Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMBs) are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals due to perceived weaker security measures. As we continue through Cyber Security Awareness Month, it’s crucial to focus on how you can protect your business from these growing threats.
The Growing Cyber Threat Landscape
The cyber threat landscape is constantly evolving, with attackers employing increasingly sophisticated methods to breach businesses’ defences. According to the Australian Signals Directorate's Australian Cyber Security Centre [ACSC), ransomware attacks, business email compromise, and supply chain vulnerabilities are among the top threats facing Australian businesses today. We all know the consequences of a successful attack can be devastating, including financial loss, reputational damage, and operational disruption.
What can you tick off this Cyber Security Awareness Month to ensure your business is protected?
5 Steps to Protect Your Business
1. Conduct a Comprehensive Cyber Risk Assessment
Understanding where your business is vulnerable is the first step in strengthening your defences. Conduct a thorough cyber risk assessment to identify potential security gaps. This assessment should cover all aspects of your business, including IT infrastructure, employee practices, and third-party vendors.
We run facilitated sessions with you and your key stakeholders, working together to identify your cyber and information security risks. The outcomes of this cyber risk assessment will inform your cyber security strategy, guiding you on governance and technology options for a comprehensive approach.
2. Invest in Employee Training
Human error is a leading cause of cyber incidents. Training your employees to recognise and respond to cyber threats is crucial. Regular training sessions, combined with simulated phishing exercises, can help employees stay vigilant. Ensure that cyber security is a core part of your company culture.
Our cyber security awareness training educates you and your staff in the threats and attacks you are subjected to every day. Using multiple platforms including online and face to face options. we guide you through the minefield that is cyber and data security and ensure you have the tools and experience to keep your organisations’ systems and data safe.
3. Implement Advanced Security Measures
Basic security practices are no longer enough. To protect your business, consider implementing:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds an extra layer of security by requiring additional verification before granting access.
- Regular Backups: Ensure that your data is backed up regularly and stored securely. This can be a lifesaver in the event of a ransomware attack or other data loss incidents.
- Endpoint and Application Protection: Safeguards all devices connected to your network, ensuring they are secure from cyber threats.
- Advanced Threat Management: Detects and responds to threats across your entire attack surface including on premise locations, datacentres, cloud, mobile devices and even the dark web.
Diamond IT's Managed Security Solutions provides measures that will not only strengthen your cyber security posture but also ensure that your organisation is better prepared to meet current and future security challenges.
4. Secure Your Supply Chain
Cybercriminals often target businesses through their suppliers or partners. Conduct due diligence on third-party vendors to ensure they adhere to strong cyber security practices. Regularly review and update contracts to include provisions for cyber security compliance.
Our Business Technology Consulting services can help you assess your third-party vendors to ensure you can significantly reduce the risk of cyber threats originating from external partners and maintain a stronger, more secure business network.
5. Stay Informed and Prepared
The cyber threat landscape is always changing, and staying informed is key to maintaining robust defences. Subscribe to updates from the Australian Cyber Security Centre [ACSC] to receive the latest information on emerging threats and best practices for protecting your business.
Cyber Security is an ongoing process
By conducting regular risk assessments, training your employees, implementing advanced security measures, and securing your supply chain, you can build a resilient cyber security strategy that protects your business from ever-evolving threats.
How Can Diamond IT Support Your Cyber Security Defences?
Diamond IT can help you ensure your technology, policy and staff education programs align with best practice to protect you from the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape. Our Business Technology Managers (BTMs) are specialists in improving your internal cyber security.
- Managed IT Support with Cyber Security.
- Cyber Security Awareness Training.
- Cyber and Data Breach Consulting and Forensic Analysis.
- Disaster Recovery (DR) Planning.
- Cyber Risk Discovery Assessment.
If you need advice on how you can ensure your cyber security strategy is fit for purpose our team of cyber security experts are ready to help. Contact our team on 1300 307 907 today.
