Helping you to become #CyberResilient

Take a big step to protect your business from cyber-attacks with the NCSC’s Small Business guide

Regardless of a website or businesses size, every website is at risk of being compromised by criminals whether it’s a blog site, dynamic e-commerce platform or the local Indian restaurants website.

With small businesses accounting for 43% of all cyber-attacks annually and the growing need for businesses to work with digital devices, it’s critical that prevention methods are put in place to protect a business’s purse strings, customer data and reputation.

We work closely with The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) who are the UK Government’s arm for cyber security. A resource developed by the NCSC specifically for the small business community is their Small Business Guide.

The Small Business Guide has been split into five key areas and contain easy steps that could save time, money and even your business’ reputation if followed. The guide can’t guarantee protection from all types of cyber-attack, but the steps outlined below can significantly reduce the chances of your business becoming a victim of cybercrime.

Over the coming weeks, we are going to take a look at each area of the Small Business Guide to help highlight the steps to take in each area and how they can support your business in the fight against cybercrime. First up, the importance of backing up your data!

Learn more

Why are software updates and patches a key form of cyber defence?

If your business runs as a result of being connected to the internet, you must keep computers, devices, applications and software patched and up to date, and where you can, add the use of two-step authentication with strong passwords.

The 2023 Cyber Security Breaches Survey from the UK Government revealed that there has been a steady decline over the last 3 years in key areas of cyber hygiene, patching and software updates being one of them. Frighteningly, only 31% of businesses have a policy that means all software security updates should be applied within 14 days.

To help you with updating software and installing patch updates, we have shared some helpful top tips to make this an easy process. Take a look at these tips in our blog!

Discover tips

Is your charity one of the 19% facing monthly cyber attacks?

The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2023, published by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has revealed that 24% of charities have identified breaches or attacks in the last 12 months. Shockingly, the report also revealed that 19% are identifying attacks taking place once a month.

The report highlighted that charities are being targeted most by phishing attacks, with 83% saying they had identified a phishing attack in the last 12 months. Phishing involves attackers trying to con recipients into giving away personal details or passwords through emails and text messages.

To help you keep on top of important security measures and keep your data out of the hands of hackers, we’ve developed a simple security checklist to help secure your data.

Download Checklist

Assistance in enhancing cyber resilience for you and your clients

As you all know, joining the SECRC is entirely FREE and straightforward. Upon registration, businesses receive a comprehensive welcome pack with an array of free cybersecurity services and products and then we invite and offer an initial consultation to gauge and improve cyber security posture, all at ZERO COST

We understand the trust businesses place in their accountants, financial advisors, IT providers, and solicitors, which is why we are reaching out to you all, as our existing members to act as our advocates. By sharing our initiative with your clients, you not only help protect them from cyber threats but also enhance the value of the services you provide without spending any money yourselves.

To maximise our reach in helping your clients, we kindly request your assistance in informing them about our police-led services or you can refer us their basic information (first name, last name, company name, and email). Please make it clear to your clients that we will only use their email to send them a welcome pack and monthly newsletter, which they have the option to unsubscribe at any time. Their consent to our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions is imperative for us to start aiding them in their cybersecurity journey.

As a token of our appreciation, we would like to offer your organisation a free First Step Web Assessment for every set of 25 businesses you refer. This assessment will identify any security weaknesses on your website. Additionally, you can nominate 1 in every 25 businesses you refer to also receive this valuable assessment, you can even make it a raffle or a prize whichever you choose. To make things easier, we have created a simple link for you to use to get those members.

Download referral template

News from The South East Cyber Resilience Centre

HP Inc. joins The South East Cyber Resilience Centre’s Board of Non-Executive Directors

The South East Cyber Resilience Centre (SECRC) is pleased to announce David Scutt, Head of Cyber Security Sales EMEA & Americas for HP Inc. as the newest member of the board of Non-Executive Directors.

Commenting on the appointment, Director of SECRC Andy Richardson said: “I’m thrilled to welcome David as our newest Non-Executive Director. David has a wealth of experience within the technology sector that will help us to understand and learn more about the cyber threats everyday businesses and customers face.

“I am looking forward to working with David to further develop the SECRC and the support we can provide to businesses across the South East.”

Read release

HB Tech joins The South East Cyber Resilience Centre as the latest Associate Member

We are delighted to introduce HB Tech to our growing group of associate members. Learn more http://go.pardot.com/e/967383/as-the-latest-associate-member/5bgjr/232773022?h=LFabOsd-6BdO4aLT1S4Xy8rrnF_rKlzQSwz-bC6U5_U

Our welcome pack is always available, DOWNLOAD your copy which contains various tools and resources, that will help improve your business's cyber security and resilience.

If you need some further assistance, BOOK A CHAT with us where we can get a better understanding of how you work and how we can support you.  Just select the free 30-minute health check when it is convenient for you.

If you have seen a particular service you would like, select the 40-minute conversation instead and we can get the ball rolling for you.

Chris White
Head of Cyber and Innovation
South East Cyber Resilience Centre

Copyright © 2020 South East Cyber Resilience Centre, All rights reserved

Our mailing address is:
South East Cyber Resilience Centre
Thames Valley Police Headquarters
169 Oxford Road, Kidlington Thames Valley
OX5 2NX United Kingdom

www.secrc.police.uk

Add us to your address book