Every 39 seconds, a cyber attack is successfully executed. In the UK, 50% of businesses and 32% of charities believe that they are targeted for a cyber attack at least once a year, as recorded by the Government 2024 Cyber Security Breaches Survey. These attacks result in stolen data, the destruction of operation systems, damaged client relationships and more. With an ever-growing number of attacks reported, the need and importance of a cyber security review for your small to medium-sized business cannot be understated. 

So, what exactly is a business cyber security review? A cyber review is a complete assessment of your current security systems to expose any vulnerabilities that may be used for an attack. They are conducted by a trained professional in a controlled environment to detect all issues that may leave your business at risk. Your results are then composed into a detailed report, with support and guidance on how to implement a safer cyber security structure. 

Your business’ cyber security should never be a second thought. The consequences can be disruptive and detrimental to your business, and your company’s reputation if fraudulent attacks occur and confidential data is stolen. To help you learn more about the value of our Vulnerability Assessments, we’ve composed this short guide for you to explore. Simply keep reading to learn more about the importance of a cyber risk assessment for your business. 

What is the Benefit of a Security Review for Your Business?

Cyber security doesn’t only relate to your company’s computers and how you use them. It relates to all devices you use to conduct your day-to-day activities, such as smartphones, tablets or laptops. All of these devices are fundamental to conduct an effective workplace environment, no matter your sector, industry or niche. Whether you’re exploring marketing campaigns like email campaigns on your website, or you use software to store  customer information, your cyber security is paramount. 

Conducting a review to determine how exposed you are to risks isn’t the only advantage of our Vulnerability Assessments. In fact, you’ll also be provided with the opportunity to lower your risk of an attack, increase your confidence in your own systems to support your day-to-day activities, and identify what your internal and external digital weaknesses are. 

Lower Risk of Cyber Attacks

To ensure that the foundations of your business are all set and ready-to-go, you need to prioritise customer and staff safety from cyber attacks. Luckily, a vulnerability assessment offers you that opportunity. By identifying any flaws or weaknesses in how you currently operate and engage with your technology, you’ll be able to secure your systems and reduce your risk of an attack. 

Increased Confidence in Your Systems

How much would you value knowing that your cyber security is functional and effective on a daily basis? A cyber risk assessment provides you with increased confidence in your systems, meaning that your time and attention can be used for your day-to-day operations, and not wasted on ineffective and costly solutions. 

Learn What Your Weaknesses Are

Using our expert-led vulnerability assessments, you’ll be provided with the opportunity to learn more about any potential weaknesses, or threats, to your systems before they become a problem. In a controlled environment, our experts will investigate areas where your business may be exposed.  We will then advise you on how these issues can be resolved, and refer you to our Cyber Essentials Partners to implement the fixes. 

What Cyber Attack Risks is My Business Exposed to Without a Cyber Security Review?

With more sophisticated hacking strategies coming into play, all businesses are at risk. This can be through phishing (scam emails or text messages), hacking, infected software and more. A vulnerability assessment is a secure risk analysis that provides you with a detailed report of all cyber risks that are posed to your company. 

Phishing

Phishing is the most common form of cyber attack. It occurs when an attacker sends out a fraudulent email claiming to be from a reputable company, such as a charity or large organisation. It provides a link for the user to click on, which takes them to a fake website. From here, the attacker is able to exploit valuable information from the user, which damages their cyber safety. 

Anyone is at risk from phishing, as emails are becoming increasingly convincing. Often, there are minor differences between the fake email, and what a real one would look like. In January 2023, the NCSC reported on targeted phishing attacks from actors based in Russia and Iran. They explain how the attacks were made via social media and professional networking platforms to impersonate real life contacts of the victims. 

Hacking

Hacking relates to an attacker’s ability to identify weaknesses in your digital systems and use this to exploit valuable information. It can occur through obtaining weak passwords, spying on emails through code, gaining ‘backdoor access’ through a Trojan Horse (stealing data without you being aware of it), and more. The effects of hacking are irreversible and can be difficult to repair. This could include stealing money from your company, deleting files, or obtaining confidential information. 

Malicious Software 

A malware attack is where a hacker is able to break into your software to access your files and carry out unauthorised actions. This is also known as a virus, and can be costly to repair. From causing significant disruption due to not being able to access and use your digital systems, to holding companies at ransom while attackers demand payments to release your files, the risks can be detrimental to your business. 

Reduce Your Risk of a Cyber Attack with our Expert Team at the North East Business Resilience Centre 

If you’re worried about the current condition of your cyber security, then it’s important that you receive expert help and advice. We work with you in a controlled environment to explore any flaws and weaknesses in your systems, and provide cost-effective solutions to help secure your business from any type of attack. With continued guidance and support from our specialist team, we’ll support you throughout your journey to keep your business safe. 

To learn more about what we do, explore who we are and what we do. Alternatively, contact us today for tailed solutions to your cyber security needs and concerns.