Cyber Awareness Month 2024: How to Protect Your Business from Cyber Threats
October is Cyber Awareness Month, and with cyber threats on the rise, it’s the perfect time to assess your company’s security measures. Cyberattacks have grown more sophisticated, and businesses of all sizes are at risk. In 2023, 72.7% of organisations were targeted by ransomware attacks, with the average recovery cost exceeding $1.5 million (“).
This post will explore the latest cyber trends, provide essential security tips, and talk about how M-Piric can help protect your business using advanced solutions like XDR (Extended Detection and Response).
Cybersecurity in 2024: What You Need to Know
Cybercrime costs are projected to reach $9.5 trillion globally by 2024 (“). Phishing, ransomware, and malware continue to be the most prevalent forms of attack. Understanding these threats is the first step in safeguarding your business.
Latest Cybersecurity Statistics
•81% of organisations experienced malware threats in 2023, making malware one of the most persistent and damaging cybersecurity issues globally (“).
•72.7% of organisations were targeted by ransomware in 2023, with the average cost of a ransomware attack reaching $1.54 million (“).
•The average cost of a data breach in 2023 was $4.45 million (“).
•Only 8% of businesses that paid ransom recovered all their data, while many others faced additional attacks (“).
•Phishing remains the leading cause of cybersecurity incidents, contributing to 41% of initial attack vectors (“).
•Global cybercrime costs are expected to hit $9.5 trillion in 2024, highlighting the financial impact of these growing threats (“) (“).
These statistics illustrate the urgency for everyone—at home and in the workplace—to adopt strong cybersecurity practices.
Top 5 Cybersecurity Tips to #BeCyberSmart
1) Use Strong, Unique Passwords for Every Account
A compromised email password can open the door to other accounts and sensitive data. Ensure each account has a strong, unique password.
Tip: Use three random words to create a password that’s both strong and memorable. Avoid common phrases or personal information. e.g “BlueChairWindow1!”
2) Use a Password Manager
Managing multiple strong passwords can be challenging, but a password manager like Keeper can simplify the process while keeping your credentials safe. It securely stores passwords, generates new ones, and even manages two-factor authentication (2FA) codes.
Why Keeper?
•Keeper offers password generation, secure storage for notes, and 2FA integration, helping to streamline your cybersecurity efforts.
If you’re not currently using Keeper or want to add it to your IT package, contact M-Piric IT at sales@m-piric.co.uk for more information.
3) Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Even with strong passwords, 2FA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second form of identification. Many services now offer this feature to safeguard critical accounts.
Tip: Always enable 2FA for your email, banking, and social media accounts to reduce the risk of unauthorised access.
4) Keep Your Software and Devices Updated
Outdated software leaves your devices vulnerable to cyberattacks. Updating your apps, operating systems, and software is a simple way to protect your systems.
Tip: Enable automatic updates whenever possible, or consider services like M-Piric’s Patch Management for managed updates. Our service ensures updates are tested in a sandbox before deployment, minimising disruption.
5) Back Up Your Data
Regular backups can save you in the event of a ransomware attack, hardware failure, or accidental data loss. Use cloud storage or external devices to store up-to-date copies of important data.
Tip: Set up automatic backups to the cloud or external drives, ensuring you always have a recent version of your information available.
Protect Your Business from Ransomware with M-Piric IT
Ransomware remains one of the most devastating forms of cyberattack, and its financial impact on businesses continues to rise. At M-Piric IT, we offer comprehensive protection against ransomware through Extended Detection and Response (XDR) services.
What is XDR?
XDR integrates multiple layers of security—such as endpoint detection, network security, and user behaviour analysis—into a single platform. This allows for faster detection, investigation, and response to advanced threats like ransomware.
How M-Piric’s XDR Service Protects You:
•Advanced Threat Detection: XDR continuously monitors for suspicious activity across your network, identifying threats before they cause damage.
•Rapid Response: Once a threat is detected, XDR automates the response, isolating affected systems and neutralising the attack.
•Proactive Defence: XDR’s machine learning capabilities evolve with emerging threats, keeping your defences strong against even the latest ransomware techniques.
By using XDR, M-Piric ensures that your business is protected from ransomware and other sophisticated cyberattacks. Contact us at sales@m-piric.co.uk to learn how XDR can enhance your cybersecurity strategy.
Reporting Cyber Incidents
•Fraud and Cybercrime: Report cybercrime to the Action Fraud website.
•GDPR Breaches: If you experience a personal data breach, report it to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
•Phishing: Forward suspected phishing emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.
Stay Cyber-Smart All Year
We’re here to help you stay ahead of cyber threats and ensure your business remains secure.