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Cyber threats have become gradually more common as technology has advanced over the years.
New strains of malware are constantly being discovered. This is because as businesses have stepped up their cyber security software and procedures, hackers have upped their game too.
Cyber threats are also constantly evolving. So, it is important that you have an arsenal of weapons like firewalls, endpoint security, anti-virus software, and email encryption, to keep your data safe.
Small businesses are a target
This may surprise you, but small businesses are the easiest targets for hackers. Most often small businesses are so focused on establishing and growing their business that they look past cybersecurity, not understanding the importance of it.
You need to make sure that you are prepared and trained for when and if the threat occurs. If you stay ahead of the criminals, you will continue being the commander of your business.
Cyber security threats
You may be thinking, well what are the threats I need to be looking out for?
I am afraid it’s just not that simple. There are so many different threats that it would be impossible to manually look out for them all.
Here are a few of the main security threats to start making yourself aware of:
Ransomware
This is a serious attack that involves a criminal encrypting data on a business’s system, then demanding a ransom in exchange for letting the user have access to the data again. Back in 2017 the NHS were attacked by ransomware, check out more information here.
Malware
Malware is a software that carries out a malicious task on a targeted device or network, it will then give the criminal access to corrupt data or take over a system.
Phishing.
This is something you can look out for in your mailbox. It is an email-borne attack that involves fooling the email recipient into exposing confidential information or downloading malware by clicking on a hyperlink in the message.
If you would like to know more about types of threats you could face, click here to read this article which explains cyber threats in greater depth.
All employees are a risk
Any member of staff using a computer is a threat to putting your business in jeopardy. From your receptionist all the way to your managing director. All it takes is just one well-intentioned, but badly trained, person to put all your hard work at risk and cost the business a small fortune.
In the UK, the average cost of a data breach is £2.9 million. I am sure you do not have this to spare – even if you did, I am sure you would want to spend it on something more resourceful than paying a criminal.
How to prevent cyber attack
Preventing a cyber-attack will involve everyone in your business becoming more aware of the threat. Getting your staff on board with taking cyber security seriously can be a tedious task. Many of them will have the mindset of “it will never happen to me”. It is essential that you help them understand there is actually a very high chance it could happen them and how it will then snowball, effecting the whole company.
Cyber-attacks increased since lockdown began
Cyber criminals are not having a break due to the Coronavirus or lockdown, they are taking advantage of the situation and working harder than ever.
They know that many businesses will not be prioritising cybersecurity over everything else that is going on. That is who they will target.
Do not suffer like one of those businesses.
Cyber-Attacks have increased by 37% since lockdown. Therefore, it important now more than ever to take this seriously and make cyber security part of your business.
Ingenio’s Cyber Security FREE guide
We have created a Cyber Security guide which contains nine ways to change the way your employees think about cyber security and make it part of your business’s culture.
Stop worrying about cyber security and focus on your business.
Download our free cyber security guide here.
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