Is your business protected from the ongoing threat of scammers?

How would your business cope with the threat of a scam?

?In an increasingly uncertain world, it’s an important question every business owner should be asking themselves.

With the threat of scams escalating in recent years and fraudsters becoming increasingly sophisticated in the ways in which they are targeting businesses, it has never been easier for them to steal your information or your money.

Here, the team at 3RS IT Solutions outline some of the more common scams and the steps you should take now to protect your business.

Protecting yourself from a hidden threat

Scams are everywhere, with businesses of all sizes coming under constant threat.

Shocking statistics from BDO show that as many as 80% of small businesses in the UK experienced some kind of fraud in 2021, with almost a third suffering a security breach as a result of a cyber-attack.

Among the most common forms of attack are phishing emails where scammers try to deceive members of staff into revealing sensitive information or installing ransomware onto their computers.

Just this week, businesses in Central Bedfordshire were targeted by bogus council workers, with emails claiming their listing in a business directory was about to expire and that payment to secure their place was needed urgently. Following a number of reports, Trading Standards moved quickly to inform anyone who receives the email to delete it immediately. ?

Elsewhere, businesses are being targeted by scammers using fake invoices as a way of stealing thousands of pounds from company accounts and, in the wider community, thieves are using fake QR codes to cover car park signage with the intention of stealing money from unsuspecting visitors.

Cyber-security: Education is key

As technology moves on, so too do the scammers so it pays to always be one step ahead.

But what can you do to close the net on anyone trying to do harm to your business?

First and foremost, education is key.

At 3RS IT Solutions, we’re leading the way in Northamptonshire, with free in-person or online cyber-security training for all businesses. In each session our team of experts will demonstrate what each threat looks like, how to avoid them and what to do if you believe you have been targeted. We’ll teach you, and your team, to recognise phishing emails, how to create strong passwords and how to use social media safely.

Beyond that, every business should implement basic security measures which includes installing antivirus software, firewalls, and encryption tools. These tools should always be kept up to date.

Systems should be updated regularly to keep all software, operating systems and applications protected against vulnerabilities, while data should be backed up and stored securely.

And wherever possible Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) should be implemented to add an additional layer of security beyond just passwords.

If you are concerned about cyber-security and would like more information, or if you believe you have been targeted by scammers and would like support urgently, contact the team at 3RS IT Solutions today on 01933 426129.

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