Keeping your organisation protected against cyber threats

As the business environment across the UK has changed and remote working has become the norm, systems have evolved to keep pace with business and user expectations. Companies have replaced their legacy and on-premises systems with cloud-based solutions, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. This digital transformation has exacerbated already rising cyber security threats.

Evaluating your current security

It has become increasingly important to maintain a proactive stance towards cyber threats. This can be achieved via a strong and up-to-date security system, encompassing end users, networks, and cloud and applications.

To secure your organisation, we recommend you embrace a multi-layered approach to cyber security, which encompasses your governance, end users, applications, and network.

It is also crucial that you know the types of malicious attacks out there. Ransomware, phishing, spoofing and attacks on third parties are all potential threats of which businesses must be aware. While the response you adopt against these threats will be unique to your cyber security strategy, all businesses are facing the same threats.

In the UK there is currently a cyber security skills shortage which can be mitigated by outsourcing to a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP). Specialist MSSPs provide a host of benefits, including the scale to provide 24/7 monitoring to detect threats, a faster response to security incidents, and a greater breadth of expertise. Costs are controlled and they offer expert advice which is essential to your business’ security.

Enhancing cyber hygiene for your business

Social engineering attacks are becoming more frequent in today’s cyber climate. The rise of ransomware is non-discriminatory, affecting large and small businesses alike. It’s imperative that employees remain vigilant and are aware of the potential threats. Through security awareness training and testing, businesses can build a robust human firewall, making it far less likely that breaches will occur. The majority of successful attacks start with a phishing email, so it is imperative that employees remain alert and do as much as they can to avoid falling victim. This requires to a program of continuous education to ensure that employees are always aware of the current trends and biggest red flags.

Insurance is not a line of defence

When analysing your cyber security portfolio, you must consider Cyber Insurance. This is a safety net to compensate financial damage if your company falls victim to a ransomware attack. Cyber insurance will cover the cost of legal fees, data recovery, and more. It alleviates some of the pressure that is already felt after a company breach. However, it will not overcome the damage to your reputation or the impact of a breach on your staff. Also, as cyber threats are becoming more complex, insurance companies are becoming more cautious, and policies are harder to secure if your cyber security is not seen to be sufficient.

Secure your business against cyber threats

A thorough, multilayered approach to cyber security is necessary in today’s digital world. It is not sufficient to employ one or two solution and assume you are secure. Your security portfolio needs to be constantly monitored and updated, as cyber criminals become more knowledgeable on how to overcome current defences.

Download our White Paper on how to improve your organisation’s cyber security to find out more.