Small Business Guide to Cyber Security

The news is full of Cyber Crime against large companies and household brand names, so you might be forgiven in thinking this was a Big Company issue, one that didn’t affect Small businesses…….. but you would be very wrong!

In fact, recent statistics show Small Businesses are most at risk of being targeted by Cyber Crime, with UK Small businesses being viewed as the ‘low hanging fruit’ for Cyber Criminals, being 3 times as likely to suffer losses from a Cyber Attack compared to larger companies.

Cyber Security for Small Businesses

Cyber security can be confusing and with so many new and emerging threats, where do businesses start in protecting themselves?

Firstly, there is no single answer to addressing the threat of Cyber attack for Small Businesses; Instead, Cyber security requires a Multi-layered approach incorporating a combination of technology, training and procedures.

The good news is that basic Cyber Security measures and precautions can protect your business against 80% of Cyber Attacks – and improve your cyber security defences going forward.

Here is our guide to 5x practical tips to start protecting your business:

Here's 5 Practical Cyber Security tips

1.   Business Data

Back up your data

Business data is the lifeblood of any company, and the threat of loss or ransom of this data is a big blow to any business. Therefore, it’s important to identify and backup business data safely. Ensure this data is backed up securely and can not be overwritten by a malicious attack.

2.   Malware

Protecting your organisation from malware

Malware is malicious software or web content that can harm your organisation, leading to stolen credentials or business data. It is important to ensure all your devices are properly protected from Malware with advanced device and network protection.

3.   Passwords

Using passwords to protect your data

Passwords are the main prevention from your data and systems becoming compromised. It is important to use strong individual passwords for each login and never reuse your passwords.

4.   Phishing

Avoid Phishing Attacks

Cyber Criminals send out large batches of e-mails asking people to provide sensitive data (passwords etc).

These can be very hard to spot, so it is important to protect yourself and staff with proper training and procedures. You should also consider technology to filter and protect you business from receiving Phishing E-mails.

5.   Smartphone safety

Keeping your smartphones (and tablets) safe

Smartphones contain access to a lot of our business data. So should be secured with an appropriate password and tracked in case of loss or theft.

Make sure the device and apps are regularly updated to protect against the latest threats.

This is a guest blog. For more tips and advice do visit https://www.msnet.uk/