Top five tips to improve your business cyber security on a budget –

Cyber ​​attacks are one of the biggest threats to modern business.

Almost two in five (39%) UK businesses have reported cyber attacks in the past 12 months, according to government figures.

The Cyber ​​Security Breach Survey 2022which was published in July, also found that the average UK business lost £4,200 last year.

Worryingly, this figure rises to £19,400 for medium and large businesses.

Being targeted by cybercriminals is a terrifying prospect for any business owner.

However, protecting your company from hackers doesn’t have to break the bank.

here Stephen Allan, CEO and founder of a leading IT services firm Linten Technologiesshares his top five tips for boosting your cybersecurity on a budget.

Enable password

Passwords are a prime target for hackers.

Essentially a tech giant Microsoft claims that there are a staggering 921 password attacks every second – almost doubling in the past 12 months.

Whether employees accidentally share their login details, use the same passwords for everything, or use common terms like “PASSWORD123”, there will always be an element of vulnerability in any use.

However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t simple and cost-effective ways to strengthen password security.

Multi-factor authentication, which requires more than one password to gain access to data, is a great addition to any company’s cyber defenses.

Microsoft Office, for example, allows users to set an extra layer of security by adding passwords to documents.

Generally, the more passwords required to access data, the more secure it is.

Better yet, connecting other apps or devices like mobile phones or tablets to your login routine means that even if your password is compromised, hackers still won’t be able to log in without the device.

Try adding a password manager that allows users to store all their passwords in one safe place, as well as create passwords with three random words. This ensures that they are strong enough to prevent infringement, yet easy to remember.

Staff training

In accordance with Global Risks Report 2022 according to the World Economic Forum, 95% of all cyber security breaches are due to human error.

While this means employees can be a potential loophole in your cybersecurity defenses, they are also a business’s greatest asset.

With adequate cybersecurity training programs in place, such as how to spot a phishing attempt, employees will be much more aware of the dangers, remain vigilant, and can even help deal with a breach.

Businesses can measure, reduce, and control cyber risks to employees with automated human risk management that provides tailored vulnerability training, phishing simulations, dark web monitoring to see if they’ve been compromised, and a company policy management solution.

Give your team the knowledge and tools they need to keep your business safe.

Create backups

While you may have strengthened your cyber defenses, it’s always best to be prepared for the worst in the event that an attack does occur.

To minimize the potential damage from a hack, it is recommended that you back up everything as much as possible.

By doing this, businesses will still be able to access data and continue to operate even if an attacker gains access.

Security program

Security software is the first line of defense against cybercrime.

It is strongly recommended that you install anti-virus software on all company devices.

Most routers come with a built-in firewall that provides a basic level of security at no extra cost.

For enhanced protection, it is recommended to implement a managed firewall.

Prices vary widely, including some free tools, while many vendors offer free discovery sessions and trials, so it’s worth comparing different solutions to see what works best.

Managed updates

The complexity and rapid development of cybercrime means that it is critical to keep security up-to-date.

Cybercriminals are quick to exploit vulnerabilities in existing software – and innovative hacking techniques and tools are constantly hitting the black market.

A managed service provider or IT department should be able to manage and deploy automatic updates for all software and devices in your business.

Keeping your systems up-to-date ensures you are protected against known vulnerabilities.

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