Cyber attacks are no longer a problem only for large companies. Small businesses are targeted every day, often because attackers expect weaker defences. Many attacks are automated, scanning thousands of businesses at once for an easy way in.
The good news is that most attacks rely on a small number of common weaknesses. Fix those, and you become a much harder target. Here are eight measures that make the biggest difference.
What small businesses are facing
The threats we see most often in Dartford and north Kent include:
- Phishing emails that steal passwords or trick staff into making payments
- Business email compromise, where criminals take over a mailbox and send fake invoices
- Ransomware that encrypts files and demands payment
- Attacks on unpatched software and exposed remote access
- AI generated scams that are more convincing than ever
1. Turn on multi-factor authentication everywhere
MFA blocks the vast majority of password based attacks. Enable it for Microsoft 365, accounting software, banking, remote access and any cloud service that supports it.
2. Keep everything updated
Apply security updates for operating systems, browsers and business applications promptly. Replace any devices or software that no longer receive updates.
3. Filter email before it reaches staff
Advanced email security blocks phishing links, malicious attachments and spoofed senders, and helps protect your domain from being impersonated.
4. Protect every device
Traditional antivirus is not enough on its own. Endpoint detection and response watches for suspicious behaviour and can isolate an infected device before an attack spreads.
5. Limit access
Give people access only to what they need. Keep admin accounts separate, remove leavers promptly and review shared folders regularly.
6. Back up and test restores
Keep backups offsite and protected from tampering, and test restores regularly. Reliable backups turn a ransomware attack from a disaster into an inconvenience.
7. Train your team
Most attacks start with a person. Short, regular security awareness training and simulated phishing tests help staff spot scams and report them quickly.
8. Check your defences regularly
Regular vulnerability scanning finds weaknesses before attackers do. Working towards Cyber Essentials gives you a clear, recognised security baseline.
Have a plan for when things go wrong
Even well protected businesses can be targeted. Write down who to call, how to isolate affected devices, how to restore data and how you will communicate with customers. A simple plan saves valuable time in a crisis.
How we can help
We help businesses across Dartford and north Kent put these protections in place and keep them working. If you are not sure how your business would cope with an attack, book a security review.