Cyber attacks: how can I protect my company?

Cyber attacks have long been a grim reality for Swiss companies. Although increasing numbers of hacker attacks are inflicting immense damage on a lot of companies, the seriousness of the situation is often underestimated. 

The increasingly networked nature of our society is making it ever more difficult to keep corporate systems secure. The risk of being a victim of a cyber attack is growing. Although hacker attacks can result in considerable costs due to the risk of business interruptions, SMEs are often unaware of the threat. Attacks most often occur in the form of phishing e-mails and malware. Any company that fails to confront this growing threat is simply making itself an easy target for attacks – with all the serious consequences they entail. 

How can I protect my company against cyber attacks? 

Although it is virtually impossible to be 100% secure, the right preventive measures can minimize the likelihood of your company falling victim to a cyber attack. Here are five tips that you can put to simple use in your company.

1. Keep your software up to date

The more recent your software, the more secure it is. Most software features automatic updates – make sure you activate them! In this way you ensure that your applications are always state of the art. 

2. Protect your network

A firewall protects your company's network against the dangers lurking on the Internet. Make sure that your firewall blocks all data traffic coming from the World Wide Web – with the exception of what you explicitly permit to get through. 

3. Regularly back up your data

Making regular data backups is absolutely essential: in this way you can at least be assured that data is not completely lost after an attack. Establish a data backup process that meets your needs, and consistently stick to it. 

4. Sensitize your staff to the importance of making backups

The human factor is key when it comes to cyber security. Regular courses and internal communication campaigns can make a major contribution to the secure handling of your company's IT systems and data.

5. Use a good anti-virus program

It is up to you which anti-virus software you use. But make sure that it is active and that the software is up to date. If you carry out a daily scan on top of this, you are well prepared to ward off attacks and can react to them fast.