Seven essential security checks for your business
Overview
Implementing the right security measures is crucial for small to medium-sized enterprises - and they don't need to be complicated to be effective.
There are seven key steps you can take to protect your business, including allocating IT security, keeping software updated, and staying compliant with data protection regulations.
A robust security strategy not only prevents financial losses but also smooths operations, improves reputation, and keeps your businesses competitive.
Keeping cyber security simple
You and your team have put your hearts and minds into building your business. It’s likely you already do plenty to ensure its safety, from locking up at night, to securing your stock and taking care of your team. Cyber security is just an extension of that mindset.
The good news is, as a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME), keeping secure doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective. In fact, with the right security measures in place, you can move towards enterprise-level protection without all the enterprise-level complexity.
Keep reading to discover seven proactive steps you can take to strengthen your defenses, safeguard your data and help keep your business secure.
Take your first steps towards cyber resilience
A solid security strategy does more than just prevent financial losses. It smooths your operations, improves your reputation and keeps you competitive.
According to a recent UK government report1, businesses are already putting cyber security high on the priority list to defend against phishing attacks, ransomware and data breaches. Many have a formal strategy in place, with the majority maintaining a range of basic checks and rules. The most frequently deployed controls involve cloud back-ups, malware protection, passwords and restricted admin rights, each carried out by two-thirds or more of businesses2.
That’s a great start. It also means that the businesses which proactively assess their cyber security can prevent potential threats, rather than having to react after the damage is done. And with half of UK businesses experiencing some form of cyber security breach or attack3, it’s never been more important to strengthen your security.
Your first step towards resilience is identifying security gaps in your business before attackers do.
Check 1: Allocate your IT security the right way
Cyber security isn’t a one-off task or a part-time job. It’s an ongoing commitment. Whether you choose a dedicated in-house security lead or use a managed security service, having an expert focused on protecting your business is essential. For smaller businesses, outsourcing security to a trusted provider can help you to achieve better protection with less complexity.
Check 2: Keep your software, devices and policies up to date
Perhaps your business relies on a mix of hardware, including bring-your-own-device (BYOD) employee-owned phones or computers. Regular updates, patch management and monitored security services can prevent vulnerabilities creeping in, because an up-to-date device ecosystem results in a much more secure business.
Check 3: Conduct your annual cyber audit
Think of a cyber audit as an MOT for your business. A yearly audit helps you to spot any weak points before potential attackers do, ensuring your defenses are always in their best shape. This proactive approach can shield you from costly disruptions later down the line.
Check 4: Train and educate your entire team
Your employees are often your first line of defence. They’re also the most likely security risk to your business. That’s because phishing attacks and social engineering scams are on the rise4, and they are becoming more convincing all the time. However, by equipping your team with regular Cyber security training, they can spot the threats before they turn into breaches.
Check 5: Learn from close calls and minor incidents
Every gap in your security systems, however small, is a risk. Don’t wait for a major data breach before you take action. Instead, treat every minor incident as a wake-up call. Use the experience to strengthen your defenses, refine your strategy and stay ahead of the risks, before they become costly.
Check 6: Maintain clear backup management and disaster recovery plans
Aim for the best possible outcome every time, but also make sure you have a strong safety net. With a robust disaster recovery strategy in place, your business can bounce back quickly if it needs to. Regularly test your backup plans to ensure they stay secure, reliable and effective.
Check 7: Stay compliant with data protection regulations
The chances are you probably handle sensitive customer or financial data. Meeting regulatory standards like GDPR doesn’t just keep you within the law, it also protects your customers and builds trust in your brand. Security services can help your business stay compliant.
Secure today and succeed tomorrow
Cyber security isn’t just about preventing attacks, it’s about future-proofing your business. By taking proactive steps with Vodafone Business IT Hubs, you can keep your people, processes and technology safe. We’ll work closely with you to tailor the best solution for your business, ensuring it continues to grow, while reducing your security risk.
Get in touch with your local Vodafone Business IT Hub today. A one-stop shop in your area, geared towards IT and comms support, with the scale and trust of Vodafone Business, The Nation’s Network5.