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Understanding online threats and the latest developments in e-mail security are vital to ensuring local businesses guard themselves against data breaches according to a recent seminar hosted by Sure in Guernsey.
Following a recent spate of ransomware attacks targeted specifically at Guernsey businesses, Steven Malone, product manager at email security firm Mimecast, outlined how local businesses can protect themselves.
An audience of local technology and business leaders heard about the increasingly-sophisticated cyber-attacks targeted at corporate entities such as phishing and whaling attacks.
Mr Malone suggested that businesses need to employ a three-layered approach to email security: technology, human and specialist software.
This three-pronged approach involves diverting emails to an external facility so that links can be checked and potentially harmful links will never reach a company’s internal IT system.
Summarising the presentation, Mr Malone said: “The key to creating an efficient human firewall is to ensure that people understand the need to be aware rather than frightened.
“Being vigilant does not require extensive specialist training, it means remaining alert to particular signs and ensuring the alarm is raised should anyone have any suspicions.”
Jo Cox, Chief Commercial Officer at Sure, said: “Island businesses are being targeted more and more frequently by these cyber predators and it is important that business leaders understand the importance of minimising the risks.
“Of course, no level of awareness and no piece of software can 100% guarantee the safety of an internet user but if people are aware of the risks and the techniques and new technologies that are used then they can certainly protect themselves to a greater extent.”
