Cyber security: You're only as strong as your weakest link

By Wayne Fulton, Seriun

26 May 2023

Wayne Fulton of Seriun

As a business owner, you know that technology is essential for the smooth running of your operations.

However, it also presents an increased risk of cyber threats and attacks. While bolstering your cyber security defences can help prevent many of these threats, your employees remain the weakest link and could render all your efforts useless.

Your team are responsible for handling sensitive information, accessing critical systems, and making decisions that can impact your business’s security.

Unfortunately, they are also the most vulnerable to phishing attacks, which could easily trick individuals into divulging corporate data or downloading malware onto their devices.

As we all know, phishing attacks can have devastating consequences for your business, including financial losses, reputational damage and even legal implications.

That is why it is vital for you to train your employees to recognise phishing attempts.

One effective way to do this is by conducting phishing testing and simulation exercises which involve sending fake phishing emails or messages to your employees to see how they react.

These exercises can help you identify employees who need additional training and understand where your vulnerabilities lie.

After conducting phishing testing and simulation, you can provide targeted training to employees who need it. This training should focus on how to recognise and respond to phishing attempts, as well as reporting suspicious emails or messages to the appropriate personnel.

It is crucial to note that the results should not be used to punish employees who fall for the simulated attacks. Instead these exercises should be viewed as an opportunity to improve your overall security.

Employees who report suspicious emails should be praised for their vigilance, and those requiring additional training should receive it promptly and supportive.

By regularly conducting phishing testing and simulation followed by training, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to phishing attacks.

However, this should not be viewed as a one-time exercise. Cyber threats and attacks are constantly evolving, and your employees need to be trained regularly to stay up to date on the latest threats.

You can implement several additional measures to protect against phishing attacks.

Use email authentication protocols such as DMARC, DKIM, and SPF to prevent email spoofing and ensure that emails come from legitimate sources.

Web filtering and firewalls can be used to block known phishing websites and prevent employees from accessing them.

You should also apply regular software updates and patches to ensure that your systems and applications have the latest security features and fixes.

Finally, implement password policies that force your employees to use strong and unique passwords.

After implementing the aforementioned controls and testing your employees, your business should be less likely to fall victim to a cyber attack.

If you need further help or advice, you could partner with an outsourced cyber security provider.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Wayne Fulton, Seriun

Latest news

1

Construction begins on new Civil Service office building in Talbot Gateway Alan McBride Muse Will Town Defence Infrastructure Organisation Jennifer Chard Defence Business Services Cllr Lynn Williams Blackpool Council Garry Bowker Vinci

Construction begins on new Civil Service office building in Talbot Gateway

20 May 2025

2

Skiddle raises over £750,000 for charities Skiddle cheque presentation to Alder Hey Hospital

Skiddle raises over £750,000 for charities

20 May 2025

3

Former Victorian Hotel approved for residential conversion The site

Former Victorian Hotel approved for residential conversion

19 May 2025

4

REVOLUTION PARK: Work starts on Darwen’s new home of advanced manufacturing Oliver Webber, Tracy Clavell-Bate and Tim Webber from Barnfield Group with Cllr Phil Riley, second from right, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council

REVOLUTION PARK: Work starts on Darwen’s new home of advanced manufacturing

19 May 2025

5

Two Cuckoo Gins named winners in The Gin Guide Awards 2025 Mark Long

Two Cuckoo Gins named winners in The Gin Guide Awards 2025

19 May 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200pxtrident 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: May
Freelancer Meet-Up May.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: May

society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Amber River True Bearing quarterly investment seminar
LBV Hub Seminars
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

Amber River True Bearing quarterly investment seminar

Cottons Hotel & Spa , Knutsford, WA16 0SU

16:00 - 18:00

Liverpool Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-881365363-4862066883-1-original.20241023-085714.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
23 May 2025 - 23 May 2025

Liverpool Business Expo 2025

Aintree Racecourse , Liverpool , L9 5AS

09:00 - 15:00

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 29
Artboard 15.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
29 May 2025 - 29 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 29

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV122 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin