It’s six years since we started shouting about cybersecurity and five years since we held our first cybersecurity awareness event. During that time there have been massive changes in cybersecurity, because there have had to be. Whilst the theme of cybersecurity is depressing, we are also pleased that cybersecurity is now taken much more seriously by both business and domestic users of IT. So, whilst the criminals have proved themselves to be extremely adept at breaching security, law abiding businesses and citizens are now much more aware of cybercrime, cybersecurity and what their responsibilities are. We are not suggesting for a moment that the problem is resolved, far from it, but we’re reassured that most people recognise that cybercrime exists and that they must take measures to fight it. Here we reflect on the cybersecurity journey globally and much closer to home – here at Net Primates. 

Our cybersecurity journey 

At Net Primates we love IT. We love networks, software, hardware and helping customers. We don’t love cybercrime. But six years ago we realised that we needed to put cybersecurity at the heart of everything we do. Without strong cybersecurity defences in place a business doesn’t necessarily continue to be a business. We began the work of finding out as much as we could about cybersecurity and cybercrime, ensuring that any products and services offered were as secure as possible. 

Building relationships 

Staying up to date with cybersecurity isn’t a case of Googling cybersecurity! We realised early on that building relationships with industry peers is vital. Over the past six years we have made a point of attending cybersecurity events, mixing with specialists, and putting what we learn into practice wherever possible. 

Staying up to date 

Cybercrime has evolved significantly in the last six years, but so have the measures to prevent attack. We have always held the view that it’s better to proactively initiate the latest cybersecurity measures rather than wait. For example, we added extra security enhancements when supplying Microsoft 365; we’re pleased to note that Microsoft have now put additional security measures in place themselves. 

Education 

We could lock all of your systems and devices down, making them tiresome to use and significantly reducing efficiency. They would be much safer, but still not infallible and your staff would be pulling their hair out in frustration. But not locking them down completely opens the door to human error. It was clear from the beginning that training and education would be vital, hence why we held our first cybersecurity event and continually present you with content on how to keep your business as secure as possible. People are at the heart of a business so need to be fully informed on the threats that we all face, and how they can play their part in keeping a business safe.  

Planning as well as prevention 

At the beginning it was all about prevention. There is now recognition globally that all the security in the world may not prevent an attack. Planning for a cyberattack is essential in the same way that we design buildings to minimise the risk of fire whilst also installing fire extinguishers and holding fire drills. Every business needs to know what they would do in an attack to minimise the risk to themselves, their customers and their suppliers. 

What does the future hold? 

Whilst no one really knows (even the criminals) one thing is certain – cybercrime is here to stay, and at Net Primates we are determined to keep our finger on the pulse. We are reassured that most businesses are now at least aware of cybersecurity, way more than they were six years ago. Unfortunately, many of us are aware of cybercrime because we know someone who has been a victim, or have been caught up in a cyberattack on an organisation that we are in connection with. But that realisation drives action – action that is essential to help keep us all safe. 

What can we all do? 

We will continue banging the cybersecurity drum and are always here to assist you in any way we can. You can tell us your cybersecurity concerns, and we’ll advise on the best ways to keep your business safe. The main message is that we need to keep cybersecurity on the agenda in order to continue business as usual. 

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