Aura urges businesses to strengthen IT security amid cyberattack threat
IT services provider Aura Technology is urging businesses to ensure they have robust security measures in place in the wake of reports of a potential cyberattack from Russia.
Tim Walker, Managing Director of Aura and an experienced cybersecurity specialist, says businesses in the South should strengthen their IT infrastructure and look to implement staff training around cybersecurity to avoid becoming victims of ransomware.
Tim said: “I think it’s very likely that there could be a real risk to businesses that do not have proper protection and one of the biggest threats is undoubtedly ransomware. Businesses need to ensure they have robust measures in place to properly encrypt and back up their data so that their IT systems are not susceptible to file-encrypting ransomware.
“Cybercriminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to target organisations and a breach could be hugely damaging, both operationally, financially and reputationally.
“We have met with a number of SMEs that have experienced issues over the past 12 months that they were not prepared for. The biggest conversation topic we are having is either preparing for a cyberattack or what to do to prevent another one as the result of having experienced it.
“In light of the potential threat from Russian hackers, the biggest priority for businesses is to have appropriate and robust security systems in place so that malware and unsecure links can be picked up automatically and then safely removed/blocked.”
Tim said organisations should look to review their protocols and look to improve them if necessary.
He added: “Businesses should also consider implementing cybersecurity training for their staff so that a suspicious email or link can be recognised and acted upon immediately.
“There is also basic operational training to be considered, for instance, around employees giving out information over the phone about the business and the whereabouts of company directors.
“Also, around better operational processes to ensure that staff know what to do in certain situations, to prevent for example bank transfers being made in response to a phishing email.
“Cyberattacks are a modern form of warfare and can be hugely debilitating to public bodies and businesses. However, there are defences which organisations can have in place to avoid an attack and, if they are intercepted, to minimise the impact.”
Aura, based in Southampton and London, is backed by a team of technology professionals with decades of experience. The company works closely with businesses at senior level to make sure their IT provision is aligned to their business plans and goals.
To find out more, visit www.auratechnology.com or call 0333 320 8601.