Strengthening Skagit County through cybersecurity: The role of IT providers in economic resilience

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

As businesses in Skagit County increasingly rely on digital platforms to thrive, robust cybersecurity has never been more critical. For small and mid-sized companies, cybersecurity is not just a technical issue—it's an economic one. Cyber threats can disrupt operations, erode trust, and deter growth, while effective cybersecurity measures can create opportunities and drive economic resilience.

In celebration of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County explores how cybersecurity fosters local economic growth, with insights from Sam Riley, Principal of Allixo, a leading IT-managed service provider and one of EDASC's Investors.

Cybersecurity as a catalyst for economic growth

A robust cybersecurity framework is essential for building trust between businesses and their clients or investors.

As Sam Riley notes, "Realized cybersecurity breaches can deter clients and investors from doing business with a company, and the financial and operational impacts can stall growth or even cause a company to fail." For small and mid-sized businesses, particularly in Skagit County, a breach could mean lost revenue, damaged reputation, and even closure.

However, cybersecurity is not just about defense—it can also unlock new opportunities. Adhering to compliance frameworks like NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology), CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification), and PCI (Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council) standards can open doors to partnerships with security-focused industries such as government and aerospace. 

"NIST compliance can bring new opportunities for doing business with government, aerospace, and other security-focused industries," Riley explains. By aligning with these standards, businesses can position themselves for growth in competitive, security-conscious markets.

Moreover, the efficiency gains from cloud technology and secure systems give businesses a competitive edge. Riley highlights that these technologies "allow a company to do more with the systems and staff they already have, reducing large capital expenditures." In other words, cybersecurity enables businesses to scale efficiently, directly contributing to community economic growth.

The role of Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in economic resilience

For small businesses without extensive in-house IT teams, partnering with an IT-managed service provider (MSP) like Allixo is critical in maintaining cybersecurity and economic stability. Riley emphasizes that MSPs provide "access to expertise and advanced cybersecurity solutions that might otherwise be unwieldy for a small or mid-sized business." This is crucial for businesses in Skagit County, where maintaining 24/7 protection against cyber threats could be beyond the reach of many organizations without outside support.

Allixo's layered cybersecurity approach—covering prevention, resilience, and recovery—ensures businesses are prepared for cyber threats. "MSPs play an essential role in ensuring the cybersecurity of local businesses, directly contributing to the stability, trust, and resilience of the regional economy," says Riley.

By protecting businesses from the operational and financial disruptions caused by cyberattacks, MSPs help create a stable environment where companies can focus on growth, job creation, and innovation.

Addressing cybersecurity challenges to unlock innovation

The modern cyber landscape constantly evolves, with threats becoming more sophisticated and targeted. Riley acknowledges that navigating this complexity can be overwhelming for many businesses. "The increasing complexity of IT systems presents a challenge and headache for decision-makers," he says. From managing a growing list of applications and services to staying ahead of emerging threats, businesses need specialized knowledge to remain protected.

Hiring qualified IT staff is often challenging, particularly for small businesses. Riley points out that "MSPs can help fill that gap by hiring qualified experts across multiple fields." By providing access to a team of specialists, MSPs enable businesses to innovate confidently, knowing their cybersecurity needs are met. This, in turn, encourages job creation and investment in the region, fostering long-term economic growth.

A secure future for Skagit County

In today's digital world, cybersecurity is not just a matter of protection—it's a driver of economic growth and resilience. By partnering with managed service providers like Allixo, businesses in Skagit County can safeguard their operations and position themselves for future success. As we celebrate National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it's clear that a robust cybersecurity framework is essential to fostering trust, growth, and innovation in our local economy.

As we celebrate National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we encourage all businesses in Skagit County to assess their cybersecurity measures and consider how investing in robust IT solutions can protect and enhance their growth potential. Together, we can foster a secure and thriving business environment in Skagit County. Visit our website, call us at 360-336-6114, or email us at office@skagit.org to learn more about how we can support your business journey.