A quick guide to step businesses through how to protect themselves against a cyber 'attack.'

1. 57| The Bugle | Autumn 2016www.balsallbugle.com Facebook.com/balsallbugle twitter.com/balsallbugle (@balsallbugle)
IN BUSINESS
Amanda
Cruxton-Chance
Is your company 'cyber savvy?'
Young or old virtually everyone uses the internet these days. It's a part of modern day
society with clients using it to run their business and friends to communicate. But what
would you do if you fell victim to cyber-crime? Here AMANDA CRUXTON-CHANCE of
Balsall Common-based business development company Flourish, explains what to do
if your business is attacked…
The mere thought can be enough to bring on
a cold sweat and panic. The loss of data,
time spent trying to recoup it let alone that
feeling of being duped.
While the world wide web offers many
benefits it also poses potential risks. It is
reported by the National Federation of Small
Businesses that 42 per cent of businesses
have been victim of cyber-crime in the last
12 months.
So as a business what should you be aware
of and how can you help protect yourself
against an ‘attack?’
Adopting a simple risk management
approach - that of plan, implement and
review - will help protect your assets, your
reputation and bring peace of mind.
First off what is at risk? Well, your IT based
information will come in many forms
including client lists, databases, financial
data, product designs, business processes.
There is a risk to the business no matter
where they are held or stored.
Planning - Identify the financial and
information assets that are critical to your
business. Assess the equipment used in your
business e.g. mobiles, tablets, PCs. Assess
the level of password protection needed, and
ensure staff are aware of the risks and their
role in keeping the business safe. You may
need external specialist support to get the
right security controls in place. Consider who
or where you would turn in the event of an
attack. Have a plan.
Implement - ensure you have the
appropriate security controls in place. install
anti-virus solutions and keep web browsers
up to date. Consider restricting levels of
access to websites to lessen the risk. Use
firewalls and increase the protection of your
network including your wireless connections.
If staff work from home, ensure data is
encrypted when stored or retrieved. Restrict
the use of plug-in devices such as USB
sticks, external drivers. You could consider
monitoring the use of business equipment
and IT systems too by
collecting activity logs.
Review - test, monitor and improve where
necessary your security controls on a
frequent basis. Remove any IT equipment no
longer in use and first ensure the
information it contains is disposed of. If you
were burgled, you’d change your house keys
wouldn’t you so similarly review and manage
access levels as members of staff leave or
join the business.
All of these steps will help and in the
unfortunate event that you are ‘attacked’
then report the incident to the police via the
Action Fraud website and consider informing
customers and suppliers if data could have
been compromised.
*As a reader of The Bugle, Flourish offers a
no obligation consultation (up to one hour)
for local businesses. Visit the website
www.flourishbd.com for more information.
James Langton and his 'Snowsports Recovery Vehicle' design
By SAM COOPER
The outstanding design work of James Langton from Balsall Common
has been recognised after he became one of only 12 finalists in the
Steve Olney Memorial Awards.
The awards, funded by design and engineering company Contechs, are
held annually at the Warwickshire Golf and Country Club in memory of
one of the company’s founders, showcasing the best of Coventry
University’s School of Art and Design.
James, a recent
graduate of the
university with a
First Class Degree
in automotive
design, received
high praise for his
designs for a
modular Snow-
Sports Rescue
Vehicle, which he
created using
computer aided
design (CAD)
software Alias
Automotive and
Keyshot 5.
James’ designs have also been featured in the New Designers show at
London’s Business Design Centre and he is currently working as a
modeller for Concept Group International in Coventry.
He is also available for freelance Alias Automotive modelling work.
James said: “It was amazing to be selected as a finalist along with 11
very strong projects and talented designers; it was a fantastic event to
be a part of.”
The event gave both fellow designers and prospective employers the
chance to explore the best of Coventry’s newest graduates.
*James’ email address is jdlangton@btinternet.com,
and he is available for freelance work.
Designs on the future