If you're a contractor running a limited company in the UK, it's important to be aware of the cyber security risks that come with the territory. Despite your best efforts to keep your data safe, there are always threats out there that could put your clients' and employees' information at risk. By understanding these risks and taking steps to mitigate them, you can help protect yourself from a potentially devastating data breach.

In this blog, we will talk about the types of cybercrime risks to your business and how to protect yourself from these risks.

Some common cybercrimes and how can you protect yourself from them

From ransomware to phishing attacks, there are many ways hackers can target your business and steal your data. So what can you do to protect yourself? Here are a few tips:

1. Phishing

According to a recent study, phishing is one of the most common cyber security risks faced by umbrella companies in the UK. This type of attack usually involves hackers sending out malicious emails that appear to be from a legitimate source, in an attempt to trick victims into handing over sensitive information or financial data. In many cases, these messages can be very convincing and often contain branding or logos that make them look even more authentic.

The best defence is always to be vigilant and aware of the dangers. Be suspicious of any unsolicited emails, even if they seem to come from a trusted source. If an email asks you to click on a link, then you must open it after proper diligence.

2. Ransomware

Many companies in the UK are slow to adopt new technology, making them more vulnerable to ransomware attacks.

To protect yourself from ransomware, you should always keep your software up to date, back up your data regularly, and use a spam filter to prevent malicious emails from reaching your inbox. Additionally, you should never open attachments or click on links in emails from unknown senders.

3. Malware

Malware is a big cybercrime for businesses in the UK for a number of reasons. Firstly, it can lead to the theft of sensitive data and information, which can be costly to replace or rectify. Secondly, malware can cause significant damage to your systems and networks, leading to downtime and loss of productivity. Finally, it can reputationally damage your business if confidential data is leaked or made public.

Keep your software up to date, especially your operating system and web browser. Use reliable security software, and configure it to update automatically. Be careful about what you download and open, and don't click on links or open attachments from unknown sources. Train yourself and your employees not to fall for phishing scams. And back up your data regularly, so you can recover if your system is compromised.

To sum up:

While it is impossible to completely protect your business from cybercrime, there are steps you can take to make yourself less of a target. Implementing the tips we’ve shared will help strengthen your cybersecurity posture and better protect your umbrella company from attack. Are you confident in your current security measures? If not, now is the time to take action and safeguard your business.

Reliasys is a top umbrella firm in the UK helping contractors to choose the best structure for their contracting roles. For more information please contact us.

Email us at: info@reliasys.co.uk

Call us on 020 3500 2615