How to mitigate cyber security threats to business broadband

Cyber attacks are now a daily reality. With remote working, cloud adoption, and IoT devices becoming the norm, the attack surface for businesses has expanded dramatically. 

The good news? There are practical, effective ways to defend your business.

Let’s explore the most common threats and the mitigation strategies you can implement today.

What it is: Malicious software designed to infiltrate and damage systems.

How to avoid an attack:

• Install reputable anti-malware software across all devices.
• Keep software and operating systems up to date.
• Educate staff on safe downloading practices.

What it is: A type of malware that encrypts your data and demands payment for its release.

How to avoid an attack:

• Regularly back up data to secure, offline locations.
• Use endpoint protection tools.
• Implement email filtering to block suspicious attachments.

What it is: Fraudulent emails or messages designed to trick users into revealing sensitive information.

How to avoid an attack:

• Train employees to spot phishing attempts.
• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• Deploy email security solutions that detect and block phishing.

What it is: Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks flood your network with traffic, causing outages.

How to avoid an attack:

• Use our business broadband with built-in DDoS protection.
• Implement traffic monitoring tools.
• Work with your internet service provider (ISP) to develop a response plan.

What it is: Internet of Things devices can be entry points for attackers if not properly secured.

How to avoid an attack:

• Change default passwords on all devices.
• Segment IoT devices on a separate network.
• Keep firmware updated regularly.

What it is: Cloud platforms can be vulnerable if misconfigured or poorly managed.

How to avoid an attack:

• Choose trusted cloud providers with strong security protocols.
• Use encryption for data in transit and at rest.
• Monitor access controls and user permissions.

What it is: A firewall blocks unauthorised access to your network.

How to avoid an attack:

• Ensure firewalls are properly configured and regularly updated.
• Use both hardware and software firewalls.
• Monitor firewall logs for suspicious activity.

What it is: Ensuring only authorised users can access your systems.

How to avoid an attack:

• Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• Use strong, unique passwords.
• Consider biometric authentication for sensitive systems.

What it is: Poorly configured networks can leave gaps for attackers.

How to avoid an attack:

• Segment networks to limit access.
• Disable unused ports and services.
• Regularly audit network settings and permissions.

What it is: Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) encrypt data between remote users and your network.

How to avoid an attack:

• Provide employees with secure VPN access.
• Use VPNs with strong encryption protocols.
• Monitor VPN usage for anomalies.

What it is: Outdated software is a common vulnerability.

How to avoid an attack:

• Enable automatic updates where possible.
• Schedule regular patching for all systems.
• Monitor update logs to ensure compliance.

Cyber threats are growing - but so are the tools to fight them. We’re committed to helping you stay secure with expert support, robust broadband solutions, and advanced security features built into our services.

Don’t wait for an attack to act. Have a look at our cyber security products and start implementing these strategies today to future-proof your business against the evolving threat landscape.