5 Steps to Strengthen Cyber Security
By admin Computer Security • Data Security • • • • 0 Comments

5 Steps to Strengthen Cyber Security

Cyber security in data management becomes more vital as it involves every record of the whole organization that may be sensitive or confidential. A breach of this information has consequences, including financial losses, reputational damage, and the risk of upholding customers’ trust.  

 

Hackers are just around the corner!

In a nutshell, cyber security, or IT security, plays an important role in every business. It protects the organization and employees from cyber threats such as hacking, malicious software, and ransomware attacks. These days, hackers have also changed their approach, increasingly targeting staff & exploiting human error. Make sure to protect your people so they won’t be the next target as cyber scam victims.  

 

It only takes ONE wrong click. 

Allowing your employees to identify common cyber threats by conducting regular cybersecurity awareness training will help not just the people in the organization but the business in the long run.  

 

Update your anti-virus protection. 

A common lag in your business computer might be a warning sign of weak anti-virus protection, putting your information at risk. Make sure your gadgets are regularly checked and that you have a reliable anti-virus program installed. Consider partnering with an experienced IT team that works with a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions in the digital realm. 

 

Implement strong Password management. 

Having a strong and unique password prevents unauthorized access to sensitive data, financial information, or personal details associated with other accounts. Always keep in mind that passwords must be changed regularly, treated like your own, and be two-factor enabled.  

 

Backup your data 

Backing up business data on a regular basis is a must, especially if your information is confidential. A secure cloud storage service can be of great assistance in ensuring that your data isn’t going anywhere in case of loss due to cyberattacks or natural incidents.  

 

At Geelong Technology, we build IT systems that suit your application by sourcing high-quality components from these reputable manufacturers:  

Take the first step to protect your business —Contact Geelong’s data security experts. 

Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing effort. Stay informed about emerging threats and evolving best practices to continuously improve your defenses. Consider working with trusted IT experts in Geelong that can offer you a complete security awareness solution to test, train, measure, and reduce human risk.  

 

📞 1300 GET GTG (1300 438 484) 

📧 mailto:support@geelongtechnology.com.au 

📍 166 Francis St, Belmont. 

Cyber attack Geelong Technology Group
By admin Data Security • • 0 Comments

Five steps to take following a cyber attack

The idea of a data breach can feel almost inevitable these days. Even if your business has crossed all of its security t’s and dotted all of its training i’s, cybercriminals are still finding new ways to attack and infiltrate SMBs. A successful cyber attack can be catastrophic for businesses unprepared for the fallout. So, getting your response right if a breach does occur is imperative. 

 If you believe your business has been caught up in a cyber attack, our top advice is to stay calm but act quickly. The quicker you act, the more likely you’ll be able to avoid disaster. Having (and practicing) a comprehensive incident response (IR) plan is, therefore vital. 

 Following are five steps your business should plan to take in the event of a cybersecurity breach. 

Gather information

The first – and possibly most important – step in responding to a data breach is to gather information. This will involve determining the type of cyber attack and what has been compromised. Was the breach caused by human error, malware, an open port in the firewall, or outdated business or antivirus software? Which systems or devices have been breached? Has your business been breached at all (remembering that it is not uncommon for scammers to claim that your accounts have been compromised in an attempt to steal information)? 

Contain the situation 

Once you have determined the nature and scale of the cyber attack, you can then prevent its spread by isolating compromised endpoints and assets. Containment will involve stopping data leakage, removing the hacker and patching the system, as well as keeping evidence of the breach for reporting purposes. The goal at this point is to limit the scope of the breach and prevent further damage. 

Notify affected parties 

After containing the situation, the next step is to notify the affected parties. This may include employees, customers, and other stakeholders. The notification should be timely and transparent, providing details on what has happened and what steps are being taken to address the situation. The notification should also include instructions for affected parties to protect themselves from any potential harm. It is absolutely vital that you understand your legal requirements and the situations that require mandatory data-breach notification in Australia. Ensure this information is part of your IR plan so that you are not scrambling for details during a crisis. 

Perform damage assessments 

Once the situation has been contained and affected parties have been notified, the next step is to assess the damage. The IT department – or an external IT contractor – should perform a thorough analysis of the data that was compromised and determine the potential impact on the business. This analysis will help inform the next steps in minimising the damage and protecting the business from future attacks. 

Increase security measures 

A data breach can be a crippling event for a business. However, it can also provide an opportunity to interrogate and strengthen your cybersecurity defences. With damage assessment complete, your IT professionals can identify and fix vulnerabilities in the system. This includes changing all passwords, patching software, updating security protocols, and enhancing network security. Post-breach security measures can also involve ongoing penetration testing, vulnerability scanning and other techniques to identify any remaining weaknesses in the system. And don’t forget that weaknesses can also include human errors. Ensure your employees undergo regular, ongoing data-security training and advise them on best-practice measures to protect their email accounts and passwords from compromise. 

Contact Geelong’s data security specialists 

If you suspect your business has suffered a data breach, or you wish to get ahead of the ball with a comprehensive incident response plan, Geelong Technology Group are here to help. Remember that prevention is the cheapest and easiest option when it comes to cybersecurity.  

 Included in our managed IT services are network security solutions tailored to your business needs. We can also assist with infrastructure assessment and IR plan implementation, so give us a call to discuss your cybersecurity and IT requirements. 

 Geelong Technology Group – servicing Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, the Surf Coast, Golden Plains, Colac, Warrnambool and beyond. Call ☎️1300 GET GTG (1300 438 484). 

reduce the cost of a data breach with Geelong Technology Group
By admin Data Security • • 0 Comments

Cybersecurity: How your business can reduce the cost of a data breach

In an ideal world, there would be no such thing as a data breach. Try as they might, cybercriminals would be thwarted by your business’ up-to-date cybersecurity strategies, your cybersecurity awareness training and your plugging of all possible cybersecurity holes.

Of course, unfortunately, cyberattacks and data breaches still occur. This isn’t to say that employing the best possible cybersecurity measures isn’t a great idea. It is. But planning should go beyond prevention to mitigation, should the unthinkable occur.

Effects of a cyber-attack and data breach

The effects of a successful cyber-attack can be catastrophic, particularly for SMBs unprepared for this event. The consequences of a breach can be not only financial, affecting your bottom line (as well as causing downtime, loss of productivity and decreased morale), but also impact your business reputation, reducing trust in your company name. A successful data breach can also leave your business open to legal liabilities.

How to prevent and mitigate cyber attacks

Prevention is, of course, preferable to mitigation. Making cybersecurity an ongoing process is the best way to not only reduce the likelihood of an attack, but may also reduce the damage should an attack occur:

  • Ensure you have a comprehensive cybersecurity plan
  • Keep software updated with the latest security patches
  • Use best-in-class antivirus software
  • Secure devices from hackers with firewalls, complex passwords and multi-factor authentication
  • Educate your employees about the risk of cyberattacks with training and ongoing support

How to reduce the impact of a data breach

The best way to reduce the impact of a data breach is to be 100% ready to contain it. This means not only having a comprehensive incident response (IR) plan, but also practicing it. Having a practised IR plan reduces the cost of a data breach. You and your employees will have a set of instructions should any cybersecurity incident occur, and containment will be a well-rehearsed step-by-step process. (Not a chicken-with-its-head-cut-off chaos!)

Using the right security tools can also reduce the impact of a cybersecurity incident. Tools such as advanced threat protection (ATP) deploy security AI and automate the response to any threats detected (quarantining potentially malicious files, for instance). Using a hybrid cloud approach may also lessen the impact of a breach, offering agility and flexibility should you need to pivot your business following an attack. 

Small businesses must be ready for cyberattacks – contact Geelong’s cybersecurity experts for help

For many small business owners, the threat of a cyberattack may seem remote. Thinking you’re not a target, however, is a huge mistake. Cybercriminals will often attack the weakest targets. And often, the weakest targets are small businesses whose cybersecurity measures are not up to scratch.

Now is the time to review your defences, boost your security and create mitigation plans. For assistance with a multifaceted solution that involves infrastructure assessment, awareness training, cybersecurity measures and IR plan implementation, give Geelong Technology Group a call.

We service Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, the Surf Coast, Golden Plains, Colac, Warrnambool and beyond, so get in contact today!