Cyber security is a regular topic of conversation these days. With numerous recent high-profile cyber security breaches, protecting your online platforms has never been so important. Cyber attacks on the UK supply chain have also been on the rise, meaning that the government is now working more closely with SMEs that have systems that are certified. Find out the top 5 cyber security myths circulating at the moment.
Cyber crime doesn’t affect small businesses
The idea that cyber crime does not affect small businesses can be extremely damaging. A recent study found that 58% of malware cyber attack victims were categorised as SMEs. The study also uncovered an increase in the number of SME businesses being targeted by cyber criminals. Over the course of 2017, cyber attacks cost SMEs an average of between £65,000 and £115,000, in the worst cases – meaning that it is essential that you ensure your small business is protected from cyber crime.
Only IT should be concerned with cyber security
Cyber security is and should be a cross-brand issue. From sales to marketing, cyber security should be a top priority, protecting your customers – and yourself – from data misuse and breaches. Everything from data accuracy and privacy to integrity needs to be protected. Customer personal information and corporate data are among the vast array of things that need to be protected from cyber attacks. Therefore, cyber security measures should be paramount across an organisation to ensure total protection from cyber threats.
Cyber attacks won’t hit my business
This kind of thinking will not only put your business in danger – it could also have devastating consequences for your customers. Adopting an “it won’t happen to me” attitude towards cyber security will almost guarantee that you will become a victim of cyber crime. In today’s digital age, cyber attacks are becoming increasingly damaging. Credit card fraud, misusing personal information and hacking are only a few examples of the types of cyber attack that could affect your business. Get protected and defend your business from cyber harm.
Firewalls will protect my enterprise
Not necessarily. Many organisations that experience data breaches have a firewall in place. However, like other criminals, hackers are becoming ever-more sophisticated, developing hacking techniques that can penetrate many firewalls. As a business, you need to ensure that you have secure and up-to-date software in place that will protect your enterprise from such cyber attacks.
Passwords are adequate security
Passwords will indeed provide you with a level of security – a level that is normally extremely low. Passwords can be easily compromised and do not offer protection against malware or viruses. Without adequate cyber protection your business is open to a long list of potential data breaches and cyber attacks. Having a password is not enough to protect your online presence from hackers. Having quality cyber security measures in place, however, will afford strong protection to any business with an online presence – whether that is a website or an online database. It is vital that any platform containing access to digital information or data is fully protected.
Protect your business from cyber attacks
Find out more about the benefits of Cyber Essentials certification and how it can help you reduce your business’s exposure to potential cyber threats.