it reaches a secure location.
The time it takes to upgrade everything creates downtime, which opens doors for attackers. Instances have already increased to an average of 1,925 attacks per week in the first quarter of 2025. Other reasons for prioritizing cybersecurity during digital transformation include:
- Protecting consumer and workforce data security and privacy.
- Futureproofing the organization.
- Boosting trust with stakeholders.
- Creating more robust business continuity plans.
Ways to Stay Protected
Organizations must boost their safeguards to reap the benefits of digital tools. Analysts employ these top strategies to counter cybercriminals.
1. Implement Zero-Trust Security
Breaches cost companies an average of over $4 million per attack in 2023, and expenses are expected to continue rising as threat actors become increasingly sophisticated. Cutting this price tag requires businesses to lock down their networks and servers. Zero-trust architecture screens internal and external entry requests equally. By using this approach, companies can set a precedent where the network treats every access request as a potential threat that must be verified.
2. Utilize Blockchain for Security
Blockchain is a virtual verification system that acts like a logbook of transactions. It ensures that all peer-to-peer activity has a digital paper trail, preserving data and enhancing transparency throughout the organization. This is essential because one of the primary pain points of transformation is navigating the upfront costs and time required to implement new systems. Automating financial checks is one of the most effective ways to utilize blockchain technology.
Entities like supply chains and government agencies gain significant value from blockchain’s identity management and secure data-sharing capabilities. Everyone knows where everything is at all times and who owns what information. Digital transformation can introduce numerous partners and third parties into the fold, thereby heightening the importance of accountability and effective communication.
3. Focus on Edge Computing
Edge computing brings digital assets closer to the source. This means fewer resources are in faraway data centers or third-party housing. Ideally, servers and hardware are on-site for easy access. During digital transformation, edge computing is crucial because it centralizes devices and data, enabling efficient management.
Sensors calibrate to new devices or install drivers to accommodate other tools, making this model ideal for making decisions in real time. An edge computing-based security strategy reduces risk by enhancing stakeholders’ visibility and oversight.
4. Prioritize Service Account Security
Insider threats also need to be addressed as security risks. Someone within a company could be equally or more dangerous because they are harder to detect.
As organizations transition, securing internal service accounts is vital. Internal actors have significantly greater access to corporate assets, even when they have restricted permissions. Therefore, IT teams and cybersecurity analysts can use the following measures to protect business-critical data and limit internal mobility:
- Use least-privilege frameworks.
- Adopt data minimization.
- Enforce multifactor authentication.
- Conduct stronger background checks.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency recommends a six-pronged approach to manage insider threats, which includes monitoring, prevention and providing incentives for protecting systems.
5. Develop a Comprehensive Cybersecurity Strategy
Cybersecurity strategies can fail because they are not holistic. They should include plans for how to react, isolate and recover from an incident. These resources may be in flux during digital transformation, as people upskill to new tools and workflows. Stakeholders can mitigate attack risk before digital transformation by establishing a temporary cybersecurity strategy that considers the unique vulnerabilities associated with the transition.
A company’s strategy should include staff training on using devices and programs after implementation to enhance safety. It should also instruct workers on how to identify and report suspicious activity based on the most common threat variants for companies embracing digital transformation. A security-focused workplace culture can help in long-term continuity development plans, ensuring the safety of the workplace and its data.
Thinking Ahead
Digital transformation is happening now, but everyone needs to consider how it will impact their operations in the future. Prioritizing cybersecurity before implementation will enhance the value of devices and software by making them more productive and resilient. Attackers will continue to target these devices, but careful planning and defensive strategies may make them reconsider.
As the Features Editor at ReHack, Zac Amos writes about cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other tech topics. He is a frequent contributor to Brilliance Security Magazine.
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