What is Cyber Security?

Cyber security is the name for the safeguards taken to avoid or reduce

any disruption from an attack on data, computers or mobile devices.

Cyber security covers not only safeguarding confidentiality and privacy,

but also the availability and integrity of data, both of which are vital for

any business.

Security breaches can occur when we use paper records, send/receive

information and even verbally. However, the consequences of security

breaches with digital information are potentially far more severe, as

information can be distributed more easily and to a far wider audience.

Cyber-breaches are costly – in terms of expense, recovery time and

through damage to reputation. In a Government Cyber Breaches Survey

in 2017, 46% of businesses reported a cyber-breach or attack.

That is why cyber security is a high priority for business and why all

employees must be aware of how to implement protective measures.

Individuals should also be aware of basic cyber security safeguards for

personal use and when participating in the management and coordination

of their care and support. Security is a constantly changing area and

sometimes can seem quite confusing.

However, there are many effective and relatively simple steps that can be

taken to protect information to protect you and your organisation.

Taking some simple actions and practising safe behaviours will reduce

online threats. The most important steps to improve online security are

ensuring you -

- MOVE AWAY FROM USING UNSUPPORTED SOFTWARE

- ALWAYS DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL THE LATEST SOFTWARE AND

APPLICATION UPDATES

- RUN UP-TO-DATE ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE

- USE STRONG PASSWORDS

- DELETE SUSPICIOUS EMAILS AND AVOID CLICKING ON UNKNOWN

ATTACHMENTS OR LINKS

- BACK UP YOUR DATA

- TRAIN YOUR STAFF TO BE CYBER AWARE

- MANAGE SECURITY RELATIONSHIPS WITH SUPPLIERS AND PARTNERS