Sustainable means consuming as little as possible while working to ensure we’ll have enough of those same resources in the future. Improving how we run our businesses and offices is a cost-effective way to become more responsible consumers.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, our rush to adopt new tech for remote work stimulated waves of digital innovation. Tech companies developed new ways to help us communicate and collaborate over long distances. We mass-adopted innovative technologies and revolutionized the way we do business. Coincidentally, the world moved a little closer to a more sustainable future.
For example, tech like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and video conferencing tools like Zoom became a new way of life. Collaboration platforms like Slack and Google Workspace became the new normal. Cybersecurity tools like virtual private networks (VPNs) that encrypt people’s internet connections for secure data processing have become entrenched.
These unprecedented changes in the office landscape could be a boon to a future of chopping down fewer trees and burning less fossil fuels. Better technology has created efficiencies we struggled to achieve before.
Tangible Advances in Sustainability
As a result of the torrent of innovation, companies have become cheaper to run:
- Digital document management reduced physical paperwork. It reduced our need for traditional office space and furniture.
- File-sharing capabilities via cloud-based services helped us to make instant but informed decisions.
- Cloud computing reduced the need for expensive IT equipment and specialists.
The Downside of Using Interconnected Systems
By using large interconnected computer networks, we’ve achieved undreamed-of efficiencies. But there are some downsides.
- Large data centers run powerful servers, cooling systems, and other infrastructure. They consume a lot of electricity. And we store far too much data that we’ll never use again.
- Before digitization, criminals had to work hard to steal company secrets. Now, all the data is concentrated in a central system that may be vulnerable to extensive penetration.
- When a complex, automated, paperless system breaks down, we have to use extra resources to fix the problem of Sustainable.
The Increase in Cybercrime Threatens Our New Sustainability Gains
Unfortunately, cybercrime statistics increased when we became a digital society. It soon transpired that cybercrime’s environmental and financial costs can be considerable. The cost of a data breach can undo all the positive effects of moving to a more environment-friendly digital system.
- Loss of income: A cyberattack can decimate a small business. The costly downtime and long-term customer service issues can cause financial ruin.
- Reputational damage: News of a breach can permanently harm a brand’s reputation.
- Cost of breaches: Along with stolen funds, businesses may face ransom demands. Extra costs include consultation fees for specialists and hardware and software replacements. Some companies may face regulatory fines or lawsuits due to leaked data.
- Theft of intellectual property: Businesses specializing in research and innovation could lose their intellectual property. It can threaten their very existence.
- Loss of job opportunities: About 60% of affected organizations go out of business within six months after a breach. That leads to a loss of jobs and economic stability.
Cybersecurity Is a Crucial Component of Digital Sustainability
Prioritizing cybersecurity supports the long-term resilience of businesses. It contributes both directly and indirectly to sustainable initiatives. Some examples of essential cybersecurity tools for businesses of all sizes include:
- Using antivirus and anti-malware tools to protect user endpoints.
- A VPN protects individual users’ connections to your network. It prevents hackers from getting a footing in your company networks. Without this protection, attackers could take advantage of your exposed IP address. Understanding what can someone do with your IP address highlights the risks, such as tracking your location or launching cyberattacks.
- Controlled access and password protection can prevent unauthorized access to companies’ sensitive data. Implementing an enterprise password manager helps businesses securely store and manage credentials, reducing the risk of breaches.
Key Strategies to Lessen a Company’s Digital Carbon Footprint
The costs of data breaches and security incidents can far outweigh the “savings” achieved by underspending. Therefore, failing to implement basic cybersecurity measures can be described as “penny wise, pound foolish.”
- Limit the amount of data you collect. Cull the data you store. It will reduce data storage requirements. Less storage means better cybersecurity posture and less overall environmental impact.
- Educate employees about the impact of individuals on the collective effort. Teach them how to turn off VPN or log out of digital platforms or apps when they’re done. For example, the environmental impact of a single app or VPN user might be small. However, the cumulative effect when millions of people use their VPNs or smart devices only as needed is significant.
- When selecting vendors and service providers, prioritize companies committed to sustainability. Choose suppliers who care and are transparent about their sustainability efforts. For example:
- Choose vendors that use renewable energy sources to lower their carbon impact.
- Companies that use carbon offsetting to mitigate their greenhouse gas emissions are a better choice.
- Suppliers should use energy-efficient infrastructure. For example, they could focus on servers designed to consume less power without impacting high performance.
- Choose companies with measurable, genuine initiatives to reduce their overall carbon footprint.
The Link Between Cybersecurity and Sustainability
Businesses that adopt strong cybersecurity measures have a far better chance of protecting their critical data and assets. In turn, protecting data against cyberattacks prevents the unnecessary use of scarce resources. And, by supporting tech companies that are transparent about their efforts to be more sustainable, businesses can contribute to our overall momentum in working for a more sustainable future.
