Cyber security threats are everywhere. The media is waking up to the growing risk, and reports of huge data breaches – either because of malicious hackers or human error – are certainly moving up the news agenda. Attacks come in many forms, from opportunistic phishing scams to sophisticated ransomware that encrypts files and demands payment in return for restored access to information. Meanwhile, accidental deletion or careless behaviour by employees can also result in the permanent loss of business-critical data and heavy fines from the Information Commissioner’s Office. That’s where managed IT support and services can help – providing a strong line of defence against security threats and guarding against data theft.
What cyber security threats does the motor trade face?
Hackers use specialist software to infect a system, before gaining access to a company’s computer network. Once successfully ‘inside’, whether a company is aware of the infection or not, the hacker can view files and steal sensitive information. There is a lucrative trade in data on the dark web, and hackers are hungry for in-demand personal and financial information. Just like any other organisation which handles customer data, businesses in the motor trade are attractive to cyber-criminals.
Ransomware is a particular type of malware that is becoming increasingly prevalent. In 2017, WannaCry infected the NHS network, encrypting files and demanding payment in exchange for restored access. In the seven days which followed, it is estimated to have cost £19m because of lost patient care and inability to look at critical information.
Internal theft by staff can be another concern – especially if money can be made from selling data. However, sometimes there is a less sinister explanation. Human mistakes happen, with accidental deletion of files and the occasional lost memory stick leading to headlines and often severe financial penalties.
Take the case of Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL), which was fined £120,000 for failing to protect the security of personal data. An employee lost a USB stick containing around 1,000 files that was then found and viewed by a member of the public.
How can IT support and services help?
At MSV Consultancy, our managed IT service protects our motor trade clients using three key strategies:
Proactive protection
We don’t just apply a sticking plaster to problems when they occur. We’re busy working in the background, proactively checking and testing for vulnerabilities before issues arise. Security patches are kept up-to-date and any system updates are handled out-of-hours, with no disruption to the day-to-day running of a business.
Backup and disaster recovery solutions
Safe and secure backup provides total reassurance that if the worst was to happen, a system can be fully restored to an exact moment in time before any infection took place. In the case of ransomware, it’s like wiping the slate clean.
Firewalls and anti-virus protection
We’re happy to provide staff training to improve confidence and skills when it comes to opening emails and attachments. However, just in case, our high-grade firewalls and anti-virus solutions offer an added layer of protection for total peace-of-mind.
We’re currently offering a one-month free trial of our managed IT services to new motor trade clients in Wolverhampton and the surrounding area. Click here or call us on 0845 241 6370 to find out more.
