Cyber security: how secure are you?

The One Group has recognised the importance of Cyber Security and its role in protecting day to day business. One of the newest members of its team, Elizabeth Lyon, is helping tackle your cyber security recruitment needs.

Add This Share Buttons

Cyber Security has become somewhat an epidemic in the last few years with large and small scale hacks. Some of the biggest corporations have been affected such as Yahoo, Tesco Bank and more recently the NHS. 

So, what are the biggest threats to your company when it comes to cyber security?


Machine to Machine attacks

Research company Gartner predicts there will be 6.8 billion connected devices in use in 2016, a 30 percent increase over 2015. By 2020, that number will jump to more than 20 billion connected devices, predicts Gartner. Put another way, for every human being on the planet, there will be between two and three connected devices (based on current UN population projections). This offers an unprecedented opportunity for hackers, the more cloud, mobile and internet technology being adopted by companies elevates the risk of a potential hack. 

Worms and Viruses
 

Companies need to be particularly vigilant on what their employees are doing through company technology. Opening seemingly harmless emails or attachments can open your company to multiple “worms” or viruses threatening your business’ normal running. The newest being “headless worms” these are bits of code that will float from computer to computer bringing them down one by one. Make sure your employees are aware not to open any attachments or emails unless from a trusted source. 

The Cloud

Although the Cloud should not be shied away from, companies who rely heavily on the cloud should be vigilant as attacks on cloud and cloud infrastructure, including so-called virtual machines, which are software-based computers are on the rise. Because apps rely on the cloud, mobile devices running compromised apps will provide a way for hackers to remotely attack public and private clouds and access corporate networks, so you should also think about which employees are allowed to access the company Wi-Fi.  

Ghostware 

Malware designed to infiltrate networks, steal information and cover up its tracks emerged in 2016. The so-called ghostware makes it extremely difficult for companies to track exactly how much data has been compromised and hinders the ability of police investigators to prosecute the cybercriminals.

What can your company do?

Companies should focus on security as a high importance issue and implement a cyber security strategy. A Cyber security strategy should feature:

  • Implementing strong passwords across your company
  • Put up a firewall as these will protect you from hacking by controlling internet traffic coming into and flowing out of your business 
  • The use of antivirus software/firewalls
  • Educate employees not to click on unknown attachments or links or even respond to seemingly harmless emails
  • Keeping software up to date and upgrading where possible (otherwise called patching)
  • Encrypting and backing up laptops and company phones, because of their portable nature, laptops are at a higher risk of being lost or stolen than average company desktops and phones are easily stolen and hacked into so having a remote wipe function should also be considered
  • Monitor, after all if you have no one to secure all the processes are in function and being regularly reviewed/monitored then there is no point implanting them in the first place 


To get in touch with Elizabeth regarding your cyber security needs please email elyon@theonegroup.co.uk or call 01733 234000

__________________________________________________



Read more

Looking for something specific?