5 Easy Ways to Bolster Your Local Business Cyber Security
SME owners in Sussex may not have cyber security at the top of their priority lists for 2024, given the current challenges we’ve seen. However, given the evolving threat landscape, it should be.
Some cyber attacks could disrupt operations, steal vital information or finances, and damage your reputation. According to a recent study, cybercrime cost the UK economy £30.5 billion last year, with SMEs being particularly hard hit. Attack methods can vary drastically, with them growing more frequent and severe with each passing year.
The good news is that there are simple and cost-efficient measures you can implement to reduce your business’s vulnerability to attacks and mitigate more prevalent risks from occurring.
1. Use Reputable Security Solutions
You don’t have to be tech-savvy to understand the importance of firewalls to mitigate network threats and antivirus software for your whole business infrastructure. Email security software is also recommended to prevent phishing emails from creeping into your inbox. With the growth of your business you may need to invest in more robust security solutions to safeguard your estate. As operations become more digitised, supply chains and networks become more complex, which is where third-party 24/7 detection and response services come in handy.
2. Educate Your Employees
Many notable cyber attacks boil down to human error, and one of the best ways to mitigate these risks is to upskill and empower employees about security best practices. Conducting regular training sessions on common cyber threats and prevention strategies will prove crucial. Whether it’s encouraging greater vigilance on unsolicited emails or facilitating a reporting process for incidents or suspicious activity, training is the key to creating a culture that fosters accountability and awareness.
3. Strong Passwords and MFA
Weak passwords are an easy entry point for cybercriminals, which is why taking a more proactive approach to proper password security is vital. Enforce a strong, complex password policy, where employees must use unique passwords for each login. Using password managers can generate and secure strong passwords for each login, as well as offering multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA requires every attempt to be verified as authentic and legitimate, further reducing the chances of unauthorised access.
4. Patch and Update
Outdated software and systems often contain vulnerabilities that can be easily exploited. To reduce this risk, ensure that all of your business’s software, systems, and hardware are regularly updated with the latest security patches. Extend the same practice to web browsers and antivirus software.
5. Take Backups
Regularly backing up your business data is crucial for protecting against data loss due to cyber attacks, hardware failures, or other unforeseen events. Backup data to an external hard drive or cloud storage solution, ideally off-site, on a regular (weekly or bi-weekly) basis. Test these backups periodically to ensure they can be restored correctly.
Remember that cyber security is an ongoing task - while you can reduce your threat exposure with these steps, regularly reviewing and altering your approach is crucial to staying one step ahead.