SME Cybersecurity Compliance - An Owner's Guide

Cybersecurity has changed a lot in the last 5 years. If you're an SME owner, there's a lot to stay across. So we've created our SME Owner's Guide to help you stay compliant and aware of all relevant threats.

So what are the threats facing SMEs?

They fall broadly into three buckets. Business Email Compromise, Insider Threats, and Data Breaches. Business Email Compromise mostly happens via phishing attacks, which is a common tactic involving deceiving individuals into clicking on malicious links. Data breaches involve unauthorised access to to sensitive data, and insider threats involve employees or contractors with critical systems inadvertently or maliciously causing security breaches.

Firstly, conduct a security risk assessment. Start by identifying potential risks and vulnerabilities in your business. A thorough risk assessment can help prioritise areas that need immediate attention. Mason Infotech's cybersecurity specialists can assist in evaluating your current security posture and recommending improvements.

Ensure that employees use strong, unique passwords for all accounts. Encourage the use of password managers to securely store and manage passwords. Regularly update passwords and enforce multifactor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security.

Cybersecurity awareness training is essential for
all employees. Regular training sessions should cover topics such as identifying phishing emails, safe internet practices, and proper data handling procedures. Educated employees are often the first line of defense against cyber threats.

Prepare for potential cyber incidents by developing a response plan. This plan should outline steps to take in the event of a security breach, including communication protocols and recovery procedures. Having a plan in place can minimise damage and ensure a swift response.