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As a business that uses technology to store data and communicate, you must take cyber security precautions to limit your exposure to cyber-attacks. Most business owners agree that running their company is more streamlined with electronic systems than physical storage. However, digital data storage increases the risk of cyber-attacks. A cyber-attack can prevent your business from running efficiently and result in a data breach. This article will outline six critical cyber security tips to help your organisation maximise its chances of repelling cyber criminals and limiting damage from a potential cyber attack.
Why is Cyber Security Important?
The General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) requires your company to take reasonable steps to protect digital (and physical) data in its possession. This involves taking proactive steps to guard electronic data against cyber attacks.
Furthermore, cyber-attacks are becoming more common and complex. For example, malicious attacks can involve someone trying to install ransomware (locking you out of your system and requiring payment to unlock it) or a security breach (trying to steal sensitive information). Both can cause financial loss and damage your company’s reputation.
Let us explore six essential tips to protect your company’s data.
1. Carry Out Regular System Checks
Many business owners in England carry out IT system security checks regularly. You can either employ an individual to maintain and monitor your IT system or pay an external security consultant to stress-test your systems. Either way, they should identify any potential threats or weaknesses and advise your company on ways to minimise any vulnerabilities in the system.
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2. Provide Staff With Cyber Training
Many cyber attacks trick employees into clicking on malicious links or downloading virus-ridden software. To prevent this, you should train your staff regularly about cyber security and ensure they are aware of the following:
- the latest form of cyber attacks and how to avoid them;
- how to choose a strong password;
- logging out of any machine they are leaving;
- how to identify suspicious emails and documents (and who to report them to); and
- your rules on misuse of computer equipment and IT system.
3. Encourage Strong Passwords
Despite being common knowledge that weak passwords are a security risk, many staff members cannot help themselves and choose weak passcodes (such as ‘password’, ‘admin’ or ‘321’). In addition, many businesses fail to change passcodes for various devices from the factory default password, meaning they can be easily compromised.
4. Have a Second Layer of Security
While having strong passwords is vital, they are not infallible. Some malicious software can track password entry. Therefore, it is essential to have a second barrier in place to access certain services. The usual solution is to use two-factor authentication (multifactor authentication). This may involve a code or fingerprint on a different device. The system stops any hacker that has stolen password details or hacked one of the two required devices.
5. Install Software Updates
When a piece of software or operating system recommends an update, it usually does so to crack down on a security vulnerability within that system. By immediately installing these updates, you limit the opportunity for any cyber criminal to exploit the vulnerabilities of the system’s earlier version. Similarly, you should avoid using any software or operating system that no longer receives security updates.
6. Ensure Regular Data Back-Up
Backing up data is essential to safeguard your information against ransomware. Such malicious attacks lock an organisation out of its IT system until your business pays the ransom. By ensuring data is regularly backed up on another device, your company can reset their IT system and re-load customer and business information. However, without any backup, your organisation may face the difficulty of paying the ransom to access your information.
Key Takeaways
Cyber attackers target small organisations just as much as larger companies. For example, many personal data breaches aim to penetrate the computer systems of smaller businesses because cyber criminals believe them to have less information security. As such, your business must take preventative measures by regularly testing software, training your staff on cyber security and ensuring all systems are up to date and backed up. Furthermore, if your business is the victim of a cyber-attack, you should seek legal assistance to explore your options.
If you need help with data protection security and safeguarding your company’s cybersecurity, our experienced Data, Privacy and IT lawyers can assist as part of our LegalVision membership. For a low monthly fee, you will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents. Call us today on 0808 196 8584 or visit our membership page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many companies in England create a ‘Cyber Response Plan’. This is a document setting out the recommended steps in the event of a cyber attack. Cyber response plans tend to start with trying to ascertain the nature and size of the attack, then considering whether a referral to the ICO is needed and then going through steps to mitigate potential damage.
No, the GDPR does not expressly state that organisations in England must encrypt their stored data. Instead, it recommends that businesses take all reasonable steps to protect personal information. However, any payment method on your website should enable encryption so no other party can read payment details.
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