Updated October 2026. Originally published April 3, 2024.
Attackers keep getting faster, and the cost of falling behind keeps rising. Ransomware was present in 48% of breaches in Verizon’s 2026 report, up from 44% a year earlier (Verizon DBIR), and the average U.S. data breach now costs $11.5 million (IBM via Baker Donelson). Antivirus and a firewall alone no longer cover the risk. Starfish Computer Corporation implements modern security technology and pairs it with people who watch over it, so your business stays secure and resilient.
Why the old defenses aren’t enough
Most breaches still involve a person: the human element was present in 62% of them, and attackers increasingly use voice calls and text messages to catch employees off guard during the workday (Verizon DBIR). Fraud that targets businesses is just as costly. The FBI received more than one million complaints in 2025 with reported losses of nearly $20.9 billion, including more than $3 billion lost to business email compromise (FBI IC3). And when attackers get in, they often stay hidden: the average breach takes 247 days to identify and contain (IBM via Baker Donelson).
Three technologies every business should have
Multifactor authentication (MFA). Once a nice-to-have, MFA is now a necessity for verifying who is logging in. CISA urges organizations to use MFA for all users and all services, and to move toward phishing-resistant methods such as FIDO security keys, because some text-message and push-based methods can be phished or bypassed (CISA).
Security information and event management (SIEM). A SIEM collects and correlates logs from across your network, both internal and external activity, so actions are documented and suspicious behavior stands out. CISA, the FBI, NSA and international partners warn that attackers increasingly “live off the land” using built-in tools, which makes good event logging essential for detection (CISA).
Extended detection and response (XDR). XDR watches endpoints, email, identities and the network together in real time. With live security professionals behind it, threats can be contained quickly, often before your staff knows anything happened. Faster detection matters: breaches contained in under 200 days cost about $1.3 million less on average than those that take longer (IBM via Baker Donelson).
Real time, real people
Technology alone doesn’t stop attackers. Alerts need someone to read them, judge them and act. Starfish Computer’s focus is not just on deploying these tools but on putting experienced people behind them. Our team works around the clock to respond to emerging threats in real time, which gives our clients both stronger protection and peace of mind.
That approach also keeps the basics in view. Exploited vulnerabilities are now the most common way attackers get in (Verizon DBIR), so patching, configuration reviews and user training remain part of every security plan we build.
Strengthen your defenses with Starfish Computer
If your business is relying on yesterday’s tools, now is the time to close the gap. Contact Starfish Computer Corporation to learn how MFA, SIEM and XDR, backed by real people working in real time, can protect your business and keep it running.
Protect your business: start with an assessment
The question isn’t whether your business will face a cyber threat, but whether you’ll be ready when it does. Since 1994, Starfish Computer Corporation has helped businesses across Northeast Ohio:
Assess current security posture and risk
Plan a cybersecurity roadmap aligned to NIST CSF 2.0
Implement the right tools and processes for your size and budget
Train your team on today’s threats, including AI-driven scams
Support and improve your security over time
Call (440) 808-0468 or visit starfishcomputer.com to schedule a security assessment.
About the author
R.J. Arhar is President of Starfish Computer Corporation. He has more than 35 years of experience in IT, served as a consultant to the National Institutes of Health, led IT operations for an international security company with more than 8,000 users, and is the author of Attack or Defend – When is Enough Cybersecurity Enough?
This post provides general cybersecurity guidance. Requirements vary by industry and business. Statistics are current as of October 2026; consult Starfish Computer Corporation for a plan tailored to your risk profile.