The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has published a series of ‘cyber security tips’ for small businesses to address the soaring number of cyber crimes.

According to the ICO, some 7.7 million cyber crimes are estimated to have taken place last year. And, whilst some cyber attacks can be very sophisticated, the ICO notes that many organisations leave themselves vulnerable by “neglecting the very foundations of cyber security”.

Therefore, it has published 11 practical steps that businesses can take to improve their data security and resilience. Whilst most are self-explanatory, the ICO points out that as cyber attacks have been hitting the headlines recently, these tips serve as a “timely reminder for all businesses to check their own security measures”.

1. Back up your data regularly – make sure that it is checked, isn’t connected to a live data source and, if an external storage device is used, keep it separate from your main workplace, encrypted, and locked up.
2. Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.
3. Be aware of your surroundings – be conscious of what you say and what documents are open on your screen when in public.
4. Be wary of suspicious emails.
5. Install anti-virus and malware protection and keep it up-to-date.
6. Protect devices when left unattended.
7. Use a secure Wi-Fi connection, and consider using a VPN on a public network.
8. Put access controls in place for different types of information within an organisation.
9. Ensure that tabs are closed before sharing your screen in a virtual meeting and use bcc when sending bulk emails.
10. Remove data that is no longer needed.
11. Dispose of old IT equipment and records securely.

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