How does your cyber security rate?
Cyber crime is rising and studies show many New Zealand businesses aren’t equipped to handle it. Take this self-assessment to see how your cyber protection stacks up — and get tips for fighting off attacks.
Cyber risks rising
More than a quarter of New Zealand businesses faced a cyber attack in the past year, according to Grant Thornton’s International Business Report survey.
Number and diversity of cyber-attacks on the rise(external link) — Grant Thornton
Check and improve your cyber security to protect yourself, your business and your customers. Government, internet providers, technology companies and organisations like Digital Journey can do their bit to help, but you need to step up too:
- Think about where your risks lie.
- Take protective steps.
- Tell any staff what they need to do.
Protective steps can be as simple as switching on two-step verification on your email. But if you rely on sensitive data or store personal information about staff and customers, you’ll need to do more.
Test yourself: How cyber secure is your business?
This self-assessment takes about 5 minutes to complete. At the end you get an action plan based on your answers.
How cyber secure is your business(external link) – Connect Smart
Common mistakes — and how to avoid them
Make sure you’re not making these simple cyber security mistakes.
Forgetting to back up data
Develop a long-term plan about how you’ll collect, keep and back up data. This will save you time and protect you from losing important data if you’re hit by a cyber attack.
Not having an acceptable use policy
This policy outlines what an employee can and can’t do when using IT equipment or the internet at work. Use our Workplace Policy Builder to create yours. It will help staff understand the rules — and reduce the risk of someone accidentally letting a cyber attacker into your system.
Keeping staff in the dark
To reduce your chances of being hit by scams, frauds and hack attacks, everyone in your business needs to be aware of current risks and commit to safe practices. Set aside time to educate yourself and your staff on new threats. Update your policies and procedures with new protection practices.
Training your staff on cyber security(external link) – Digital Journey
Relying on old passwords
Passwords must be kept safe and secure, and changed frequently. If you have trouble remembering them, use a password manager app. Use two-step verification — also called two-factor authentication — to provide even stronger protection against unauthorized access to your data and accounts.
Password managers(external link) — Digital Journey
Two-factor authentication(external link) – CERT NZ
Procrastinating on updates
Running old operating systems or software leaves you vulnerable to cyber criminals who have figured out how to hack old systems. Every time your operating system or software asks if you want to run an update, do it.
IT and social media policy(external link) — Workplace Policy Builder
Best practice to keep staff safe
Hear top tips that will help small businesses keep their staff safe online, from experts from the private sector and government agencies.
