Upland Systems Ltd
November 30th marks National Computer Security Day, a day which serves as a crucial reminder for individuals and organisations to prioritise and implement robust security measures for their digital devices. Today, cybersecurity is an ever-present concern. In fact, 46% of UK businesses have recently experienced a cyber attack, highlighting the vulnerability of our digital systems. With an increasing amount of information stored on electronic devices, ranging from financial records and business data to medical records and personal information, there’s a lot at risk. That’s why we’ve taken a look at the significance of National Computer Security Day and how you can safeguard your digital presence…
Importance of computer security
Computer security, often referred to as cybersecurity, is dedicated to the protection of individuals and organisations from a wide range of cyber threats. Its primary goal is to prevent the loss and misuse of data.
Introduced in 1988, National Computer Security Day plays a pivotal role in raising awareness of the issues faced with a lack of cybersecurity and empowering users to take their digital security into their own hands. The nature of cybersecurity threats is continually evolving, and proactive measures and ongoing assessments are needed to minimise the impact on several factors for businesses, including:
- Financial impact – Cybersecurity breaches can lead to significant costs associated with data recovery, legal expenses and the potential loss of revenue, averaging approximately £1,100 per business in 2023.
- Compliance – Regulatory compliance with data protection and privacy laws is a legal obligation, and failure to protect customer data can result in severe penalties, fines and legal consequences.
- Reputation and trust – Cyberattacks can leave a lasting impact on an organisation’s reputation, reducing trust among customers.
- Business continuity – Computer security is essential for ensuring business continuity. It is crucial to have recovery plans, backups and cybersecurity measures for your business operations during and after a security breach.
Computer security offers protection in several key ways, encompassing data security data, network integrity, and the safeguarding of customer information. It serves as a strong defence against cyber attacks and ensures that the network is usable and safe.
Common cybersecurity threats
The importance of computer security can’t be overstated. However, the digital landscape is constantly changing, introducing new threats daily. In safeguarding your digital assets, you must understand some of the most common cybersecurity threats that individuals and organisations face, including:
- Malware – Software designed to disrupt, damage or gain unauthorised access to a computer system or information, interfering with computer security and privacy.
- Phishing – The practice of sending emails and other messages to people to deceive and induce them into revealing sensitive information, or installing malware.
- Ransomware – A type of malware designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid.
- Social Engineering – This is the process of manipulating and deceiving an individual to obtain control over a computer system or steal their personal information.
How can you ensure cybersecurity?
Ensuring cybersecurity has become a fundamental responsibility for individuals and organisations alike. Here at Upland Systems, we’re proud to offer a comprehensive range of services to protect you and your organisation from cyber attacks. However, there are several measures that you can take to reduce your exposure to these threats, such as:
- Password management – Set a strong, unique password and use a trusted password manager to keep them safe. You can also add a layer of two-factor authentication to strengthen your security.
- Install antivirus software and software updates – Outdated software puts your business at risk of security vulnerabilities, which could lead to data leaks, so it’s important to keep your software up to date. Antivirus software supports this by detecting and deleting malicious code, preventing threats from reaching your devices.
- Back up data – Ensure to back up your data regularly to protect against data loss if a cyber attack does occur.
- Secure your WiFi network – Ensure your WiFi network is secure with the creation of strong passwords and encryption protocols. It’s also a good idea to avoid using public WiFi networks when possible as these can often be less secure.
- Never click suspicious links – If you come across an email or a website with a link that doesn’t look right, don’t click it. These suspicious or unverified links may lead to malicious websites or downloads.
Upland Systems is here to help
At Upland Systems, we’re experts in ensuring your electronic devices are secure and protected from cyber threats. Our team proudly provides an unrivalled service that detects and defeats any threats before they can cause damage to your organisation. Whether you’re looking for WiFi networks you can rely on, maximum email protection, or PC and mobile security, we’ve got you covered.
We’re also proud partners with ESET internet Security, having seen first-hand the protection their software offers. Our partnership allows us to safeguard you and your business from cyber threats on all devices, whether you’re making online purchases or engaging in virtual meetings. Our team can seamlessly install the antivirus software for you, granting you peace of mind to concentrate on the growth and development of your business.
If you’d like to learn more about our services and how we can help you ensure your digital data is secure this National Computer Security Day, get in touch today! Call us at 01298 74740, or fill out our simple online enquiry form, and a member of our friendly team will be in touch.