The term ‘Internet or Online security’ refers to a broad range of tactics that allow users to protect their activities that are conducted over the internet. The security part of the term are the measures that users take to protect themselves against different online threats such as malware, phishing attacks, online scams and fraudulent access.

"I don’t use the internet a lot, so I won’t be at risk"

The above is a statement we unfortunately hear on a regular basis, quite frankly how often you use the internet is irrelevant. If and when you do use it, you do so in an unsafe manner then you are more at risk of falling victim to cyber-attacks and scams.

Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated in the damage they can do but are becoming even easier for victims to fall for. The 2023 Cyber Security Breaches Survey from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport revealed that the cost of cybercrime for businesses is over £15,000 per victim. This is a significant amount of money when businesses and individuals are already facing one of the toughest trading periods as a result of the declining economic climate and skyrocketing energy costs.

To help individuals and organisations to keep their profits in their own hands, there are some simple steps that can make a huge difference. Here are 5 steps to get you started:

• Install Antivirus Protection – these programmes are designed to prevent, search for, detect and get rid of computer viruses and other types of malicious software. Be sure to use software that can run automatic scans to check for network and data breaches and to scan for malicious activity and patterns.
• Use three random words to create strong passwords - By using a password that’s made up of three random words, you’re creating a password that will be ‘strong enough’ to keep the criminals out, but easy enough for you to remember.
• Use a password manager (or a web browser) that can store all your passwords securely – This allows you to use ,unique, strong passwords for all your important accounts (rather than using the same password for all of them, which you should never do).
• Make sure that your computer firewall is enabled - Switch on your firewall (included with most operating systems) to create a buffer zone between your network and Internet. A firewall monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic to prevent unauthorised access to your network.
• Install a method of two-step verification - Installing a method of two-step verification means that two different types of information or a second factor are required before access will be permitted to allow access to an account, device, or computer system.

How can The South East Cyber Resilience Centre help SME's to tackle the threat posed by cybercrime?

We provide many free resources designed to improve your #online security, from checklists to Incident Response templates, there's something for everyone. Get yours today and receive our FREE welcome pack here https://www.secrc.police.uk/free-information-pack