With constant news articles and media reporting Cybercrime SME business owners continue to believe they are not at risk.

Read our article about the real threat and why you should care about Cybercrime.

The steps which SMEs can take, to minimise vulnerability amount to – only one. One simple step. Employ a proactive, prepared IT support provider, who offers managed services and Disaster Recovery.

But if your IT Provider fails or if you manage your own IT Support, then the steps, broken down simply are;

• Staff Training
• Security Patches
• Anti Virus Software
•  Anti Spam Software
• Strong Passwords
• Sensible  Environmental Measures
• Cybercrime Insurance

Cybercrime Staff Training

In very simple, global terms, the first step is to train staff, give them the tool of knowledge to avoid damaging the business. We provide FREE training to our clients using our Premium & Premium Plus contracts.

Security Patches

Ensure that all Operating Systems and Office products are both supported by the Vendor. Making sure they are up to date with their security patches.   Our clients benefit from regular maintenance checks, automated and checked workstation and server updates.

Anti Virus Software, Anti Spam & Strong Passwords

That the business has employed a good anti-virus software application, anti-spam and anti-virus email protection and that all passwords are strong and unique. Our clients  benefit  from managed  software both machines and email plus strong password management.

Disaster Recovery

The costs to small businesses of these types of crime are extensive. With simple data restriction measures, adequate backups and Disaster Recovery provisions it is possible to limit damage. Regaining data for clients, however there remains a loss of productivity due to the time this recovery can take.  Often staff cannot work, whilst machines are cleaned of the offending infection, in some instances the resulting loss of business has a longer term affect.  The worst case scenarios are those businesses who do not have this type of service in place, these are at significant risk.

You can be confident of recovery

With precautions in place, including Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery planning, along with sensible system environmental measures. Any business can operate with a large degree of confidence that they can recover from virus infection. Surviving its repercussions, but coupled with a sensible insurance policy the loss of productivity and income is likely to be minimal.

Contact Jacqui for advice on Cybercrime .