A guide to cyber security for your business

Posted 3 weeks ago

Major cyber-attack on UK extremely likely

Today, businesses heavily depend on technology for their operations. That being said, safeguarding sensitive information has become an increasingly critical priority for workplaces.

Cyber security is not just a buzzword; it’s a necessity to protect your business from potential cyber attacks, which reportedly cost UK businesses an estimated £21 billion per year.

So, let’s explore the essentials of cyber security and its significance, GDPR compliance, common threats, and actionable steps to fortify your business’s defences.

An overview of cyber security

So, what is cyber security? Well, the National Cyber Security Centre defines it as how individuals and organisations reduce the risk of cyber attacks and data breaches. It encompasses the practices, technologies, and processes designed to safeguard the digital assets of your business, including any data, networks, and systems.

GDPR in cyber security

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a regulatory framework that governs the collection, storage, and processing of personal data of individuals within the European Union (EU).

Cyber security is crucial for GDPR compliance, as business owners and employers are expected to take ‘appropriate’ action to manage risks and avoid hefty fines by implementing security measures that ensure the integrity and privacy of sensitive data.

The importance of cyber security for businesses

Cyber attacks can have devastating consequences for businesses, ranging from financial losses and reputational damage to legal liabilities. By prioritising cyber security, you not only protect your business assets but also build trust among your customers, partners, and stakeholders. Plus, having backup systems and recovery plans can help to minimise downtime, keeping your business up and running even in the face of unexpected disruptions.

5 common threats to cyber security

Now that you understand the importance of cyber security, let’s talk about some of the most common cyber security threats to look out for. Hackers employ various tactics to breach your systems, networks, and data, making it imperative for employees to spot potential dangers. These include but are not limited to:

Phishing

Cyber criminals use deceptive emails or messages to trick individuals into disclosing sensitive information or clicking malicious links.

Drive-by-Downloads

Malicious code is automatically downloaded onto devices when users visit compromised websites, leading to malware infections.

Malware

Malicious software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorised access to computer systems or networks.

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks

Hackers will overwhelm a network or server with a flood of traffic to disrupt its normal functioning.

Spoofing

Impersonating legitimate entities to deceive users and gain unauthorised access to systems or data.

Protecting Your Data Against Cyber Security Threats

To protect your business against cyber threats and secure valuable data, consider implementing the following cyber security best practices:

Train employees on common cyber threats like phishing and malware, enabling them to identify and respond to security risks effectively.
Document written cyber security policies detailing acceptable resource use, password management, data handling, and incident response procedures.
Encourage the use of password management tools for creating and securely storing strong, unique passwords to prevent unauthorised access.
Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for sensitive system and account access, adding an extra layer of security beyond passwords.
Install robust anti-malware solutions to detect and remove malicious software before compromising data.
Apply software updates and security patches across all systems, applications, and devices to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Utilise VPNs to encrypt data transmission, especially when accessing networks remotely or using public Wi-Fi.
Establish guidelines for mobile device usage, including encryption, device management, and remote wiping capabilities to prevent data breaches in case of loss or theft.
Perform regular file backups to create redundant copies of critical data for rapid recovery in case of data loss or system failure.
Secure Wi-Fi networks with strong encryption, unique passwords, and firewall protection to prevent unauthorised access and network eavesdropping.

Compliance with cyber security for businesses

As previously mentioned, cyber security compliance with regulations and industry standards, such as GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018 and ISO 27001 is crucial for businesses. This involves more than just implementing policies; it requires a proactive approach to continuously review and update cyber security measures.

For instance, regularly auditing your current cybersecurity protocols and performing thorough risk assessments can pinpoint vulnerabilities and threats. This allows you to devise strategies to address these concerns, considering both technical and non-technical factors. Additionally, it will enable you to create an incident response plan outlining the necessary steps in case of a cybersecurity incident or data breach.

Furthermore, businesses can uphold cyber security compliance by using continuous monitoring systems capable of detecting and responding to cybersecurity threats in real time, along with investing in ongoing cyber security training to ensure that everyone within the organisation is equipped to recognise and respond to cyber threats.

Remember, cyber security is not a one-time effort but an ongoing commitment to staying vigilant.

Cyber security training with iHasco

Here at iHasco, we offer a range of online Cyber Security & GDPR Training courses that are designed to help organisations just like yours work towards cyber security compliance, improve cyber security awareness, and protect their business from cyber threats or data breaches.

Some of our most popular courses in this bundle include:

You can claim a free, no-obligation trial for any of the courses today! Alternatively, request a bespoke quote for your organisation and a member of our team will get in touch to discuss your cyber security training needs.