Be Aware, Stay Safe

The Government's Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2018 found that the average cost of cyber security breaches to large organisations is £22,300 while for SMEs it's £2,310. Add to this the potential for reputational damage, loss of customers, and it's safe to say that it pays to be cyber-aware.

While larger organisations typically have some understanding of the cyber threats they may face, many small to medium-sized businesses are unclear regarding the vulnerabilities in their infrastructure, with as many as 45% under the impression that they are not a viable target.

The reality is, you don't have to be operating within a sensitive field or a lucrative market to be a target - the majority of cyber attacks are automated and indiscriminate, designed to penetrate known weaknesses, irrespective of the name on the door.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a part of GCHQ, recently published its second Annual Review which highlights the sustained threat from hostile state actors and cyber criminals. To illustrate the magnitude of the situation, the NCSC’s cyber security front line has helped to support with 1,167 cyber incidents since it became fully operational in 2016, including 557 in the last 12 months.

The good news is there are steps you can take and measures you can put in place to protect your organisation. The NCSC has some common sense, jargon-free, guidance available on their Cyber Essentials website. This is a good starting point and features five basic controls designed to set you on the path to better cyber security.

You can find more useful, easy to understand tips here.