It’s Cyber Security Awareness Week and what have you learned? In partnership with Cyber Essentials Online we have created a list of top cyber security tips for 2019.
Protect your internet connection
Make sure you are using a firewall to protect your business’s internet connection.
A firewall will give your business a layer of protection, as it is essentially a ‘buffer zone’ between the IT network you are using and other, external networks.
Check your settings
Are you using the most secure settings for your devices and software? If you are unsure, make sure that you check.
The National Cyber Security Centre recommends that you:
“always check the settings of new software and devices and, where possible, make changes which raise your level of security, for example, by disabling or removing any functions, accounts or services which you do not require.”
Whether your business is uses smart phones, tablets, laptops or computers, these devices should be kept up to date at all times. This is a quick fix and can be done easily.
Back up data securely
According to the Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2018, 58% of businesses are “backing up data securely via a cloud service” and 70% are “backing up data securely via other means”.
It is incredibly important that the information that your business has access to is saved securely. Make sure to save a backup separate from your computer. This can be done using a USB stick, on a separate drive or a separate computer.
Backups should always have restricted access to ensure they are kept as safe as possible.
Consider cyber security training
The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2018 states that 35% of businesses have staff whose job role includes information security or governance.
If your business has does not have a dedicated member of staff trained in cyber security, then it should consider cyber security training or certification.
Cyber attacks are not going to disappear overnight and the training will be well worth the investment. The estimated total cost of a breach has consistently increased for medium businesses, specifically from £1,860 in 2016 to £8,180 in 2018.
Get certified
Cyber Essentials is the minimum certification an organisation needs to implement to bid for new MOD defence contracts which include the transfer of ‘MOD identifiable information.’
Cyber Essentials Online says that “The public sector recognises this certification as it protects businesses from 80% of all cyber threats, which in turn helps to protect its supply chain. Not only will this protect your business from potential cyber threats but it promotes your business as cyber secure.”
During Cyber Security Awareness Week, Cyber Essentials Online is offering £50 off during Cyber certification using the code: Cyberaware50.
To find out more about Cyber Essentials certification with DCI, learn more here.
