Running a business can be challenging enough without having to deal with the outcome of fraud and other online and data security issues.
The National Cyber Security Centre provides a number of links that are relevant for your business, whether you are a sole trader or a large organisation, and you can find the links and a few tips below:
Back to Basics
Golden rules for you and your staff:
- Choose, use and protect passwords carefully, and use a different one for every account.
- Ensure that reputable internet security software or an app is loaded, kept updated and switched on.
- Never reveal too much personal or financial information…you never know who might see it, or use it and you can never be sure who is asking.
- Don’t click on links or open attachments if the source isn’t 100% known and trustworthy.
- Take your time and think twice, because everything may not be as it seems.
Top 10 Expert Tips to help you to safeguard your business:
- Run regular online safety and information security awareness for all employees. Get staff to question and challenge things that don’t seem right.
- Ensure that only those who need it can gain physical access to computers and servers.
- Enforce strict access to company, employee and consumer data.
- Perform regular backups to a reputable service, preferably one that is in the cloud and easily accessible when you need it.
- Introduce and reinforce rules about mobile devices, including keeping them safe, use of public internet and secured home access, and the use of employees own smartphones and tablets in the business.
- Make sure you and all staff can spot the signs of a social engineering email or phone call designed to gain confidential information and know how to avoid the company being defrauded in this way.
- Have a software policy firmly in place including usage, updates, licences and what to do with redundant programs and apps.
- When disposing of redundant computers, servers and mobile devices, ensure all data is thoroughly erased (not just deleted) to ensure it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
- Set guidelines about employees social media use to help ensure that the reputation of the business is not compromised.
- If your business enables access to its systems by others in the supply chain, take steps to ensure that they have robust technology and process in place.
10 Steps to Cyber Security Online tips for staff to stay safe online
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