Follows recent ramsomware attacks on businesses

A recent seminar hosted by Sure has highlighted the importance of understanding online threats and the latest developments in email security to prevent data breaches.

Benji Asquith, an expert on email security firm Mimecast, outlined how local businesses can protect themselves.

The seminar followed a recent spate of ransomware attacks targeted specifically at businesses. 

An audience of local technology and business leaders heard about the increasingly-sophisticated cyber-attacks targeted at corporate entities such as phishing and whaling attacks.

Mr Asquith suggested that businesses need to employ a three-layered approach to email security: technology, human and specialist software.

This three-pronged approach involves diverting emails to an external facility so that links can be checked and potentially harmful links will never reach a company’s internal IT system.

Summarising his presentation, he said: “The key to creating an efficient human firewall is to ensure that people understand the need to be aware rather than frightened.

“Being vigilant does not require extensive specialist training, it means remaining alert to particular signs and ensuring the alarm is raised should anyone have any suspicions.”

Jo Cox, Chief Commercial Officer at Sure, says Island businesses are being targeted more and more frequently by these cyber predators and it is important that business leaders understand the importance of minimising the risks.