Take cyber security seriously before it’s too late

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As companies move increasingly digital, the risks they face do also – with ensuring the appropriate cyber security protections are in place one of the biggest priorities for any business.

By Sarah Green, business manager – cyber security, Training 2000.

Whether via websites and ecommerce or the maintaining of company and customer data on a server, and everything in between, these are all vulnerable to cyber attack – and you don’t have to be a multi-million pound organisation to suffer the dire consequences that a successful breach can bring.

It is possible for an attack to force a sole trader or SME to cease trading, such is the damage that can be done to company finances, digital systems and reputation.

With the varied risks ranging from spam emails and weak passwords through to encryption and phishing, the real and growing dangers can seem a scary prospect and overwhelming. However there are simple actions you can take to protect yourself, your business and your reputation.

Cyber Essentials is a government-backed scheme which allows businesses to gain a certification which showcases protections against cyber criminals.

Demonstrating their commitment to good ‘cyber hygiene’, Cyber Essentials is increasingly mandatory in supply chains across a variety of sectors and this will increasingly be the case.

The growth in cyber crime coupled with the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation in 2018 means that businesses need to protect the data they hold on customers, suppliers and staff.

Investing in cyber security in 2017 now offers assurance that your business is fit to survive the existential dangers that 21st century criminals pose, and will continue to pose going forward.

It is time to take the risk seriously, understanding that it’s not if, but when, cyber crime impacts your business. Are you and your staff ready?