How to Stop Cyber Attacks in Your Organisation – 5 Easy Ways to Protect Your Business

In today’s digital age, the incidence of cyber attacks is on the rise, posing serious threats to businesses across all sectors. A startling statistic reveals that 32% of businesses and 24% of charities have experienced breaches or attacks in the last 12 months alone. This underscores the critical need for robust cyber defences to safeguard not only business data but also organisational reputations. As technology evolves, the complexity and frequency of these cyber threats increase, making it imperative for companies, regardless of size, to implement effective security measures.

Source: National Cyber Security Centre, CYPFER & Department for Science, Innovation & Technology

What is a Cyber Attack?

A cyberattack is a deliberate attempt to breach, manipulate, or harm digital systems, data, or devices without authorisation. Such attacks can range from stealing sensitive information to disrupting business operations, often resulting in significant financial losses. Cybercriminals employ various methods, including malware, social engineering, and credential theft, targeting everything from personal data to critical infrastructure.

Source: IBM

How Can I Prevent Cyber Attacks in Business?

5 Easy Ways to Protect Your Business in 2024:

1. Secure Your Networks and Databases

Businesses must secure their networks and databases to prevent cyber attacks, given the critical importance of safeguarding confidential information. Implementing robust security measures like firewalls and data encryption minimises the risks of unauthorised access. Ensuring Wi-Fi networks are hidden and securely password-protected further protects against breaches. Being selective about stored data can reduce exposure; centralised databases, while convenient, pose significant risks if compromised. Regular data backups—daily or weekly—are crucial for recovery in the event of a cyber attack. This proactive approach is vital, as according to IBM, the average cost of a data breach is about USD 4.24 million in 2021, underscoring the high financial and reputational stakes involved.

2. Create Security Policies and Practices

Creating robust security policies and practices is crucial for any organisation to safeguard itself from cyber threats. These policies serve as a blueprint, outlining preventive measures against unauthorised access to company assets like computers and mobile devices, which are particularly vulnerable to theft or loss. By defining clear procedures for handling and disposing of devices, and detailing the repercussions of policy violations, organisations can mitigate risks and ensure sensitive information does not fall into the wrong hands. Additionally, such policies guide employees during security incidents, helping to resolve issues efficiently and maintain the integrity of the company’s data and reputation.

“Security and Compliance Aren’t the Same…But They Both Have the Same Objective. We all know that security is not compliance, and compliance is not security. But they do both have the same ultimate objective: effective risk management.” – Ben Hanson

3. Inform Your Customers

Informing customers about the reasons for collecting their personal information is crucial for businesses as it builds trust and transparency. When customers understand how their data is used, they are more likely to feel secure and cooperate, reducing resistance and fostering a positive relationship. A McKinsey survey found that half of consumers are more likely to trust companies that promptly address data breaches and openly communicate about them, highlighting the importance of transparency in data practices​. Assuring customers that sensitive information like social security or bank account numbers are not requested via unprotected communication channels, such as email or text, further reinforces the commitment to their privacy and security. Encouraging customers to report suspicious communications also enhances safety measures and helps maintain the integrity of their personal data.

4. Stay Alert Whilst Using Emails

Employees must remain vigilant when managing their email to protect both personal and organisational data. Phishing and spam emails are crafted to appear legitimate, luring users into clicking dangerous links or opening malicious attachments. These deceptive practices can lead to information theft or the inadvertent downloading of viruses. To mitigate these risks, employees should strictly avoid opening emails from unknown senders, discard attachments that arrive unexpectedly, and refrain from clicking on hyperlinks. Instead, manually typing website addresses into the browser ensures safer navigation and enhances security protocols, safeguarding sensitive information from cyber threats.

“The threat of cybersecurity breaches has never been greater, and despite our best efforts, we are losing the battle and will continue to in the future unless we make critical and fundamental shifts to our paradigm.” – Tyler Cohen Wood

5. Educate Employees on Cyber Security Best Practices

Businesses must prioritise educating their employees on cyber security best practices to safeguard sensitive information about colleagues, customers, and the organisation itself. Establishing clear policies helps employees understand acceptable and unacceptable behaviours, especially regarding software downloads and administrative access. To effectively convey these critical messages, businesses should consider engaging specialist cyber security keynote speakers. These experts can provide tailored, impactful sessions that resonate with employees, emphasising their vital role in the company’s digital security framework. Such targeted education can significantly enhance the overall security posture by reducing risks associated with viruses and malicious software.

Who are the Top 5 Cyber Security Speakers to Hire in 2024?

• Joanna Shields – The First UK Minister of Internet Safety & Security
• Ben Owen – Head of Intelligence on the Channel 4 Series Hunted
• Charlie McMurdie – Former Head of the Police Central e-Crime Unit for the Metropolitan Police
• Dan Lohrmann – Field Chief Information Security Officer for Presidio
• Jamie Woodruff – No.1 Ethical Hacker in Europe who Hacked YouTube, Facebook & Twitter

Hire a Cyber Security Keynote Speaker Today!

If you are interested in hiring a cyber security speaker who can help prevent cyber attacks in your organisation, browse The Cyber Security Speakers Agency’s roster of talented keynote speakers and contact us today to discuss your options. Call 0203 0070 318 or complete our online contact form today to discuss the prospects of hiring a cyber security speaker for your future events.

This exclusive article was written by Jack Hayes, who has accumulated the official data and customer feedback from 482 corporate events, conferences, and webinars held between 2022 to 2024.