With cyber attacks regularly in the news, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) are reminding businesses to check they have the appropriate security measures in place to protect personal information.
Businesses experienced an estimated 7.7 million cyber crimes over the past year, according to UK government figures. Most small businesses hold personal information and conduct business digitally, so cyber security must be a priority.
Here are some practical steps businesses and their staff can take to improve their data security and resilience:
- Back up your data.
- Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Be wary of suspicious emails.
- Install anti-virus and malware protection and keep it up-to-date.
- Protect your device when it’s unattended.
- Make sure your Wi-Fi connection is secure.
- Limit access to those who need it.
- Take care when sharing- your screen remotely and be careful when sending emails to multiple people.
- Don’t keep data for longer than you need it.
- Dispose of old IT equipment and records securely.
If an organisation experiences a data breach as a result of a cyber attack, they should report it to the ICO within 72 hours of becoming aware of it.
For more advice on protecting personal information, visit their security guidance for organisations.
For further support on cyber security, visit the National Cyber Security Centre’s website and the Cyber Essentials programme, a UK Government-backed certification scheme that helps keep your organisation’s, and your customers’, data safe from cyber attacks.
Help is also available for people, businesses and public services to reduce the risk of cyber on Cyber security advice and guidance | GOV.WALES.