cyber threats pose a significant risk to businesses of all sizes. Recent headlines serve as a stark reminder that no business is immune to security breaches. As a small business owner or administrator, it’s crucial to take proactive measures to protect your company and your valued customers. This article outlines the importance of incorporating cyber security strategies into your risk assessment process for future business planning.
Starting Your Cyber Security Strategy
The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) leads efforts to enhance cyber security in Australia. Their expertise extends to businesses, regardless of size. By leveraging their resources, you can:
1. Familiarize yourself with the Essential Eight risk mitigation strategies.
2. Defend your business against ransomware and malware.
3. Lower the risk of business email compromise (BEC).
Understanding the Essential Eight
The Essential Eight is a comprehensive set of risk mitigation strategies devised by the ACSC to help businesses minimize exposure to cyber security threats. These strategies encompass:
1. Application Control: Prevent unauthorized or malicious code execution on your systems. Ensure only approved applications can be installed or executed.
2. Patch Applications: Regularly update software to fix vulnerabilities and safeguard against potential entry points for hackers.
3. Configure Microsoft Office Macro Settings: Implement macro security to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information within Microsoft Office applications.
4. User Application Hardening: Review and configure applications to work securely and efficiently. Regularly update outdated tools or applications.
5. Restrict Administrative Privileges: Minimize admin accounts to limit access to data and systems. Grant privileges based on employee duties.
6. Patch Operating Systems: Strengthen system security by applying patches to fix known vulnerabilities.
7. Regular Backups: Safeguard against security breaches by regularly copying and storing critical data.
Implementing the Essential Eight
To enhance your cyber security posture, consider the following steps:
1. Application Control: Select an application control solution tailored to your software and systems.
2. Patch Applications: Prioritize upgrading applications with extreme risk vulnerabilities.
3. Configure Microsoft Office Macro Settings: Integrate macro security into your overall cyber security strategy.
4. User Application Hardening: Configure web browsers to block Flash, ads, and Java on the internet. Disable unused features in Microsoft Office, web browsers, and PDF viewers.
5. Restrict Administrative Privileges: Grant administrative privileges based on employee roles. Periodically validate the need for granted privileges.
6. Patch Operating Systems: Work with the latest supported versions of operating systems.
7. Regular Backups: Pre-plan backups to include sensitive information, customer data, software, and configuration settings. Verify that backed-up data can be restored.
Continued Learning and Resources
To further enhance your cyber security measures, consider the following resources:
1. Strategies to Mitigate Cyber Security Incidents: Gain insights into mitigating cyber security incidents caused by various threats.
2. Essential Eight Hub: Access a wealth of resources to seamlessly integrate the Essential Eight into your cyber security strategy.
3. Essential Eight Maturity Model: Utilize a step-by-step, risk-based approach to implement the Essential Eight.
In conclusion , Cyber security is a critical aspect of safeguarding your small business in today’s interconnected world. By adopting the Essential Eight strategies and leveraging the expertise of the ACSC, you can significantly reduce the risk of security breaches. Take proactive steps to implement these measures, and stay vigilant in protecting your business and customers from cyber threats.
