Protect Your Business against Cyber Crime

Cyber security

Taking a business online can have its benefits, but it can also increase the risk of scams and security threats. Cyber security is about protecting technology and information from accidental or illegal access; corruption; theft and damage. Taking the right security measures and being alert and aware when connected are key ways to prevent cyber intrusions and online crimes. Cyber security should become a part of any organisation’s daily business processes.

Cyber-attacks

It is estimated that the global cost of cybercrime is more than 600 billion US dollars and approximately R2.2 billion in South Africa annually.
Cyber-attacks can happen in different ways to access information and data on your business, employees and customers. The following are examples of how it may happen: ▪ theft or unauthorised access of hardware, computers and mobile devices ▪ infecting computers with malware (such as viruses, ransomware, and spyware) ▪ attacking your technology or website ▪ attacking third party systems ▪ spamming you with emails containing malware ▪ gaining access to your information through your employees or customers. A cyber-attack could cause you: ▪ financial loss – from theft of money, information, disruption to business ▪ business loss – damage to reputation, damage to other companies you rely on to do business ▪ costs – getting your affected systems up and running ▪ investment loss – time notifying the relevant authorities and institutions of the incident.

Some common online threats to watch out for include:
Phishing (scam emails) – fake messages
Malware – malicious software to steal information
Ransomware – malicious software making computer or files unusable

The infographic gives some tips and tricks on some ways businesses can protect their business.