5 Reasons Why Sustainable Cybersecurity Is More Business-Critical Than Ever Before

Julie Starr • May 4, 2022



Every business worth its salt today knows that cybersecurity is an important issue. Companies are more connected than ever before, and they rely more intensely on their digital assets than they did even five years ago. 

However, with the explosion in the digital economy has come ever-greater security risks. Cybersecurity is becoming less sustainable. Hackers, both private and state-backed, threaten companies across the board and can cause tremendous disruption. Even small players, such as kids in dorm rooms, can cause millions of dollars worth of losses if they get a lucky break. State-sponsored attacks can bring down entire power grids and Fortune 500 enterprises. 

Cybersecurity, therefore, is becoming more business-critical. Criminals are becoming more brazen in their attacks, and the losses are potentially higher than they ever were before. 

In this post, we take a look at some of the reasons why implementing sustainable cybersecurity is more business-critical than ever before. In this post, you’ll learn why it matters and, hopefully, why you should take action right now to bolster your defenses. 

Cyberattacks Affect Everyone

If you think that hackers only go after big business, you’re sadly mistaken. While high-profile brands have come under attack in the past, they’re not the only target. In fact, criminals attempt to compromise security at small businesses far more often, mainly because they are softer targets. 

Don’t fall into the trap of believing that you have nothing to offer hackers. Even though you run a small business, there is still value in your data, and accessing your network. If hackers can get user names, passwords, credit card details, or mission-critical data, they can easily profit from their attacks. 

Small businesses face around 4,000 hacks every day. The most common demand is ransom payments for the release of data. Companies wind up forking out hundreds of thousands of dollars, perhaps even millions, to get their money back. 

Even if your company isn’t attacked, you can still suffer the fallout. A digital attack on a nuclear power plant, for instance, could lead to a level of devastation that forces you to shut down operations for a time. In this scenario, it’s not just the loss of money that’s the problem, but the loss of life as well. 

Rapid Changes In Technology Are Leading To More Hacking Opportunities

The pace of digital change accelerated dramatically after 2010. Cloud computing and smartphones combined to produce a digital landscape that both firms and consumers enjoy today. 

However, this pace of development was a nightmare for cyber security companies . By 2009, they were just about getting to grips with protecting conventional operating systems from cyberattacks. However, after mass cloud computing, that all changed. New integrated technologies meant new vulnerabilities for hackers to exploit, and that’s exactly what happened. 

For instance, cloud computing grew by around 50 percent per year after 2012. During the build-out phase, hackers exploited a vast array of vulnerabilities and brought many companies to their knees. New frontiers now include IoT, which is yet to have a fully-fleshed out security architecture, and AI. Hackers are even developing machine learning tools that make it easier for them to identify and exploit weaknesses in company defenses. 

The Damage To Business Is Enormous

Hackers are causing tremendous damage to businesses and organizations across the world. Furthermore, it’s not just the direct cost of the attack, either, that’s the problem. That’s often manageable. Instead, it’s the brand reputation and the massive fines that governments impose on firms that fail to protect their data. It’s one of the few examples where the victim of a crime gets punished. 

Big companies across the globe have fallen foul of hacks. Facebook, for instance, saw more than 540 million customer records exposed because of a data breach on AWS. Equifax also lost 147 million customer records to hackers, costing the firm an estimated $439 million. Even the NHS in the UK was brought to its knees by hackers by an attack that resulted in the loss of patient records and difficulties in cleaning up afterward. 

Failed Cybersecurity Policy Is Leading To Increasing Regulations

Governments aren’t happy about the fact that companies are falling foul of hackers and are actively looking to punish those that do. From the standpoint of the authorities, it is the responsibility of firms to protect themselves and their customers against malicious entities, not the other way around. 

While these laws are unfair, they are likely coming, if they are not already here. Already there are laws that allow both consumers and governments themselves to litigate against firms that fail to adequately protect data. In the future, the laws are likely to become more draconian and firms are going to have to step up their cybersecurity efforts, whether or not they have the resources to do so. 

Cybercrime Damages Personal Privacy

Even though governments reserve the right to scrutinize your personal finances and install cameras that watch you wherever you go, they have different standards for private enterprise. Companies must protect personal privacy at all costs, or face fines. 

In today’s cybersecurity environment, that’s a problem. There are so many different types of potential attacks, including worms, phishing, viruses and malware. In some cases, simply fraud is sufficient to compromise a network. Better passwords won’t cut it. 

As such, personal data loss is a major issue. Yahoo, for instance, lost three billion customer accounts to hackers in a 2013 breach, an event that nearly wiped out the company and left Google unchallenged. 

What’s more, around one in fifteen people globally fall foul of cybercrime every year, meaning that if you’ve escaped it so far, you’re one of the lucky ones. Identity fraud is a major issue. 

Unfortunately, rates of cybercrime are increasing. Around 70 percent of business leaders believe that their organizations are vulnerable to an attack . Only a small percentage said that they had systems in place to defend themselves from the full array of potential attacks out there. 

Therefore, companies like yours need to act now to make network protection sustainable. If you can’t afford to bring cybersecurity in-house, outsource your networks and make them someone else’s responsibility.

Eco-Friendly Garden Prep: Summer Tips for a Greener Business Space

By Julie Starr • June 5, 2025
If you're lucky enough to have a garden as part of your business, taking some time to set it up for summer is a great investment of your energy. Not only will it be ready for your customers to spend time in, but you can also incorporate some eco-friendly elements into it. Many people just think about the property and what eco-friendly updates they can make , but there are plenty that you can implement in your garden. This gives you the best of both worlds. You own a sacred and beautiful place for your customers to spend their summer, and at the same time, you can do your part for a better planet. If this is the route you want to take, then you also need to consider how to do this with the different seasons. To help you on your journey, here are some top tips for preparing your garden for summer. Plant trees and flowers Planting trees and flowers in your garden is a must. It will make a beautiful scene of nature for everyone to enjoy. Trees will provide people and animals with shade, as well as provide a habitat for wildlife. More trees are needed in the world because they purify the air that we breathe. Flowers, especially if you plant with pollinators in mind, can be an excellent way to attract bees and butterflies, which contribute largely to the earth. Use natural pest control When preparing your garden for summer, you can do this more sustainably and kindly by using natural pest control. Simply by planting trees and flowers, you are likely to attract lots of different wildlife, some of which may destroy your efforts. While all wildlife should be considered, you may need to take measures. Some better and more eco-friendly ways you can do this, as opposed to spraying toxic chemicals onto your plants and into the air, you can implement companion planting, using protective nets over your crops, choosing resilient plants, using natural repellents, and encouraging natural predators so nature can do its thing. Maintain your garden Maintaining your garden in itself can make it more eco-friendly. Composting your garden waste regularly, and kitchen waste can help you to reduce overall waste and create nutrient-rich soil. This is a great cycle of sustainability. You can also keep on top of things that need cleaning and replacing, so you can recycle the materials for other garden structures and projects, and repurpose things around your garden before they become waste. If you have features in your garden like a swimming pool, then a regular pool maintenance service is going to be vital in keeping your water consumption to a minimum, as when it is cleaned and maintained, it will need to be drained and refilled less as well as using less energy. You could also consider how you can use natural purification methods to reduce chemical usage and support biodiversity right in your backyard. Your garden is just an eco-friendly project waiting to be built. Use these top tips to help you get started.

The Impact of Sustainable Practices on the Food Service Industry

By Julie Starr • June 3, 2025
Sustainability is no longer something that can be considered optional in many businesses, including the food industry. From fast casual to fine dining, businesses face pressure to reduce waste, cut emissions, and use resources responsibly. Customers noticed, so too did regulators. This shift isn't about trends; it's about long-term business health. Operators now rethink everything: ingredients, packaging, equipment, and even furniture. The choices that they make affect cost, reputation, and the environment. Forward-thinking brands see sustainability as a chance to stand out, align with customer values, save money, and future-proof their business. Let's look at how sustainable practices are shaping the future of food service and why furniture choices matter more than ever. Sustainable Sourcing and Supply Chains Restaurants are choosing local, seasonal, and organic ingredients. More often, this reduces transportation emissions and supports nearby farms. It also appeals to customers who want food with a story. Sourcing matters; a restaurant that serves organic produce imported from thousands of miles away loses credibility. Local sourcing, when possible, keeps the supply chain shorter and more resilient. They also build community relationships. Sustainable seafood, fair trade coffee, and certified humane meat are becoming menu standards. But it's not just food; suppliers that use low-impact materials, avoid single-use plastics, or operate zero-waste facilities are getting more attention. Working with responsible vendors reduces environmental impact and strengthens the restaurant's reputation. It also makes it easier to meet sustainability benchmarks and certifications. Reducing Food Waste and Single-Use Plastics Food waste is expensive. Restaurants are responding with better forecasting, smaller portions, and creative ways to repurpose ingredients. Many now donate leftovers or compost scraps. Smart kitchen systems have reduced waste by tracking usage and spoilage. Front of house, more places encourage guests to take home leftovers or offer flexible portion sizes. Single-use plastics are also being phased out; straws, cutlery, and containers are switching to compostable or reusable versions. Many cities now require this, but even without mandates, customers expect it. Small changes make a big difference, such as swapping plastic lids for fiber-based ones or using reusable containers for takeout. In the long run, it also sends a clear message about your brand Energy Efficiency and Equipment Choices Energy use is a major cost for food service businesses. Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and HVAC systems can contribute significantly. Induction cooktops, LED lighting , low-flow faucets, and energy-saving refrigeration reduce the environmental footprint. Some kitchens are even going all-electric to reduce reliance on gas. Smart energy monitoring systems provide real-time insights; this helps operators find waste, track trends, and make better decisions. Beyond the kitchen, some restaurants invest in solar panels or purchase renewable energy. It shows leadership and appeals to customers who care about climate action. Designing with Sustainability in Mind Interior design now plays a role in sustainability. Choosing eco-friendly materials and modular furniture reduces waste and supports the circular economy. Furniture companies that sell food service furniture offer tables, chairs, and booths made from recycled or responsibly sourced wood, metal, and plastics. Their products are durable, stylish, and built to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Long-lasting furniture means fewer items in landfills. Plus, some suppliers offer take-back programs or extended product life. The right furniture also supports flexible layouts, which is important for adapting to changing service models like outdoor dining or shared spaces. Aligning with Customer Expectations More diners care about sustainability than ever before. It’s something that is extremely prominent in today’s dining experience. They want to support places that reflect their values. Transparency matters too , diners want to know exactly what businesses are doing to be more sustainable. Posting sourcing details, using certifications, and showing behind-the-scenes efforts builds trust. Sustainability isn't just a back-of-house concern; it should be visible throughout the customer journey. Guests notice packaging, signage, cleaning products, and even furniture. If your chairs are made from reclaimed wood or your tables are built from recycled metal, it becomes part of the story you tell. Employees also want to work for businesses that care; sustainability efforts can boost morale, improve retention, and create a strong workplace culture. Being consistent across all touchpoints helps turn sustainability from a checklist into a core part of your brand identity. Tracking Progress and Measuring Impact To stay on track, businesses need to measure what matters. Sustainability isn't guesswork; it's data-driven. Many restaurants now set goals for waste reduction, water usage, and carbon emissions. Digital dashboards, smart meters, and waste tracking apps provide clear feedback. Certifications like LEED , Green Restaurant Association, or B Corp can help validate progress, but the real value comes from aligning with goals and quickly reporting results. This transparency involves sharing results with staff and customers. This builds trust and shows accountability. Food service brands that track their impact tend to improve faster; they spot problems early and share wins more confidently. A culture of measurement helps maintain steady progress and keeps sustainability top of mind. Collaborating Across the Industry No restaurant can do it alone. Real change happens through partnerships. Food services need ot consider teaming up with local farms, recycling programs, and talking to local councils about any green schemes . This collaboration speeds up progress and helps avoid mistakes. Industry groups and supply networks now host workshops and certifications focused on sustainability. These shared resources help smaller businesses catch up and stay competitive. Technology platforms also make collaboration easier. Apps that connect surplus food with charities or tools for joint purchasing of sustainable goods are helping restaurants work smarter together. By building strong networks, the industry strengthens itself. Working together, sustainability leads to better outcomes and stronger communities. Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Future in Food Service Sustainability touches every part of the food service industry, from menus to materials. The shift toward responsible choices is clear. Restaurants that act now gain a competitive edge; they reduce costs, attract loyal customers, and stay ahead of regulations. The transition doesn't have to be all or nothing; small steps lead to big changes. Choosing eco-friendly furniture, like the options from food service furniture, is one of the smart steps. It shows commitment, supports long-term value, and elevates the dining experience. Sustainability is no longer an add-on; it’s a business essential. For those who embrace it, it can be a source of growth, loyalty, and resilience.