Cyber attacks are on the increase according to a government survey*:

• 87% of SMEs suffered security breaches last year
• 10% up on last year
• The average number of breaches for small organisations was 17
• Cost for small businesses for the worst breach was between £35,000 and £65,000

Many businesses do not have an information security management system in place and rely on the vigilance of their staff to keep the company‘s information assets safe and virus free.

There are many areas to consider, for example:

• Anti-virus anti-spam firewalls
• Security updates on software
• Password policy
• Wireless network security
• Staff training
• Back-up plans

One of the most regular services our IT support team has to carry out is for virus removal from PC’s that are infected via email or the internet. This also highlights any holes in back-up and recovery plans when we have to reinstate information and files that have been corrupted.

International standard ISO 27001
There is an Information Security Management System (ISMS) that is auditable to international standards that will provide structure and control to help you improve the security of your information.

By implementing a robust management system that is audited every year you can minimise risk and make sure you can recover quickly from any security breach. It also demonstrates to your clients that you have a policy in place that will protect their information and ensure continuity of business if an incident occurs.

You should always use a trusted certification body, which is UKAS accredited.

For more information on cyber crime and protection, call one of our team on 01584 890725.

*Read the survey here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/information-security-breaches-survey-2013-technical-report

Mark Langston