Every year, Safer Internet Day brings attention to the growing need for internet safety. Almost everything we do today is online and with more businesses and individuals relying on the internet for everyday activities, the risks of cyber threats are higher than ever before.
Whether you’re managing sensitive customer data or just browsing online, Safer Internet Day serves as a reminder of how critical it is to stay safe in the digital world. And while one day is dedicated to raising awareness, online safety should be a priority year-round for businesses of all sizes.
The Growing Need for Online Safety
Cyber threats are on the rise globally, and the numbers are staggering. In FY2023-24, the Australian Cyber Security Hotline received over 36,700 calls, marking a 12% increase from the previous year, with an average of 100 calls daily. This uptick underscores the growing concern around cyber threats, as over 1,100 cybersecurity incidents were also reported. The financial impact of cybercrime remains significant, with individuals reporting an average loss of $30,700 (up 17%), while small businesses saw an 8% increase in losses to $49,600.
In today’s digital-first world, all employees, from the CEO to the front-line staff, must be educated on online safety. Cyber threats aren’t just technical problems, they affect every aspect of your business, from reputation damage to financial loss. Business owners must understand that strong cybersecurity practices are essential to the ongoing success and safety of their business operations.
Top Tips for Safer Internet Practices
Whether you’re a business owner or an individual, there are simple, effective ways you can improve your online safety. Below are some key practices you and your team can implement:
1. Secure Your Devices with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of protection by requiring more than just a password to access accounts. Whether it’s a text message code or an authentication app, MFA can make it significantly harder for hackers to gain access to sensitive data.
2. Be Cautious of Phishing Scams
Phishing is one of the most common ways cybercriminals try to steal personal information. These scams often come in the form of emails, text messages, or pop-ups that look legitimate but are designed to trick you into revealing sensitive information like passwords or financial details. Watch out for generic greetings, unexpected requests for money, or suspicious links.
3. Regularly Update Your Software
Keeping your software and devices up-to-date is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from cyber threats. Updates often include patches that fix known security vulnerabilities. Neglecting updates leaves your systems open to attacks from hackers who exploit outdated software.
4. Review and Adjust Privacy Settings
Social media accounts, websites, and apps often come with privacy settings that can help protect your personal information. Regularly reviewing and adjusting these settings ensures that only the information you’re comfortable with is shared. Make sure you limit who can see your data and what’s accessible publicly.
5. Back Up Critical Data Regularly
Ransomware attacks and other types of cybercrime can result in data loss or corruption. The best way to protect yourself is to regularly back up critical data. Whether it’s through cloud storage or external hard drives, having up-to-date backups will give you peace of mind and a recovery plan if something goes wrong.
How Businesses Can Implement Stronger Online Safety
For businesses, cybersecurity isn’t a one-time effort. It requires ongoing attention and proactive strategies to ensure data remains protected. Some practical steps to strengthen your business’s online safety include:
1. Conduct Regular Internal Security Audits
Regular audits help identify weaknesses in your company’s digital infrastructure and highlight areas that need improvement. This can involve checking for outdated software, ensuring that passwords are strong and unique, and verifying access control measures.
2. Implement Employee Cybersecurity Training
Your employees are your first line of defence against cyber threats. Regular training on how to spot phishing attempts, create strong passwords, and handle sensitive data securely can reduce the risk of human error, which is often the weakest link in cybersecurity.
3. Partner with a Managed IT Service Provider
Managed IT service providers, like IQPC, can help businesses proactively manage and mitigate risks. From setting up secure networks to providing ongoing monitoring and support, partnering with an expert IT team can make all the difference in staying ahead of cyber threats.
4. Develop an Incident Response Plan
In the event of a cyberattack, having a response plan in place is critical. This includes knowing who to contact, how to recover compromised data, and how to communicate with customers and stakeholders. Planning ahead can minimise the damage and speed up recovery.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Safer Internet Day is an important reminder of the growing risks in the online world. While it’s a great opportunity to raise awareness, implementing strong online safety practices year-round is key. Whether you’re a business owner or an individual, taking proactive steps like securing your devices, educating your team, and partnering with experts can help protect your data and your reputation. The world may be largely online now, but that doesn’t mean it has to be unsafe.
Need help securing your business’s digital assets? Contact IQPC to discuss how we can help you stay safe online, or explore our latest articles for more tips and advice on cybersecurity.
