How to protect yourself and your business
Over the past decade, the internet has grown to become an essential tool that many companies and individuals now rely upon to conduct daily business. But with nearly half of all businesses in the UK suffering from a cyber attack or security breach in 2017, the need for quality and reliable protection for both you and your business is now vital. Here are our top tips to ensure you are protected against cyber and data attacks.
Top tips to protect against cyber and data attacks
Understand how it works
There are many different ways in which hackers can infiltrate both businesses and individuals computers and networks. The 5 most common cyber attacks of 2020 included:
- Phishing (tricking a user into visiting a dangerous website or downloading malicious files)
- Ransomware (malicious software that will deny and restrict access until a ransom is paid)
- Distributed denial of service/DDoS (sending multiple access requests to a website to cause it to crash)
- Computer virus (malicious software that spreads from computer to computer via infected email attachments, files and websites)
- Attack vectors (using drive-by, MITM/man in the middle, zero-day attack or SQL injection to gain access to a computer and install malware or extract data)
Staff training
With employee error being one of the leading causes of data breaches, it is imperative that your staff are trained on using technology securely and effectively identifying cyber and data threats. Creating a cyber security culture which teaches the avoidance of password sharing and using unsecured websites as well as implementing robust anti-virus software and restricted access to admin rights can help you ensure that your business is well secure and protected from threats.
Invest in robust anti-malware and firewall software
A ‘prevent and remove’ approach is essential for protecting your computer and network against software viruses. Quality anti-malware can stop software viruses in their tracks but in order to prevent the virus from accessing your database, a robust firewall is required. It is important to keep both of these regularly updated in order to ensure you are properly protected against the latest threats.
Use strong passwords and change them regularly
Using strong passwords and changing them regularly can help you minimise risk. The use of any easily guessed passwords including your name, birthday, stand-alone words and adjacent keyboard combinations should all be avoided. Random passwords that use a combination of letters, numbers, symbols and upper-case and lower-case characters are considered good practice and the use of 3 random words is recommended.
One of the most common mistakes people make is using the same password for all logins. The main risk of this is that if your password falls into the wrong hands, all of your personal and business data can be compromised. In order to limit your risks, it is best to use different passwords for all websites and software you access.
Remembering all of the different unique passwords you use can be problematic, however, there are many services that can help you store and protect your passwords.
Perform routine updates
Software is constantly evolving and specifically updated in order to keep up-to-date and protect users against current and advanced ways in which hackers threaten individuals and businesses. One of the best ways to minimise risk to yourself and your business is to regularly update all of your devices. By performing routine updates, you are ensuring that all your devices are consistently protected with the most current software.
Cyber and Data Insurance cover from Sutcliffe and Co
Sutcliffe and Co have helped numerous businesses of all sizes and sectors protect themselves against the latest threats with Cyber and Data Protection Insurance. Our Cyber Insurance legal experts will support you should any legal disputes arise and all costs will be seen accordingly. Our Data Insurance also includes a fully comprehensive crisis management service and technical and forensic specialists that can help you restore your data and systems in a crisis.
