Can you imagine losing customers or losing money in a flash?
Nobody wants that, but those are exactly what can happen to organisations that take cyber security for granted. Cyber security incidents continue to rise:
- Notifiable data breaches in Australia went up 26% in the second half of 2022.
- Most of the incidents (62%) affected 100 persons or fewer.
Digital safety should be non-negotiable for any business. Limited resources should never hinder you from reinforcing your cyber security.
Effectively Boost Your Cyber Security on a Budget
There are things you can do to improve your security that cost little to nothing. Here are some measures you can implement:
1. Use strong passwords – and keep them secret.
Use a different strong password for each of your online accounts.
- At least 12 characters long (a passphrase of three unrelated words would be good)
- Mix up uppercase and lowercase letters with numbers and symbols
- Never share your passwords with anyone.
- Use a secure password manager app.
2. Install and update security software regularly.
Security software can help protect your business from malware, viruses, and other cyber threats. Make sure to install security software and regularly update it with the latest patches.
3. Be careful about clicking links in emails.
Cyber attackers often send deceptive emails with malicious links that, when clicked, can infect your computer with malware. Be careful:
- Never click on a link if you’re not sure where it goes.
- When in doubt, don’t click.
- If unsure, ask your boss or colleague.
4. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for your accounts.
Add extra layers of security to your accounts by requiring you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password. The extra effort will not even take a minute but is worth the extra protection you get from it.
5. Do a regular malware scan.
Scan your devices for viruses and malware regularly. There are many free malware scanning tools available online. Just make sure you read customer reviews and choose the one best fitted to your work.
6. Backup your data regularly.
For starters, backup your data to a safe location. This way, if your original data gets lost or corrupted in a cyber-attack, you can restore it from a backup.
7. Train your employees.
Protecting your business should be an organisation-wide effort. Getting everyone involved starts with getting everyone informed. It’s ideal to have a cyber security awareness training program but sharing relevant resources (like this article) can be a good start.
Affordable Cybersecurity Services
Everybody wants to be well-protected, but half of everybody spend little on it: One in two small to medium businesses in Australia spend less than $500 on cyber security per year.
The reality is not all businesses have the staff or a big enough budget for a cyber security program – but you must begin somehow, somewhere, and soon. So, what are your options?
- Just worry about it when a cyber incident happens.
- Try to do the above tips the best way you can.
- Look for people who are doing it better – at rates you can afford. (Keep reading…)
Get a Free Human Risk Report
Whichever answer you chose above, finding out where you stand right now is already one big step. How quickly your system can be breached?
Also, there are basic cyber security strategies that small businesses and nonprofits can afford. For example, Future IT Services can help you implement The Essential 8 baseline cyber security controls with standard managed IT services. (The Essential 8 – what’s that?)
To learn more about affordable cybersecurity services, contact Future IT Services today by calling 07 4058 5700 or email us at [email protected].
Attention: Nonprofits, get your IT benefits…
Many not-for-profits (NFPs) struggle with digital transformation and cyber security. But did you know that you can get Microsoft 365 for free if you are a non-profit? The Business Premium edition of the suite includes comprehensive security tools that can help protect your data and defend against cyber threats. For more on this great news, see “How Not for Profits can take advantage of Free Microsoft Funded Services”.
It’s time to upgrade your IT security in Cairns & Beyond
Wherever you are in Australia, we understand that some organisations have limited resources. But that should not stop you from bolstering your cyber security. While aiming for a bigger budget for next year, you can still do what you can do today as we shared. All you need to do is this: ACT NOW.