Why cyber security is important for small business

Get the knowledge to defend your business in our digital world.

Is cyber security at the top of your priority list? If not, it should be.

Our digital world is evolving, and with huge data sets being held online, cybercriminals are on the lookout for vulnerable businesses.

Using the internet is simply a part of everyday life, yet online security often slips to the back of minds. But cybercrime is a big problem. In fact, businesses with less than 100 employees will experience 350% more attacks that manipulate people into breaking security protocols than employees of larger enterprises.

So, with cyberattacks threatening business success, you can’t afford to become complacent. Need more reasons to invest in quality protection? Read on...

Knowledge is power

It’s no secret that cybercriminals are on the rise and becoming smarter every day. But, with 30% of small businesses saying they don’t currently have a cyber security strategy in place, many are ill-prepared to manage a cyberattack. This is even more critical when considering that over a third of businesses surveyed have seen an increase in cyberattacks since 2020.

All organisations have the potential to attract cyberattacks, but smaller companies are less likely to have the awareness, skills and security measures to withstand them. It’s up to owners, like you, to take control and help your team reduce the risk of cybercrime.

The goal is for all businesses to build cybersecurity awareness into everyday working life. And this starts with each company investing in quality training. But this doesn’t need to be as expensive as it sounds; there are an array of resources online to help. Take the time to explore options, then make sure you extend training right across your team. After all, it’s fundamental they have the know-how to avoid risks and address unfamiliar situations.

Cyberattacks are evolving, and your business should too

Did you know, by 2025, 25 billion digital devices are expected to be connected, globally? And as new technology develops, cybercrime will inevitably evolve with it.

In the first few months of 2021 alone, phishing emails and scams increased by a huge 667% across Europe. Alongside phishing attempts, malware, denial of service and ransomware attacks have become the most common threats, costing an average of £4,200 per attack in the UK based on government findings. And this cost only increases when the attack leads to lost data. When dealing with a data breach, businesses must be mindful of European General Data Protection Regulations, as failure to comply can incur huge fines.

The benefits of specialised, secure anti-virus software are well-known, but a knowledge gap remains as to what tools businesses need to protect assets and employees from cyberthreats. How can you help close this gap? Staying alert and regularly updating this core technology is essential for remaining protected against ever-evolving threats.

Preparing for a digital-first future

With so many conflicting priorities, we know it can be tricky to get these in order. But whether your business has been running for 10 years or 10 hours, protecting your company from cybercriminals is crucial for safeguarding its future.

Want to learn more about the most common security threats? We’ve taken a deep dive and shared our advice for staying one step ahead here

Learn more about Common business cyber security threats | Vodafone UK

Find out how to protect your business by speaking to the V-Hub Digital Advisers, or discover the steps you should need to take in the event of data loss. For more cyber security help for small businesses, visit our cyber security hub to help keep your business safe and secure.