// EXPERT PROFILE //
Cybersecurity :
TOP TIPS TO HELP SMES STAY PROTECTED
With the rapid rise in cybersecurity attacks since the pandemic , it is more important than ever for small businesses to understand how to better protect themselves and their customers online . Even a small data leak can result in major consequences , and , according to the UK Government , 38 % of all micro and small businesses in the UK identified a cyberbreach in 2021 . Here , Patrick Schaudel , SVP Product Management & Development SME at IONOS , highlights five tips to help SMEs protect themselves from cyberattacks .
“
THERE ARE WAYS IN WHICH BUSINESSES CAN BETTER PROTECT
THEMSELVES
AND THEIR CUSTOMERS TO ENSURE THEY DON ’ T DAMAGE THE
TRUST OF THEIR CUSTOMERS , IMPACT THEIR REPUTATION ,
OR SUFFER SIGNIFICANT
FINANCIAL LOSS .
INCE THE ONSET of the
S pandemic , the race for Digital Transformation has seen SMEs adapt quickly , updating systems and investing in new tools at a rate not seen before . With this acceleration , comes an increased likelihood that all important cybersecurity risk assessments and protective measurement have not been carried out or factored into plans . Understanding the vulnerabilities of the technology used across the business every day , such as open-source software , and keeping informed on security developments , will help to close doors to cybercriminals .
Understanding the vulnerabilities
No technology comes without its vulnerabilities . Content management solutions ( CMS ), e-commerce systems and forum software are used for many customer facing platforms due to being easy to set up and quick to implement . However , these solutions use open source software which hackers can exploit if not updated effectively . Research by OpenUK found that 97 % of small businesses are using open source software so it ’ s essential business owners understand what they can do to protect themselves and the businesses assets .
Due to the open-source nature of this software , the source code is available to all users , making it a prime target . By locating weaknesses within these systems , cybercriminals may then set-up phishing schemes to trick users into delivering sensitive customer data or use Trojans and viruses to get users to unknowingly download malware . In fact , according to PwC , around half of all cyberattacks in the UK involve phishing . Once implanted , these attacks can cause significant damage to both the business and customer .
Nevertheless , there are ways in which businesses can better protect themselves and their customers to ensure they don ’ t damage the trust of their customers , impact their reputation , or suffer significant financial loss .
Keeping software up-to date
Development teams and hosting providers are constantly updating open source software to ensure they are closing doors to cybercriminals . Staying up to date with the provider ’ s latest software will help prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited and ensure security gaps are found and removed quickly .
Hosting providers offer dedicated ‘ managed ’ solutions here as an all-round carefree package . Here , the provider takes over the complete management and keeps the software always up to date , so that the company does not have to take care of anything , providing peace of mind and helping to save time . You have the choice : If you choose an ‘ unmanaged / self-built ’ solution
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