The most common cyber threats include:

• Phishing Attacks: Deceptive emails or messages designed to trick employees into revealing sensitive information or downloading malicious software.
• Malware: Malicious software, such as viruses, worms, and ransomware, designed to damage or disrupt systems.
• Ransomware: A type of malware that encrypts data and demands a ransom payment to restore access.
• Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks: Attacks that flood a network with traffic to overwhelm it and make it unavailable.
• Insider Threats: Security risks that originate from within the organisation, such as employees or contractors with malicious intent or those who are negligent.
• Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks: Attacks where the attacker intercepts communication between two parties to steal data or inject malicious content.

Protecting your business from cyber threats involves a multi-layered approach, including:

• Implementing Strong Password Policies: Encourage the use of complex passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.
• Regular Software Updates: Keep all software, including operating systems and applications, up to date to protect against vulnerabilities.
• Firewalls and Antivirus Software: Use firewalls to block unauthorized access and antivirus software to detect and remove malware.
• Employee Training: Educate employees about cyber threats, phishing, and safe online practices.
• Data Encryption: Encrypt sensitive data both in transit and at rest to protect it from unauthorized access.
• Regular Backups: Perform regular data backups to recover information in the event of a cyber attack or data loss.

IT security is a broad term that covers all forms of information technology protection, including securing physical devices, software, data, and networks. It encompasses policies, procedures, and technical measures to protect IT systems from various threats.

Cybersecurity, on the other hand, specifically focuses on protecting systems, networks, and data from cyber threats that originate from the internet or cyber space. Cybersecurity is a subset of IT security that primarily deals with threats such as hacking, malware, ransomware, phishing, and other online attacks.

To secure remote work environments, businesses should:

• Use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Ensure that employees connect to company networks through secure VPNs.
• Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Require MFA for access to sensitive systems and data.
• Regularly Update and Patch Software: Ensure all devices used for remote work are up to date with the latest security patches.
• Secure Home Networks: Educate employees on securing their home networks, including changing default router passwords and enabling encryption.
• Monitor Remote Access: Implement tools to monitor and log remote access to identify any unusual or unauthorized activity.

It is recommended to conduct IT security audits and assessments at least annually. However, businesses in high-risk industries or those handling sensitive data may need to perform audits more frequently, such as quarterly or bi-annually. Regular assessments help identify vulnerabilities, ensure compliance with security policies, and improve overall security posture.

Endpoint security refers to the protection of end-user devices such as desktops, laptops, and mobile devices that connect to the corporate network. It’s crucial because these endpoints can be entry points for cyber attacks if not properly secured. Effective endpoint security solutions include antivirus software, intrusion detection systems, and encryption to safeguard these devices and prevent breaches.

To ensure compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR, businesses should:

• Understand Data Privacy Laws: Stay informed about the specific requirements of GDPR and other relevant data protection laws.
• Implement Data Protection Policies: Develop and enforce policies that govern the collection, use, storage, and sharing of personal data.
• Perform Data Audits: Regularly audit data handling processes to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
• Use Data Minimisation Principles: Collect only the data necessary for business purposes and limit access to sensitive information.
• Appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO): For businesses that process large volumes of personal data, appoint a DPO to oversee compliance efforts.

If your business experiences a cyber attack:

• Isolate Affected Systems: Immediately disconnect compromised systems from the network to prevent the spread of the attack.
• Engage Incident Response Teams: Activate your incident response plan and involve your IT and cyber security teams.
• Investigate the Breach: Identify the source and scope of the breach to understand what data or systems have been affected.
• Notify Affected Parties: Inform affected customers, employees, and partners about the breach, especially if personal data has been compromised.
• Report to Authorities: Depending on your jurisdiction and the nature of the breach, report the incident to regulatory authorities.
• Review and Strengthen Security Measures: Conduct a thorough post-incident review to identify gaps in your security and take steps to prevent future breaches.

Corry IT offers a range of IT security services designed to protect your business from cyber threats. Our services include managed IT security, endpoint protection, firewall management, vulnerability assessments, data encryption, and employee training. We provide tailored security solutions that align with your business’s specific needs and industry requirements, ensuring robust protection for your data and systems. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help secure your business.

The four main types of IT security are:

1. Network Security: Protects the integrity and usability of the network and data. It includes technologies such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and encryption.
2. Information Security: Focuses on protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data, both in storage and during transmission. It encompasses data encryption, access control, and security policies.
3. Endpoint Security: Involves securing end-user devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets to prevent threats from entering the network. This includes antivirus software, anti-malware, and device management solutions.
4. Application Security: Aims to protect applications from vulnerabilities throughout their lifecycle, including during design, development, and deployment. It involves practices such as code reviews, penetration testing, and the use of security tools.

The cost of cyber security in the UK varies depending on the size of the business, the level of protection required, and the specific services involved. On average, small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) might spend anywhere from £1,000 to £10,000 per year on basic cyber security services, including antivirus, firewall management, and basic monitoring. For more comprehensive coverage, including advanced threat detection, managed security services, and incident response, costs can range from £15,000 to £50,000 or more annually. It’s important to conduct a risk assessment to determine the appropriate level of investment in cyber security based on your business needs and risks.

The seven domains of IT security provide a comprehensive framework for implementing security measures across an organisation’s IT environment:

1. User Domain: Involves securing user access to systems and data, enforcing strong authentication methods, and ensuring user awareness and training.
2. Workstation Domain: Focuses on securing end-user devices, such as desktops and laptops, through antivirus, patch management, and endpoint protection.
3. LAN (Local Area Network) Domain: Involves protecting the internal network infrastructure, including switches, routers, and wireless access points, to prevent unauthorised access.
4. LAN-to-WAN (Wide Area Network) Domain: Focuses on securing the connections between the internal network and external networks, such as the internet, typically through firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
5. WAN Domain: Encompasses security measures for wide area networks, particularly for businesses with multiple locations, using encryption and secure tunneling protocols (VPNs).
6. Remote Access Domain: Involves securing remote access to the internal network, especially for remote workers, through multi-factor authentication and VPNs.
7. System/Application Domain: Focuses on protecting servers and applications by implementing security best practices, such as regular patching, secure configurations, and application-level firewalls.