Did you know 32% of UK businesses experienced a cyber attack in the past year?
As organisations become increasingly digital, the risk of cyber attacks continues to rise. Cyber resilience is no longer an option for businesses in the Highlands and Islands. However, support is available to help businesses strengthen their security, respond to potential threats and further future-proof their operations.
Cyber Scotland Partnership
Highlands and Islands Enterprise is encouraging all businesses across the region to strengthen their cyber resilience by making use of the free resources available through the CyberScotland Partnership. HIE is proud to be a part of the Partnership, a collaboration involving the Scottish Government, Police Scotland, the National Cyber Security Centre and Cyber and Fraud Centre Scotland, created to help businesses and communities across Scotland improve their cyber resilience.
Getting the Basics Right: Five Key Cyber Security Steps
These resources include a simple five-step guide to help businesses get the basics of cyber security right:
- Back up your data: Identify what data you need to back up, keep it separate from your computer, consider the cloud and make it an everyday process.
- Protect your organisation from malware: Install an antivirus software, avoid downloading unknown apps, keep your IT equipment up to date, control how USB drives are used and switch on your firewall.
- Keep your devices safe: Switch on password protection, be able to track any devices, keep your device up to date and avoid any unknown Wi-FI hotspots.
- Use passwords to protect data: Use a 2-step verification, avoid predictable passwords and change all default passwords.
- Avoid phishing attacks: Configure accounts, check for obvious signs of phishing, report all attacks and check your digital footprint.
Although these steps might appear straightforward, it is estimated that around 80% of cyber attacks can be prevented by putting basic security processes in place. So it is crucial, to protect your business, to take these simple precautions seriously.
Funding and Support
To further support your business, Highlands and Islands Enterprise is offering two different grant schemes.
The Digital Specialist Advice Grant offers up to £5,000 toward access to a one-on-one specialist digital consultant to develop a digital action plan or a feasibility study for your business. The Digital & Technological Adoption Capital Grant is the next step, by supporting the execution of advanced technologies such as AI, robotics and cyber security solutions.
Explore Cyber Resilience Resources Today
Cyber threats and attacks can affect any organisation, but taking proactive steps today can make a huge difference. By assessing the expert resources and strengthening awareness, businesses can reduce risk to protect the future of their operations, customers and reputation. Cyber crime should be taken as seriously as any other form of criminal activity. If your business becomes a victim of cyber attack, it is important to report to Police Scotland and seek guidance on the appropriate next steps.
To explore the full range of cyber resilience resources and digital funding schemes available, visit HIE’s dedicated cyber resilience webpage and discover how your business can take the next steps toward digital security.