WITH news of data breaches seemingly reserved for the big firms of society (Sony, eBay, Equifax and many more), small business owners might consider themselves to be less of a target.
Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
According to statistics, five per cent of SMEs globally fell victim to ransomware between 2016 and 2017.
Your small firm is just as at risk from a data breach as eBay, and it could be a business killer.
Here’s why you should invest in cyber security:
Implementation is cost-effective; attacks are costly.
The average cost per cyberattack is thought to be £3,000. This costs the UK economy billions each year, but for small businesses, such expenditure can severely damage profit margins and make paying the bills (or staff) an unexpected challenge.
Implementing robust cyber security systems and policies isn’t as expensive as it once was. It’ll take time, but the software required is now typically available for low monthly fees.
It’s not as tricky as you might think.
You don’t need to be a hacker to understand how to protect your business from cyber crime.
Implementing cyber security is largely about common sense, and there are simple steps anyone can take to get started:
* install active firewalls and antivirus protection on all devices;
* maintain strong, separate passwords for each system;
* use two-factor authentication whenever it’s available; and
* ensure only administrators have full, unbridled access to devices and the network.
You can play cyber criminals at their own game
Cyber criminals are smart; they constantly adjust their methods of attack to circumnavigate security updates and do so regularly.
With proper security in place, however, you can play them at your own game. Automated updates will ensure both your antivirus and operating systems are always protected against the latest forms of attack.
The 2017 WannaCry outbreak is a classic example of the dangers businesses face if they fail to implement cyber security and keep their systems up to date.
Attackers will target vulnerable systems and networks, and those which are lagging behind on the security front will be the perfect low-hanging fruit for even the simplest of attacks.
Your business is judged by its tech.
It might not be overtly obvious, but the way your business deals with technology and security is reflected in its brand image.
News of data breaches in trade press or the gut-wrenching task of having to inform customers that their information has been compromised will severely damage the way your business is perceived by the outside world.
Just as you wouldn’t allow criminals into your home, you need a good degree of diligence around tech in the workplace.
It’s often the seemingly mundane, most innocent acts that can compromise business data security, such as the person who regularly connects their smartphone to their laptop in order to charge it.
This is why a security-first culture among staff is required if you’re to limit the likelihood of cyberattacks.
If possible, provide staff with smartphones and laptops issued by the company, set robust password policies and instil a sense of responsibility in your staff for operating their tech with a degree of scrutiny.
You’ll never reach ‘security perfection’, because it simply isn’t possible to protect your business against every form of cybercrime, but by using our tips above, you’ll build tight defences and a security-first culture.
Call the acs team on 01604 704000 for further advice