25 May 2018According to the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (ACORN), and their latest Cyber Security Update, a snapshot for the period ending 31 March 2018, shows that the top three cybercrimes reported have not changed in the past 12 months. The three top cybercrimes reported are: Scams or Fraud 51%, Purchase or Sale 21%, and Cyber Bullying 7%.
The biggest age bracket that falls victim to cyber-crime has also not changed in the last 12 months. The age bracket most susceptible at 43% is the 20-40-year-old age bracket. Email, Social networking and Website advertising (such as online classifieds), are the three top targets of cybercriminals.
For the residential non-business person, it is important to continue to think of Mobile devices as mini computers. Nowadays mobile device users need to use a password, be aware when using Wi-Fi networks and ensure that they log out at the end of a Wi-Fi session. Spam filters and a reputable Anti-virus solution also need to be deployed across all your devices.
Other factors are:
- Ensuring that you do not open unknown links or attachments that arrive in an email.
- Protect your passwords and do not give them out under any circumstances.
- Remember also there are a lot of people who have false identities on the internet. They are not necessarily who they say they are. As Abraham Lincoln once said – “Don’t believe everything you read on the internet”
Is it any different for Small to Medium Business?
The small to medium business environment continues to face the threat of cyber-security daily. The Stay Smart Small Business guide highlights that 59% of Australian organizations have their business interrupted by a cyber breach every month. Cybercrime reports indicate that 43% of all cyber-crime targets small to medium businesses and that 80% of hacking-related data breaches involve weak or stolen passwords.
This is no comfortable environment for small to medium businesses to operate in. The continued range of reports and statistics continually show that a small to medium business needs to have the right support in place, so they can have confidence that they can minimize and mitigate the risk of cyber-crime. This is where Computer troubleshooters are well placed to provide this assistance and guidance to a small to medium business with a range of proactive subscription-based plans that target the needs of Australia’s small to medium businesses.
What’s the impact of a security breach?
A recent Telstra Security Report 2018 identified that the loss of productivity is the major impact followed by corrupted business data, loss of intellectual property, loss of reputation, loss of customers, loss of trust from customers and partners and increased stress to workers. These are all key impacts of a security breach.
This is not new, but it highlights the need for businesses to adopt the approach of being alert, prepared and responsive.
What does alert, prepared and responsive mean?
Alert means that the business is aware of the importance of having a strategic and an action plan to ensure that it is minimizing and mitigating the risks to its business. It’s a constant discussion topic among the employees of the business and the owners, sharing of experiences take place. Policies are developed to minimize risk.
Prepared means undertaking steps such as developing an action plan, investing in a program of education for staff, conducting regular security audits so you’re aware of the risks, investing in software across the endpoints and network structures to minimise risks, implementation of a backup solution, and engagement of a trusted technician to effectively support the organisation.
Responsive means that the organization has in place a proactive support plan that is provided by their trusted technology partner such as Computer Troubleshooters. Some elements that are being undertaken proactively are such things as patch management across all applications and operating systems, application whitelisting, management of administrative rights and network access, proactive policy implementation around password management, monitoring that the backup solution is working, implementation of the latest technologies and processes such as two-factor authentications.
How can Computer Troubleshooters assist you with Cybersecurity?
Start with a security audit and discussion about your business security needs. Seek information from a local expert who can guide you through the key questions you need to address for the size of your business. Review the plan options around the Total Protection Plan, incorporated with a Microsoft Office 365 discussion, understand the backup options and finally ensure you have monitoring and at least patch management included in your plan to minimize the risk of a cybersecurity breach.
According to the Office, Australia Information Commissioner Quarterly report identified that the biggest source of reported data breaches was caused by Human error, closely followed by malicious or criminal activities. The message is, do not forget to educate your staff.
For further assistance please contact your local Computer Troubleshooter by calling 0800-728-768 or visit Computer Troubleshooters NZ
Further Notice
Although this article originated from our CT colleagues in Australia, the situation here in New Zealand is very much the same. Our apologies for the Australian references.
Helpful links
Australian Small Business Ombudsman
Stay Smart Online
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
Telstra Security Report 2018
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chainat / 123RF Stock Photo