Is Your Business a Cyber Target?

As cybercrime continues to grow, attackers aren’t just aiming for the big players anymore; they’re targeting the businesses they believe are least prepared. It’s often easy to assume “My business is too small to be a target” but in today’s landscape, everyone is fair game. The cyber threats facing New Zealand businesses are increasingly sophisticated, from deceptive postal tracking notifications to convincingly crafted bank emails. Now, more than ever, every business, no matter their size, needs to stay vigilant and proactive, as the cost of overlooking your cybersecurity is simply too high.

Who’s at Risk and Why Cybersecurity Matters

It’s a common misconception that cybercriminals only go after the larger businesses. However, businesses, particularly SMBs, have been increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. Why? These businesses often have fewer resources for cybersecurity, and these attacks often exploit perceived gaps in defences, allowing attackers to test and refine their techniques before deploying them on a broader scale.

If your business handles customer data, payment information or sensitive details of any kind, it’s essential to make cybersecurity a priority. Think of it this way; cybercriminals seek the path of least resistance. Any business with weak security measures presents an enticing opportunity that they will take.

Here are some steps that can help you get started on the right track, that can help keep your business safe from cyber threats.

Know where you stand: Risk Assessment

Kick things off by evaluating your cybersecurity posture - know what you need to protect before you can protect it. By conducting a risk assessment, you’ll uncover weak spots in your systems and processes that could serve as an open invitation to cybercriminals.

Implement Strong Password Policy and Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Strengthen your defences by enforcing strong password policies and implementing MFA. Adding an extra layer of security with MFA is like having a double lock on your doors, making it significantly harder for attackers to break in.

Security Awareness Training

Your team is your frontline defence and play a key role in defending against cyber threats. Regular training can help staff spot scams and avoid costly mistakes in the future.

Keep Software and Systems updated

Stay updated, not outdated. Keep all your software patched up and protected against the latest threats. This is a simple but powerful way to guard against cyberattacks.

Backup your Data

A reliable backup strategy is your safety net in case of a cyberattack or data loss. Ensure you can bounce back quickly after an attack with secure and up to date backups of all critical data.

In conclusion, starting your cybersecurity journey may seem daunting, but investing in cybersecurity is essential for businesses of all sizes. By taking small, actionable steps, such as assessing your security posture, educating your employees, and implementing necessary protections, you can significantly enhance your security measures. It’s better to get started now than to wait, as the threat landscape continues to evolve. Voyager is here to support you in in this journey and helping to build a safer future for New Zealand business.