09/24/2024 | Press release | Archived content
In this increasingly digital age, small businesses are becoming more and more vulnerable to the threat of cybercrime. In particular, there has been an increase in supply chain attacks targeting small businesses. Cybercriminals are constantly adapting their tactics and using AI to fuel their attacks. As technology advances, so does the risk to your sensitive data.
This increasing risk means it's more important than ever to get the basics right. The good news is, AI still can't beat smart cyber habits. October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, so we're here to equip you with four essential tips to safeguard your business against cybercrime.
Humans can often be the weak spot in a business's cybersecurity efforts, so it's important to have a strong first line of defence in your systems to protect your business. It doesn't have to be super complex or expensive - the easiest and most effective solutions are free or low-cost.
To start with, get your security basics sorted:
One way cybercriminals can exploit small businesses is through phishing scams, in which cybercriminals impersonate trusted individuals or organisations to trick them into revealing sensitive information through deceptive emails or text messages.
A phishing email looks like it comes from a legitimate source, but fraudulently tries to get you to provide sensitive information, such as your password or credit card details. Some of these emails might also try to infect your device by getting you to click a link to a malicious website or attachment.
However, even the most advanced phishing is still toothless if you know enough to pause, think critically about the message, and react appropriately if something doesn't seem right. With this in mind, it's important to educate your team about phishing and train them to:
Conventional scams are difficult enough to spot, but AI-based scams can be harder to detect and so even more dangerous. Deepfakes allow cybercriminals to create seemingly legitimate audio and video that can be incredibly convincing. Voice cloning replicates somebody's tone and language to trick someone else into having a genuine phone conversation.
Cybercriminals can use deepfakes to impersonate executives, clients, or even government officials. Train your team to look for signs of deepfakes, such as:
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, so it's crucial to stay informed about the latest scams and security best practices. Regularly update your software, apply security patches, and consider subscribing to cybersecurity newsletters or blogs.
Finally, ensure you and your team report any suspicious activity. Work to create a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting anything unusual, even if it turns out to be harmless.
So, what should you do if the worst happens and your business gets attacked or compromised?
First of all, and most importantly - don't panic. But do act quickly. Don't be afraid to speak up - the cyber criminal wants you to be too embarrassed to tell anyone. Report the attack to your local Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) agency or national cybersecurity agency, and if there's an immediate threat to life or risk of harm, call the police.
Cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility. By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to cybercrime.