How to protect your business against cyber threats

1st January 2022

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How to protect your business against cyber threats

January 2022

Driven by the rise in digital technology, cybercrime is now one of the biggest threats businesses face today. But there are ways to protect your business – and your staff. This article gives you a brief overview of the steps you can take to guard against cyberattacks.

Why cyber security is so important

2020 saw cyber breaches soar. As well as impacting productivity and your bottom line, an attack can damage your brand reputation and your customers’ confidence in your business. But there are things you can do to guard against an attack.

Protecting your business from cyber threats – the Three Ts

As a start point, there are three things you can do to protect your business, depending on your needs and what’s right for you:

Technology: There are a number of highly effective plug and play security solutions that you can use to protect your network. These are a useful and cost-effective solution for smaller businesses.

Training: 90% of cyber breaches are caused by human error (source: Cybsafe 2019). Regular training on what threats to look out for and how to avoid them can help staff stay aware and vigilant.

Teaming up with a security partner: Staying on top of the latest threats can be difficult and time-consuming. The right security partner can work with you, focusing on cybersecurity and leaving you free to run your business.

What if I’m a victim?

With the likelihood of a cyberattack so high, it’s a good idea to have a strategy ready in case the worst happens. These are some of the immediate steps you should take if your security is breached.

Passwords. Change your passwords immediately, especially for any accounts that have administration rights or access to sensitive information.
Web Host. Call you Web Host and make sure your website is pointing to its proper content. And reset your passwords with them.
Phishing. If someone has been tricked into opening a link from a phishing email (the most common form of cyberattack) immediately disconnect the computer from the network to stop any viruses spreading. The computer then needs to be scanned for malware before it’s reconnected. It’s best to scan all the other computers on your network too.
Report the attack. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has a handy self-assessment tool to help you work out whether a cyberattack needs to be reported . For example, if any personal data has been breached. For more information, read the government’s guidance on the General Data Protection Regulation.

Key Actions

Decide what level of security is right for your business
Investigate available technology solutions
Explore staff training opportunities
Consider partnering with a Cybersecurity specialist

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