Do you know how to set up online (or 'cloud') services so they're protected against common cyber attacks? The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) have produced new guidance to help small organisations use online services more securely.

Small organisations have become increasingly dependent on online services for their day-to-day IT tasks. Many organisations adopted these online services (also known as ‘cloud services') as staff transitioned to home-working as a result of the pandemic, and they continue to rely on them for home (or hybrid) based work.

The National Cyber Security Centre have launched their new online services guidance tailored for small organisations. This is specifically written for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), who may be overwhelmed by their existing cloud security guidance (which is aimed squarely at IT professionals and contains a lot more technical details).

This new guidance will help SMEs use online services more securely, so that they’re less likely to become the victim of a cyber attack.

As the guidance explains, many SMEs already rely on online services for day-to-day tasks, even if they’re not aware of it. This includes email and instant message communications, cloud storage, website/shop hosting, online accounting and invoicing, or simply using social media to engage with customers.

How long could your business operate without these critical functions if you couldn’t log onto your computers as a result of (for example) a ransomware attack? Or if you were locked out of an online account?

If you rely on any of these services, it’s important that they are set up in such a way that they’re safe from online risks, whilst also reflecting your organisation’s priorities.

Reputable service providers make it easy for you to do this, and will often provide useful ‘getting started’ tutorials and guides, such as for organisations using Google Workspace (Security checklist for small businesses) or Microsoft 365 (Top 10 ways to secure your data with Microsoft 365).

The online services guidance is the latest NCSC publication specifically aimed at smaller organisations, who may not have access to dedicated IT/support staff.

Need additional help? Get in touch with us, we are here to help at enquiries@emcrc.co.uk.

Reporting

Report all Fraud and Cybercrime to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or online. Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Report SMS scams by forwarding the original message to 7726 (spells SPAM on the keypad).