How to manage your business's cyber security

In this free business.connected webinar, learn how to manage your business's cyber security to protect your computer, networks, devices and data from unauthorised access or attack.

Key takeaways from this session:

• Be aware of the most common cyber-security myths

• Understand the risks to your business

• Learn how to limit the threats to your business

Summary of the key points

Cyber security for small businesses

• Cyber criminals are targeting small businesses more and more, because they see them as less cyber-savvy and cyber-aware.

• Cyber attacks have become more sophisticated and difficult to spot, which makes it crucial for businesses to prioritise their cyber security.

• Training staff to recognise phishing emails is best done by relating it to them as individuals and explaining the impact.

• Small businesses can create a culture of cyber-security awareness among their employees, even without dedicated IT staff.

• Using a secure password management system can help you protect confidential information and prevent you falling for cleverly disguised phishing attempts.

• It's important to take steps to protect your business from cyber attacks, as scammers use various tactics to gain access to your personal information and devices.

Cyber crime and its impact

• Cyber crime covers a wide range of threats such as online fraud, hacking and misuse of computers, and it's constantly evolving as new technologies become available.

• The moment a cyber weapon is used, it's out in the open and available for bad actors to manipulate or abuse. That can mean a much more widespread impact that goes beyond the intended target.

• Cyber crime is incredibly lucrative and run pretty much exclusively by organised criminal gangs. There are more billionaires in cyber crime than in legitimate business.

• Cyber crime is growing exponentially, targeting medical devices, connected cars and even basic devices like kettles and Fitbits, as we move into the era of 5G and the Internet of Things.

Cyber attackers and their tactics

• Cyber attackers aren't just teenagers in their bedrooms, but highly organised criminal gangs with profitable cyber operations.

• Cyber criminals use social engineering to create a sense of urgency and drama and trick people into giving out sensitive information, making it a people problem rather than just a computer problem.

• Ransomware is the biggest threat to businesses today, with criminal gangs offering ransomware as a service and small businesses being particularly vulnerable due to the potential impact on their ability to trade.

• Mac and Linux systems are also vulnerable to malware, and having strong security measures in place is vital. Cyber attacks often target the basics, like weak passwords and lack of antivirus protection.

How to protect your business

• Improving cyber hygiene and implementing basic security measures is crucial, as attackers will always go for the easiest option.

• Use unique passwords for each account to limit the impact of a breach. Prioritise uniqueness over complexity.

• Choose the right cyber security tools for your devices, including antivirus and multi-factor authentication, to increase security.

• Behaviour is key, so it's important to have a company policy, encourage open communication, and have a backup plan to limit the impact of cyber attacks.

• A firewall is crucial for blocking unsafe incoming connections, and you can train staff to recognise and avoid phishing emails.

• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on personal devices, and allow antivirus software to grant access from legitimate sources.

Free video training, exclusive offers and workshops

The business.connected hub is a free online training programme of workshops, webinars and e-learning modules designed to help businesses go digital, adopt new technology, and stay safe online. Take me to the hub now