Ensure your business data secure
Many more businesses are moving away from the office and gearing towards a permanent hybrid working model – flexible work life, no rush hour traffic, no office distractions… what’s not to love?
Well… with a higher reliance on the cloud comes a bigger risk of security threats. Cybercrime is at an all-time high, therefore you need to ensure that your business network and its devices are secure and backed up.
What is cyber security?
This is how businesses or individuals protect their computer systems and networks against theft or damage to both hardware & software by using technologies, process, controls & applications. With this in place the risk of cyber-attacks and unauthorised access is reduced for a business.
Why is cyber security important?
There are many reasons that cyber security is important, with GDPR, Data Protection and Privacy Laws it means that businesses have a legal duty to ensure that theirs as well as their customer data is protected. As well as this, cyber-attacks are evolving and becoming more high-level meaning that it is more imperative than ever to ensure that your cyber security is on point. As well as this, your customers are putting a lot of trust in you to keep their data secure, gaining this trust back after a security breach could prove to be very difficult.
Think about it, if your business data got compromised what Economic, Reputational & Legal cost would that have?
What cyber-attack threats should I look out for?
Cyber-attack threats come in a multitude of different forms, some of the most common ones you will find are listed below.
Phishing
This is an attack method that cyber criminals used to trick victims into handing over sensitive information such their login credentials or credit card numbers. Typically, the attacker will trick someone into opening a message or email and then inputting their details as requested.
Spear-phishing
This is a more specific or targeted attach that is designed to look like it is from a genuine business or person that the victim knows.
Malware
This is malicious software designed to cause disruption to a computer, server or computer network. It can gain access to information or data and interferes with a user’s computer security & privacy.
Ransomware
This is a type of malicious software that threatens to publish personal data or block access to it until a ransom fee is paid.
Trojan
This is a type of virus that mimics programs, websites & apps to gain the trust of the victim with the intention of then disrupting, stealing or infecting the network and data.
How do I reduce the risk of a cyber attack?
Despite the growing complexity and intelligence with cyber-attacks, there are still many ways you ensure that your business is kept safe and secure. Firstly, educating your employees to not click on anything that may appear to be out of the ordinary and to report anything that they think looks suspicious. As well as this, spam filters can be set up on emails to ensure that any infectious emails cannot pass through to employees.
Some other points to consider:
- Strong (non-personal) passwords that are changed regularly
- Keep your devices and software up to date
- Encrypt data
- Ensure you have numerous backups in place
- Install Firewalls
- Implement Multifactor Authentication
- Spam filtering &URL Click Protection
Want to ensure your business is secure but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry we’re here to help. We can run a free of charge cyber security assessment to understand what vulnerabilities your network has. Contact us to find out more!
