DIGITAL GROWTH
Perception vs reality - an SME’s guide to cyber security
Cyber security is a growing problem. In the past two months alone, some of the world’s biggest corporates have been hit by the worst cyber attacks ever seen. But what’s the risk to an SME and where should it sit in their long list of other business priorities? At the recent East Midlands
Cyber Security Conference and Expo, John Unsworth, Chief Executive of the London Digital Security Centre, stated that more than half of all crimes are now cyber related – yet only one per cent of policing budget is spent tackling this issue. Fortunately, user behaviour and
the right technical controls can mitigate much of the risk. This is good news, but is only as effective as the person in charge of its implementation. Let’s walk through some common business perceptions about cyber security.
“THIS DOESN’T AFFECT US - WE HAVE NOTHING OF INTEREST” All information is high value. Small or large, all businesses retain sensitive data and information, from financial records to their CRM.
ABOUT THE EXPERT
Sam Reed is Chief Technology Officer at managed ICT service provider Air-IT. He is one of the Digital
Growth Programme’s consultants.
To learn how your business could benefit from the fully- funded Digital Growth Programme, visit www.d2n2-
digital.co.uk (Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire) or
www.leics-digital.co.uk (Leicestershire)
“WE HAVE HIGHER PRIORITIES” The dilemma? This is a global priority. Coming into force next May,
those in breach of new rules under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) risk fines up to four per cent of global annual turnover and will be required to report any breach to the Information Commissioner Office, including any affected customers.
Remember, if it’s important to you - it’s important to hackers too.
“WE’VE NEVER HAD AN ISSUE BEFORE” Research by the Federation of
Small Businesses (FSB) shows that two-thirds of SMEs have been the victim of cybercrime between 2014-2016. Those that haven’t been hit are in the minority and attack figures are climbing fast.
“WE DON’T HAVE THE BUDGET” Cyber security doesn’t necessarily mean investing in expensive software but there are some key do’s and don’ts:
• Make sure software updates and patches can run, preferably set to automatic. Recent attacks targeted these vulnerabilities to infect computers and networks worldwide.
• Avoid using out of date systems, such as Windows XP. This platform is no longer supported or updated by Microsoft and is therefore especially at risk.
• Recognised by the UK Government as the most comprehensive cyber security standard, and affordable, seven out of eleven steps to the IASME governance standard are company policy-based decisions.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SECURING YOUR BUSINESS IN A DIGITAL AGE Aimed at business owners, managers and employees in SMEs and those who wish to develop a greater understanding of cyber security, risks and business continuity. When and where: 11 September, 9am-4.30pm De Montfort University, Leicester, LE1 9BH Book now:
bit.ly/DGPSecure
CYBER RESILIENCE FOR SMEs Delivered by Sam Reed from Air-IT, this practical seminar will equip SMEs with the latest tips to increase employee awareness as well as covering the different types of cyber attacks and how to protect their organisation. When and Where: 14 September, 8am-11am BioCity, Nottingham, NG1 1GF Book now:
bit.ly/DGPCyber
54 business network September 2017
“WE HAVEN’T GOT THE EXPERTISE” This is by no means limited to an SME problem. It’s industry-wide and perceived to be hard. Fully-funded support from the
Digital Growth Programme can help equip you with the tools and knowledge your business needs to stay on top of cyber security and utilise digital technology. The below events, and the wide
range of workshops across the region, can put your business ahead of the game. These, and all Digital Growth Programme-related activity, can be accessed via the below links.
DIGITAL GROWTH PROGRAMME
workshops are taking place this month but places are limited. To book, visit
bit.ly/DGPWorkshops
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