In the world of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), there’s a common misconception that cyber threats are a big business problem. The reality couldn’t be further from the truth! Ignoring cyber security doesn’t just risk a few pounds; it can jeopardise the very heart of your business. Let’s break down why cyber security is non-negotiable and how SMEs can adopt best practices to stay secure, with a helping hand from Crosstek IT.

It’s easy to think that your business flies under the radar of cybercriminals. Yet, statistics tell a different story. SMEs are actually prime targets for attacks because they often lack the robust security measures of larger corporations. A report by Forbes reveals that small businesses represent a significant portion of cyber attack victims, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced protection measures.

Yesterday is the best day to start taking security seriously. Today is the second best day.

Step 1:

The first step is recognising that cyber security is essential for your business. It’s not just about protecting data; it’s about safeguarding your reputation, ensuring operational continuity, and complying with regulations. Even if your employee count is in the single figures, each member of the team could become an unwitting and unwilling point of compromise. When you think of it like that, the odds look less favourable. You can keep an eye on your own activities but what about one colleague? What about two? Most of us scale up teams to facilitate business growth, not to babysit!

Step 2:

Understanding your vulnerabilities is crucial. A cyber security assessment, perhaps conducted by a reliable IT support provider like Crosstek IT, can spotlight areas for improvement and help tailor a defence strategy suited to your needs. It takes a fair amount of time dedicated to getting Cyber Essentials certified – so while you may be able to do a DIY job, can you afford to go this route, financially or off the clock?

Step 3:

With a clear understanding of your weaknesses, it’s time to implement protective measures. This includes basic steps like using firewalls, maintaining up-to-date antivirus software (clicking ‘remind me later doesn’t count!), and ensuring all systems are regularly patched against potential vulnerabilities. If you don’t have the time to do this, get someone on the case who does.

Step 4:

Cyber security is everyone’s responsibility. Training your team to recognise threats such as phishing emails, enforce strong password policies, and follow secure browsing practices is critical. Educating your team on the principles of safe online behaviour, from recognising phishing attempts to enforcing strong password policies, is paramount. This collaborative effort in cyber vigilance can significantly reduce your risk profile.  Remember, the human element is often the weakest link in cyber defence.

If the worst should happen, who’re you gonna call?

No defence is impregnable. Having an incident response plan means you’re ready to act swiftly if a breach occurs, minimising damage and recovering more quickly. Talk to your IT provider about disaster recovery – sooner rather than later!

Navigating the complexities of cyber security can be daunting, but you don’t have to go it alone. Crosstek IT is here to help, offering expert advice, assessments, and training tailored to SME needs. For further reading and resources, the UK government’s cyber security website www.ncsc.gov.uk provides a great starting point for basic cyber hygiene.

Ignoring cyber security is a gamble that no SME can afford. The costs go far beyond financial loss, affecting your reputation, customer trust, and the future of your business. Remember, if there ever comes a time that your business need to have robust defences in place and it doesn’t, scammers won’t be coming for a few quid, they’ll decimate everything you’ve built.