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![shutterstock_493333981 CYBERSECURITY: Keyboard computer with green button. Double exposure effects. Business concept and digital technology.](https://techfinancials.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/shutterstock_493333981-1-640x427.jpg)
by Michael Colin
The news these days are inundated with stories about cyber attacks and network security. While cybercrime has existed for as long as the Internet, the frequency and sophistication of attacks are increasing daily. This is not a fad or a trend. This is the harsh reality that all Internet users face, from individuals to businesses.
Education is the power – and one of the first steps in protecting your business. Understanding the many threats to their operation and their effects will guide you on how best to secure your business
The Truth About Cybersecurity
False Information (false news, click-bait) articles, and unverified sources) , as well as old school thinking, are responsible for many misconceptions about cybersecurity. Let's clear things up. No matter the size of your organization or the industry in which you work. Every business is vulnerable.
Yes, we see a lot of headlines about big companies that have suffered a breach of their security. The recent Liberty ransomware attack is just one example among many others. However, do not be fooled into thinking that your company is flying under the radar of the cyberattack.
Statistics show an alarming number of small and medium-sized enterprises under siege.
The 2017 state of cybersecurity in small and medium enterprises. The annual report of medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) indicates that 61% of SMEs have experienced a cyberattack and 54% have had data breaches (involving customer and employee information) over a 12-month period.
Cyber criminals exploit soft targets
Presumably, that is why small and medium businesses record the highest number of attacks. Business owners and managers cite budget and technical restrictions as reasons for computer under-security, but this attitude needs to change. There is a host of affordable network security solutions to help organizations of all sizes mitigate their risks.
Security must be taken seriously at all times
Often attacks on small businesses are one way to obtain usable data:
– extort more valuable information from the company,
– infiltrate larger organizations (customers and suppliers),
– in turn, all of the above.
No matter what the intent is behind the attack, any intrusion will have a negative impact on your business.
In some cases, the effects are devastating. Research by the National Cyber Security Alliance reveals that "up to 60% of pirated small and medium-sized businesses go bankrupt after six months."
Computer security does not exist in isolation
Cyber risk should be an integral part of any organization's risk planning. In fact, this should be of the utmost importance in your agenda as IT Risks greatly increase your strategic, compliance, financial, operational and reputation risks.
Computer security is not just a computer problem
From the top down to the top. C-suite, accounts, sales, marketing, operations, and IT are all responsible for the custody of your company's data. Everyone in your organization should be aware of cyber risk and your company's security policy
What is a computer security policy?
An IT security policy is a living document that describes how a company plans to protect its physical badets and data. It establishes procedures for educating staff about the potential threats your business faces, how to avoid them, and what to do in the event of an incident.
Do not have a security policy in place? Our end-to-end firewall package includes pre-implementation, planning, and design of a security policy.
- Michael Colin is Director of Sales at BitCo
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