The recent cyber attack on Jaguar Land Rover has once again brought cyber security into sharp focus. High profile incidents like this highlight how even the largest and most established organisations can fall victim to sophisticated threats.
For small and medium-sized businesses, the risks are just as real, and the consequences can be severe. Cyber attacks are happening to all businesses; don’t think that as a small business you wouldn’t be targeted.
A successful attack can disrupt operations, damage reputations and lead to significant financial loss. Every business needs to take a proactive approach to security and not assume that they are too small to be targeted.
Cyber criminals often see smaller businesses as easier targets because they may not have the same resources or expertise as larger corporations. However, by adopting sensible measures, you can dramatically reduce your exposure.
How to protect your business
The first step is to ensure that all software and systems are kept up to date. Many attacks exploit known vulnerabilities that could have been prevented with regular updates. Making patching and updates a routine part of IT management is therefore vital, and it’s something your IT provider should be taking care of.
Another area that requires attention is staff awareness. Human error remains one of the most common causes of security breaches. Simple mistakes, such as clicking on a suspicious link in an email, can have serious consequences.
Training employees to recognise potential threats and encouraging a culture of caution can make a real difference. Regular refresher sessions and simulated phishing exercises can help staff stay alert.
Strong access controls are also essential. Passwords should be complex and unique, and where possible, multi-factor authentication should be enabled. Restricting access so that employees only have the permissions they need to do their job can further reduce the risk of unauthorised activity. Backing up data securely and testing recovery procedures is equally important. In the event of an attack, having reliable backups can mean the difference between a quick recovery and a complete halt to operations.
Finally, you should not overlook the value of expert advice. Partnering with a trusted IT provider, such as Shropshire Computers, can provide reassurance and access to specialist knowledge. We can help assess vulnerabilities, implement protective measures and provide ongoing support. We can also help you get your Cyber Essentials accreditation, which will help you put protective measures in place.
Cyber security is not a one-time project but an ongoing commitment. By learning from incidents like the JLR attack and taking action now, businesses can build resilience and protect their future.
Get in touch to talk about how we can help your business become more secure.
