Hardware, software, laptops, servers, technical advice – everything needs to be in place and in good order for a business to work well. But without market-leading cyber security knowledge, the whole system is under constant threat.
The team at Champion Information Services understands this and, while offering a complete all-encompassing managed IT service, the focus is very much on protecting systems against the risks of cyber crime with proactive and preventative measures that defend against would-be attackers.
Founded in 2016 by Chris Champion, the company takes a holistic approach to security, covering all angles to keep data, finances and reputation intact.
That can involve anything from offering advice on the latest in detection and protection devices and software to awareness and training to help make your staff aware of the very real threats that exist these days and support them to fend off cyber attacks.
Within any organisation the weakest link in cyber security can be the staff. Champion Information Services has partnered with a comprehensive e-learning platform that makes learning about cyber security fun and enjoyable, encouraging staff to relate to the subject matter while retaining information.
Chris said: “We looked at what was needed and found that cyber security knowledge was a big thing missing for a lot of organisations. From there, we partnered with several different leading companies to put together a comprehensive package that will keep our clients safe, secure and protected. We also work closely with clients to ensure they can be accredited to Cyber Essentials status swiftly and correctly, something that gives them peace of mind that their systems are as safe as possible and indicates that they take digital security seriously.”
So what is cyber security?
Cyber security is the means by which individuals and organisations reduce the risk of becoming victims of cyber attacks; it is the mechanism and practices that are put in place to reduce threats.
It is the knowledge that as an organisation you have done everything that you can to ensure your data, your customers’ data, financial information and reputation are kept away from criminals. The function of having cyber security is the protection of any and all devices that you use both online and offline; it is used to minimise the risk of damage and theft of data or allowing access to vast amounts of personal data held by the organisation.
However, in today’s world of fast response, working from home, multiple devices, office working and remote working, keeping your business safe can become a challenge, the best option is to find somebody that you trust to check your infrastructure, advise what will need changing and then make the necessary changes.
Where do the cyber threats come from?
Cyber threats come in various different forms, from nation states and terrorists to industrial spies and hackers; or from organisations set up to run hackers as a business. The most determined come from nation states because they are targeting infrastructure and resources rather than just financial gain. For instance, imagine a hacker taking down a city power grid just as a backup is taking place. This in turn causes a corruption in files, which means when the hardware comes back on, it is useless; or a Trojan sent to an email that then encrypts the whole network in a ransomeware attack.
Cyber attacks come in many forms and each form is a considerable risk. Some of the most common forms of cyber threats include:
Malware (Malicious Software) – software written with the intent of doing damage, either financial or reputational, causing a business to suffer losses.
Phishing – when a hacker or cyber criminal lures an individual into releasing personal information such as bank details, passwords or credit card details. It is looking for access into any systems that the person targeted has access to
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack – a flooding of computer network to overload the system and prevent legitimate requests from being fulfilled.
Zero-day exploits – a flaw in software, hardware or firmware that is not known to the company responsible for patching the devices or software.
Advanced Persistent threats – this is when a cyber criminal has accessed your network and infrastructure and remains inside for an extended period of time gathering data and/or financial information.
What is Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus
Cyber Essentials was introduced by the government to provide a certification of compliance that help organisations protect themselves against online security threat and to let others know that it takes security seriously. It is backed by the FSB and CBI and a number of insurance providers offer incentives to accredited businesses.
Cyber Essentials certification involves a self-assessment against five basic security controls and Champion Information Services offers a package that helps clients prepare for the assessment, ensuring measure are in place to make their systems secure and effective; identifying gaps in security and advising on the best way to fill them.
Cyber Essentials Plus is similar to Cyber Essentials, but the verification of a firm’s cyber security is carried out via a technical audit. Champion IT Services can assist clients in preparing for the technical audit.
The next step is to look at the staff to find the gaps in the knowledge. With technical systems becoming more secure and robust, cyber criminals are now looking at different ways to access your organisation.
Chris Champion said: “Cyber Essentials reassures your customers that you are working hard to secure yourselves against cyber attack and having accreditation may well bring in new business with those who prefer to work with accredited firms. Security is important because the effects of a cyber attack and data breach or financial loss can be devastating.
“We work tirelessly to ensure that you have the correct prevention measures in place so that you don’t have to respond to cyber crime.”
Contact Champion Information Services on 01604 952259, email chris.champion@Champion-is.co.uk or visit www.champion-is.co.uk
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