Revamped cyber guide released to help small businesses

The NCSC Small Business Guide has been revamped for 2020 as well as the response and recovery guidance, to better help small businesses work securely online.

The National Cyber Security Centre says that the guide sets out five key areas for businesses to help improve their cyber security, and arrives at a time when many organisations have moved their operations online due to the coronavirus pandemic. It highlights accessible and actionable steps to take which have little to no cost.

The five steps in the guide, the original version of which was published in 2017, include advice on protecting passwords and avoiding email phishing attacks.

The five recommended areas of focus are: backing up your data; protecting from malware; keeping your smartphone safe; using passwords to protect data; and avoiding phishing attacks.

A survey by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport earlier this year revealed that 52 per cent of micro and small businesses reported falling victim to a cyber security breach or cyber attack in the past year. The average cost to these businesses was nearly £1,000 – rising to more than £3,000 for some.

Sarah Lyons, NCSC Deputy Director for Economy and Society Engagement, said: “Cyber security can seem overwhelming for some small business owners, but it’s never been more important to ensure that measures are in place to protect against online threats.

“That’s why the re-launch of our Small Business Guide is so timely, and I would strongly encourage businesses to consult it, whether they have previously done so or not. By acting on the guide’s five key recommendations, small businesses can significantly reduce their chances of falling victim to a cyber attack and help to keep their day-to-day operations running smoothly.”