Protecting yourself from cyber criminals is easier than you think and shouldn't be thought of as a daunting task to do. Especially when it can save your small business from thousands of pounds.
These are challenging times for UK businesses - not least because COVID-19 has forced many firms to rely more on digital technology as their staff work from home. But now begin to recover from a far from ideal year, and start opening up their doors once again.
While the world is focused on the health and economic threats posed by the pandemic, cyber criminals are undoubtedly capitalising on the crisis - with experts observing a spike in phishing attacks, Malspams and ransomware attacks.
As such, cyber security has become more critical than ever. The idea of formal 'cyber security' is new to many business owners. Even hearing the expression may sound intimidating. But it does not have to be.
In 2020, the National Cyber Security Centre revamped and relaunched its Small Business Guide to help small businesses - many of whom won't have dedicated IT staff - protect themselves from cyber crime. In response to businesses and partners, the Government agency launched an updated version, with a new design and up-to-date advice about how you can protect yourself from the most common cyber attacks.
The NCSC has also updated:
the Small Business Guide Actions (a list of actions to carry in accordance with the Small Business Guide)
the Response & Recovery Guide (to help small businesses prepare their response to and plan their recovery from a cyber incident)
If you're new to cyber security, the above guidance will get you started. You can also obtain the latest cyber resilience guidance and toolkits to support your business by signing up for free Core Membership right here at the East Midlands Cyber Resilience Centre.
More experienced readers may want to check their existing cyber security measures against it, to ensure their devices and data are suitably protected.
Reporting
Report all Fraud and Cybercrime to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or online. Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Report SMS scams by forwarding the original message to 7726 (spells SPAM on the keypad).