Introduction
Welcome back to this months Focus Tech Insider.
This month, we had the opportunity to sponsor Orrell Live 2024 – the biggest family show in Wigan!
It was an opportunity for the team to get out of the office and unwind.
We even managed to get one of the acts to wear a Focus-branded bucket hat, and our banners were front and centre throughout the event.
Is your business the next target for cyber attacks?
It can happen very quickly. It takes just one wrong click or a slight distraction for your entire business to be at risk.
Imagine showing up to work to find all your confidential files locked and a message asking for an amount of money to be paid in exchange for the data.
This is ransomware, and it is happening increasingly often. The loss can be significant; lost money, ruined reputation, and some businesses never fully recover.
Think your business is too small to be targeted? Think again. Small and medium businesses are the most vulnerable since they are most likely to spend less resources on security, hence becoming the easiest targets.
The solution? Cyber security training. Even with the best tech in place, people are the weak spot. Phishing emails are getting trickier, fooling employees into clicking harmful links or downloading malware.
You can learn more about how to keep your business safe in our guide:
- Learn the top security trends for 2024.
- Explore proven tactics to prevent cyber threats.
- Get expert tips to strengthen your business defense.
A real-life example
Here’s what happened to “Sweat & Regret.” An employee got what seemed like an urgent email from a trusted partner. Without a second thought, they shared confidential information. They soon discovered that they were victims of a phishing scam and therefore the criminals had full access to the company’s data.
The fallout? Stolen data, project delays, and the loss of reputation that took several years to rebuild.
If it could happen to them, it could happen to you.
Since these attacks don’t leave much evidence, they’re tough to spot. To stay safe, make sure your software is always updated and make sure your team doesn’t open messages or take calls from unknown senders.
Cyber security training needs to become everybody’s responsibility
Here’s the thing: cyber security isn’t just your IT support company’s responsibility.
It’s important to note that everyone in the business, including the CEO, and new employees have responsibilities towards the security of data.
Why? Because cyber criminals are always on the lookout for new ways of hacking into your systems, and it only takes one mistake to let them in.
Regular training is key to prevent this, you can’t do it once and hope to see lasting changes. Interactive training, like phishing simulations or hands-on workshops, helps people learn what to watch out for and how to respond.
What’s new in Microsoft?
Excel on the web is getting a fresh update! It’s now easier to add and resize rows and columns, move things around with drag and drop, and highlight key info to improve readability.
On the desktop version, Excel for Windows and Mac now supports checkboxes and the OpenDocument format.
For Exchange Online users, the new “High Volume Email” feature is launching this month, allowing up to 100,000 emails per day—up from the usual 10,000.
Plus, Teams owners will soon be able to recommend channels for new members to join, streamlining the onboarding process.
Quote of the month
“Transparency within your organisation is the difference between having a business that’s simply running and having one that’s moving in one direction.”
Michael Riedijk, CEO of PageFreezer Software
Did you know?
Online fraud has increased by a staggering 96 percent. Cyber criminals are demanding money in exchange to not steal or corrupt valuable data.
And unfortunately, no business is too small to be a target.
So stay safe: be sure to have your data backed up, make sure you’re up to date on your software, and of course enabling multi-factor authentication when possible.
Avoid becoming the next statistic
Of attacks are caused by phishing.
Cyber crimes faced by businesses.
Of businesses experienced a cyber attack.
Cyber crime is always evolving. You should be too
Many businesses are starting to understand the importance of cyber security training, but what they do is assign it as a one-time activity.
You need to remember that cyber crime is always adapting, so to stay secure, your training needs to be consistent.
This starts with ensuring you build a culture in which everyone views cyber security as a priority. Ask your team to report anything suspicious, and ensure leadership sets the tone by prioritising security at all levels.
So, how should your training look?
Start with traditional methods like presentations to cover the basics, but don’t stop there. Add in more interactive training like phishing simulations and hands-on workshops.
Your quick cyber security Q&A
Should employees use company apps on personal phones?
It’s better if they don’t. You have less control over personal devices, which makes them more vulnerable. The one exception might be allowing personal devices for multifactor authentication apps. However, if they need to work from a phone, it’s safer to provide them with a company device, where you can enforce security policies and better protect your business.
Should I stop my team from working in coffee shops because of public Wi-Fi?
No need to ban it. Just make sure they understand the risks of public Wi-Fi and unfamiliar networks.
Should we just delete phishing emails, or report them?
Always report them! Flagging spam or phishing emails helps your email provider recognise future threats. You can also forward them to The National Cyber Security Centre at report@phishing.gov.uk.
Unsure how to secure your business?
Start with a risk assessment
Partner with a trusted cyber security business to thoroughly evaluate your current security measures and identify vulnerabilities.
Expert evaluation
The right partner will dedicate time and resources to assess your business's security and provide tailored recommendations.
Customised solutions
Ensure your partner's cyber security solutions are adaptable and tailored to fit your business’s unique needs and budget.
Informed decisions
Use the expert insights gained to make strategic decisions that enhance your security and protect your business.
