A Business IT Problem
Don’t be fooled into thinking that cybercrime is only an IT problem. While the business IT support guys will install and manage security, update software and firewalls, provide network and Wi-Fi security and apply encryption, cybercrime prevention is everybody’s responsibility. In short, your company, big or small, has become a tech company.
Cybercrime and Cybercriminals
Cybercrime, in its many forms of hacking, ransomware, phishing, spamming and much more costs businesses £450 billion each year. Cybercriminals come disguised in one of these forms:
- Money-motivated – organised crime groups mainly from Eastern Europe
- Politically motivated – sophisticated cyber attackers that aim to steal sensitive data from governments
- Hacktivists – out to promote a cause and bring about change or disruption
- Inside players – often disgruntled employees or ex-employees who take delight in data theft and network breaches possibly with the intent of blackmail
Your Data Needs You
There you have it – cybercrime and cybercriminals in a nutshell. Now realize that more than 80% of data breaches are hacking-related using either stolen passwords or weak passwords.
You need to protect your data. If you don’t, you may see your thriving small business go down the drain. What can you do? Here are some of the basics:
- Deploy a multi-layered defence to protect all endpoints, data, applications, and devices.
- Backup and patch your data regularly and check that backups work.
- Enlist a business IT service company to help, support, and guide your cybersecurity policies and practices.
Cybercrime Costs
Cybercrime is costly. In the UK, even small start-ups each pay on average £1000 per year to deal with the problem. That’s a lot of money when you’re operating on a shoestring budget. Financial services, Energy and Technology are the sectors most susceptible to cyberattacks. Act now: get business IT support, educate your employees and keep your data safe.
