For many CEOs, the temptation is to cross your fingers and let the IT team handle Cyber Security.
But October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, so let’s talk about what business leaders themselves should do to protect their companies. Even if they’re not technical experts, business leaders need to provide leadership in this critical area as they do in other areas.
We asked our own security experts to outline the biggest threats CEOs should keep an eye on in the coming months:
1 Ransomware attacks
Ransomware continues to be a significant threat, and the average payout for even smaller businesses to recover from a breach can be five figures. Most ransomware attacks rely on cultural weaknesses; good leaders create the conditions to prevent these.
2 Supply chain vulnerabilities
You’re as safe or unsafe as your vendors, and many have a lackluster approach to security. Conversely, your partners may have stringent security requirements, so your own cyber security may become a critical part of your market position.
3 Insider threats
These vulnerabilities can be malicious or simply accidental. Either way, sometimes the danger lies within.
4 Complacency
Many mid-sized businesses simply don’t see themselves as potential targets, and many business leaders don’t know how to make a difference. Unfortunately, these days every company is a potential target, but good leaders can move the dial.
The key first step is for the CEO and CFO to make cyber a priority with a purposeful and commercial approach.
With this in mind, we’re offering a Cyber security masterclass for CEOs and CFOs on 22 October, 12:30-13:30pm UK. It’s an hour that will provide you with the practical steps you can take straightaway to promote cyber resilience in your business.
And, as ever, you’re always welcome to contact us for a no-pressure chat about cyber security – or anything else IT-related – in your business.