Cyber Security
Small Business / Home Office - IT ServicesScalable IT Solutions
Cyber Security
The times when a compromised email account only led to a few embarrassing spam messages are long gone. Today, such breaches can lead to significant financial losses or damage your reputation. This might include scams, loss of valuable data, encrypted files, or even blackmail. And, worryingly, these sorts of attacks are on the rise, especially in the small to medium business sector.
If you’re a business owner or executive who’s been overlooking the danger of cyber attacks, the real cost of that neglect will soon become painfully clear. In our modern era, cyber risk is a business hazard that can’t be brushed aside.
A truly effective cybersecurity strategy involves layers upon layers of protection. It’s not just about safeguarding the computers, networks, and data you want to keep secure. Your people, processes, and technology all have to work together to guard against these online threats.
Technology plays a critical role in providing the security tools that businesses and individuals need to defend against cyber attacks. Protection must be put in place for endpoint devices such as computers, smart devices, and routers; networks; and the cloud. Key technologies in the defence arsenal include advanced firewalls, DNS filtering, malware protection, antivirus software, and email security solutions.
When it comes to cybersecurity, prevention is always better than cure. So let’s not wait for an attack to happen before taking action. With a robust and comprehensive cybersecurity strategy in place, we can help you stay a step ahead of the threats. We are your allies in this digital age, and together, we can keep your business safe.
Australian Cyber Security Centre (Essential 8)
Cybersecurity is not a one-time event, but a continuous process that requires constant vigilance and adaptation. To help you protect your business from cyber threats, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has developed a set of eight cybersecurity strategies that can significantly reduce the risk and impact of cyberattacks. These strategies are:
Application control
This strategy involves restricting the applications that can run on your systems and devices to only those that are approved and trusted. This can prevent malicious software from executing or spreading on your network.
Patch applications
This strategy involves updating your applications with the latest security patches as soon as they are available. This can fix any vulnerabilities or bugs that may be exploited by cybercriminals.
Configure Microsoft Office macro settings
This strategy involves disabling or limiting the use of macros in Microsoft Office documents. Macros are small programs that can perform various tasks, but they can also be used to deliver malware or execute malicious commands.
User application hardening
This strategy involves configuring your web browsers and other applications to block or limit the execution of potentially harmful features, such as Flash, ads, Java, and pop-ups. This can reduce the exposure to malicious content or scripts that may compromise your security.
Restrict administrative privileges
This strategy involves limiting the number of users who have administrative rights on your systems and devices. Administrative privileges allow users to perform actions that can affect the security and functionality of your network, such as installing software, changing settings, or accessing sensitive data. By restricting these privileges, you can reduce the risk of unauthorized or accidental changes or damage.
Multi-factor authentication
This strategy involves using more than one method to verify the identity of a user who is trying to access your systems or data. For example, you can use a combination of a password, a code sent to your phone, or a biometric feature such as a fingerprint. This can prevent unauthorized access even if your password is compromised.
Patch operating systems
This strategy involves updating your operating systems with the latest security patches as soon as they are available. This can fix any vulnerabilities or bugs that may be exploited by cybercriminals.
Frequent backups
This strategy involves making regular copies of your important data and storing them in a secure location that is separate from your network. This can help you recover your data in case of a ransomware attack, a system failure, or a natural disaster.
By implementing these eight strategies, you can significantly improve your cybersecurity posture and resilience. However, these strategies are not exhaustive and may not cover all the possible scenarios or threats that you may face. Therefore, you should also conduct regular cybersecurity assessments and audits to identify and address any gaps or weaknesses in your security.
If you need any help or guidance on how to implement these strategies or improve your cybersecurity in general, please contact us today. We have the expertise, experience, and tools to help you protect your business from cyber threats.
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