Cyber attacks are on the rise, and that’s bad news for businesses. Data breaches increased by 72% between 2021 and 2023, according to Forbes, with every data breach costing over £3.5 million on average.
A cyber attack can hit your bottom line, damage your business’s reputation, and even land you in legal hot water. To stay protected, it’s vital to keep your business up to date with the latest cyber security measures. But don’t worry, beefing up your cyber security doesn’t have to be a headache. Here are five simple but effective ways to ensure your business’s cyber defences are rock solid.
Train your team
Your team are your first line of defence against cyber attacks. By keeping them clued up, you can prevent most threats before they start. Run workshops on spotting phishing scams, creating strong passwords, and developing safe online habits. Write up a straightforward cyber security policy to make sure everyone knows the do’s and don’ts when handling sensitive info and how to report threats.
Click here to find out more about how to make your team your strongest cyber security defence.
Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Strong passwords and MFA are your cyber security bread and butter, but a shocking amount of businesses still don’t use them. Make sure your businesses uses complex passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and update them regularly. You could also consider using password managers to create and store strong passwords, so nobody has to remember them all. Add an extra layer of security with MFA to keep you protected even if your passwords are compromised.
Keep software updated
Outdated legacy software can often contain security vulnerabilities, leaving the door open to cyber criminals. You can easily mitigate this by turning on automatic updates for your operating systems, apps, and security software. Get into the habit of regularly checking whether all your software is running on the latest versions, and when new patches are released, take a few minutes to update them as soon as you can.
Regularly back up your data
Data loss from cyber attacks can be devastating for businesses, but regular backups allow you to bounce back quickly. Set up automated backups, and store them in secure, off-site locations, or use cloud services with strong encryption. Regularly test your backups to make sure you can restore your data if needed.
Did you know Microsoft Office 365 doesn’t automatically back up your data? Click here to find out more about keeping your data safe.
Use firewalls and anti-malware solutions
Firewalls and anti-malware software are ideal for keeping out any unwanted guests. Invest in software that offers real-time protection and monitoring, and make sure your firewalls are set up correctly to block unauthorised access while still allowing legitimate traffic. Keep your firewall updated to stay protected from any new threats.
It can be hard to know where to start when it comes to cyber security, but by breaking it down into simple steps, you can make huge improvements with minimal effort, giving you peace of mind and potentially even saving your business. Remember, cyber security is an ongoing effort that requires regular attention, so be proactive to stay one step ahead of potential threats.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to boost your cyber security and how it can benefit your business, contact us today to speak with one of our experts.