Our recent post summarising the results of the annual Hiscox Cybercrime Report should have set alarm bells ringing for Irish businesses. You can read the details here, but the key takeaway is that cyber-attacks are increasing – and increasing rapidly. 71 per cent of those questioned had been attacked in the 12-month survey period.
So, what should you be doing to protect yourself? Here are eleven steps that you can take.
1: Educate and train your staff.
People are often the weakest link in cyber security. They fail to spot phishing scams. They share passwords. They don’t protect sensitive data. Regular training can help staff understand and recognise threats and follow best practice for data protection.
2: Understand your risk.
Carry out cyber security risk assessments regularly. A proactive approach will help identify weaknesses in systems and processes that you can address before they can be exploited.
3: Update and patch.
Hackers know the weak spots and target them. Make sure that all software, systems, and applications are up to date with the latest patches.
4: Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
MFA makes it harder for cybercriminals to access your systems. Employ it across all your business applications. This is particularly important if you have sensitive information or systems.
5: Back up your data.
… and do it regularly. Make sure that your backups are secure too.
6: Create an Incident Response Plan.
If an attack happens, you need to respond effectively. Make a clear plan, detailing the steps you’ll take, who you will inform and how you will contain the incident.
7: Get insured.
Make sure your business insurance covers you for cyber-attacks – or take out a specific cyber insurance policy. Ensure you’re adequately covered for the threats your business might face.
8: Invest in security measures.
The Hiscox report indicated that IT spending is not keeping pace with the need for cyber protection. Make sure you budget for the robust defences you need.
9: Vet third-party providers.
Check that any providers of outsourced services comply with cyber security best practices and data security standards.
10: Maintain cyber hygiene.
Make good cyber hygiene the norm. Use strong, unique passwords; exercise caution with email attachments; avoid sharing sensitive information.
11: Get certified.
Work towards an accredited cyber security standard such as Cyber Essentials. This will show your business takes the problem of cybercrime seriously. Certification can make the difference between securing contracts or missing out.
All eleven in one package
These eleven steps are all included in the Lantech Service. They are fundamentals – part of our ongoing commitment to our clients. Our IT support services rest on the firm foundation of proper cyber security basics.
Implement one of the eleven steps and you will improve your cyber security, but for peace of mind, you need the complete package.
We offer that. Let’s talk.