Empowering smarter security practices every day of the year
Cyber Security Awareness Month each October puts the spotlight on protecting data and systems, but keeping your business safe from digital threats requires a year-round commitment.
Cyber threats don’t operate on a calendar, and neither should your defence strategy. Here’s how businesses can maintain robust cyber vigilance beyond cyber security awareness month, with actionable steps for ongoing protection.
Regular Cyber Audits
Conducting regular security audits is essential to identify and fix vulnerabilities before they become threats. An audit looks into every layer of your business’ IT infrastructure, from network access to software integrity, uncovering hidden gaps in defences. Whether quarterly or bi-annually, a security audit keeps your systems prepared for potential attacks by staying current on emerging risks.
Continuous Employee Training
Employees are often the first line of defence in cyber security, and their knowledge of the latest threats is critical. While October may encourage company-wide training, it’s best to hold refresher sessions throughout the year. Covering topics like phishing detection, secure password practices, and device security keeps staff informed and proactive. Consider short monthly updates or interactive sessions every quarter to reinforce a ‘security-first’ mindset.
Here at Seriun we offer free training materials that we will be updating every month that you can download and use from here.
Securing Remote and Mobile Devices
With many employees working remotely or accessing data on mobile devices, securing endpoints is crucial. Remote work settings and mobile usage create new access points that, if unsecured, expose the network to external threats. Regularly updating software, enabling multi-factor authentication, and using encrypted connections help ensure data stays protected, even when accessed outside the office.
Implementing Advanced Threat Detection
Beyond basic firewalls and antivirus software, businesses can benefit from advanced threat detection tools like intrusion detection systems and AI-driven analytics. These tools monitor network activity continuously, quickly identifying anomalies that signal potential breaches. With threat detection running year-round, companies have a better chance of stopping threats in real-time rather than reacting after an incident occurs.
Keeping Software and Systems Updated
Staying vigilant about updates is one of the easiest yet most effective ways to protect against cyber threats. Software patches and updates often contain essential security fixes for vulnerabilities that attackers could otherwise exploit. Automating updates across the network ensures that all systems and applications are up-to-date without manual intervention, reducing the risk of forgotten patches.
Developing a Response Plan
Preparation is a cornerstone of cyber vigilance. A well-developed incident response plan outlines specific steps for handling potential cyber events, from containing the threat to restoring systems and data. Regularly review and test this plan to make sure your team knows how to act swiftly and effectively should a breach occur. A response plan not only mitigates damage but also minimises downtime and restores operations smoothly.
Collaborate with Cybersecurity Partners
Working with cyber security experts, whether through managed security providers or consultants, provides access to specialised knowledge and resources. These professionals can help monitor your systems, run assessments, and implement best practices for ongoing vigilance. Cyber security partnerships are especially valuable for small to medium businesses looking to bolster their defences without managing everything internally.
Why choose Seriun?
Cybersecurity isn’t just a one-month priority – it’s an ongoing practice that should be woven into the daily operations of every business. By adopting consistent security audits, training, and advanced protections, your business can stay resilient against evolving cyber threats. With a proactive, year-round approach to cyber vigilance, you’ll be safeguarding both your data and the trust of your customers.
When it comes to cyber security, Seriun stands out with a range of accreditations, including CREST, Cyber Scheme, and Cyber Essentials certifications. These credentials reflect our commitment to the highest standards in data security and network protection. Partnering with Seriun means choosing a provider dedicated to safeguarding your business with expert knowledge and trusted industry practices. Our team works closely with businesses to create tailored security solutions that grow with you, ensuring ongoing protection and compliance with the latest standards.
“Wayne has been an invaluable source of knowledge and has really encouraged us to look at our security in a different way. He has educated our staff on the importance of cyber security. He relates to them in a way they understand so they take it seriously, and that’s what makes a difference! We will continue to work with Wayne and his team to ensure we maintain and exceed in our measures as much as possible.” Zoe Fairhurst – Bespoke Healthcare
Looking to strengthen your cyber strategy? Contact Seriun to learn how we can support your cybersecurity goals all year long.
Call: 01282 500770 or email: info@seriun.co.uk.
Meet the Seriun team: www.seriun.co.uk/meet-the-team