In the wake of yet another cyber-attack to hit the world this week, including reports of at least two Australian companies affected by the ‘Petya’ ransomware attack, it’s a timely reminder for business owners about the importance of protecting your business from cyber-attacks.
Small business owners can no longer overlook cyber security and are vulnerable to the same scams and cyber-attacks that prey on large corporations and individuals. Business owners may suffer severe ramifications from a significant security breach, which may even hamper your businesses’ ability to continue operating.
According to a 2015 study by US-based Ponemon Institute and IBM, a security breach in Australia can cost millions of dollars, in addition to the reputational damage a high-profile attack can cause.
Here are eight ways you can protect your business from cyber-attacks.
- Keep software updated, since updates often include security patches.
- Educate all staff regarding the risks and how to protect themselves and the business.
- Demand strong passwords for all applications, not just key applications like banking or invoicing.
- Use up-to-date security solutions including anti-virus, firewalls, intrusion detection, and threat detection.
- Never click on links to banking sites in emails or texts. If in doubt, call the bank directly.
- Treat mobile devices the same way you would treat computers as they are equally if not more vulnerable to attack.
- Ensure your files are backed up regularly and reliably.
- Get professional advice to improve your online security position and conduct a risk assessment. Cyber insurance can protect you and your clients against the damage that can be caused by cyber-attacks, and equip you with the tools you need to recover quickly.
We can refer Cyber Insurance for you, to get a quote please give us a call or send us a message online!
