October is cyber security awareness month -  this is a very important month and is recognised around the globe. This year’s theme is #BeCyberSmart, the aim this year is to help individuals and organisations to own their role in protecting their own cyberspace.

Cyber security is everyone’s responsibility and there are many ways to be Cyber Smart.

Top tips to be Cyber Smart - starting with the basics:

• Strong passwords
• Multifactor authentication
• Back up your data
• Keep software up to date
• Privacy settings in place
• Think before you click- Could this be a phishing email, links, attachments or text?

-  Phishing attacks account for more than 80% of reported security incidents

• Report any suspicious emails
• Social caution - be careful what you share on social media

There are added things we can do at business level:

• Implementing stronger security practices
• Raising community awareness
• Education
• Training employees
• Keep passwords strong and changed regularly
• Protect your data
• Promote cyber security within the work culture

Cyber attacks can be detrimental to small businesses, with business reputation harmed, breaking of GDPR and the cost of the average attack on a small business (according to a report by Vodaphone) is over £3000, many of these businesses also reported that they would not survive another attack. Anne Sheehan, Business Director at Vodafone UK said: "Cyberattacks are an existential threat to Britain’s small businesses, yet nearly a third have no cybersecurity strategy in place. This report’s stark findings are a warning that as SMEs do more and more of their business online, it is vital that they take the steps they need to keep themselves safe  - and that Government does more to support them to do so. The UK needs successful, resilient small businesses."

We all need to be cyber smart and play our own part in protecting our own cyber space. Cyber security should a priority be for all not an afterthought.