Last week there were more warnings about cyber attacks against the UK as the commander of Britain’s Joint Forces noted that critical national infrastructure is potentially in danger. Security experts stress that this is nothing new, and that your business should be preparing to combat this ever-growing threat.
Read our top 5 ways to protect your business against a cyber attack.
Password protection
The first and most obvious tip is password protection. The National Cyber Security Centre recommends that you choose three random words when you are creating a password and avoid using predictable passwords like family and pet names.
According to the Cyber Breaches Survey 2018, over 67% of businesses have already taken “guidance on acceptably strong passwords”.
If your business currently needs to update or strengthen its passwords, this is something that can be fixed almost immediately – and it will help protect your business against a cyber attack.
Use anti-virus software
Make sure your business is using anti-virus software properly. First, if your business is not using anti-virus software, it should be. This is an easy step to take in protecting your business again malicious cyber attacks and viruses.
If you are using anti-virus software, make sure that you are updating it and installing it on all your computers and laptops.
Back up your data
Last year’s WannaCry ransomware attack in particular exposed how many organisations are not backing up their data efficiently.
After the WannaCry attack, thousands of NHS patients nationally were left without appointments, as the health service was not prepared for such an intrusion.
Yet over a year later, a survey conducted by Webroot has revealed that more than a third of organisations still do not have a regular back-up system in place.
Smartphone safety
Laptops and computers are not the only way that hackers can retrieve sensitive data. Make sure that you configure all mobile devices so that if they are lost or stolen, the information on them can be remotely wiped.
Last year it was revealed by Avast, a digital security company, that mobile cyber attacks are increasing heavily.
Gagan Singh, SVP and GM of Mobile and IoT at Avast, noted that “mobile cyber security attacks are growing rapidly as hackers’ strategies become more agile and dangerous, and what’s at stake is mostly the user’s personal data and privacy”.
Cyber Essentials
Cyber Essentials is an accreditation which has been approved by the UK Government. If you are working with the public and/or defence sector it is vital that you invest in this certification as it is mandated by the MOD to bid for MOD contracts.
If protecting your business from cyber attacks is important to you, then the controls that need to be in place to achieve this certification should guard your business from 80% of cyber attacks.
The Cyber Essentials Scheme is available to buy on three subscription levels:
- Cyber Essentials
- Cyber Essentials Fast Track
- Cyber Essentials Plus
Are you a defence supplier looking to find out more about Cyber Essentials? Download the Scheme Summary and learn more about protecting your business.
