Cybersecurity: Can You Afford to Take the Risk?

With the number of cyber attacks around the globe increasing each day, the importance of implementing a concrete cybersecurity solution into your business has never been more paramount – here’s why…

In 2017 alone, there were over 160,000 reported attacks – almost double that of the previous year, and with more IP related technology and a forever-growing online presence, naturally, the rise in cybercrime is going to go hand-in-hand.

Cybercrime is costing businesses around the globe billions. In fact, according to antivirus software company McAfee, an eye-watering $600 Billion (yes, $600 Billion) was spent last year as a result of cybercrime, and with similar, if not bigger numbers expected again this year – the threat of cyberattacks is one we simply can’t ignore.

According to the Institute of Directors, the average cost to SMEs is as high as £25,000 per attack – crippling businesses up and down the UK each year!

So whether you’re a large multi-billion pound organisation or an SME business owner, there’s one thing we all have in common – we’re all at risk, and it’s simply a matter of when not if an attack takes place.

“We’ll Be Fine”

Something I’m sure you and every other business owner or IT manager would have said or at least thought at some point in the past, “We’ll be fine” – but the reality is, you’re not, In fact, you couldn’t be further away from the reality or the danger of the threats that lie ahead.

I’m also confident the folks below thought the same at some point, but boy, were they wrong.

Now yes, I know these are all multi-billion pound organisations with wealth, assets and data that would be like Christmas morning to any hacker, but think about it logically here, if they can get hacked – so can you!

Just because you’re a small or medium-sized business, it doesn’t mean they won’t go to the effort. You too have assets, data and wealth that would be a quick win, smash and grab, low hanging fruit sort of speak – so the threat is real and present to us all.

Of course, the majority of these companies will have their own in-house security teams and software in place, and I have no doubt they will be good at what they do too, but when the landscape is constantly changing, can they, can you, really afford to take the risk and not implement a concrete and robust cybersecurity solution into your business?

Could you afford to pay out £385,000 in fines? Because that’s what the ICO has just thrown at popular ridesharing app, Uber. They received the fine for a data breach back in 2016 that allowed hackers to get their hands on the data of over 3 million British users’ personal data.

Whilst the fine may seem like a drop in the ocean to what’s a multi-billion pound turnover business, it was the downtime, inconvenience and the magnitude of resource that it took to restore order that hit them hard, not to mention the bad publicity.

So if you can afford the fines, cope with the downtime and manage your public affairs through such abominable times, keep doing what you’re doing, otherwise, keep reading.

What Do I Need to Lookout For?

Cyberattacks come in all shapes and sizes, but the most common types of attacks are Malware and Phishing.

Malware

Malware is a term used to describe malicious software, including spyware, ransomware, viruses, and worms. Malware breaches a network through a vulnerability, typically when a user clicks a dangerous link or email attachment that then installs risky software. Once inside the system, malware can do the following:

• Blocks access to key components of the network (ransomware)
• Installs malware or additional harmful software
• Covertly obtains information by transmitting data from the hard drive (spyware)
• Disrupts certain components and renders the system inoperable

Phishing

Phishing is the practice of sending fraudulent communications that appear to come from a reputable source, usually through email. The goal is to steal sensitive data like business credit card information and login information or to install malware on the victim’s machine. Phishing is an increasingly common cyberthreat.

Whilst some hackers do have ulterior motives and turn to what is called “hacktivism” where they’ll obliterate systems, businesses and networks for political and social reasons, the majority are however after financial gain – with over 53% of cyberattacks resulting in damages costing each business thousands of pounds.

To show how easy it is for an attack to take place, technology conglomerate, Cisco has created this brilliant video highlighting the anatomy of a ransomware attack, exposing how vulnerable we really are to cybercrime…

We told you it was easy…

Prevention Is Far Better Than the Cure!

Like anything, prevention is better than the cure – so do you really want to wait until after an attack has happened before you realise the level of seriousness and the detriment it could have on your business? That’s if you still have a business at that point of course!

Former Cisco CEO, John Chambers once said,

“There are two types of companies: those that have been hacked, and those who don’t yet know they have been hacked.”

So you’re probably thinking to yourself ‘what’s the solution then?’, well, let me introduce you to Umbrella from our friends at Cisco.

As the industry’s first Secure Internet Gateway in the cloud, Cisco Umbrella provides the first line of defence against threats on the internet. And because Umbrella is delivered from the cloud, it is the easiest way to protect all of your users in a matter of minutes.

Pretty impressive, isn’t it?

Well as a Premier Partner of Cisco, we can offer you a FREE 14 day trial of Umbrella.

Here’s what you’ll get:

• Threat protection like no other — block malware, C2 callbacks, and phishing.
• Predictive intelligence — automates threat protection by uncovering attacks before they launch.
• Worldwide coverage in minutes — no hardware to install or software to maintain.
• Weekly security report — get a personalized summary of malicious requests & more, directly to your inbox.
• 1,000+ users? — You’re eligible for the Umbrella Security Report, a detailed post-trial analysis.

Get started in 30 seconds. No credit card details required, no lengthy form-filling, simply click the link below and we’ll get you set up right away – no catch, it’s as simple as that.

START YOUR FREE TRIAL

Still Need Convincing?

Do you still think you’re invincible? Don’t think it will happen to you?

Send us your details below and get a FREE Cybersecurity Consultation!.

We’ll carry out a FREE no-obligation consultation at your business and examine your existing infrastructure and security network(s). As well as examine what you’re currently doing, we will advise on how you can best protect your data – and help prepare you and your business for the imminent threat of a cyberattack.

Don’t take the risk, get in touch today!