Cyber security – What is it?

Cyber security protects your personal computer or internet enabled devices against unauthorised access, malicious software and hacker programming. With 3 billion plus internet users worldwide, communicating through technology has become second nature. Businesses advertise, market, sell and communicate with clients. In addition, people chat with family and friends and share personal data, photographs and memories. Furthermore, financial transactions flow every second of every day with internet banking and other 24/7 businesses. Hence, the internet is an established and essential part of our everyday lives. Consequently, we need to protect ourselves.

Protect your business with cyber security?

Run a business and your IT equipment, services, company accounts and history are all at risk. In particular, the key asset you hold is information. With the new data regulations due at the end of the year, business owners are under pressure to protect customer information and data. Otherwise, there is a real risk of huge fines. Therefore, whether you host your information on your own servers or on a third party hosted system you are still at risk. Sadly, one single incident could cause chaos and damage your reputation.

Check list

Check whether you comply with all of the latest regulations in terms of protecting customer data. Identify who has access and to what. Assess passwords and whether they are regularly updated. Make sure staff are well trained. If you feel you are in need of some professional advice then seek out an IT solutions specialist – Nybble provide cyber security advice and solutions to many businesses in the UK. Have a recovery plan ready should the worst happen.

Make sure you have:

Protection – anti-virus, anti-malware and the latest updates to your operating system and web browsers.

Restrictions – make sure the use of USB’s and other media is controlled to avoid infection and strong passwords in case of loss or theft.

Know your users – Have good control over who has access to systems and information.

A secure network – make sure you have firewalls, encrypted Wi-Fi and other measures protecting your network.

A robust infrastructure and monitoring – ensure you can identify any unauthorised action.

Secure storage – Cyber security is absolutely vital due to the new regulations coming in.

Trained staff – who know how to spot basic potential threats like unsafe links and emails.

Only use licensed and registered software

Restricted internet usage

Safe disposal procedures

Personal Responsibility

Finally, make sure you are careful with any mobile or removable device. All in all it is common sense to ensure you are taking all the vital precautions and seeking help from the professionals in any area you are not confident. Extend cyber security protection to each part of your business and breathe easy knowing you are compliant and secure.

Posted by Jill Wells – 16/10/2015