Cyber security is more important than ever. Every day, the digital world evolves, and new cyber security risks need to be managed.
For small businesses, this can often be misinterpreted as over-budget security systems or over-qualified in-house teams.
At Midland Computers, we help small UK businesses stay secure without expensive spreadsheets or over-complicated systems. Instead, we bring expert, cost-effective, proactive IT support.
Why Cyber Security Matters for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
A common misconception that leads to weak cybersecurity is the belief that small organisations are not targeted by cyber criminals because they have less data, smaller budgets and less to lose. Why target a small business when you can shoot for larger organisations?
However, this itself is the biggest cyber security risk. Small businesses are often the ones targeted because they may not have strong cyber security in place. By underestimating cyber security, your small business is an easy target.
Cyber Attacks: The Challenge of Limited Resources
Cyber attacks are deeper than a spam email or dodgy phone call. There can be serious consequences. Recognising signs of a cyber attack early can be the difference between containing an incident and facing a serious data breach.
Phishing is the most common type of cyber attack reported by UK businesses, accounting for 83% of all cyber attacks in 2022.
Malware is an umbrella term for malicious software that can enable hackers to bypass security networks and steal data.
Ransomware involves criminals illegally hacking into a company’s IT systems, encrypting files, and demanding a financial ransom to retrieve the data.
Cyber attacks can lead to lost files, leaked customer data, business downtime, and serious reputational damage. The first step to protect your business is to remain aware of cyber threats.
How Midland Computers Helps Protect From Cyber Threats
At Midland Computers, we’re not here to hard sell an expensive security system or confuse you with technical jargon. We’re here to keep you cyber safe.
Practical Advice Against Cyber Crime:
1. Policies, Training and Plans
Having a clear security policy can help respond to the threat of cyber attacks by coaching employees on data security behaviour. There are a few practical steps that automatically protect your business and significantly reduce cyber threats:
- Conducting regular training helps employees recognise phishing, social engineering, and fake invoice scams.
- Encouraging employees to report suspicious emails or websites can create a cybersecure culture.
- Organisations should plan for cyber incidents as part of general risk planning to mitigate impact and restore systems quickly.
2. Passwords and Computer Systems
Bite sized actions to increase your data security and reduce the risk of sensitive data leaks in the case of cyber attacks or lost or stolen devices:
- Using strong passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication can significantly enhance security. Employees can use password managers to help create and store passwords.
- Password policies should mandate unique passwords of 12–14 characters that include letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Remind employees that sharing passwords or similar sensitive data is risky!
3. Business Data Security and Recovery
Having a clear recovery plan is just as important as backing up data. Data backup and recovery should be a cornerstone of your cyber security strategy.
- Use a trusted cloud storage provider to store backups securely off-site.
- The 3-2-1 backup rule involves maintaining three copies of data on two different media types, with one copy off-site or in the cloud.
- Regularly review cyber security to keep up to date with best practices.
Cybersecurity doesn’t require an expensive, over-budget system or an in-house cyber team. It simply requires awareness, action and accountability.
Your Cost-Effective, Proactive Solution
Managed IT support is our way of giving small business owners peace of mind. From cyber security expertise to proactive monitoring and scalable support, Midland Computers is the IT guy for small businesses.
Key security services provided:
- Email & phishing security
- Backup & disaster recovery
If you are a small business owner, director or office manager wanting to protect your business, whether that’s protection from common cyber attacks and identifying phishing attacks or reviewing your current cyber security and digital assets, we are here to help.
Don’t leave your security to chance – our friendly team of experts is ready to help. Contact us today for a free consultation or a thorough security review and take the first step toward peace of mind