Summer has finally arrived, and businesses and charities alike often experience a shift in routine. Staff holidays, increased online activity, in some cases taking on seasonal staff, and special summer events can create unique cyber security challenges. Just as we take precautions to enjoy a safe and pleasant summer, it’s vital to ensure our digital environments remain secure.
Here are some essential cyber security measures to consider during the summer, accompanied by a few sunny analogies to make them memorable!
1. Strengthen Passwords and Authentication
Make sure all employees and volunteers are using strong, unique passwords for their accounts and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) where possible. This helps protect sensitive information and prevents unauthorised access. Just as when you go to the beach, you don’t leave your car unlocked and valuables on display, using strong passwords and MFA are the locks and alarms of your digital property.
2. Avoid Phishing Scams
Summer is a prime time for cybercriminals to launch phishing attacks, taking advantage of the increased online activity. By training your staff to recognise phishing emails and to verify the authenticity of unsolicited messages - especially those with enticing offers or urgent requests - you are protecting the safety of your business. Think of phishing emails as rip currents at the beach – they might look harmless at first, but they can quickly pull you into dangerous waters.
3. Keep Software Updated
Regularly update your software, including operating systems, applications, and security programs. These updates often include patches for vulnerabilities that cybercriminals could exploit. As an analogy, think of this as reapplying your sunscreen to protect yourself in the sun – these updates protect your systems from the attacks made by cybercriminals.
4. Backup Your Data
Ransomware remains a threat and can have a significant impact on your business continuity. It is important to regularly back-up data to secure, off-site locations or cloud services to make sure you can recover quickly from any disruptions. It’s not unusual to have a summer storm in Wales and our analogy is backing up your data is like packing an emergency kit for a summer hike – it ensures you're prepared for any unexpected situations.
5. Stay Vigilant: Monitor Your Systems
With the summer season in full swing, you may have many staff members on their holidays, but it’s crucial to maintain regular monitoring of your systems for any unusual activity. Set up alerts for suspicious login attempts or data transfers. Monitoring your systems is like keeping an eye on the weather forecast – staying informed helps you anticipate and respond to potential threats.
6. Review Permissions and Access Controls
During the summer, there may be temporary staff or volunteers helping out. Review and manage access controls to ensure that only authorised individuals have access to sensitive information. Managing access controls is like setting boundaries for a summer beach party – only invited guests should have access to your valuable resources.
By implementing these summer cyber security measures, businesses and charities can enjoy a worry-free season, knowing their digital assets are protected. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and make the most of the summer sunshine without the shadow of cyber threats looming over your business or organisation.
Stay cyber safe and have a productive summer!
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