Businesses can take steps to safeguard their interests by looking into offsite backup.
When businesses are targeted by fraudsters and malware attacks, the first line of defence is to update their IT security software. But what about important files and documents that could be left open for cyber criminals to attack?
According to Kaspersky Lab, malware is becoming more sophisticated, meaning businesses might want to look into offsite backup so they know their vital information is being kept safe in a secure location.
Firms could also implement training programmes so that staff are kept up to date on the dangers of being lax about IT security.
David Emm, senior security research at the company, explained: "Cyber criminals often seek to exploit human weaknesses to spread their code. This should come as no surprise, so it is concerning to see the low level of awareness regarding potential IT security threats."
He noted that it is often human error that allows criminal online attacks to take place on companies, because employees often use the same password for all their accounts, for example.
"Unfortunately, businesses often ignore the human dimension of security. Too often you hear references to ‘dumb users’. And even if the need for staff awareness is acknowledged, the methods used don’t achieve positive results. Yet we ignore the human factor in corporate security at our peril, since it is all too clear that technology alone cannot guarantee security."
Because of this, a multi-pronged approach is required to safeguard a firm’s interests. Kaspersky Lab recommends putting in place clear rules for staff use of IT, regularly informing employees of new IT threats and holding regular training workshops to teach small groups of workers how to use IT securely.
Companies might also look into offsite backup storage, which can be particularly useful if their own office is not large enough to physically store documents and files onsite.