Top 12 Tips SMEs Can Take to Enhance Cybersecurity

#KingstonCognate Introduces Prof. Sally Eaves

Prof. Sally Eaves is Chair of Cyber Trust and Senior Policy Advisor for the Global Foundation of Cyber Studies and Research. Described as the “torchbearer for ethical tech,” she is the inaugural recipient of the Frontier Technology and Social Impact Award, presented at the United Nations. A chief technology officer by background, and now Professor in Advanced Technologies and a global strategic advisor across emergent technologies, Sally is an award-winning international author, MC, keynote speaker, and thought leader on digital transformation (AI, 5G, cloud, blockchain, cybersecurity, governance, IoT, data science) alongside culture, skills, DEI, sustainability, and social impact.

Sally educates and mentors actively to support the next generation of tech talent and has founded Aspirational Futures to enhance inclusion, diversity, and equality in education and technology, with her latest book on “Tech For Good” set to be released soon. Sally is consistently recognized for global influence in the technology space by leading bodies such as Onalytica, appearing in the top 10 worldwide across multiple disciplines from AI to 5G to sustainability and beyond.

Tip #5 - Use a VPN

Utilizing a VPN for your internet access protects your private information, even from your ISP. Software VPNs are widely used today, and with very good reason.

Tip #6 - Disable Bluetooth

With so many applications utilizing this connectivity protocol, Bluetooth devices can and do get hacked regularly, and are often linked to phishing messages enticing you to “click here” – don’t do it!

Tip #7 - Don’t click without thinking

Malicious links can do damage in several ways. It is important to train your employees on how to identify such links. Be sure to inspect links and ensure they are from known trusted senders before clicking.

Tip #8 - Secure your mobile device

It’s not just your office (or home) desktop that needs to be secured. It’s important to get into the habit of securing your mobile device as well. Use strong two-factor authentication passwords and biometric features.

Tip #9 - Social engineering

When hackers cannot find a security vulnerability, they’ll attack in other ways. Enter “social engineering.” This type of attack focuses on the mindset and concerns of the user, rather than on the device, to gain access to systems and information. Delete any request for personal information or passwords. Nobody should be contacting you for your personal information. Always be mindful of risks.

Tip #10 - Have a plan for dealing with breaches

It’s “not an if but when” scenario and with the ever-expanding cybersecurity threat landscape it can be difficult to always stay ahead of malicious attacks that are evolving in sophistication too. Have a plan that deals with “after-the-fact” breaches and practice/test your response regularly.

Tip #11 - Educate your employees

The people factor is one of the biggest risks in cybersecurity, and with social engineering, phishing, and ransomware attacks now a day-to-day occurrence, educate yourself, your family, and your team on the topic of cybersecurity regularly – and stay diligent too! And from SME right through to Enterprise there are fantastic and often free resources available to help you do just that.

Tip #12 - Collaboration is the antithesis of ecosystem fragmentation

We need technology, governance, compliance, legislation, education, and insurance to come together to negate security risks. Explore opportunities to share your knowledge, best practice suggestions and “get involved.” Everyone benefits from such a co-creative and open approach to security sharing.

Data breaches, hacking, and the human element are continuous reminders of threats and risks worldwide. The costs associated with a data breach and the unfortunate exposures can be significant. It’s important to implement the top tips to help secure your business now and for the future.

Working with the right technology partner to achieve your security goals is key. Kingston Technology is a long-established and trusted leader in the encrypted USB drive space and can offer bespoke support on the benefits and alignment to your business needs. Kingston Technology offers the "Ask an Expert" service to help provide tailored advice on the benefits to your specific storage environment and needs.

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