Cyber attacks are a modern concern for businesses of all sizes, and unfortunately, a recent security report has highlighted the fact that they are now faster than ever, more common, and more sophisticated.
These alarming trends give pause for thought and highlight how cyber security should be a top priority to protect your business and avoid disruption to your work.
At Woodstock IT, we are dedicated to protecting businesses from cyber attacks and are experts in cyber security tools. We can run an IT security audit for your business to create a tailored cybersecurity plan and can offer security awareness training for your employees.
Speak to our team today to get protected.
Security report findings
The report found:
- The time it takes for a criminal to move within a network after first getting in has dropped from 84 minutes last year to just 62 minutes. These are known as breakout times.
- There are 34 new cybercriminal groups, bringing the total to over 230 being tracked by the company.
- They’re getting more sophisticated, and they have identified a new record breakout time of two minutes and seven seconds.
It has also been highlighted that humans are becoming the main entry point for these cyber attacks, such as scams trying to get you to click on a link in a phishing email, taking you to a fake login that will then hand over the details to cyber criminals. Another worrying tactic is the attacker pretending to be a person you can trust, a technique known as social engineering.
How to protect your business from cyber attacks
As cyber attacks continually evolve, protecting your business is more crucial than ever. Cybercriminals can employ sophisticated techniques, posing serious risks to your operations and reputation. However, there are essential strategies and best practices to shield your business, including from phishing scams, malicious software, and ransomware attacks.
Let’s examine how you can implement strong cybersecurity measures and promote awareness among your team to help maintain a secure digital environment.
Employee training
It’s essential to equip your staff with the knowledge and tools needed to identify and respond to cyber attacks effectively. Implementing regular training sessions on the latest cyber attacks and their telltale signs helps ensure they are informed and vigilant.
These educational initiatives should include how to recognise attacks and the best practices for password security and data protection. Engaging, ongoing training is the key to minimising human error – a leading cause of cybersecurity incidents – and protecting your company’s assets and reputation from digital threats.
Have strong password policies
Encourage your team to adopt passwords that are complex, random, and, ideally, generated by reliable password managers. These tools not only help in creating strong passwords but also securely store them, reducing the risk of breaches due to compromised credentials. Moreover, integrating multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an essential layer of security.
MFA requires a second form of verification, such as a code sent to a mobile device, ensuring that unauthorised access is still blocked even if a password is stolen. This dual approach makes it significantly harder for attackers to penetrate your business’s digital barriers.
Invest in cyber security software
Proactive measures and security tools are key to safeguarding your business. Investing in reputable cybersecurity software offers a robust layer of protection by monitoring your systems 24/7, detecting potential threats, and responding to them in real time. Such software can range from antivirus programmes to comprehensive security suites, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption tools. These solutions are invaluable in identifying vulnerabilities, preventing malware infections, and securing data against unauthorised access.
By partnering with a trusted provider, you can ensure that your cybersecurity measures are up-to-date and effective in combating the evolving landscape of cyber attacks. We specialise in guiding businesses toward the right cybersecurity solutions tailored to their specific needs, offering peace of mind that your operations are protected with cutting-edge technology.
Ensure you have data backups
Regular data backups are a fundamental part of any cybersecurity strategy, acting as a safety net against cyber attacks. By consistently backing up your data and storing it in a secure, off-site location or cloud storage service, you safeguard against catastrophic loss due to cyber attacks, system failures, or natural disasters.
This proactive approach ensures that should the worst happen, your business can quickly recover with minimal downtime and disruption. It’s not just about preserving data; it’s about maintaining operational continuity and protecting your business’s reputation. Implementing a regular, automated backup schedule – and testing those backups to ensure they can be restored effectively – is crucial in minimising the impact of data loss and ensuring your business remains resilient.
Update your systems
Cybercriminals are constantly looking for vulnerabilities in outdated software, which they can exploit to gain unauthorised access to your data and systems. By ensuring all your software, operating systems, and security protocols are current with the latest updates and security patches, you effectively close off these avenues of attack.
Regular updates not only patch known security flaws but often enhance your systems’ overall performance and stability. Establishing a routine for checking and applying updates or enabling automatic updates where available ensures your defences are strong. This practice, while seemingly simple, is fundamental in maintaining the integrity of your digital assets and safeguarding your operations.
Improve your cybersecurity with Woodstock IT
When it comes to cybersecurity, having a proactive approach is essential for your business. Our team of experts is equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to tailor a cybersecurity strategy that meets your specific needs, ensuring you’re well-prepared and resilient against cyber attacks.
Taking the step to enhance your cybersecurity measures with Woodstock IT means choosing a partner committed to your business’s safety and success. Whether you’re looking to take advantage of the latest cybersecurity software, need assistance developing robust data backup routines, or seek guidance on maintaining up-to-date systems, we’re here to help.
Don’t wait for a breach to reveal the gaps in your defences. Get in touch with us today to protect your business, minimise risks, and ensure peace of mind.
