If you think cybersecurity is just a fancy word for tech people, think again. It’s the difference between having a thriving online business and experiencing a cyber related nightmare.
Hosting services are the backbone of your online presence. They provide the necessary space, power, and speed for your websites, apps, and data. Unfortunately, they also attract a lot of unwanted attention from cybercriminals who can ruin your day (and drain your bank account) with a few simple clicks.
In this blog post, we’re here to share with you why cybersecurity is an absolute must-have for any hosting service and how you can avoid becoming a victim to cybercrime.
Why is cybersecurity important?
Cyber-attacks are more than just a pesky nuisance. They can cost you a fortune and tarnish your hard-earned reputation. Brace yourself for some jaw-dropping facts that might keep you up at night:
– Data breaches cost UK businesses an average of £3.2m.
– Phishing still reigns as the most popular cyber attack in 2023. It’s when someone pretends to be someone else (like your bank or your boss) and tricks you into revealing your personal information.
– Between March 2022 and March 2023, stolen or compromised credentials were the most common entry point for attackers at 13%. That’s what happens when you use “password” or “123456” as your password. Time for an upgrade, folks!
– By 2025, cybercrime is projected to cost the world a whopping $10.5 trillion every year. Wrap your head around that – it’s more than the GDP of most countries in the world, with the exception of China and the US. Just imagine what incredible things we could do with that money!
Why cybersecurity matters to small businesses
You might be under the impression that cyber-attacks only target big companies or governments. Well, think again. Almost half of all cyber-attacks are aimed at small businesses.
If you happen to run a small business, it’s absolutely crucial to take cybersecurity seriously and invest in the best protection available to you. Failure to sit up and take note means you are making your business an easy target.
Small businesses are often more vulnerable to cyber-attacks due to limited resources, skills, and awareness to implement effective security measures. They may also use outdated or unpatched software, weak passwords, or insecure networks. These factors make them easy prey for hackers who can exploit their vulnerabilities and gain access to their valuable data.
Small businesses may not have a robust backup or recovery plan in case of a cyber-attack. This can result in permanent data loss, downtime, or even legal trouble. According to an IBM report, it can take up to 9 months to contain a data breach. By then, you could have lost your customers, your hard-earned reputation, or worse, your entire business.
Choosing the right hosting provider
Hosting services are absolutely essential for any online business. They allow you to create and manage your website, store your precious data, and run your awesome applications. But, like everything in life, hosting services also come with their fair share of dangers that you need to be aware of and tackle head-on.
One of the biggest dangers of hosting services is the risk of your data falling into the wrong hands. If your hosting provider’s security is as leaky as a sieve, hackers can swoop in and steal your valuable data by exploiting server, network, or software vulnerabilities. This can result in devastating consequences such as data loss, damage, ransomware attacks, or any other type of cyber nightmare you can think of.
Another danger to be wary of when it comes to hosting services is the reliance on the uptime and reliability of your hosting provider. If your provider experiences a meltdown or falls victim to a cyber-attack themselves, your website might suffer from downtime or painfully slow loading speeds. This can seriously harm your online presence, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, your income. Once again, this emphasises the importance of choosing the right hosting provider to ensure the survival of your business.
But beware, dangers can sometimes lurk closer to home. Research shows that up to 40% of cyber threats actually come from within your own supply chain. Yes, that’s right! These third parties in your supply chain can pose a serious security risk to your business if they don’t follow proper security rules and standards. Just over one in ten businesses say they review the risks posed by their immediate suppliers, so it’s crucial to carefully vet and choose trustworthy partners to mitigate this risk.
Protect yourself from cyber threats
Let’s talk about how to keep your hosting service safe and sound. As a responsible user of hosting services, it’s crucial to protect yourself from cyber threats and safeguard your online business and customer data. So here are some handy tips to help you out:
- First things first, choose a reliable hosting provider that offers top-notch security features and guarantees. Look out for SSL certificates, firewalls, malware scanning, DDoS protection, backup and recovery options, and helpful support.
- Keep your software up to date and regularly patched. You can either stay on top of it yourself or let someone else handle it for you. This includes your operating system, web server software, content management system (CMS), plugins, themes, and any other software you use on your website. Outdated software is like an open invitation for those sneaky hackers.
- Use strong and unique passwords for all your online accounts, including your hosting account, website admin panel, and email accounts. don’t reuse passwords across different platforms or services.
- To add an extra layer of security, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where you can, for your hosting account and any other online accounts that support it. You know, a single password just isn’t enough these days. You need a second factor to provide an extra layer of security, should your password be compromised.
Tip: You can setup 2FA on your LCN account by following the process in our “How to set up and use Two Factor Authentication” support article.
- Educate yourself and your employees about the common types of cyber-attacks and how to prevent them. Phishing attacks, for example, often come disguised as emails from legitimate sources but contain malicious links or attachments. So, remember, don’t open or click on shady emails or messages. Always double-check the sender’s identity and authenticity.
- Stay vigilant and monitor your website and hosting account regularly for any signs of unusual activity or unauthorised access. If something seems fishy, don’t hesitate to report it to your hosting provider and take immediate action to secure your account and website. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
- It’s crucial to have a backup and recovery plan in case of a cyber incident. Make sure you have a copy of your website and data stored in a safe and separate location, like an external hard drive or a cloud service. This way, you can restore your website and data quickly and easily in case of a data breach or if data is lost. Remember, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Have a backup plan!
Summary
Don’t underestimate the importance of cybersecurity. It’s a critical element of your online business in the modern online world that can have a profound impact on your reputation, revenue, and customer loyalty.
When you rely on unreliable hosting services, you open yourself up to the possibility of cyber threats that can jeopardise your website and your data. That’s why it’s essential to be proactive and take steps to protect yourself from these threats by implementing effective security measures.
By following the tips mentioned above, you can significantly reduce the risk of cyber-attacks and instil confidence in your customers when it comes to how your business handles data. Additionally, you’ll experience the peace of mind that comes from knowing your business is secure and protected.
If you have any questions or concerns about cybersecurity or our web hosting services, please call us on 0345 363 3637 or raise a support ticket from your Account. Our friendly support team are here to help.