Information

One of the biggest threats to your business right now, is cyber-attacks. Having the correct cyber security measures in place is crucial, without these, your I.T. systems can become compromised, either by stolen data or ransomware.

In the UK, all businesses have to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and one of the requirements is to ensure that you store all data securely.

Failing to keep your company’s data safe (any data that includes customer information) could result in large fines that could potentially result in the closure of your business.

So, what steps can you take to minimise the risk of a cyber-attack?

To start, ensure all accounts have an 8+ character password set, we recommend 12 characters, then where possible lock your account down further with multifactor authentication (MFA). MFA or 2FA 2 factor authentication is another means of accessing your account whether that is biometrics such as a fingerprint or facial recognition. You can provide a mobile number so that you receive a text code or use an authenticator app.

Always ensure all systems that you manage are up to date and running the latest software version as the vendor will have included security patches to prevent potential attacks. Install an anti-virus package on supported devices such as Microsoft Windows, we recommend ESET Protect Entry as a minimum.

Your hardware router/firewall is another potential weakness of your network, this must be firmware updated on a regular basis and locked down so that only certain ports remain open that are business critical.

What else can I do to secure my I.T. system?

Vigilance is key, it's very easy to fall for scams that encourage you to click on a link and download software or provide financial details. Training is important for all end users of the business, as user error is the biggest security hole in anyone's system.

Get in touch with us to health check your system or answer any questions about your security concerns. The guidance given above are just the basics, but there is so much more to be done, especially when you have internal systems to look after.