issues are discovered, updates are usually issued to solve them. Keeping software and apps up to date is a crucial way to keep yourself protected. T ese days, updates often happen automatically so we don’t think about it. However, these updates only tend to happen when a device is turned off and back on again. Many employees, especially when working from home, will just put the laptop on sleep mode overnight, which prevents the updates from happening. - Stronger passwords: there is still a tendency to use simple passwords so that they are easy to remember. For example, it’s thought that there are now 23 million people worldwide using the password 123456. Strengthening passwords is a cost-free way of protecting your organisation.
T ere are also a few more simple steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of a cyber attack. T ese are all relatively straightforward and inexpensive: - Back up data: businesses today are often built on data, for example, customer information, orders and payment details. Without these, a business would struggle to run. Backing up all your data regularly will ensure you are able to quickly recover in the event of something happening. It will also protect you against ransomware attacks. - Staff training: for your cyber-security measures to be effective, your staff need to know and understand the role they play, such as switching computers off and setting strong passwords. - Get accredited: cyber-security accreditation is a government backed scheme called Cyber Essentials, which helps you to protect your organisation against a
range of common cyber attacks. Not only does it off er you protection, but it also gives customers reassurance and opens the door to the potential of new business.
What about home working? Much of this previous advice has been around for a few years. What it doesn’t address is the change in risks due to employees working from home. However, in 2020, the National Cyber Security Service (NCSS) released guidance on how businesses could prepare for home working. T is included the following cyber security advice: - Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts data and allows remote users to access IT resources securely. - Choose SaaS applications carefully: the nature of remote working means it is likely your organisation will increasingly use software as a service (SaaS) applications. To help businesses make wise choices, NCSS provides reviews of the security of many of the most popular SaaS applications. - Ensure devices encrypt data: home and remote working comes with an increased risk of devices being lost or stolen. T is can pose serious security risks. Ensuring your employees’ devices encrypt data can help to protect your organisation.
It’s time to protect yourself Cyber security has been crucial for years, yet many businesses are still not protecting themselves against the most common attacks. For those who have not implemented measures, the increasing popularity of hy- brid working patterns poses an even higher risk. But protection does not have to be expensive or complex. With a few simple steps, you can protect your business from a cyber attack, and protect your customers, employees, and reputation at the same time.
If you need support, then the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce is here to guide you. Find out more at:
https://www.chamber-business.com
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