The online world moves fast, developing at breakneck speed, with new ideas, fresh connections and amazing digital innovations constantly changing how enterprise takes place everyday. There are plenty of opportunities for the savvy entrepreneur and forward-thinking business. However, making the internet central to the way we do business has also brought with it a multitude of risks. That’s why Cyber Streetwise, a government initiative, has been consulting with business leaders in an effort to make cyber security a core part of how we operate in 2016.

Our data is a precious commodity and the numerous devices we use to transfer it make us all, as individuals and businesses, vulnerable. Whether it’s malware, hackers or cyber fraud, we all need to be aware of the risks associated with trading and communicating online, and take measures to minimise them. Although this can seem daunting, in fact, there are three simple steps Cyber Streetwise have identified that will help you to fortify your online protection. These are making your passwords more difficult to crack by ensuring they contain three random words, installing security software on all your business’s devices (including mobile phones) and downloading software updates when you are invited to do so.

Nathan Hardwick, Executive Digital Director here at the IOEE, said “Nowadays, the business that doesn’t have a digital presence and use online communications daily is the exception. That’s why it’s imperative that all SMEs face up to the threat of cyber security and take every precaution they can to avoid the potential financial fallout and data breach of an attack.”