Cyber security might be something you’d rather not spend time on, which is understandable — you’ve got a lot more on your plate. However, if you don’t give it the attention it needs up front, then it’ll cost you time (and more) later.

You need a cyber security strategy that

Works out where your weaknesses are
Assesses the threats that you’re likely to face
Tailors your cyber protection

Finding your weaknesses

Some of the most dangerous cyber vulnerabilities are also the most common. Address these as soon as you can:

Remote working on unsecured Wi-Fi networks
Poor password discipline (e.g. 12345, Liverpool20, P@ssw0rd, etc.)
Outdated software — older versions can contain known weaknesses to exploit
Social engineering — exploiting psychology to trick someone into compromising security
Exposed or unsecured premises that cyber criminals can infiltrate

You can assess your own weaknesses, but if you want a thorough, expert review, then you should consider approaching a cyber security expert to test your capabilities.

So, what does that look like?

Physical. Risks like device theft and access to premises and hardware
Cloud. Testing the safety of cloud software and files
Wireless. Assessing Wi-Fi safety and protection
Application. Software security weaknesses
Network. Scanning and testing connected systems and devices

The cyber threat landscape

88% of data breaches are caused by human error

90% of ransomware attacks start with email phishing

150% increase in cloud vulnerabilities in the last five years

68% of organisations have fallen victim to endpoint attacks

75% of security professionals say their organisation’s cyber risk has increased

96% of organisations grant third parties (partners, contractors, etc.) access to critical systems. Your security is only as strong as your partners’ and suppliers’

Overview of how to choose a cyber security solution

What are my options?

Security isn’t ‘one size fits all’, but there are basic elements that any organisation needs: Preventative training against human error Email security A managed firewall Endpoint security Managed Detection and Response (MDR) to catch and eliminate threats Threat-monitoring and regular security review

What is a Managed Firewall?

A firewall filters incoming information to prevent threats entering. A managed firewall involves teams who ensure your systems are updated and protected 24/7/365.

What is MDR?

An outsourced cyber security service that monitors your systems for breaches and attacks, flags them when it finds them, and neutralises the threat.

What is Endpoint Protection?

Firewalls, email security, and MDR should stop attacks in their tracks. However, nothing is perfect, so endpoint protection defends devices against any threat that gets through.

Where do we go from here?

Here’s how you kick off, run, and manage a cyber security strategy. Assign team (internal and external) Define goals Create tracking documents for progress Review security culture Review security processes Design an incident response plan Evaluate Repeat

None of these techniques or principles work in isolation. Take one out, and there’s a gaping hole in your defences.

How easy is it to breach your cyber secuirty? Find out with a Cyber Security Review.

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