How to Secure Your Business Against a Cyber Breach

We’re all online nowadays. From the CEO to the market stall trader. In the past two years, more and more businesses have changed how they operate online. Whether that’s through more remote working, getting a website or storing data. As a result, cyber threats are on the rise. Fortunately, there’s plenty of ways you can combat these potential threats.

Many business owners would be surprised at how effective a few simple steps can be at preventing these threats. The Yorkshire Broker shares 4 ways to help secure your business against a cyber breach.

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Passwords

Creating a secure password is one of the easiest and most effective ways to secure your business against a data breach. You’ve likely heard the advice about not choosing obvious passwords that are easy to guess. Longer passwords that use a combination of uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols are the most secure. Worried about forgetting a password? Password managers can be effective tools for storing passwords.

You can also use two-factor authentication (2FA) for key accounts, requiring users to provide two methods to prove their identity before allowing them to access the account. This adds an extra layer of security and is recommended for protecting your most sensitive data.

Be Aware Of Phishing, Viruses And Malware

First and foremost, antivirus software is a must when protecting your business against viruses and malware attacks. This is easy to install and relatively inexpensive (some operating systems include antivirus software for free). With it installed, you’re automatically protected from a whole host of potential threats.

Countless people (from the technology novices to the computer savvy) have been misled by fake email scams, handing over key information, clicking bad links or sending money to someone claiming to be someone else.

Educating yourself and your staff on safe usage is vital. A large percentage of data breaches are caused by user error. Things like never downloading third party apps (those not from somewhere approved like Google Play or the Apple App Store) or understanding what to look out for when it comes to phishing emails. Offer training to staff on what to look out for and be sure that people know how to report suspected breaches.

There’s still always a chance someone will be taken in by a scam, as these grow more sophisticated over time. To minimise any potential damage, limit staff access to those programs needed for their role. Only key people should require full permissions. This helps ensure only trained personnel to have administrative access, everyone else should be a standard user.

Data Backup

All businesses have data they keep track of. Whether that’s client information, orders, invoicing or payment details. If you lose that data, how will you operate? By regularly backing up your business data, should something happen (like a cyber attack), you’ll still have access to your data.

Ransomware attacks are one of the biggest cyber threats facing companies. A ransomware attack is where a hacker enters a system and encrypts the data, holding it hostage until you pay them a large sum to unencrypt it. In 2021, IT firm Kaseya was hacked, impacting the data of between 800 and 2,000 companies. If your data is backed up properly, you can’t be blackmailed in this way.

Consider what data is essential to your organisation, and therefore will need backing up. When you back this up, make sure the backup is stored elsewhere. Cloud storage solutions are a great option and many offer automatic backups, saving you extra hassle. When looking for cloud storage, use the NCSC’s Cloud Security Guidance to help you choose the one that’s right for your business.

How to Secure Your Business Against a Cyber Breach

Insurance Made Personal

Passwords

Be Aware Of Phishing, Viruses And Malware

Data Backup

Insurance Made Personal

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Industries

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