Digital transformation has opened up a wealth of opportunities for businesses trying to scale and grow in the modern economy. As businesses in Brighton and beyond continue to embrace new technologies, take more of their operations online, and automate time-consuming and manual processes, the potential that exists in the digital space is almost limitless. Digital solutions can pave the way for better time management which can, in turn, boost efficiency and help companies achieve their long-term business goals.
That said, despite the benefits that businesses can see when digitising their operations, the risk of cyber attacks has never been higher. Cybercrime is on the rise, with attacks growing in sophistication, severity and frequency with each passing day.
Therefore, it’s crucial for companies, particularly those adopting more digital, cloud-based infrastructure and productivity-boosting tools like artificial intelligence (AI), to make cyber security a priority in the months and years ahead. This guide will explore some of the most proactive and straightforward ways to protect your data, systems, finances and reputation.
The evolving cyber threat landscape
Cybercriminals are continuously devising new strategies to exploit vulnerabilities and gain unauthorised access to sensitive information. Even if you, as a small business owner or startup entrepreneur, have limited and perceptively ‘non-valuable’ data to offer should your systems be exploited, the knock-on effect an attack could have can be devastating.
Some SMEs in Brighton, even after suffering and recovering from a cyber attack, might find turbulent marketplaces increasingly more difficult to navigate. This is especially problematic if reputations and local customer trust are shattered following a data breach.
Cyber attacks can take place in seemingly the most innocuous of places, which is why Brighton business owners can’t afford to overlook their threat exposure in 2024.
- Ransomware: This type of malware (malicious software) encrypts an organisation’s files and critical systems, demanding a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key.
- Phishing attacks: Malicious actors - often disguised as known individuals or entities - use deceptive emails, texts, or social media messages to trick users into revealing login credentials or other sensitive information.
- Insider threats: Disgruntled employees, contractors, or partners with access to sensitive data can intentionally or unintentionally compromise your business security.
- Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks: These attacks aim to overload a website or network server with traffic, making it unavailable to legitimate users. The downtime and disruption caused can erode customer trust and damage sales.
- Brute force attacks: Some hackers may leverage botnets to trigger rapid, repeated attempts to crack logins and passwords to critical systems.
Simple, proactive ways to strengthen your security
To combat these evolving threats, businesses must adopt a multi-layered approach to cyber security.
1. Invest in enterprise-grade security solutions
Small and medium-sized businesses often underestimate the value of investing in robust security solutions, but this can be a costly mistake. Consider deploying enterprise-grade solutions like web application firewalls, endpoint detection and response (EDR), and penetration testing solutions to protect your network, systems, and devices from sophisticated threats.
2. Implement strong password policies and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
All users’ login credentials must be unique, with minimum criteria set for password complexity and length. Backing up login attempts with MFA adds an additional layer of security by prompting users to provide a form of authentication, whether it’s a one-time code sent to a device, a biometric print, or an email link. Even if passwords are seized by a cybercriminal, MFA makes it much harder for systems to be exploited.
3. Secure your web applications and hosting
If your business operates a website or web applications, it's crucial to ensure they are secure from the outset. Work with a reputable website hosting provider that offers robust security features, such as web application firewalls (WAFs), SSL/TLS encryption, and regular security updates and patching. Additionally, ensure that your web applications are routinely tested for bugs and vulnerabilities.
4. Implement strong backup strategies
In the event of a cyber attack which results in data loss, having a reliable backup and recovery strategy in place is vital. Deploy regular on-site and off-site backups of critical systems and files, while testing your recovery procedures to ensure they work as intended during an emergency.
In the evolving cyber threat landscape of today, it’s clear that security is not a one-time fix, nor should it be. It’s an ongoing priority that requires vigilance, adaptability, and improvements. 1.5 million UK businesses were hit by cybercrime last year, but the strategies above can help businesses in Brighton and nearby significantly enhance their resilience and protect their valuable assets.
Chloe Miller is a freelance writer specialising in marketing, business, lifestyle and wellness content to help businesses grow conversions and build a stronger reputation online. Find out more on Chloe's website here.
Image by Sarah Bennett Commercial Photography.
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