We offer a range of high quality accounting, financial and business services in and around Milton Keynes.

Cyber security: are your systems up to date?

In light of the recent cyber ransomware attack which affected businesses and organisations around the world, UK firms are being encouraged to protect themselves against the risk of crippling cyber-attacks and malware. Below we outline some of the key ways in which you can protect your business.

Getting the basics right

Checking for updates to computer operating systems is crucial: installing the latest security patches from the program vendor and ensuring that automatic updates are switched on can help protect your devices from unwanted viruses and malware. Those using unsupported operating systems may prove to be more at risk, so it is recommended that businesses only use systems that receive regular security updates.

Ensure that your business has a reputable antivirus program installed on any devices belonging to the company, and make sure that this is kept up to date. Running your antivirus software regularly can help to identify any malicious viruses in your systems, and will often provide an option for removing the infection.

It is also strongly advisable to refrain from clicking on links or attachments in suspicious emails, as these can direct users to scam websites or install destructive viruses onto your device. If you are unsure about an email, simply delete it. This message should be relayed to all members of staff.  

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) recently urged firms to consider obtaining cyber protection insurance, and to make sure that any essential data stored on devices or computers is adequately and regularly backed up.     

Taking a risk management approach

Businesses should seek to adopt a risk-based approach, in line with the following key stages:

Consider the risks
It is important to consider what your business stands to lose in the event that it falls victim to a cyber-attack. Finances, equipment, information and even your reputation could potentially be affected or damaged. Consider the many forms a cyber-attack could take - these include malware in an email, a loss of equipment, or attempts to deceive via an email phishing attack.
Plan ahead
Businesses should identify their most critical assets and have contingency plans in place so that, in the event of a cyber-attack, the business could continue to operate. It is also advisable to consider any legal or compliance obligations your firm might have.
Implement the appropriate security controls
You must put in place crucial IT protection systems and consider outlining responsibilities and best practice to your staff.
Review your processes
Putting in place a process for regularly reviewing your firm’s cyber security measures is essential. To stay one step ahead, make sure that you keep up-to-date with information on the latest cyber threats.

Where can I find out more?

The government-backed National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) website contains useful information for both businesses and individuals on how to protect against harmful cyber-attacks and stay safe online. Visit www.ncsc.gov.uk for more information.

Meanwhile, the government’s Cyber Essentials scheme provides information on the ‘basic controls all organisations should implement to mitigate the risk from common internet-based threats’. Details on the initiative and how it may be of help to you can be found here.

Register

Why not register to receive our monthly newswire? This is packed full of essential business news and handy tax tips to help save you money.

Learn more

Tax Calendar

Our handy tax calendar provides an overview of the key tax dates for your diary.

Learn more

Calculators

B2B’s interactive tax calculators can be used to calculate VAT due, the taxable benefits on your company car and how much your savings are worth.

Learn more

Home | About us | Contact us | Logon | Register | Accessibility | Disclaimer | Help | Site map |

© 2024 B2B Business Advisors Limited. All rights reserved.

We use cookies on this website, you can find more information about cookies here.
Chartered Tax Adviser

Registered in England, Company Registration number – 7906656. Registered Office – 58b High Street, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes, MK11 1AQ. Registered with the Chartered Institute of Taxation as a firm of Chartered Tax Advisers. Registered to carry out audit work and regulated for a range of investment business activities by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.