Calling all small business owners! Did you know October is Cyber Security Awareness Month?

Why does this matter to you as a small business owner?

Well, with more of our lives happening online, understanding cybersecurity is crucial—not just for your peace of mind but also for your business's bottom line. Online criminals target businesses just like yours as they know small businesses lack robust security measures, making them easier pickings. A single breach can lead to lost customer trust, financial losses, and a whole lot of headaches.

Securing your business really is simple, we promise! Here are our recommended actions to take to keep your profits in your pockets!

1. Avoid the bait and getting #Phished

This is where criminals will fish online for your personal information to use to impersonate you in further crimes or to sell online to other criminals. The rule is to think twice before clicking on ANYTHING that looks fishy, be careful of suspicious links and definitely don't click them.

1. Firm up your passwords

Passwords are critical to your line of defence, a weak password equals a week defence. Use unique passwords that are a mix of numbers, letters and characters and DO NOT use the same password for multiple accounts. This is the same as one key being for all your doors, your car and your safe!

1. No one likes to be out of the loop, keep everything updated!

A few minutes spent updating your software and devices could be the difference in leaving the door open or closed to online criminals. Updating your systems, devices and software regularly will apply any security patches that are required to keep your safe.

1. Turn on Two-step verification (2SV) for all your devices and accounts

This ensures that any new device trying to log in or make account changes needs a second layer of security before access is given. 2FA includes single-use codes being sent via SMS, email, phone, or smartphone application.

1. Manage who has access to your social media accounts

Keep your social media accounts secure by making sure you know which staff members have access and which devices are signed into each account.

Need further support? The South East Cyber Resilience Centre can assist you with additional options:

The South East Cyber Resilience Centre (SECRC) itself is a small business which has been set up as a police-private sector-academia partnership, with the simple aim of raising cyber resilience across the South East region. Whilst cyber security can be complex and costly, the SECRC offers a free membership option which helps you understand some of the risks from cybercrime, but also offering support and guidance to businesses in the region.

By taking proactive steps to strengthen your cyber security defences, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to a cyber attack and protect your business from potential harm.

If you have any questions or need further guidance on improving your small business cyber security, please do not hesitate to reach out. Remember, when it comes to cyber security, prevention is always better than cure.

Learn more: https://www.secrc.police.uk/free-information-pack