In a world where technology underpins every aspect of business operations of all sizes, the threat of cyber-attacks looms larger than ever. For business owners, CEOs, managers and professionals across all fields, creating a secure and reliable defence against such threats is so much more than simply ‘necessary’ – it’s imperative.

The North West is already a hot spot for both cyber attacks and cutting-edge cyber defence. With global aerospace and defence giants like BAE Systems, Safran Nacelles, Rolls Royce  and MBDA throughout the North West, companies with links to military and government operations around the world—cybersecurity is critical to business continuity and national security.

But even if you’re not in the world of defence and security yourself, without a solid defence strategy against cybercrime you are securing yourself an uncertain future.

So share in some of the knowledge available to you right here in the North West to give your business military-grade protection.

Why Is Cybersecurity Critical for Your Business?

Cybersecurity is a comprehensive strategy designed to protect networks, systems and data from cyber breaches. Here are key reasons why robust cybersecurity measures are indispensable for any modern business:

• Safeguarding Sensitive Data: Confidential client information, intellectual property and employee records require robust defence mechanisms. Failure to do so could lead to embarrassing leaks, security threats and possible criminal prosecution for failing to protect sensitive information.

• Maintaining Customer Trust: Customers trust you with their data. A breach could irreparably damage this trust. It’s not an exaggeration to say entire companies have been brought down by a failure to protect their customers, and many, many more have seen huge amounts wiped off their value including technology giants such as Sony and Microsoft.

• Regulatory Compliance: Many industries have stringent data protection regulations. Compliance is not optional; it’s mandatory. It’s becoming more and more common for companies to be fined for lax security procedures.

• Financial Health: Cyber-attacks can result in significant financial losses due to data recovery processes, legal fees and brand damage. Even if the attack only causes a menace rather than a data breach, the amount of productivity lost due to staff being unable to logon, customers being unable to interact with you and IT working to eradicate the dangers can quickly add up to a substantial amount.

Putting Defence at the Heart of Your Business

Protection against cyber threats should be an integral part of your business strategy. By investing in cybersecurity education and training for yourself and your employees, you’re doing so much more than simply defending data; you’re securing your business’s future.

Be proactive in defending what you’ve worked tirelessly to build and seek partners who can help you achieve this.

Simple Steps

Any business can start with some simple steps to dramatically increase their security overnight. These are not failsafe, and the most important strategy anyone can implement is vigilance.

But by implementing these straightforward rules, you’re already on the way to securing your business:

1. Regularly Update Software and Systems: Ensure that all your software, including operating systems and applications, are up-to-date. Software updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities that have been discovered since the last update. When the NHS was attacked by ransomware in 2017 this was simply down to running an old version of one piece of software. If they’d updated, they would’ve been secure.
2. Implement Strong Password Policies: Encourage the use of strong, unique passwords for all accounts and implement multi-factor authentication wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for attackers to gain unauthorised access. This must be policed rigorously. It only takes one sloppy and easy to guess password to bring down an entire network.
3. Educate Your Employees: Human error is a significant factor in many cyber breaches. Conduct regular training sessions to make your team aware of common cyber threats (like phishing scams) and best practices for cybersecurity. Never be patronising or blame people for “falling” for these attacks. Hackers are expert con-artists and always find new ways to fool good natured people in to giving up information. Vigilance is key.
4. Backup Your Data: Regularly back up your data and ensure that backups are stored securely, preferably offsite or in a cloud service with robust security measures. This way, if you do suffer a cyberattack, you can restore your data from the backup without paying a ransom or losing critical information. Once this system is in place, regularly check to ensure it is working how you expect. There’s nothing worse than thinking you’ve backed everything up only to find a hard-drive failed four years ago and you’ve lost everything.
5. Secure Your Networks: Use firewalls to protect your internal networks and secure your Wi-Fi networks. Make sure your Wi-Fi is encrypted, hidden and protected with a strong password. Additionally, consider the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for remote employees to ensure secure connections to your network. Use the best software and IT engineers available to you. A half-hearted effort is as good as no effort at all.

Remember, cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process. Continuously assess and improve your defences against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.

Become the Expert

At NWBT, we take pride in our position as a leading member of the Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology (IoT) dedicated to digital and computing education. We offer a range of resources to assist you in strengthening your business’s defences.

Our curriculum is expertly crafted to guide beginners towards becoming skilled professionals capable of safeguarding digital infrastructures effectively. Additionally, our pioneering defence engineering programmes equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to address and conquer modern cybersecurity challenges.

Our brand-new cutting-edge Security Operations Centre means technicians can practice tackling simulated cyber threats in real time, preparing them for the real world.

For tailored support, we provide specialised training courses designed to meet your business’s unique requirements, ensuring your team is equipped to handle threats proactively. Moreover, our longer HNC & HND programmes are structured into manageable modules, offering focused learning experiences that seamlessly align with your work commitments.

At NWBT, we are committed to empowering businesses like yours with the knowledge and skills to thrive in a secure, connected world.

Ready to take the next step? Reach out to us today and join the ranks of businesses who put security first.

Email nwbt@burnley.ac.uk or call 01282 733273