Top Ten: Improve Your Business' Cyber Security
- Simon Loone, Business & Tourism Coordinator
- May 16, 2017
- 2 min read
Australian small businesses are potentially at risk from the recent global cyber attack according to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).
The recent ransomware campaign has impacted many organisations globally, including the UK's National Health Service. The ACSC has so far reported five confirmed cases of the same cyber attack affecting small Australian businesses.
As this number is expected to grow, small businesses are being urged to take steps to update their cyber security immediately.
Surf Coast Business has summarised a top-ten action list for you to improve your digital security.
Top Ten: Improve Your Business' Digital Security
Update your Windows operating system with the latest security patches
If your computer is infected, isolate the infected computer from your network to prevent the software spreading. Use backup data to restore information. Staysmartonline.gov.au does not recommend that you pay the ransom if affected by ransomware. There is no guarantee that paying the ransom will fix your computer, and it could make you vulnerable to further attacks. Restore your files from backup and seek technical advice.
Visit the Australian Cyber Security Centre website or call 1300 292371 (1300 CYBER1) for more information.
Read the "Protect your business" section of the Australian Government website; staysmartonline.gov.au.
Report any suspected ransomware attack to the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (particularly small businesses)
Set your computer and anti-virus software up-date automatically if possible.
Use strong and different passwords for your most sensitive data
Don't click on links in emails or messages from people or organisations you don't know. Be especially cautious if the message is very enticing.
Consider an off-site backup service for your data and maintain offline copies.
Register for the Surf Coast Shire "Cyber Security Everybody's Business" session on 2 August.
While at this stage the ACSC report there is no cause for major concern, it is a timely reminder to consider how secure your computer system is and how vulnerable your business might be if you lost your data.
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