The Top 5 Reasons Your Data May Be At Risk

Posted: 21st August 2023

It doesn’t matter if your business has been in the family for generations, or you’re the new kid on the block, your data may be at risk all the same.

Cyber security should always be a top priority for any business. But are you prioritising the right threats?

5 reasons your data may be at risk

#1. You don’t have a strategy

Being aware of cyber security and chatting to your employees about it simply isn’t enough. Just as important as a business or finance strategy, every business needs a formal IT strategy – without one, your data is at risk.

Your IT strategy should cover remote working, and compliance, and include a detailed cyber security plan covering the steps to take if you fall victim to a cyber attack and your business continuity plan.

Just as important as developing your plan is sharing it. Make it a public document for your employees and encourage them to familiarise themselves with it. This is a great way to bring cyber security awareness to the culture of your business and reduce vulnerability.

90% of data breaches are a result of human error.

#2. You don’t have sufficient malware protection

If you rely on basic off-the-shelf malware protection, your data is likely at risk. Malware today is developed to outwit defences, making many traditional antivirus solutions inadequate if used alone.

We always recommend you speak to your IT provider or a cyber security specialist for guidance on the best malware protection for your business. Providing it is correctly configured on installation, an adequate solution can detect and respond to attack code, reducing the risk considerably.

In 2022, there were 5.5 billion malware attacks worldwide.

#3. Your wireless network isn’t secure

WiFi hacking is growing in popularity. It’s easy to think that an encryption key will keep anyone out but honestly, it’s a low fence to jump for cyber criminals.

In 2021, T-Mobile had an unprotected router exploited by hackers who stole data of 50 million customers.

Your WiFi should be configured professionally to reduce the risk and protect your data. Disabling broadcasting makes your network invisible to prying eyes, and patch management is imperative for the latest security updates. We also recommend you share these tips on how to spot compromised WiFi with your teams – with the increase in home-working, hackers aren’t just watching commercial networks.

#4. You don’t have effective password management

Many people still use the same password for multiple accounts, from personal social media to highly confidential business accounts – it’s a hacker’s dream.

40% of organisations admit to using sticky notes to remember passwords

A Password Manager is a secure central place for users to store their passwords. It can prevent people from reusing the same password for ease and enable them to use highly complex character combinations as they don’t need to be remembered.

#5. You miss software updates

Software updates are often overlooked due to the time they take – we’re just too busy! But these updates regularly include important security patches. If you skip them, your data is at risk.

By scanning networks, hackers can see outdated software and quickly exploit vulnerabilities

You can set updates to run as you shut down your device to avoid interruptions to your day or explore working with a Managed Service Provider who will support you with proactive patch management.

We can help protect your data

With the rise in sophisticated cyber attacks, cyber security has never been more imperative. That’s why we provide free content-rich cyber security staff training for all our clients, with tips and information that can be applied in and out of work.

To find out more, drop us a line – we’re waiting to share our expertise with you.