Cyber attacks are on the rise in the UK, with 4 out of 10 businesses targeted with some kind of cyber attack in 2022.
As technology and things like AI continue to advance, cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated in their tactics, targeting companies for financial gain, intellectual property theft, or disruption of operations.
It is therefore crucial for businesses to understand the evolving landscape of cyber threats and take proactive measures to protect themselves. Here’s how your company can mitigate the risk of cyber attacks:
Employee Training and Awareness
Human error is one of the leading causes of security breaches. Investing in comprehensive cybersecurity training for employees can help raise awareness about common cyber threats and teach best practices for safeguarding sensitive information. Training should cover topics such as how to identify phishing emails, recognize suspicious links or attachments, and follow secure password practices.
Regular Password Change
Encourage employees to use strong, unique passwords for their accounts and change them regularly. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring additional verification steps, such as a one-time code sent to a mobile device, before granting access to accounts.
Security-Focused Practices
Promote a security-focused culture within your company by implementing policies and procedures that prioritize data protection.
This includes measures such as locking computers when not in use, avoiding leaving laptops or mobile devices unattended in public places, and securely storing physical documents containing sensitive information. Additionally, ensure that employees are aware of the importance of securely disposing of confidential documents through methods like shredding.
Data Encryption and Backup
Encrypting sensitive data helps prevent unauthorized access even if it falls into the wrong hands. Implement encryption protocols for data stored on company servers, laptops, and mobile devices. Regularly back up critical data to secure offsite locations or cloud-based services to mitigate the impact of data loss in the event of a cyber attack or hardware failure.
Limit Access and Privileges
Restrict access to sensitive systems and information only to employees who require it to perform their job duties. Implement least privilege principles to ensure that employees have access only to the resources necessary for their roles. Regularly review and update access controls to reflect changes in personnel roles or responsibilities.
Use Ethical Hacking Services
There are companies such as Jumpsec that offer ethical hacking and user solutions such as purple or red teaming to hack into your company and find any vulnerabilities, which you can subsequently close.
This very affordable service may only cost a few thousand pounds but can safeguard your data and security infrastructure, massively reducing the chances of a future cyber attack and data breach.
Social Media Awareness
Remind employees to exercise caution when sharing personal or company information on social media platforms.
Cybercriminals often gather intelligence from publicly available information on social media to craft targeted attacks, such as spear-phishing emails or social engineering scams. Encourage employees to review their privacy settings and limit the amount of personal information they share online.
In conclusion, as cyber attacks continue to increase in the UK, it’s essential for businesses to prioritize cybersecurity measures to protect their sensitive information and assets.
By investing in employee training, implementing robust security protocols, regularly updating systems, and promoting awareness of common cyber threats, companies can reduce their risk of falling victim to cyber attacks and mitigate potential damages to their operations and reputation.
