News of security breaches and cyber criminals sadly makes the headlines on a daily basis.
Regardless of industry, organisations across the globe are being hit. A recent survey published by the UK government highlights that the current risk of cyber security attacks remains high for businesses. A third of businesses reported a cyber security incident over a twelve-month period, and while large and medium companies seem to be most at risk, small businesses should still remain vigilant. All organisations should put measures in place to stay safe online.
Did you know that 90% of cyber-attacks are caused by human error? Think for a minute about your company and its budget – how much have you invested in dedicated IT, new technology, and firewalls; how much have you invested in making your workforce cyber-aware? It’s important to make sure your staff are properly trained, not just told about cyber security and how to best prevent breaches.
With that in mind, let’s explore how to be cyber secure in your company, and the importance of cyber security for small businesses.
How to be Cyber Secure with Your Workforce
Where cyber security threats and data breaches are a regular occurrence, it’s become super important for businesses to build a strong cyber security team. No matter the size of your company, you need to protect your digital assets and strengthen security protocols.
The financial implications of data breaches, plus strict regulatory requirements, mean that a well-trained cyber security team equipped with the latest knowledge and skills is essential.
How to Get CyberFit
Being cyberfit means having the necessary knowledge, tools, and practices to be able to defend against cyber security threats. And making sure your team knows how to prevent and react to these threats.
Here are some sure-fire ways to get your organisation cyberfit:
Make data back-ups
Data back-ups ensure that a copy of your data is stored in a separate and secure location away from your usual devices. It can be retrieved when necessary.
Install and update anti-virus software
Once malware gains access to your device, it can steal or encrypt your data so you can’t access it. It’s crucial to use anti-virus software to protect your devices and detect malware before it causes damage.
Secure your passwords
Use passwords to protect your data, and incorporate other cyber security methods such as two-step verification on important accounts.
Sensitive data encryption
When you have confidential data in your possession, encryption can be a great method to protect it. This process involves concealing the data by using a code. To read or use the data following encryption, the code must be known.
Implement security patching
Security patches are updates that usually come from a security developer, and are provided to any of your devices that require the update. Delayed security patching can often be due to an unknown vulnerability.
Be aware of phishing
Phishing is the sending of scam emails containing links to malicious websites, aimed at stealing sensitive information or disrupting systems. Focusing on technical measures and user education can help guide against these attacks.
Implement firewalls
Implementing firewalls is essential to keep your business cyberfit. They protect against cyber attacks by shielding your company’s devices or networks from potentially malicious traffic.
Encrypt your WiFi network
Encrypting your company WiFi network can play a key role in improving your cyber security. With encryption protocols like WPA2 or WPA3, sensitive information transmitted over wifi networks can stay shielded from malicious cyber attacks and data tampering.
Use a VPN
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are useful tools for improving your business’ cyber security. By encrypting internet traffic and creating secure pathways between devices and remote servers, VPNs safeguard sensitive data from cyber security attacks, which is particularly important when employees access your company networks from remote locations or public Wi-Fi networks. VPNs enable you to enforce access controls, monitor network activity, and protect against threats.
Cyber Security for Small Businesses
Despite their size, small businesses are not immune to cyber security threats and data breaches, which can have devastating consequences on their operations and reputation. Implementing strong cyber security measures requires you to implement practices such as regular software updates, employee training on phishing and other common cyber security threats, and deploying firewalls and anti-virus software to protect against malware and breaches.
Small businesses should also prioritise securing customer data and sensitive information by encrypting data transmissions and implementing access controls. Having easy-to-follow incident response plans and regularly backing up data should also be a part of your cyber security program.
How to be cyber secure
A good cyber security program needs to be secure and efficient to decrease risk and remain compliant. Employees should also be trained effectively to stay aware of modern cyber security threats and keep your business cyberfit. From in-house teams to external service providers, all those involved in the IT systems of your business need to have easy and secure tools and training to ensure cyber security.
Is your business cyberfit? What about your employees, partner organisations, and providers? If you’re ready for your cyber security to be a forethought, not an afterthought, get in touch with Intaso today to discover how we can help you get cyberfit.
