As a business owner, one of the biggest headaches is trying to ensure your company runs smoothly without the risk of unwanted criminal attacks. Today, firms big and small face multiple risks both online and offline from criminals and, indeed, a recent survey found that the majority of business owners consider themselves at risk from cyberattacks.
As the world moves increasingly digital and we entrust more and more of our sensitive data to online services – including business data – the risks from cyberattacks have grown exponentially. Indeed, it’s estimated that one in five Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) falls victim to online crime – with a shocking 60% of them going bust within six months of the attack.
Offline risks – both internal and external
The risks to business aren’t reserved purely in the online realm – companies run the danger of break-ins, theft and burglary. Also, while none of us likes to think of those we know and trust acting against us, crime perpetrated by employees in the workplace is surprisingly common. As a general guide, to protect your firm’s workplace better, you should consider the following steps:
- Use outer perimeter defenses such as walls, fences, etc – and think about adding barbed wire
- Use access control around your premises to limit who goes where – plus keep out unwanted access from strangers
- Install security lighting around your building
- Fit strong locks to doors and windows
- Store valuable items safely
- Reduce the amount of cash you hold in your business premises
- Install CCTV recording apparatus – particularly in areas where you have high-value goods
- Be sure to display signs showing the security devices you’ve fitted to deter would-be criminals
- Speak to your insurance company or ask for advice from the police on potential weak areas in your building where a criminal might gain access
Online risks
The vast majority of modern companies now rely on tech, the web and computers in pretty much all aspects of their operations. However, as soon as you go online, you open your company to the potential of cyberattack. Cybercrime can take many forms – anything from relatively simple phishing emails to full-blown targeted attacks against servers and data. To give your company the best protection, you should consider the following steps:
- Ensure you keep all software updated – everything from your Operating Systems to your company website’s Content Management System (CMS) and plug-ins
- Outsource your firm’s IT to a respected and trusted cloud services provider
- Insist all employees use strong alphanumeric passwords and make sure they change them regularly – plus avoid using the same user credentials over multiple accounts (i.e. using the same passes for business email, social media, private accounts, etc)
- Make sure you have up-to-date antivirus and firewalls
- Keep staff updated with security risks and consider training them in the dangers that exist online (i.e. particularly from phishing attacks which are now one of the most common points of entry for cybercriminals)
To read more on topics like this, check out the Business category
Leave a Reply