Internet Safety and Data Security: Key Tips Every Business Leader Should Know

As we approach Safer Internet Day 2025 on Tuesday, 11th February, with its theme “Too good to be true? Protecting yourself and others from scams online”, business leaders face an unprecedented challenge. Cyber security is no longer just an IT department’s responsibility – it’s a critical business strategy that directly impacts organisational survival.

According to the UK’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024, 70% of medium businesses and 74% of large businesses identified a cyber security breach or attack in the past year. These aren’t just numbers – they represent real risks to your business, employees, and customers.

To help, we have compiled essential information on cyber security and common business scams, with tips on protecting your business with safer internet browsing and data protection practices.

Understanding Cyber Risks: The Rising Cost of Cybercrime

Cybercrime is no longer a peripheral threat but a significant economic challenge. The global cost of cybercrime is projected to continuously increase and reach an estimated $15.63 trillion annually by 2029. For UK businesses, the average data breach cost in 2024 was around $4.53 million, a figure which can devastate small and medium enterprises.

Common Business Scams: Know Your Enemy

As businesses grow increasingly reliant on digital tools and remote operations, the tactics used by cybercriminals continue to evolve. Here are some emerging threats to be aware of:

AI-Powered Phishing: Hackers are now using artificial intelligence to create highly convincing phishing emails and even deepfake voices, making it more difficult for employees to identify fraudulent communications. These AI-driven scams can replicate the tone and style of trusted figures within your company, leading to higher success rates for attackers.
Deepfake Fraud: Cybercriminals are taking advantage of deepfake technology to impersonate executives or key personnel, using fake video or audio clips to authorise fraudulent transactions. This type of attack can easily deceive unsuspecting staff members into approving payments or divulging sensitive information.
API Attacks: As businesses rely more on third-party integrations and APIs to streamline operations, attackers are targeting vulnerabilities in these connections. A weakly secured API can provide cybercriminals with easy access to valuable data, putting your entire system at risk.
Supply Chain Attacks: Instead of attacking a business directly, hackers are infiltrating third-party vendors or service providers to gain access to larger organisations. These types of attacks are particularly dangerous because they exploit trusted relationships between businesses and their suppliers.
Cloud Jacking: With more businesses migrating to the cloud, cybercriminals are increasingly targeting cloud-based accounts. Once compromised, these accounts can provide access to a wealth of sensitive data, which hackers can use or sell for malicious purposes.

How to Support Safe Internet Browsing at Work

Creating a secure online environment requires a multi-layered approach. Business leaders must invest in both technology and training. Here are four areas you should consider:

1. Invest in Technical Infrastructure Protection

Strong technical defences form your first line of protection from cyber threats. Essential strategies include:

Robust Firewall Defence: Install enterprise-grade firewalls that monitor and block suspicious network traffic. For a more comprehensive approach, consider a Secure Access Service Edge.
Regular Security Updates: Consistently patch and update all software and systems, including internet browsers, to reduce vulnerabilities.
Anti-Virus and Managed Detection and Response: Secure all devices connecting to your network, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Use advanced endpoint protection software that goes beyond traditional anti-virus solutions.
Virtual Private Network (VPN): Use VPN technology to create secure, encrypted connections for remote workers. This protects data transmission across public and unsecured networks.
Secure Device Management: Implement Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to control and secure all company and personal devices. MDM allows you to remotely wipe data, enforce security policies, and manage device access across your organisation.
Secure Cloud Infrastructure: Choose cloud providers with strong security credentials. Ensure your cloud services have encryption, multi-factor authentication, and comprehensive backup systems.

2. Implement Shadow IT Management

The use of unauthorised software and services, known as ‘shadow IT’, poses significant risks to cyber security. You can control it through:

Regular network scanning to identify unauthorised applications. Remove or replace them with approved alternatives.
Clear IT governance policies that balance security with productivity. Make it clear to employees why specific tools are restricted to support engagement.
Creating a comprehensive approved software list. Review and update it regularly based on business needs and employee input.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) protocols that protect company data on personal devices. Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions help enforce these policies.
Monitoring tools that flag unauthorised software installations. Act quickly to investigate and address violations.

3. Be Aware of Personal Internet Usage Risks

Employee internet habits can create security vulnerabilities. You can mitigate these risks with:

Comprehensive Acceptable Use Policies that clearly outline permitted activities. Review and update these annually.
Clear guidelines for personal device use at work. Consider separate networks for personal and business devices.
Specific rules about personal browsing during work hours. Focus on protecting sensitive data rather than restricting all personal use.
Social media usage guidelines that protect company information. Train employees to recognise social engineering attempts.

4. Create a Culture of Digital Safety

Security awareness must become part of your company’s DNA. You can build this through:

Regular training sessions that use real-world examples. Make sessions interactive and relevant to employees’ roles.
Phishing simulation exercises to test awareness. Provide immediate feedback and additional training where needed.
Password management tools and policies. Encourage strong, unique passwords for all accounts.
Clear incident reporting procedures. Employees should know exactly what to do if they suspect a security issue.
Becoming a leader in cyber security and secure data management. Gain valuable accreditations, including Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001.

How to Make Data Protection a Key Priority

Effective data protection requires a strategic approach that balances security with accessibility. Here are four areas you should consider:

1. Recognise Data is a Strategic Asset

Beyond the tick boxes for compliance, your data is of critical value. Strategic data management and protection are key to building competitive advantage and business reputation. Protect it accordingly:

Client information requires the highest level of security. Encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit.
Employee data needs careful handling to comply with privacy laws. Implement strict access controls based on need-to-know.
Build trust and customer loyalty through responsible and transparent data handling practices. Studies show that 65% of customers lose trust in organisations after a data breach.

2. Understand Regulatory Compliance

Every responsible business leader must understand the importance of complying with all relevant industry regulations related to data handling. Key compliance requirements include:

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Data Protection Act 2018
Sector-specific regulations

The consequences of non-compliance can be severe and long-lasting, including:

Legal proceedings
Reputational damage
Potential business restrictions
Substantial financial penalties – regulatory fines under GDPR can reach £17.5 million or 4% of annual turnover for UK businesses.

3. Invest in Technical Data Protection Measures

Protecting your business data requires a multi-layered approach. Consider these essential strategies:

Data Encryption: Encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit. This means that even if data is intercepted, it remains unreadable to unauthorised parties.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement strong login procedures that require multiple verification steps. This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access.
Access Control Policies: Create strict user permissions for all sensitive data that follow the principle of least privilege. Regular reviews prevent privilege creep.
Secure Cloud Storage: Choose cloud providers with strong security credentials. Ensure your cloud services have encryption, multi-factor authentication, and comprehensive backup systems.
Regular Data Backups: Maintain frequent, secure backups of critical data. Store backups in different locations to protect against potential system failures or ransomware attacks.
Network Segmentation: Divide your network into secure zones. This prevents a breach in one area from compromising your entire system, limiting potential damage.

4. Prioritise Supply Chain Cyber Security

Your cyber security practices are only as strong as your weakest supplier. Build a secure supply chain with the following:

Vendor security assessments
Mandatory minimum security standards for contractors
Regular risk monitoring with proactive response actions to any issues
Collaborative security practices to help strengthen the entire supply chain

Incident Response and Recovery

Be aware that despite best efforts, breaches can still occur. Always be prepared to respond quickly to minimise damage with:

Immediate threat identification protocols with real-time monitoring
Comprehensive incident response plans with regular simulation exercises
Clear communication strategies with defined responsibilities
Business continuity mechanisms to maintain vital operations
Rapid recovery procedures and regular backups of all critical data off-site

Cyber Security and Responsible Data Management: A Shared Responsibility

Cyber security and data protection require constant attention. Success depends on creating a culture where security awareness is second nature, and every employee plays a role in proactively protecting your business.

Implementing robust security practices and responsible data management will help you improve operational efficiency, build customer trust, and gain competitive advantage.

Safeguard your Business with Dr Logic

Understanding how to protect your business from today’s digital threats can be overwhelming – that’s where we come in. At Dr Logic, our cyber security professionals are on hand to help keep your business safe.

Protect your business with:

We pride ourselves on fair pricing and won’t ever sell you solutions you don’t need. Together, we will develop a tailored cyber security strategy to protect your data, client data, and business reputation.

Secure your business today – Contact us for a free, no-obligation call with one of our security experts.