The digital age has revolutionised the way we live, almost everything that we engage in, is in some way digitally connected. But the rise in digital innovations has also brought about a hidden threat, cyber crime. As it stands, South Africa is ranked 8th in the most targeted countries for ransomware. More than half of South African firms fell victim to cyber crime, costing businesses over R2.2 Billion per annum. The number is alarming, luckily there are a few tips and strategies that you can implement to prevent the impact of cyber crime from reaching your doorstep. 

Implement Regular Employee Training- humans are often the weakest link when it comes to cyber security and the criminals know this. The digital world is constantly changing and it can be challenging to stay abreast of the latest developments. By introducing regular cyber training, you ensure that your staff are equipped with the skills to identify threats like phishing scams, and that they are aware of the best practices for handling sensitive information. 

Use Multi-factor Authorisation- to improve the layers of security in your business, it is advised to utilise Multi-factor Authorisation (or MFA). This allows users to verify their identity using various methods, such as sending a unique code to your mobile device. This is also a smart way of keeping track of who accessed what and when. 

Regular Backups- are crucial in the recovery of data in the case of a ransomware attack or data loss incident. It is also important to save your backups separately from your networks (because it’s best to bite the bullet once), and to regularly test them for any breaches or vulnerabilities. 

Have an Incident Response Plan- preparation is always better than reaction. Should the unfortunate unfold, it is best to have a plan in place, this can minimise the impact of the attack and speed up your data recovery time. 

It is definitely important to note that there is no one-solution that fits all in the initiatives to combat cyber attacks. It is an ongoing process, one that requires regular checks and updates to ensure your digital security. Consulting with IT specialists is key to understanding the vulnerabilities that your business might face, and  how best to combat them.