- Cybercrime in the UK is increasing, as half of businesses report having experienced some form of cyber security attack or breach in the past 12 months, data highlights.
- Despite this, only half (56%) of organisations rank cyber-risk in the top 5 of their organisational priorities, reports share.
- A specialist online learning provider, offering expert-crafted training in cyber security, shares the most important recommendations for small businesses amid escalating concerns about cybercrime
Cybersecurity breaches have become an increasingly common threat across the UK in recent years, with the country now being the second-most targeted in the world for cyber-attacks, according to reports.
Even high-profile companies have been subject to recent cyberattacks, including cloud storage company Dropbox having hackers access authentication information and passwords in April this year. Other companies including Ticketmaster and American Express experienced data breaches in the last 12 months.
In fact, half of businesses in the UK have reported experiencing some form of cybersecurity attack or breach within the past year, according to GOV.UK’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024, which cost an estimated £21 billion further insights reveal.
Despite this growing concern for UK businesses, a survey reveals that only around half (56%) of organisations rank cyber-risk in their top 5 priorities.
As such, it appears that organisations need to do more to protect their businesses and employees from cyber attacks as concerns grow for their online safety.
In light of the current climate, representatives at Virtual College by Netex have shared that it’s essential that small businesses in particular – who are often less aware of threats and have weaker technological defences – enhance their knowledge of cybersecurity.
The specialist online learning provider, which offers cybersecurity training crafted by some of the UK’s leading cybersecurity experts, states that it has already had 8390 allocations for its cybersecurity training courses in 2024 so far, which is 90% of its total allocations for last year, and 96% of its total allocations for 2022.
This highlights just how many organisations may now, in light of the recent cybersecurity landscape, be prioritising their cybersecurity defences.
In light of this, Virtual College by Netex has shared its expertise on what it feels are the biggest considerations companies should make to protect their private data and information.
Utilising Password Management Software, and Strengthening Your Passwords
All company passwords, for shared online workspaces and individual employee accounts, should be strengthened to enhance cybersecurity.
These passwords need to be strong in terms of complexity – utilising upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters – as well as unique. Virtual College by Netex shares that many companies choose to have a random password generator to assist them in the creation of super-secure passwords.
The company suggests organisations could consider password management software, such as LastPass or BitWarden, to keep all shared and personal passwords stored safely for trusted individuals to access.
Additionally, companies should ensure that two-factor authentication is enabled for all online accounts and work devices, which is essential to provide an added layer of protection.
Enhance Network Security
More often than not, small businesses will experience attempted cyber-attacks through their own networks and trusted devices.
Virtual College by Netex shares that this is why networks must be securely set up to prevent any data breaches from taking place. Segmenting networks can be a successful method in helping to keep data breaches from spreading across your entire network, reducing the likelihood of any irreversible damage from taking place.
Backup Your Data and Implement Protocols
An obvious cybersecurity tactic (but one that is still just as important) backing up essential company data means that, if ever it is stolen by a hacker or cybercriminal, damaged, or made inaccessible, it is not lost forever.
Virtual College by Netex adds that each backup of data needs to have its own individual access information and protection measures, including separate passwords and 2-factor authentication details, to further enhance your security.
Ensuring that a backup is stored offline is essential too so it can be accessed if your networks go down. Make sure that you are implementing backup protocol regularly so that newer information is always backed up. Also, considering how quickly backups can be restored will ensure that if a cyber incident takes place you know how soon you’ll get back on your feet.
Protecting All Company Devices Beyond Immediate Online Systems
Nowadays, more companies are using a range of electronic devices with online systems and storage, increasing the risk that data breaches can occur. From security cameras to ring doorbells and even smart thermostats, cybercriminals can work their way into accessing your networks and work devices via these electronics.
Virtual College by Netex highlights that, as more small businesses are expanding their spiderweb of digital devices, it’s critical that they have the necessary software updates, and firmware, and are kept as secure as main computer and phone systems.
Update passwords regularly and even segment these additional devices by keeping them stored on an alternative network to reduce the impact a cybersecurity breach could have on your business.
Deliver Essential Staff Training on Cybersecurity
While it may be managers and business owners who take the lead in implementing cybersecurity measures, Virtual College by Netex emphasises the importance of ensuring that the responsibility is shared across all members of a team.
Making sure that all of your organisation is vigilant and aware of the potential threats to your company’s cybersecurity is the first line of defence to keep you protected. Even having basic training, such as knowing how to avoid email phishing scams, can play a big role in upping your business’ cybersecurity system.
Having training ready and in place for new employees who join your company also means you are immediately implementing the measures necessary to protect your organisation as it grows.
Virtual College by Netex is an expert in online learning and offers a range of online accredited cybersecurity courses. You can find more information here >
https://www.virtual-college.co.uk/courses/search?q=cyber%20security