security 13


Businesses must face up to the growing risk of cyber attack


Cyber security is one of the biggest issues facing companies and organisations – and failing to address vulnerabilities could make it one of their biggest headaches. Tim Walker, managing director of Taylor Made Computer Solutions, discusses the issues and how to minimise the risk of becoming a target


'Cyber attack' is a phrase that has been impossible to ignore in recent months, as several high-profile hacks have hit the headlines.


There was an embarrassing leak of salary details and contract lists at Sony Pictures, a security breach of user account details at Talk Talk and the infamous release of data held by the dating site Ashley Madison; in addition, there has been an increasing number of attacks within the SME marketplace right across the UK.


Even VTech, which makes children’s gadgets, had to reassure the public that details of its young customers were not at risk of being exposed.


... it is more important than ever to ensure that our systems are safe and secure ...


Company hacks leave huge dents in consumer confidence and corporate reputations – and in some cases businesses may never recover.


Avoiding such attacks and ensuring the integrity and security of business and customer data is one of the most pressing concerns for businesses in 2016, both in the UK and around the world.


As the business world becomes ever more mobile and connected, it is more important than ever to ensure that our systems are safe and secure. Effective security is not limited to ensuring data is safe on site.


Employees no longer tend to stay within a trusted network – or work with a particular desktop or device.


They are likely to be accessing systems from numerous entry points through a


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH COAST – APRIL 2016


number of channels, all of which need to be kept secure.


One of the major predictions for technology in the next five years is the growth of the 'Internet of things', which will see a huge explosion in the number of connected devices and an associated escalation of risk.


... consider that attackers are always working on new ways around digital protection ...


As if that was not reason enough to ensure security is tight, there is the forthcoming threat of huge financial penalties for organisations which fail to prevent data breaches.


New European data protection laws, which come into effect in 2018, will see increased fines for those which do not comply with strict regulations.


It is also important to consider that attackers are always working on new ways around digital protection, and while many attacks can be avoided, some will inevitably succeed.


As important as having good defences is to ensure that there is a plan for what happens if a breach does occur. In one memorable case, an SME suffered a ransomware attack after a user unknowingly executed a file containing the Cryptolocker virus.


This virus spreads through networks encrypting data as it goes, and demands a payment in online currency to restore the information.


Using a good backup system, IT engineers were able to effectively wipe the organisation’s systems and restore


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them to a point in time before the virus was introduced – and they were back up and running as normal, hours after the incident.


Technical vulnerabilities are a huge concern, but staff training is often just as important. It is important to ensure that employees are aware of the techniques fraudsters may use to piece together vital information such as passwords, key employee information and whereabouts, and that they have a procedure in place to report suspicious activity.


A key starting point for any business is always a strategic review of the existing IT setup, which should include a careful look at security risks and procedures. That is followed by constant reviews and updates to ensure vulnerabilities are minimised.


This is something which many organisations will put off to tomorrow but it is something well worth doing today – as Sony Pictures, Talk Talk and VTech and many more businesses will tell you.


Details:


01329-239900 www.tmcs.co.uk


Follow TaylorMade on twitter: @TaylorMadeCS


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