Cyber Security Awareness Month
General

Cyber Security Awareness Month

 moretime PA Team, 28th October 2024

Every year, businesses and individuals come together to observe Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October—a reminder to stay vigilant and informed about online security. In a world that’s becoming increasingly digital, cyber threats are a serious and growing concern, especially for businesses that depend on technology. Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a larger enterprise, cybersecurity should be a top priority to protect yourself against cybercrime.

It cannot be denied that the modern digitalised society has unlocked amazing opportunities for businesses, but it also comes with significant risks.

In the UK alone, there were 7.78 million cyber-attacks on businesses so far in 2024, which is an average of 21,315 attacks per day. Phishing attacks were the most common type of cyber-attack, accounting for 84% of all incidents, with ransomware attacks also increasing by 70%.

Businesses store a vast amount of data, including personal information of clients and employees, financial records and other proprietary information. 50% of UK businesses have experienced a cyber-attack so far in 2024, with the average cost being £3,230. Yet only 31% of UK businesses conducted a cyber risk assessment this year and only 15% have a formal cybersecurity incident management plan. A cyber-attack can lead to severe consequences such as:

  1. Financial loss: data breaches can lead to financial penalties, ransom payments and costs of restoring the systems
  2. Reputation damage: customers may not trust the business to keep their information secure, leading to a loss of business and trust
  3. Operational disruption: cyberattacks can lead to systems shutting down, affecting operations and productivity
  4. Legal and regulatory implications: companies must comply with data protection regulations (such as GDPR) so a breach can result in fines and legal repercussions

However, there are many ways that you can strengthen your cybersecurity knowledge and make a positive impact on your business’ security. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Stay updated on cybersecurity trends: cyber threats constantly evolve, so by following trusted cybersecurity blogs, news sites and official sources like the National Cyber Security Alliance, you can stay educated about the latest tactics used by cybercriminals
  2. Provide training and awareness programs to your employees: by introducing regular training programs, such as phishing simulations a data protection workshops, your employees can learn to recognise potential threats such as suspicious emails and know to create strong passwords and report unusual activities
  3. Engage with online courses and certifications: you can find many online resources and certifications to enhance your cybersecurity skills. Websites like Coursera, Udemy and Cybrary offer courses covering topics like network security, ethical hacking and security principles. Certifications like CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional and Certified Ethical Hacker provide advanced training to deepen your knowledge
  4. Secure your devices and networks: by implementing strong practices such as strong passwords, regular software updates and enabling multi-factor authentication can significantly improve your business’ security position. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and firewalls allow secure connections and prevent unauthorised access, so this is something you should also consider

With the right knowledge and proactive measures, you and your business can protect yourselves from cyber threats and safeguard any sensitive data you may hold. Taking time to educate yourself and your employees on cybersecurity not only reduces risks, it also builds stronger and more resilient businesses.

Stay informed, stay safe and make cybersecurity a priority for a secure future for your business.

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