What is Cyber Security?

What is Cyber Security?

Cyber security refers to the protection of computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorised access, theft, or damage. With the increasing reliance on technology in both personal and professional settings, cyber security has become an increasingly important issue.

What are the most common threats to Internet Security?

One of the most common threats to cyber security is malware, which includes viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. Malware can be introduced into a system through email attachments, downloaded files, or infected websites. To protect against malware, it is important to have up-to-date anti-virus software and to be cautious about opening unknown attachments or downloading files from untrusted sources.

I’ve heard of Phishing but what exactly is it?

Another common threat to cyber security is phishing, which involves tricking individuals into revealing sensitive information such as passwords or credit card numbers. Phishing attacks often come in the form of emails that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as banks or social media companies. To avoid falling victim to phishing, it is important to be cautious about clicking on links in emails and to never reveal personal information in response to unsolicited requests.

What can I do to maintain Good Cyber?

Other important measures for maintaining cyber security include using strong passwords, regularly updating software and operating systems, and encrypting sensitive data. It is also important to be mindful of the physical security of devices, such as locking computers when not in use and keeping mobile devices secure when in public places.

Cyber health is an ever-evolving field, with new threats and vulnerabilities emerging all the time. Staying up-to-date with the latest security measures and best practices is crucial for protecting both personal and professional information. By taking a proactive approach to cyber security, individuals and organisations can minimise their risk of cyber attacks and protect themselves against potentially devastating consequences.

Speak to an Expert today about your Cyber Security: 01204 201 201

What can we do for your business? IT and Telecoms by the Experts.

Further Reading

Strong cyber security starts with following recognised best practices. At Digicomm 360, we don’t just help businesses improve their cyber security—we also maintain high standards ourselves, giving our customers confidence that they’re working with a trusted technology partner.

Cyber security has traditionally been seen as an IT issue. It must be seen as a strategic risk management issue

Cyber security has traditionally been seen as an IT issue. It must be seen as a strategic risk management issue

Cyber Security has traditionally been seen as an IT issue, confined to the realms of computer networks, software applications, and digital infrastructure. This perspective, although not entirely incorrect, often leads to an underestimation of the pervasive nature of cybersecurity risks in today’s interconnected world. Viewing cyber threats solely as a challenge to be managed by IT departments can leave organisations exposed to vulnerabilities that transcend technological boundaries. In fact, effective cyber defence requires a comprehensive approach that involves not only technical measures but also collaboration across departments, robust governance, employee education, and an understanding of the legal and regulatory landscape. By evolving from a narrow IT-centric view to an organisational-wide strategy, businesses and institutions can better safeguard their assets, reputations, and ultimately, their futures in an increasingly digitalised environment.

How would your company cope if it came under a cyber attack?

Who takes responsibility for ensuring that this never happens? That’s the job of IT department, surely?

Not necessarily.

More and more businesses are starting to understand that it’s essential that  Cyber Security must be seen as a strategic risk management issue. Not only are the business implications of a cyber breach worthy of boardroom attention, but execs and board members themselves have become a target.

Typically, cyber attackers aim to compromise and exploit a business’s network. However, more attacks are now aiming at the ‘big fish’ in the business, or those who have access to sensitive information. That would be a C-Suite or a board member, who not only has better access across the business but also works with a lot of vital business information.

With this in mind, it’s essential that boardrooms should be developing a business strategy that combats the threats –  as well as taking extra steps –  to personally secure their digital activities.

And Digicomm 360 are on a mission to support  business leaders to do this, through a FREE seminar and networking event, designed to help business leaders secure their business data, devices and people against cyber attack

But where do businesses start?

Cyber security can seem overwhelming – but with Digicomm 360 on your side, it doesn’t have to be scary!

To get things started, business leaders need to understand some of the very real potential impacts and implications for boards:

  • Intellectual property loss
  • Financial penalties, including regulatory and legal fines
  • Property losses of stock or information
  • Reputational damage
  • Loss of time
  • Administrative resources
  • Damaged client relationships
  • Impact on business operations
  • Potential legal proceedings

Understand it can happen to you

Keep in mind, the headlines of a massive nation-led data breach create noise, but the reality is it’s normally a busy exec clicking on a malicious phishing email by a scammer, not a nation-state, that leads to breaches.

Regular security training with all staff is a key element of a business’s cyber defence, however, board members and execs are not normally included. Involving board members in all training is a critical step in securing them against the threats.

Today’s C-Suite and board members need to be involved in the cyber discussion. Not only because they are a risk to the business, but because a top-down approach is the best way to ensure cyber security awareness is raised across the wider business teams.  

Work in partnership with a trusted IT partner

As cyber is regularly seen as an IT issue, many business leaders lack the awareness and understanding required to make informed decisions on the matter. However, it’s imperative that boardroom and leadership teams have the knowledge to make better decisions and protect themselves.

Digicomm’s FREE seminar will provide the foundations your need to help you develop a business strategy, add value to your organisation and protect against cyber crime.

Book your place here

 

The internet has transformed how we live and work, but protecting our critical assets is vital for the competitiveness of businesses today. Adopting a risk management approach, including support from the very top, ensures a risk-aware culture and strong policies and procedures for any cyber attack.

There is a massive difference between investing in the right tools, putting defences in place, and meaningful engagement on cyber matters. Board members need to be constantly reminded of the risks of a cyber breach, including the potential fines following the GDPR and Data Protection Act. Board members also have a duty to understand and mitigate risk. So, any cyber security strategy should include the aim to improve board-level engagement. The challenge is in presenting the risks and threats in non-IT language, so it is easily understandable at a business-level, not a technology level.

Unfortunately, the percentage of businesses that have a board representative focused on cyber remains low. However, it’s increasing, largely in part to the rising awareness of the implications of a breach and the non-stop press coverage of the latest person or business to get hacked.

 

 

Addressing the threat

Addressing the cyber threat is a foundation of risk management, so businesses who do prioritise it will get a competitive advantage.

Questions to ask to start to understand if your business is at risk of a breach could include:

  • Do we understand that board members are likely to be a target?
  • Is there a board-level person responsible for cyber security?
  • Do any of our supply chain partners put us at risk?
  • Do the board have regular contact with the IT leader to get updates on the threat landscape?
  • Do the board take an active role in cyber security policies and awareness?
  • Have our key data assets been identified?
  • Do we understand our vulnerabilities?
  • Are competitors ahead of the game compared to us?
  • What processes do we have in place if we get breached?
  • Do we have a full picture of what would happen if the business got hacked? (Share price, reputation, etc)

If the information and self-auditing questions above leave you feeling unsure about your cyber security strategy, Digicomm 360 can get your started – and then support you in putting measures in place.

Living in a digital era doesn’t have to be scary with Digicomm 360 on your side! Our FREE, informative Cyber Security seminar and networking event will help you understand how to protect your business data, devices, and people. Search ‘The Invisible Threat’ at www.eventbrite.com to register or contact us for more information.

Book your place here

Further Reading

Cyber security is no longer just about technology—it’s about protecting your people, your reputation and your business. Ongoing staff education plays a vital role in reducing risk and building a stronger security culture.

Cyber Essentials for UK Businesses – Learn how Cyber Essentials certification helps organisations strengthen their cyber resilience and demonstrate their commitment to security.

Strengthen Your Business Cyber Security with Digicomm 360’s Cyber Learn – Discover how Cyber Learn helps businesses educate employees, reduce human error and stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.

Celebrating Cyber Security Awareness Month with Digicomm 360 – Discover practical cyber security tips, advice and resources to help your business stay protected during Cyber Security Awareness Month and beyond.

The Invisible Threat: Cyber Security Seminar – 16th March 2022 – Bolton Arena

The Invisible Threat: Cyber Security Seminar – 16th March 2022 – Bolton Arena

Join us for “The Invisible Threat: Cyber Security Seminar,” an enlightening event designed to shed light on the often unseen dangers lurking in our digital landscape. This seminar brings together industry experts, technologists, and thought leaders to explore the complex world of cyber threats and how to effectively safeguard against them. Whether you’re a seasoned IT professional or just beginning to navigate the realm of digital security, this seminar will provide you with the insights, strategies, and tools needed to protect your digital assets. Don’t miss this opportunity to arm yourself with knowledge against the invisible threats of our time. Register now and take the crucial step towards a more secure digital future!

Living in a digital era doesn’t have to be scary with Digicomm 360 on your side!

The Invisible Threat: Cyber Security Seminar

Our FREE, informative Cyber Security seminar and networking event will help you understand how to protect your business data, devices, and people.

You will:

  • Learn how we can help you develop a business strategy that combats cyber threats as well as adding real value to your organisation.
  • Watch demonstrations to strengthen your organisation’s defences by implementing cyber security awareness that begins at the top-down.
  • Gain a greater understanding of your roles and responsibilities with minimising cyber risk, right across your organisation.
  • See the unique approach Digicomm take to helping you protect your business’s data, devices and people.

Click HERE to book your place

Top tips to protect your data

Top tips to protect your data

Today is Data Privacy Day, designed to generate awareness about the importance of privacy, and  highlight easy ways to protect personal information, as well as reminding businesses of their obligations to adhere to privacy laws.

There’s a wealth of information out there, but we know it can seem like a minefield – so in recognition of the importance of what of  #dataprivacyday stands for, we’ve collated a list of easy ways you can protect your data – both in the workplace and in the home. Read on for some top tips to help both businesses and consumer audiences

Data privacy in the workplace 

  • Handling client data 

Are your employees correctly trained in safely handing client data? How a company is perceived to handle data privacy issues has a huge impact on their reputation and ultimately bottom line. Both consumers and other businesses will take  an organisations track record with personal data into account when deciding to do business with them. For some solid stats, read here  – insight piece, Trust Matters

  • Review your homeworking procedures 

With many staff working remotely, are you geared up for homeworking that’s both effective and keeping your business information safe? Do your systems have vulnerabilities which are leaving your business wide open? Digicomm are helping our customers operate securely by:

  • Stopping email data breaches before they happen
  • Ensuring businesses send and receive secure, encrypted email
  • Helping organisations understand, monitor and report on the security of their email

Click here to read more 

  • Ensure your email is secure

Can you be sure your emails are being read only by the intended recipient? Sending sensitive data can pose considerable threats to an organisation’s security and data protection policies, particularly should it fall in to the wrong hands. Click here to read more

  • Get to grips with firewalls

For more information, get in touch with the Digicomm team.

  • Consider your insurance costs

Do you realise that looking after your compliance obligations in terms of data can have a hugely positive effect on your insurance premiums? Businesses that adhere to regulations can save up to 30%, whereas those who are not compliant or are breached can see their premiums go up.

Data privacy at home

  • Manage your privacy settings online

Not sure how to check your security? Use these direct links to update your privacy settings on popular devices and online services.

Manage Your Privacy Settings – Stay Safe Online 

  • Make sure you delete your data

Do you assume when you press delete that item has gone for good? Think again! Click here to read more about how to ensure that delete really means delete  – Insight piece – glad that’s gone

  • Understand company privacy policies

Do you really understand just what you are signing up to when you impatiently press “agree” so you can order your takeaway through the latest app?  – Insight piece – decode privacy policies

  • Speak to your kids about online safety

No, more than ever, it’s crucial to ensure that your kids are clued up on how to protect themselves online.

Protecting children’s online data and privacy | Internet Matters

Further Reading

Protecting business data starts with strong cyber security habits. Simple measures such as using secure passwords and implementing modern authentication can significantly reduce the risk of cyber attacks and data breaches.