The Problem
According to the National Federation of Small Businesses, small firms across the UK suffer a whopping 10,000 cyber-attacks per day. Yet, companies are not as prepared as they think. Alternatively, they are inaccurately assessing their readiness.
The average cyber-attack costs small firms more than £1,300. Despite this scary figure, 35% of small firms say they have not installed any security software for the last two years. Furthermore, 40% do not regularly update software.
Increasingly, systems contain a larger volume of sensitive or commercially valuable data. Furthermore, the increase in sophistication, breadth and frequency of threats has made this data more vulnerable. Moreover, the rise of home working has also increased the vulnerability of data as computers leave the safety of a closed workplace network. As a result, this means that it is more important than ever to stay on top of security.
What steps should you be taking to prevent cyber-attacks?
- Install and Update Antivirus Software: Ensure all devices have comprehensive antivirus software that is set to automatically update and monitor for threats, keeping defenses current against emerging risks.
- Automate System Updates: Regularly update all software to fix vulnerabilities that hackers often exploit. Automating these updates helps prevent attacks that target outdated systems.
- Configure Firewalls Properly: A well-configured firewall is crucial for blocking unauthorized access. Ensure your firewall is set up to protect your network while allowing necessary communication.
- Monitor Security Continuously: Implement continuous security monitoring to detect and respond to suspicious activities in real-time, preventing potential breaches.
- Secure and Test Backups: Regularly back up data and ensure backups are secure and separate from primary systems. Test the recovery process frequently to ensure critical data can be quickly restored in case of an attack
How can Northstar help?
Don’t wait until a cyber-attack puts your business at risk. With Northstar’s help, you can stay one step ahead of hackers, protecting your valuable data and ensuring the continuity of your operations.
If you need a little help with any of the above points or don’t even know where to start Northstar can help. For just £3/ month/ computer, Northstar can monitor your network security, while keeping you in control of your systems. Get in touch today to find out more
