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Cybercrime: A Growing Threat to Businesses

The Ever-Evolving Cyber Landscape

In today’s online world, businesses are like castles. Just as a fortress relies on a layered defence – from outer walls to inner keeps – so does a company need multiple layers of cyber security. As the cyber landscape evolves, relying solely on the moat of antivirus software is no longer enough. For instance, South Staffordshire Water was one of the 18 businesses in the UK that faced a ransomware attack so severe it required a nationally coordinated response in 2022. Fortunately, they could still operate and supply safe water. Still, the incident raised concerns about how cybercriminals operate, with cybercrimes growing by 40% in Britain in 2021.

Why a Layered Cyber security Approach is Vital

Antivirus software is like the castle guards, keeping a lookout for known threats. But what about the unknown threats? Or the deceivingly innocent-looking threats that manage to slip by? That’s where a layered cyber security approach comes in.

The Integral Role of DNS Filtering and Firewalls

Think of DNS filtering as your castle’s scout, warning the guards about potential enemies based on their reputation. Next-gen firewalls act as the archers on the walls, blocking threats before they can reach the castle.

Vulnerability Scanning: The Proactive Shield

Vulnerability scanning serves as your proactive shield, identifying potential weak spots in your castle’s defences before they can be exploited by cyber attackers. Like diligent architects inspecting the castle structure, vulnerability scanners help ensure your cyber security measures are up-to-date and effective.

Endpoint Detection, Password Management and Dark Web Monitoring

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) systems, the ever-vigilant sentinels, monitor and respond to suspicious activities, much like knights patrolling within the castle walls. Password managers are akin to the keepers of the keys, ensuring that only the right people have access to the castle’s treasures. Meanwhile, dark web monitoring is your spy network, alerting you if your secrets are being sold in the black market.

Building and Maintaining Your Cyber Defences

Cyber Essentials is the castle’s blueprint, a set of guidelines dictating how the defences should be built and maintained. Advanced email security, including DMARC and DKIM, are the scribes verifying the authenticity of messages coming into the castle, preventing forgery and deceit.

The Importance of End-User Security Training

Finally, end-user security training is akin to training every citizen in your castle to be vigilant and prepared, an essential part of any defence strategy. After all, 23.5% of cybercrimes in the UK are linked to social media hacking, and the average cost of cybercrime for UK businesses is a staggering £4,200.

Is Your Business Castle Ready?

A robust cyber security strategy is no longer a luxury but a necessity. With 31% of UK businesses being attacked at least once a week, it’s high time to bolster your castle’s defences. Are you part of the 31% of businesses facing attacks every week? It’s time to change that. Reach out today, and let’s discuss your cyber security strategy. It’s time to build your castle’s defences, layer by layer.