Did you know that 42% of small businesses have experienced a cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months? That the typical cost your business could face from a cyber breach is £1970? Or that 88% of cyber security breaches are caused by human error?
We talk often on here about why it’s important to build on your business’s online presence and to utilise technology as the world becomes more digital, but the consequence of this is the increasing risk of cyber-attacks. Here’s just some of the top cyber security threats to businesses across the UK:
Phishing - Criminals use emails, texts, social media, or calls to trick employees into clicking malicious links, sharing passwords or sensitive data and transferring money. They often create urgency such as “Your account will be suspended” or bribe you with tempting offers. Train staff to spot fake messages and verify before acting.
Ransomware - Ransomware locks your systems or encrypts data until you pay a ransom, often via a malicious link. Paying doesn’t guarantee recovery. Keep anti-virus updated, back-up data to secure cloud services and educate employees.
Impersonation - Attackers can pretend to be senior staff or suppliers to trick employees into sending money or sensitive info. These scams bypass security because they rely on trust. Always double-check email addresses and confirm requests by another method such as a phone call to a number you know belongs to them or verifying face to face where possible.
Insider threats - Employees, contractors, or suppliers can cause breaches, intentionally or by mistake. Limit access with a “need-to-know” policy and provide cybersecurity training.
Unpatched software - Delaying updates leaves systems open to attack. Hackers exploit old vulnerabilities. Enable auto-updates or assign someone to check weekly.
At BT, we take the security of your business seriously. As one of the leading global providers, we offer a wide range of services designed to protect and support your business. But what more can we do for our customers? Internally, we recommend a few key practices to help keep your business safe. Read our article on keeping your personal details safe online.
One thing we also do is offer a completely free Cyber Security Decoded mailing list to keep you up to date on the latest cyber security advice and guidance. You can find the sign-up form, as well as lots more information about cyber security on our dedicated website.
Do you have any advice about keeping cyber secure? Please join the conversation below.
