Cyber security threats are often mistakenly considered to be a concern for large businesses and corporate enterprises alone. However, the need for Small Medium Enterprises’ (SMEs) to make cyber security investments and establish a stringent security set-up has never been more important. As well as protecting your own organisation, ensuring that customer data is also safe is critical. According to a recent report by Log Rythm, The State of the Security Team 2022, 91% of respondents were asked by their customers to provide proof that they met specific security standards. We have selected three essential cyber security investments that will help you to protect your organisation from cyber criminals and build trust with your clients.
1. End- User Security Awareness Training
Cyber security starts with the end-user. With our teams working remotely, there’s an increased need to ensure that those working from remote networks are clued in when it comes to spotting potential cyber threats. However, according to ActionPoint’s Remote Working Report, only 31% of the businesses surveyed implemented cyber security training within their organisation. Employees are the gateway to every business and without the knowledge of how to spot potential threats or take care of security issues, your business is at risk. Cyber Security Training is an inexpensive investment that will equip your team with the knowledge and skills to identify and react appropriately to cyber threats. Learn more about Cyber Security Training from ActionPoint Virtual Academy, here.
2. Multi- Factor Authentication
The importance of using secure passwords along with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for remote workers is crucial for protecting your organisation. According to ActionPoint’s Remote Working Report , 81% of hacking related breaches come from people using either weak or stolen passwords. For SMEs, it is important to consider your team’s remote network and how it increases your organisations vulnerability. Multi-Factor Authentication provides an added level of protection eliminates the possibility of hackers retrieving data, even if they have the user’s password. This can often be easily managed using an app to allow secure access for your end-user.
3. Vulnerability Assessments
Understanding where your vulnerabilities lie within your IT solutions allows your organisation to make well-informed decisions when it comes to future IT investment. Protecting your IT infrastructure and assessing potential risks will go hand-in-hand with end user training and MFA to creating a proficient and secure online environment for your team and data. As a result of a Vulnerability Assessment, you will be provided with a proactive approach to your security that decreases your attack vector and reduces your exposure to threats.
If you would like to take the next steps in your cyber security strategy with end-user training, email academy@actionpoint.ie or click here to view more of ActionPoint Virtual Academy’s extensive course options.
