Tag: cybersecurity

Healthcare Industry – Cybersecurity Hygiene

Poor Cybersecurity Hygiene Puts Healthcare Industry in Critical Condition

Hospitals and medical providers are on high alert after a devastating cyber-attack brought National Laboratory Services to a standstill, potentially endangering patients’ lives and exposing their private data to criminal elements.

As the healthcare industry joins a long list of sectors currently targeted by cybercriminals, medical firms are looking to strengthen their defences against online attacks. In this article, we examine the current cybercrime landscape in the healthcare industry and how the concept of cybersecurity hygiene can help protect vulnerable organisations.

National Laboratory Services hit by a major cyberattack

Cybercriminals made headlines once again last month when they carried out a ransomware attack against National Laboratory Services, one of the largest providers of pathology services to public hospitals.

  • The laboratory network, responsible for testing blood and other human tissue samples for the medical profession, came to a standstill as its systems were offline for a period of weeks.
  • An estimated 6 million test results were rendered unavailable by the attack, delaying operations and chronic illness treatments nationwide.
  • Medical information, particularly urgent test results that could influence treatment outcomes, has become fair game for cybercriminals, who show no mercy when it comes to the type of information they’re willing to hold hostage.

In the wake of the attack, medical providers and hospitals across the country are scrambling to enhance their cybersecurity measures.

Fortunately, the concept of cybersecurity hygiene, which should resonate with the healthcare industry, is one of the most effective ways to achieve higher levels of data protection.

Ensure a healthy network with cybersecurity hygiene

To safeguard data at a time when cyberattacks are increasing daily, a reliable set of preventative measures is required. Much like the hygiene practices commonplace in hospitals and doctors’ offices, these procedures can result in fewer malware infections, ransomware incidents, and hacking attempts if implemented conscientiously.

  • Limit access to critical data: Password-protected files with multi-factor authentication should be standard in every hospital and medical practice today. This not only protects patient privacy but also keeps sensitive files out of the wrong hands.
  • Invest in cybersecurity defences: Examples of these include updated firewalls and the latest antivirus software. Additionally, secure cloud storage and automated backups featuring encryption technology provide significant layers of protection for your data.
  • Train staff to recognise cyberattacks: With many cyberattacks occurring through social engineering staff need to be trained to identify suspicious emails and communications, and to never disclose sensitive information to third parties.

Maintain a healthy information system with us

Avoiding a cyberattack and practising cybersecurity hygiene is possible with the latest generation of secure cloud storage. Our range of packages for businesses of all sizes is the ideal starting point for securing your data. Visit our product page to learn more.

Manufacturing Cyber-readiness – Cybersecurity

Why Manufacturers Need to Boost their Cybersecurity 

Manufacturers are feeling the heat of online attacks, and the industry needs to match its reputation for operational efficiency with cyber-readiness.

Until recently, most headlines concerning cyberattacks tended to focus on the financial industry, either because banks themselves were being targeted by cybercriminals or because of the proliferation of phishing scams victimising individual and business banking clients.

Recently, however, the manufacturing industry has found itself in the crosshairs of hackers and cybercriminals, with many manufacturers being unprepared for the disruptive effects of ransomware attacks and data leaks.

Here’s a look at the growing online security crisis facing manufacturers and what can be done to strengthen cybersecurity defences at the factory level.

Safe No More: Manufacturers Feel the Sting of Cyberattacks

Traditionally, manufacturing companies had considered themselves low-risk when it came to cyberattacks. Unfortunately, the Internet of Things (IoT) has brought a stop to this sense of security.

While factories used to focus on physical security and inventory management far more than online defences, modern manufacturing setups, which feature production lines managed by robots and are one hundred per cent connected to the internet, can present a major vulnerability that cybercriminals will be only too happy to exploit.

The results of a cyberattack focused on a manufacturing company can have devastating effects on the company itself and the whole supply chain. These include:

  • Severe downtime as a cyberattack cripples factory equipment linked to the Internet of Things (IoT). Pending payment of ransom or attempts to reboot the network from scratch, manufacturers may be forced to halt production.
  • Manufacturing companies that produce critical components in the supply chains of other companies may not consider themselves major targets for cyberattacks. However, even if a small component of a product like a smartphone or a top vehicle model becomes unavailable, production of that product may need to cease as well.

In light of these facts, it’s easy to imagine the chain of production stoppages arising from a single cyberattack cascading and creating severe losses for every business involved in the manufacturing of a product.

Suppliers may face the risk of having their agreements with the parent company reviewed and could even find themselves in legal difficulties if they fail to deliver on their contractual obligations.

The Manufacturing Industry Needs to Be on Guard 

As manufacturers realise they are no longer safe from the malevolent plans of cybercriminals, every business in this industry needs to ensure that its cyber defences are strengthened and ready.

Using immutable, encrypted online storage is an excellent first step for any business seeking to improve its cyber defences.

Soteria Cloud provides a range of cloud storage options that are perfect for companies of all sizes. Visit our product page today to learn more.

Rebuilding Trust – Cybersecurity

Rebuilding Trust after a Cyberattack – Not If but When

Trust is key in all business dealings, but an increasing number of consumers report plummeting trust levels in commercial entities, especially large ones.

In a business landscape that’s becoming less trusting, a #cyberattack can be the final blow that causes customers to take their business elsewhere. Here are some ways to build and maintain trust in your company even if an online security incident takes place.

The three keys to maintaining trust online

There’s no doubt that the internet is becoming increasingly risky, with cyberattacks increasing by the year. Despite advances in antivirus software and efforts to reduce the number of cyberattacks, the prospect of your business losing crucial customer data to cybercriminals is an ever growing reality.

By taking all necessary steps to prevent a cyberattack, responding swiftly and effectively in the event that one takes place, and maintaining a high level of sincere communication with your clients in good times and bad, you can ensure that your business remains a trusted entity for years to come. 

Let’s take a look at each of these components in detail.

1. Make cybersecurity a priority and make sure your customers know about it

Covering the basics of antivirus, firewalls, anti-malware, and of course, secure cloud storage is always the first step toward building your cyber defences. 

This may give you confidence in your company’s data security, but it will do little to inspire confidence in your customers – unless they know about it.

Without revealing specific details of your cybersecurity activities, which could give cybercriminals hints about potential vulnerabilities, it’s good to let your clients know that you take cybersecurity seriously and are taking measures to protect their data.

2. Act Decisively in the Event of a Cyber Attack

The worst-case scenario for any business is a large-scale data leak or cyber attack, and yet many companies will find themselves in this exact situation over the next decade, if not sooner.

  • If your business has become the victim of a cyber attack, the first step is to limit the damage as much as possible by relying on the latest version of your crucial files, which should always be kept securely encrypted in the cloud.
  • Directly following the attack, you should make a concerted effort to communicate the situation to your clients and reassure them about the steps you’ll be taking.

3. Communicating for Success Even in a Cybersecurity Failure

The way you communicate with your clients in the hours and days following a cyber attack or data leak could make the difference between a customer who stays with you and one who decides to cut ties.

  • Inform them honestly about the situation; there’s no use hiding the fact that the data leak or breach has occurred, and if you do, you could not only lose the trust of your customers but also find yourself in violation of the PPI Act.
  • Outline your cybersecurity response plan. Let your customers know what steps you have taken to retrieve their data, as well as precisely what type of data has been compromised—ID numbers, contact details, and more sensitive information like passwords.
  • Re-emphasise your commitment to cybersecurity now. Your client may have experienced a cyber leak or breach from another supplier and will be looking for signs that you are constantly upgrading your cyber security. 

By outlining the steps your organisation is taking to improve data protection, you are more likely to inspire confidence in your clients and retain more of them in the wake of a cyber attack which could have a massive financial impact on your business.

No matter what strategy you employ to protect your confidential data, secure cloud storage will always end up being a pivotal part of it. To find a cloud storage package that suits your needs perfectly, check out our product page today.

Banking Apps – Online Security

How Secure is your Banking App?

Banking apps have become the preferred method of transacting for individuals and businesses in SA, offering the advantages of banking at a physical branch without the hassle. But as with all technology, convenience needs to be balanced against cybersecurity risk. 

Unauthorised access to your banking app could give cybercriminals the keys to your full account balance, potentially causing a crippling, cash flow crisis. 

While banks have invested in and implemented advanced cybersecurity strategies they aren’t always enough, and it is the responsibility of the customer to raise awareness among their staff. Some victims of banking fraud have waited months before their funds are returned – while others have had to write off the entire amount.

To help your business transact safely online, we’ve put together a checklist of dos and don’ts for banking app users. Let’s start with the essentials. 

The necessity of secure logins

As every internet banking user knows, the first step to using a banking app is your login, but there’s more to a secure login that simply entering a password. One simple security practice to instil in staff is to ensure that they never use public wiFi connections to do online banking.

You’ll also need to ensure that your bank app allows you to login in a secure manner so that no unauthorised person can use your banking profile even if your phone or device is stolen. 

Internet banking apps that use Face ID add an extra layer of security while multiple factor authentication using an OTP code (in the case of FNB) or other pin sent to your mobile number or email address provide a way of authorising transactions securely. 

Avoid phishing and social engineering scams

Employees can easily be taken in by the sophistication of modern-day phishing scams. 

Lately, criminals are targeting financial decision makers such as bookkeepers or controllers with genuine seeming emails and other text messages purporting to be from management. 

This may not be a direct result of banking app security, but the fact that banking apps are often used to carry out these transactions makes it essential to avoid suspicious payment requests – even from colleagues and senior managers. 

A concerning recent trend is the escalation of impersonation fraud which takes phishing to the next level. 

  • This type of scam involves comprehensive research on the part of cybercriminals to map out an organisation’s management structure and find ways to impersonate members of senior management. 
  • Once they’ve achieved this, they will typically contact employees via non-verbal means like email or private message and issue financial instructions which ultimately result in company money being deposited into the fraudster’s bank account.
  • Savvy social engineering combined with AI has made it possible for hackers to imitate the tone of writing typical of specific senior managers. 
  • This could be achieved by studying articles that are published on LinkedIn or other financial media and using AI to produce devious messages using the manager or owner’s characteristic choice of words.

In summary, it’s essential for all organisations to follow the “trust but verify” model when dealing with financial transactions. 

If a financial instruction hasn’t been verified over the phone or in person, it simply can’t be taken at face value just because an email or message was supposedly received from a member of management.

Add secure cloud storage to your cybersecurity strategy 

Taking the steps above is an excellent approach towards securing your company’s financial and business information. Our range of secure cloud storage packages with data encryption add an extra level of protection to your valuable business data. Visit our product page today to learn more.

Hijacking Broken Hyperlinks – Cyberthreats

Cyberthreats hiding in plain sight – hijacking hyperlinks 

Have you ever clicked on a link that takes you to a dead webpage or tried to type in your bank’s URL and found yourself on a phishing website?

Link hijacking is a technique that cybercriminals use to direct website visors to malicious pages on the internet. 

As a business owner, you’ll want to ensure that your website is safe from this tactic, but first let’s find out how it works and how it can be avoided

Broken links are like broken windows for cybercrime

Even the smallest gap in your cybersecurity can give hackers the entry point they need to carry out an attack.

Just like the broken window of a building, which can allow burglars to enter more easily, broken links create the perfect opportunity for cybercriminals to compromise your company website. 

Here is the typical pattern that this crime tends to follow:

  • Cybercriminals identify a link on your website that leads to a defunct webpage.
  • If the webpage hosting has expired, they may purchase it and populate it with potentially harmful links that visitors will assume are a legitimate part of your website.

The end game of link hijacking is to steal internet traffic and lead it to a site that cannot only carry out malware or ransomware attacks, but could also compromise the credibility of your business.

How many broken links are there on the internet?

You might think that broken links are only an issue for poorly maintained websites, but research has shown that the issue is far more common than that.

Recent research shows that more than 500,000 websites online are phantom domains created  by cybercriminals.

Given the frequency of this problem, it’s essential to check your own site for the presence of broken links without delay and take measures to correct them.

How to fix broken links for added security 

Checking your website for problematic links is easy to achieve with a website scanner or broken link detector.

  • Once you identify links that lead nowhere, you should remove them from the main site or update the link that they redirect to with a secure webpage.
  • Ensure that your redirection service and file hosting providers are above board and offer excellent customer support. 

To avoid impersonation sites with a slight alteration of your URL spelling, you may want to register several domains – with the different variations included in them – so that they can’t fall into the wrong hands.

Keep your business safe online with secure cloud storage

Protecting your business from link hijacking is just one step that forms part of a comprehensive cybersecurity plan. 

Secure cloud storage is the most effective way to keep your data safe offsite and out of the clutches of criminals. Our range of secure backup packages offer peace of mind along with the efficiency of automated encrypted file management.

Cybersecurity Readiness – Cybersecurity

Benchmarking your company’s cybersecurity readiness

South Africa is still under major threat of cyberattacks, with high profile companies and government departments falling prey to ransomware and other online threats on a continuous basis. 

You may have heard a first-hand account of a company having its data taken hostage, and some of the stories have certainly made headlines over the past two years, but now there’s further support for this trend from a major cybersecurity survey.

Cisco’s 2024 cybersecurity readiness report was released recently and to sum up: we aren’t ready.

Cisco, which is one of the world’s foremost productivity software and cybersecurity app providers compiles an annual report based on industry surveys of IT managers and cybersecurity experts to gauge a country’s readiness for online attacks.

For the 2024 report, Cisco analysed the five pillars of cyber security readiness and asked company representatives how well they have prepared for them.

Let’s take a look at each factor to understand exactly what it entails

  • Identity intelligence. This measures how effective a company’s authorised user identification systems are and how easy it might be for cybercriminals to impersonate an employee or steal their credentials.
  • Network resilience. This factor assesses how easily a cybercriminal could gain access to your network remotely due to inadequate security measures.
  • Machine trustworthiness. This is a measure of how effective your cybersecurity system is at the machine level, which is especially important in the age of “bring your own device” or BYOD.
  • Cloud reinforcements. This is an assessment of the sophistication of your cloud backup technology, which provides the ultimate layer of data theft protection.
  • AI fortification. This measure – which was introduced recently – assesses the extent of AI deployment in companies and also whether they are resistant to AI enabled cybercrime attempts.

Most SA companies expect a cyberattack, but few are ready

The South African IT managers and cybersecurity experts surveyed by Cisco overwhelmingly expect to have to deal with a cyberattack in the next year, with 73% of companies, indicating that this is the case.

Unfortunately, only 5% of local businesses have reached the mature stage of cybersecurity readiness measured by the report, indicating that the majority of companies would not be able to cope well in the aftermath of a cyberattack.

Considering how the number of cyberattacks in South Africa keeps increasing and the relatively low level of readiness found at most companies, one of the most effective ways you can increase your own preparedness is  by investing in secure cloud storage with immutable encryption.

Our range of cloud storage solutions with automated backup are suitable for companies of all sizes and can scale up in line with your business requirements. Browse our range of packages and raise your readiness level instantly today. 

Business Continuity with Cloud Backup – Cybersecurity

The Business Continuity Imperative: Ensuring resilience through cloud backup solutions

As South Africa faces a rapidly increasing number of cyberattacks this year, businesses across the country are coming to terms with the fact that their data can and may be compromised in the near future. 

If your organisation is unfortunate enough to fall prey to an online attack, the one thing on everyone’s mind (from management all the way to the IT department) should be continuity of operations. The question for every business is however, how to ensure continuity when the very data that underlies your business processes has been compromised.

Let’s take a look at some recent news about South Africa’s cybersecurity crisis and find out how businesses can secure their data for uninterrupted trading following a cyberattack.

Time to beef up your defences against cyberattacks

The ultimate goal of cybercriminals is to compromise your company’s data and demand a ransom for its return. 

This criminal strategy can be extremely effective if the company loses access to its sensitive files – but a recent backup of every important piece of data safely encrypted in the cloud means that the hackers have lost before negotiations even begin.

Recent cyberattacks against Telkom, the office of the Chief Justice, and even a high tech security provider like Tracker prove yet again that businesses and government departments are not immune from online data theft- in fact, every internet user needs to be on their guard as cybercrime increases. 

Secure cloud backup is the most powerful weapon against cybercriminals, and it can be obtained affordably. Our range of backup solutions that scale up to suit the needs of growing businesses are a case in point. 

Securing sensitive data couldn’t be more important in 2024

Perpetrator Type

Credit: Brett van Niekerk – Durban University of Technology

South Africa faced 230 million cyberthreats in 2022 alone and this figure is likely to be much larger for 2023 and ‘24 when the latest data becomes available.

With over 90% of the threats to local businesses arising from email cybercrime and an ongoing lack of staff training to identify suspicious correspondence, it’s likely that more and more businesses will fall prey to this type of crime. 

This corresponds closely to the findings of a research paper published in 2017 which identified “hactivism” and data loss as major threats to South African businesses.

When a cyberattack does occur, continuity is key. Here are some strategies businesses can implement to prevent losing access to their data.

Cloud storage is a key component of business continuity 

A cyberattack may be the last thing that any manager or company owner wants to think about, but the harsh reality is that thinking about it is crucial – and preferably, ahead of time.

In the minutes and hours following a cyberattack, your first priority will be returning your systems to functionality and recovering lost or corrupted data to ensure business continuity. 

A cybersecurity response plan – which can be meticulously thought out in advance and simply put into action in the worst-case scenario – is key during the damage mitigation phase following the attack.

Secure cloud storage is an essential component of any cybersecurity response plan because encrypted immutable storage means that your data will remain safe in the cloud even if your physical storage is compromised. A solid backup solution and response plan means that a business is able to safeguard its data and ensure business continuity in the event of a cyberattack.

Soteria’s range of secure cloud storage solutions for businesses of all sizes are your first line of defence against data theft. To learn more about our encrypted backup service, visit our website today.

Mitigating risk of a Cyberattack

Proactive cybersecurity measures mitigate risk of a cyberattack – cybersecurity

Lately, the media has been crawling with stories about companies’ responses – or transparent lack thereof, to cyberattacks, especially when hackers demand millions of Rand in exchange for the data they’ve taken hostage. But some business owners don’t realise that many of these incidents could be avoided if proactive steps were taken in advance.

Let’s take a closer look at the proactive approach to online security and find out what risk management steps businesses can take to keep criminals at bay and protect sensitive information, even if the worst-case scenario comes to pass.

Proactive versus reactive security

For many of us, responding to a security threat – be it a physical break-in or an online data theft attempt – means pushing the panic button. 

While putting boots on the ground is a reassuring strategy for management, the reality is that once a cyberattack has occurred the potential options for resolving it are already quite limited. This is because compromised data that’s already in the hands of criminals is extremely difficult to recover without spending a large amount of money on system recovery or caving in and paying the ransom – which only encourages hackers to attack other businesses.

Protecting your business assets from the relentless wave of cyberattacks currently faced by companies, from state entities to SMEs in South Africa, is an essential part of risk mitigation. A proactive approach, which could also be called closing every possible gap, consists of several aspects:

  • Cyber security investments. These include firewalls, antivirus software, and most crucially, encrypted offsite storage, which will allow you to restore your system and critical files in the wake of a cyberattack.
  • Employee training focusing on the signs of a cyberattack or phishing attempt will help your staff to be risk-savvy when they use the internet and reduce the ever-real threat of them falling to social engineering attacks.
  • Plan ahead. Even if the worst happens and your business falls prey to a cyberattack, incident response planning will help you recover your data fast.

Cyberattack investment: worth every cent in peace of mind 

Implementing rigorous cybersecurity measures may come at a certain cost, but the benefit of having a fully secured business that has the potential to withstand a cyberattack is worth the investment. 

The cost to your business in terms of financial and reputational damage can run into six figures or higher in the worst case cybercrime scenario.

By comparison, a small monthly investment in encrypted backup and a cyber incident response plan will pay huge dividends in peace of mind from day one. 

Secure data storage will tangibly reduce the damage hackers can do to your business by keeping a current version of your crucial data safe and accessible – to you and only you – in the cloud.

To learn more about our range of secure cloud storage offerings for businesses, visit our product page today.

Hidden Costs of Cyberattacks – Cybersecurity

Measuring the Hidden Costs of Cyberattacks on SMEs

Cyberattacks cost businesses around the world over $8 trillion in financial losses last year, but behind the dramatic headlines about costs that can be measured in Rands and cents is a hidden story of reputational damage and loss of credibility that can cost businesses a fortune in the long-term.

In this article we delve into the unstated losses that come in the wake of a cyberattack, study some common vulnerabilities, and find out how you can protect your business from the huge damage that hackers can do by breaching your data security.

Hidden Cost 1: Customer Confidence

One of the most valuable aspects of any brand is the confidence that customers place in the business and the word of mouth recommendations and positive online advocacy that this leads to.

On the flipside, however, once customers lose confidence in your business – especially if their personal data is stolen during a cyberattack – you need a comprehensive strategy to win back their trust or suffer reputational damage as a consequence.

It’s hard to quantify the exact amount that your business may lose as a result of declining customer confidence, but suffice to say that lost sales, a drop in referrals, and even online boycotts are all possible if your business suffers a major data leak or breach.

For some companies, the damage could run into millions or result in a major loss of business.

Hidden Cost 2: IP Theft

Intellectual property is becoming increasingly valuable with conceptual products accounting for 40% of US GDP in 2023.

Your confidential business plans or product prototypes falling into the wrong hands in a cyberattack could mean that your business could lose a competitive advantage, especially in the realm of manufacturing.

Copycat producers in countries with weak intellectual property laws are always waiting to undercut you in the market.

South African copyright and intellectual property laws are relatively strong and you’ll have a solid legal case to act against a local business that tries to copy your ideas – even if they’re stolen in a cyberattack.

Taking this type of action against a foreign business can be more tricky and certainly expensive, especially if international litigation becomes necessary.

Businesses should make sure that they’re insured against this type of outcome and that the amount of cover is sufficient to compensate them for the very real possibility of losses from IP theft.

Hidden Cost 3: Productivity Losses

Finally, a cyberattack can cause extended periods of downtime for your team as you struggle to bring your systems back online and eliminate the malware that was used in the attack.

During this time, your employees are likely to be distracted and less productive, and this could result in anything from delayed orders and invoicing to a total shutdown of operations for a  week .

For some businesses, this could equate to hundreds of thousands or millions of Rand in lost productivity.

Compliance Costs: When things get very real

The cost of compliance with the PPI Act is a fact that businesses should bear in mind when it comes to cyber risk.

The Information Regulator is authorised to fine companies up to R10 million if customer  information is mishandled in the event of a cyberattack. This is a very tangible amount for any business and underscores the importance of full legal compliance – no matter what size your enterprise may be.

The best way to avoid the hidden costs of cyberattacks is to make sure that your data is securely stored in encrypted form. Soteria’s range of secure storage packages for businesses provides all the data security that your enterprise needs. Visit our product page today to learn more.

Cybersecurity Threat Landscape – Cyberattacks

Understanding the Threat Landscape of Cyberattacks on SMEs – Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity has become just as important as physical security for companies both in South Africa and abroad – and considering the number of cyberattacks that take place each year that’s no surprise.

The latest data from Sophos shows that cyberattacks took place against 78% of South African companies surveyed last year, with many attacks affecting small to medium sized businesses.

In this article, we take a look at the cybersecurity landscape, highlighting some of the main threats that hackers and cybercriminals pose to businesses, and outline the best practices that your organisation can follow to secure its data.

Cybersecurity threat landscape has never been bigger

The cybersecurity threats facing SMEs are growing alongside those facing major corporations. As the threat landscape expands, small to medium business owners need to come to terms with the fact that their enterprises could – and frequently do – fall victim to online hacking, ransomware, and phishing attacks.

The study conducted by Sophos may not have surveyed every small business in South Africa, but the fact that so many respondents have faced the difficulties of a cyberattack in the past year paints a bleak picture of the online security environment, both locally and abroad.

With the total cost of cybercrime around the world estimated at a whopping $9.5 trillion for 2024, business owners can no longer afford to hope that it won’t happen to them.

Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can mitigate your small business vulnerabilities and stay safe online.

Know the enemy: the top cyber risks facing businesses

Online threats that affect small businesses can be divided into several categories. These are the main ones to take note of.

Ransomware

This type of attack happens when criminals gain access to your files and encrypt them so that you can’t access them. Some companies have paid millions of dollars to recover sensitive files compromised in ransomware attacks, but with the right strategy you can avoid becoming the next victim.

Data leaks and breaches

While ransomware attacks involve stealing your data and holding it hostage, data leaks are almost the opposite. This type of incident happens when your data is released on the internet for anyone to see and use, thus compromising the security of your business and clients.

Not only can this be bad for your reputation and cost you clients in the long run, but can also result in heavy fines in terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act.

Social engineering attacks

These take place on social media, with hackers contacting you or your employees posing as trusted figures like clients or service providers.

Once trust is established, criminals will convince the person they are dealing with to release sensitive information or download malware. Like the two other types of attacks mentioned above, social engineering can cost your business a fortune in revenues and reputational damage.

SMEs are especially vulnerable to this type of attack since they often deal with smaller suppliers or clients whose businesses aren’t necessarily household names. Impersonation scams like the one that almost bankrupted The Big Issue last year, are also rampant.

With the threat landscape shifting to dangerous ground, you’ll need a solid plan to keep your sensitive data secure.

Strategies to mitigate your online risk

The reality is that cyberattacks can, and will, continue as long as criminals know that it pays to carry them out.

As a business owner, you’ll need to take steps so that your enterprise can function and trade effectively online.

  • A firewall, updated antivirus software, and secure cloud storage are some of the tech solutions that you can implement to keep your data safe.
  • Automated backup is especially useful because it protects your files without the need for constant conscious action on the part of your staff.

Protecting your business against social engineering attacks and phishing scams requires staff training to enable your employees to detect the signs of a cyberattack and encouraging them to always verify the identity of outsiders communicating with your business.

Soteria offers a range of secure cloud storage solutions using the latest encryption techniques for companies of all sizes.