By Mark Gorrie, Managing Director APAC, Gen Digital Inc
OPINION | As the digital landscape continues to expand, the threat of cybercrime also grows, and aged care providers in New Zealand are not immune. Recent statistics paint a concerning picture, with almost a quarter of small and medium businesses (SMBs) in New Zealand having fallen victim to cyber-attacks.
So what can you do?
Why do cybercriminals target small businesses?
Cybercriminals frequently target seniors due to generally having built up savings, lacking a support network, and needing to be more tech-savvy. SMBs are particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks due to limited budgets and a lack of know-how with technology. They also possess a wealth of personal and financial information, a common target of cybercriminals.
Developing your cyber defence is essential to helping keep your business and client's data safe.
Here are my top tips for Kiwi-owned SMBs to mitigate risks online:
1. Use strong passwords: Startlingly, 19 percent of businesses still use easily guessed passwords or share passwords across accounts, providing cybercriminals with a straightforward path to infiltrate systems. Using strong passwords and avoiding password reuse is essential in safeguarding sensitive business data.
However, remembering complex passwords can be a tricky task. The solution is to adopt a password management application to help employees quickly generate and securely store complex passwords.
2. Don't rely on unsecured Wi-Fi and utilise Virtual Private Networks (VPN) when working remotely: Your Wi-Fi should always be secured to prevent data interception and man-in-the-middle attacks. When employees are working outside the office, provide them with VPN access. VPNs encrypt all traffic leaving and entering your devices. So, if someone manages to intercept your information, all they can access is encrypted data.
3. Keep your device software and systems updated: Hackers can enter your computer network through outdated apps with known vulnerabilities. Ensure you and your staff consistently install software updates and patches for applications and operating systems as soon as they're available.
4. Back up your data: The impact of ransomware attacks can be devastating, with 60 percent of SMBs hit by such attacks going out of business within six months. Ensuring data is regularly backed up is essential for mitigating potential cyberattack losses.
5. Patch your systems: Patching your systems is also vital, as poor patch
management has been found responsible for 57 percent of data breaches. By regularly applying security patches and updates, businesses can prevent cybercriminals from exploiting known vulnerabilities.
6. Have a breach response plan: Cyberattacks and breaches can still occur despite your best efforts. Having a well-thought-out disaster recovery plan in place enables businesses to respond swiftly and effectively to mitigate the impact of a breach.
7. Install a reputable, comprehensive security suite: Utilising reliable security software is a crucial step in protecting against malware, viruses, ransomware, and other cyber threats. Beware of free cybersecurity software, as they often offer limited features and provide less frequent updates to help guard you against real-time threats.
The adage "you are only as strong as your weakest link" holds true regarding cybersecurity. When you own a business, educating your team and investing in internet security software suitable to keep yourself, your employees, and your patron's data secure is crucial.
Effective cybersecurity solutions can be simple, manageable, and inexpensive. Tailored cybersecurity options can offer the right level of protection based on the specific stage of growth, digital maturity, and industry of your business.
