Managing cyber risk effectively is equal parts prevention and recovery. Securing your data, systems and digital assets requires an integrated approach that is robust and agile.

Utilising the most up-to-date systems and the process is a big part of the solution but it’s just as important to ensure you can recover quickly if a breach does occur.

Here are the top five critical cyber security mistakes we see organisations make and what you can do to ensure the security of your business.

1. Assuming it won’t happen to your business

It’s easy to assume that it won’t happen to you when the threat is invisible. However, the risk of cyber-attack is very real no matter how big or small your business is. Even large organisations with more complex systems and more robust security in place find themselves subject to sophisticated and repeat attacks that test their defences. Smaller businesses generally have less security in place and represent an easier target for cyber criminals.

The solution is to ensure you have a multi-faceted cyber security system that can counteract threats such as ransomware, Denial of Service attacks, Phishing and password attacks.

2. Relying on anti-virus software

There was a time anti-virus software was enough to stop most cyber security threats, but hackers have evolved as technology has advanced and their attacks are far more advanced. Many cyber criminals are evolving their techniques faster than tools and software are developed.

Anti-virus software will certainly keep businesses safer, but it must be used as part of a broader cyber security plan. A robust security system includes hardware, software, multiple points of entry and a backup plan to help restore systems in case a breach occurs.

3. Thinking cyber security is an IT issue

Your IT team will take the lead on securing your systems and providing advice on how to maintain cyber security, but they can’t do it alone. Leaders and executives need to understand the risk cyber security poses to business continuity and the bottom line. A collaborative plan should outline the organisational process and policies required to protect the business at all levels and make every employee accountable for keeping data and systems safe.

4. Not updating your network

Failure to understand network architecture and regularly update systems and software is a key point of failure for many businesses. Keeping a regular updates schedule for the latest system software eliminates many potential threats and regular updates fix and remove known threats to ensure there are no obvious holes in your system’s perimeter.

A clear understanding of where critical data lives on the network and where a breach could occur immediately helps eliminate the weakest points.

DSProtect is a fully integrated hardware and software solution that delivers world-class data protection, business continuity and disaster recovery. We tailor the platform to your exact requirements and map the solution to your SLA, so you can meet your compliance, governance and reporting obligations. Find out more at digitalsense.com.au/data-protection.