Tag: cybersecurity

MTN Group Reports Ransomware Attack: Customer Data Compromised

MTN Group, Africa’s largest telecommunications provider, has experienced a significant cybersecurity breach in April. The incident, which led to unauthorised access to the personal information of customers in more than one market, is the latest in a series of cyber incidents at major companies across the country. 

Despite the breach, MTN confirmed that its core infrastructure, including network, billing, and financial systems, remained secure and fully operational. Here are the full details of the breach and what businesses can learn from MTN’s response. 

How the Breach Happened 

Though MTN is a household name in SA, the  cyberattack actually resulted in the compromise of customer data beyond our borders, with approximately 5 700 MTN Ghana customers being affected. 

An unknown third party claimed responsibility for the breach and demanded a ransom for the release of the stolen data – a classic MO for cyberattacks of this kind. 

At the time of publishing this update MTN had not disclosed the ransom amount, citing the ongoing investigation, and has also neither confirmed nor denied that paying the ransom is a strategy currently under consideration. 

Did MTN Respond Appropriately?

MTN’s reaction in the hours and days following this attack is a good example of proactive cybersecurity response and the benefits of risk mitigation. 

  • After discovering the breach, MTN activated its cybersecurity response protocols and altered law enforcement agencies such as the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Hawks. 
  • This is the recommended course of action for any business dealing with a major cyber incident. 
  • The company also notified relevant authorities in affected countries and is in the process of informing impacted customers, adhering to local legal and regulatory requirements. As above, this is the approach favoured by cybersecurity experts: placing customer privacy and data first. 

MTN joins a long list of prominent cybersecurity victims across the country 

This incident is not the first of its kind, nor will it be the last, but it once again highlights the growing threat of ransomware attacks in the telecommunications sector. 

Earlier in 2025, Cell C, confirmed a data breach linked to a ransomware attack by the RansomHouse group. Unlike the anonymous MTN incident, this attack was carried out by a notorious cybercrime network with the intention of adding Cell C to their list of high profile victims. 

The ripple effects of cyberattacks have againbextended beyond telecoms to other essential services, including the travel industry. In May, South African Airways (SAA) suffered a major cyber incident that disrupted access to its website, mobile app, and key operational systems. The breach, which began over a weekend, significantly impacted customer services and internal processes, highlighting the broad-reaching consequences of digital vulnerabilities across sectors.

Whether hackers strike stealthily or make a show of their ability to penetrate digital defences, the increasing frequency of attacks like these underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures across the industry and the economy as a whole. 

Secure your company data with us 

While MTN’s swift response ensured the protection of its core systems, the breach of customer data raises concerns about data privacy and the evolving cyber threats facing telecom and other industry operators. 

This incident serves as a reminder for companies to continuously assess and strengthen their cybersecurity frameworks to safeguard against future attacks.

To protect your business and clients’ critical data you need an integrated approach to cyber protection. Soteria Cloud offers an advanced backup package with secure managed cloud backup paired with Acronis Cyber Protect for the ultimat in data protection.  

To learn more about our packages and how they can keep your files safe and encrypted in the cloud, click the button below. 

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SASSA Vulnerabilities Report – Cybercrime

SA Social Security Agency Releases Report on Large-Scale Cybersecurity Breach

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has released an in-depth report following a large-scale breach of its cyber defences last year which is alleged to have cost taxpayers an estimated R175 million. 

The findings raise serious questions about the cybersecurity protocols in place at government departments and suggest several key areas for improvement.

While the cyberattack on SASSA was significant, it was not unique. With organisations of all sizes increasingly falling prey to hackers and cybercriminals, the report offers valuable lessons that every organisation can implement. 

Let’s take a closer look at what happened, what the investigation uncovered, and how businesses can use this information to keep their own data safe.

Large-Scale Cybersecurity Breach Detected by University Students

When hackers breached SASSA’s defences, they helped themselves to an enormous sum of money which was ultimately financed by South African taxpayers. The hacking group N4ughtySecGroup, which claimed responsibility, alleged that the amount stolen exceeds R175 million. 

A troubling revelation for commentators and the public is that the breach wasn’t detected by the department itself. In fact it was first-year computer science students Joel Cedras and Veer Gosai from Stellenbosch University who stumbled upon it while working on a research project.

In the wake of their discovery, SASSA launched an investigation, with cybersecurity specialist Stanly Machote and auditing firm Masegare & Associates tasked with uncovering how such a critical security failure had occurred. 

The report, recently presented to Parliament, outlines the modus operandi of those responsible, though their identities remain classified.

  • The hackers exploited vulnerabilities in the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant system, which was introduced during the COVID-19 lockdown as a R350-per-month survival grant. 
  • The government later extended these payments as a form of universal basic income for struggling families. Unfortunately, due to the sheer volume of applicants, authorities appear to have been unable to track exactly who was receiving SRD payments or whether the recipients were legitimate.

In analysing how, when, and why the SRD system was compromised, the report commissioned by SASSA outlines the following vulnerabilities in the department’s security infrastructure:

  1. API vulnerabilities – No rate limiting allowed mass querying of ID numbers, exposing application statuses.
  2. Data exposure & fraud risks – Sensitive applicant details were accessible, and high application rates suggested possible identity misuse.
  3. Unauthorised applications & payments – Grants were linked to ID numbers of non-applicants, raising misallocation concerns.
  4. Unofficial websites & phishing threats – Fake sites collected personal data, leading to financial loss and compliance risks.
  5. Authentication & phone-related risks – Multiple applications per number, SIM swap fraud, and inadequate cellphone ownership validation increased fraud potential.
  6. Encryption & security weaknesses – Poor encryption, missing security headers, and weak content security policies left data vulnerable.
  7. System & server vulnerabilities – Weak portal security, misconfigurations, directory enumeration risks, and unencrypted communications exposed the system to attacks.

For tech experts, this list reads like a how-not-to guide for cybersecurity, highlighting just how much SASSA’s lack of basic security protocols contributed to the breach. A reliance on old technology made the system an easy target for cybercriminals.

The report’s bottom line recommendations are clear: a serious overhaul of the department’s cybersecurity framework is long overdue.

The Lesson for Businesses: Don’t Repeat SASSA’s Mistakes

It’s easy to criticise the government’s lack of cyber preparedness and see it as yet another example of inefficiency, but the reality is that many businesses- both large and small- suffer from similar vulnerabilities.

  • A full-scale cybersecurity audit may sound expensive, but for larger businesses storing vast amounts of sensitive client data, it could be a necessity rather than a luxury.
  • No matter the size of your business, one of the most cost-effective ways to strengthen cybersecurity is through secure cloud storage, fully integrated across all the applications your team relies on.

To learn more about our range of data security products, including our comprehensive Total Data Protection (TDP) System, visit our website today.

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Cyberattack Response Plan – Cybersecurity

The First 24 Hours: Your 7 Step Cyberattack Response Plan

Logging onto your device only to find that you’ve become the latest victim of the current wave of cyberattacks sweeping the country is one of the scariest moments for any internet user. 

When your data is on the line and time is of the essence, it may seem natural to panic, but that’s the last thing you should do. The first 24 hours following an attack is a crucial time window for limiting damage and restoring systems, and you’ll need a plan in place to respond effectively. 

By following the series of steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to assess the scale of the damage, take proactive steps to mitigate data loss, and hopefully emerge from the cyberattack with all (or at least some) of your data and your company’s reputation intact.

How to React When Hackers Strike

The first thing to do after a cyberattack is to remain calm. Notify management of what has happened and start taking steps to assess and mitigate the damage by following this structured step-by-step incident response plan; Identify, Isolate, Notify & Protect, Analyse, Report, Reset, Protect.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Identify the Attack

A ransomware attack typically starts with a message from the hackers, stating that your data has been compromised and providing further instructions, such as the ransom amount and how to pay it. 

Whatever you do, don’t even consider following these instructions until you’ve completed the next step.

2. Isolate the Affected Systems ASAP

Your priority following a cyberattack is to isolate the device or network that has been compromised. This means powering down and disconnecting the device from your network without delay. 

These steps may help to slow the spread of malware or ransomware to other devices in your organisation.

3. Notify and Protect Your Network

Alert key personnel such as your IT manager or outsourced networking consultant immediately. Once they are available, convene a “war room” with the IT department, management, and possibly legal and PR advisors to mitigate the potential damage to your network and your company’s reputation.

4. Analyse the Damage

There are several types of damage a cyberattack can cause: 

  • Financial damage from lost data and downtime
  • Damage to your computer network that may take time to restore 
  • Reputational damage that your business may suffer if the cyberattack becomes public knowledge. 

It’s important to realistically assess the worst-case and medium-case scenarios and start fixing the damage as soon as possible.

5. Report the Incident

Cyberattacks must be reported to the Cybersecurity Hub at the national CSIRT as soon as they occur. In cases where fraud is suspected or a large amount of customer data has been leaked, you may also need to report the incident to law enforcement authorities.

6. Reset, Patch, and Update

With the help of a trusted IT professional, reset your computer network, patch the vulnerabilities that allowed the attack to occur in the first place, and update your files with the most recent versions from your secure cloud backup. 

This will help you get your business up and running again. 

7. Post-attack security upgrade

Finally, be sure to remove any malware that hackers may have installed to gain access to your network and prevent similar attacks from taking place weeks or months down the line.

Implement a total data protection plan

To help ensure that your business is prepared for future cyberattacks, if you don’t already have reliable cloud backup and a secure data protection plan, this would be the time to upgrade your security.

Secure cloud storage, particularly comprehensive encrypted data storage solutions like our
Total Data Protection package, will help keep your sensitive files safe in the cloud.

Trust Soteria Cloud to safeguard your valuable data while focus on your core business. Get Total Data Protection today.

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Proactive Defence – Cybersecurity

Beyond Defence: Proactive Approaches to Cybersecurity in the Digital Age

As the Cybersecurity landscape evolves, a new generation of threats is emerging faster than ever.

Powered by AI and other advances in technology, the latest cybercrime risks are developing faster than any defensive strategy can keep up with. That’s why a proactive approach is so crucial when setting up a multi layered cyber defence system for your business.

By learning more about proactive defence you’ll be in a better position to keep your sensitive data safe at a time when thousands of cyberattacks take place worldwide every day. Let’s start by taking a look at the necessity for several layers of cyber defence.

The importance of proactive cybersecurity

Today’s cybersecurity landscape is characterised by rapidly evolving threats. Unlike the situation of ten or twenty years ago where a good antivirus programme and firewall were sufficient to keep most viruses at bay, the current and future scenario is complex and subject to rapid change.

The rise of AI, in tandem with the growing ranks of black hat tech specialists working in cahoots with cybercriminals, has created a wave of new online threats that threaten to overwhelm traditional defences. Of these, Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are of particular concern to business owners.

  • Imagine a hacker gaining access to your network and sitting idle for weeks or even months, spying on the internal workings of your business and reading through your confidential documents at their leisure until they spot the perfect target for a cyberattack.
  • This is exactly how APT attacks are carried out – and why they’re both hard to spot and frustrating to respond to. A proactive approach is the only way to spot these attacks in time and respond to them.

Threat intelligence and rapid response: the new cybersecurity gold standard

With cybercriminals harnessing the power of AI and machine learning to create new threats, the cyber defence industry needs to use them to counter the risks of major data losses. Detecting stealth attacks and limiting the damage they can do are now the primary objectives of any effective cybersecurity strategy.

  • AI-driven cybersecurity software, including the top-level detection tool we offer in partnership with Acronis, can help spot potential attacks in real time.
  • Effective encryption and user permissions, including file locking and need-to-know basis data sharing, can help limit the extent to which hackers can read and use compromised files.

A holistic approach to cyber defence

Smart secure cloud storage, which ensures timely online backups across various apps and can be customised by IT managers, is the only approach that stands a chance of keeping up with cybercriminals in 2025.

You’ll find these features and more in our Total Data Protection package. Click the button below to learn more.

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Proactive Cybersecurity – One Step Ahead

Preparing for a Cyberattack: Why Proactive Backup Is Your Best Defense

Is there anything you can do to prepare for a cyberattack ahead of time and be ready to restore your valuable data? The answer is a resounding, proactive YES. Here’s what business owners need to know to stay ahead of the online crooks.

Cyberattacks: Not if but when – and what then?

Global cyberattacks continue to be one of the top worries of IT managers and company owners worldwide, with an estimated 5,200 victims of ransomware incidents estimated for this year. These destructive attacks are expected to more than double in 2024.

Disruptive attacks
Image courtesy of QEB

Cybercriminals often see significant financial rewards from these illegal activities , which is why these figures remain alarmingly high. For business owners and managers this means being proactive about cybersecurity is crucial to safeguarding your business against the evolving threat landscape.

Proactive backup is one of the best practices we recommend to all our clients. “Proactive cybersecurity” means anticipating future problems or changes to take appropriate action, immediately. With careful planning “before or in the event of” a cyberattack, you can keep your company information secure and recover quickly in the event of a cyberattack.

Put simply – being proactive means being ahead of the game – being proactive to prevent an attack from taking place rather than reactive once your data is seriously compromised.

Proactive Backup: Staying ahead of the hackers

Simply signing up for a backup service is a good first step towards protecting your company’s data, but that alone is not enough to ensure your critical files are safe in the cloud and accessible when needed.

A proactive approach to backup means ensuring the following steps are taken:

Your files are backed up regularly

Scheduling automatic backups ensures that the latest version of your files is always saved in the cloud. This minimises the risk of data loss resulting from a breach or technical failure, preventing a situation where only outdated versions of files are available for restoration.

The right files are backed up

It’s essential to ensure that critical business documents—such as financial records, proprietary information, and especially client records protected under the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act — are included in your secure cloud folder.

Threats are detected early

Ongoing monitoring is vital. Ensuring any suspicious network activity is promptly reported to your IT manager helps detect cyberthreats at their earliest stages. This enables you to act quickly and take emergency measures to protect your systems.

Total Data Protection puts you in full control

Finding a single solution that blends secure cloud storage, automated backup, and monitoring used to be difficult – until now, that is.

With Soteria Cloud’s Total Data Protection plan you are in total control of your backups with a full range of customisable options. Click the button below to learn more.

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Essential Cloud Storage – Cybersecurity

Why Cloud Storage Is Essential for Your Business

Businesses generate and store more data each year, and the recent wave of cyberattacks gripping the country highlights how valuable this information is—not only to businesses but also to cybercriminals.

As businesses scramble to avoid becoming the next victim of a data breach, leak, or ransomware attack, owners and managers are weighing their options for data storage. 

With traditional physical storage, conventional cloud apps, and secure cloud storage emerging as the three main options, we’d like to make the case for encrypted cloud data protection.

Here are some reasons why secure cloud storage offers the gold standard in data protection and how it can benefit any business.

Protection of sensitive information

Businesses handle a variety of sensitive information, from company financial records and new product designs to sensitive client data that could result in serious privacy breaches if it falls into the wrong hands.

In light of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), which places an obligation on companies to protect client data to the best of their ability, obtaining the most powerful encrypted storage available has become a necessity.

Financial risk reduction

The monetary cost of a cyberattack can range from tens of thousands to millions of rands, depending on the scale and circumstances of the incident. The reputational damage could be even greater.

Secure cloud storage helps keep your business out of the high-risk landscape that comes with exposure to ransomware and phishing attacks. For a small monthly investment, you could pre-empt losses ranging from five to six figures.

Insider threat mitigation

According to research by Stanford University, 88% of data breaches involve internal actors like staff members. It’s also an unfortunate reality that many data leaks and breaches are the work of disgruntled employees—and it could be the person you least suspect.

  • Zero-trust architecture, which requires full credential verification before file access is granted, coupled with encrypted backups, removes personal trust from the equation.
  • Having a full backup of your valuable files ensures organisational control over your company data, regardless of what actions—good or bad—your team may take.

Customer trust

With news of data breaches being reported daily by the media, customers have developed heightened awareness and concern about how companies safeguard their data.

Having comprehensive and reliable data security in place inspires confidence in your clients as they trust you with their valuable and sensitive personal information. From a practical point of view, secure cloud storage also helps reduce the risk of losing client data in the event of a data breach or cyberattack.

To learn more about Soteria’s Total Data Protection package and how it can secure your business files, visit our product page today or click the button below.

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Doing your Backups | Online Backup

How Often Do you Back Up Your Data Online?

How often does your company back up essential business data? It turns out that the answer depends on which part of the world you live in. 

A recent survey conducted by MyExpressVPN reveals that companies in North America, Europe, and the UK prioritise backup frequency differently. Let’s examine the data in detail and see how your business compares.

France leads the charge in data backup frequency

When managers and IT specialists from four major countries were surveyed about their data backup habits, the French emerged as the most diligent savers. 

  • Twenty-two percent of respondents from France stated that they back up their data daily, while 42% reported conducting weekly backups—the gold standard for cybersecurity efficiency.
  • This places the European nation ahead of Germany, the UK, and the US, all economies typically considered highly efficient. 

Despite their reputation for prioritising leisure, the French have recognised the importance of regular backups in securing vital company data. But what prevents businesses in other countries from following their lead?

Factors that make clients reluctant to back up their data

After identifying the country most committed to performing backups, the survey explored the reasons why other managers back up their data less frequently. 

  • 9% of respondents cited a lack of knowledge, while 6% attributed it to poor backup habits. Meanwhile, 5% found backup packages too complex to use easily.

To explore these concerns more deeply, the survey asked participants what improvements would encourage them to use their existing backup services more often:

  • Forty-one percent requested larger backup capacities at affordable prices, 36% called for simpler backup methods, 35% highlighted the need for enhanced privacy protection, and 34% desired faster backup services.

Given these insights, the responsibility for regular backups doesn’t rest solely on clients. This should act as a wake-up call for service providers to improve their solutions. 

That’s exactly what we at Soteria have done with our new flagship product, Total Data Protection.

The solution: Total Data Protection

This new approach to cybersecurity product meets the exact needs of today’s business cloud storage user, offering unlimited backups at a single monthly price. 

Customers can secure their data for up to five years, with instant access to all versions of their files in the cloud, ensuring ease of collaboration and sharing for teams.

The package also includes highly customisable options, enabling backups for selected applications and allowing IT managers to cater to complex networks, including remote systems.

Here’s how Total Data Protection can help:

  • Prevent data loss: Ensure your business is prepared for any eventuality, with files accessible anytime, anywhere.
  • Mitigate cyber threats: Keep a working version of all files in case your system’s version becomes compromised.
  • Protect against natural disasters: Safeguard your files from damage caused by floods, fires, or system failures.
  • Ensure regulatory compliance: Meet the requirements of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) by securing client data effectively.

Find out how Total Data Protection can support your business. Contact us today!

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Healthcare Industry – Cybersecurity Hygiene

Poor Cybersecurity Hygiene Puts Healthcare Industry in Critical Condition

Hospitals and medical providers are on high alert after a devastating cyber-attack brought National Laboratory Services to a standstill, potentially endangering patients’ lives and exposing their private data to criminal elements.

As the healthcare industry joins a long list of sectors currently targeted by cybercriminals, medical firms are looking to strengthen their defences against online attacks. In this article, we examine the current cybercrime landscape in the healthcare industry and how the concept of cybersecurity hygiene can help protect vulnerable organisations.

National Laboratory Services hit by a major cyberattack

Cybercriminals made headlines once again last month when they carried out a ransomware attack against National Laboratory Services, one of the largest providers of pathology services to public hospitals.

  • The laboratory network, responsible for testing blood and other human tissue samples for the medical profession, came to a standstill as its systems were offline for a period of weeks.
  • An estimated 6 million test results were rendered unavailable by the attack, delaying operations and chronic illness treatments nationwide.
  • Medical information, particularly urgent test results that could influence treatment outcomes, has become fair game for cybercriminals, who show no mercy when it comes to the type of information they’re willing to hold hostage.

In the wake of the attack, medical providers and hospitals across the country are scrambling to enhance their cybersecurity measures.

Fortunately, the concept of cybersecurity hygiene, which should resonate with the healthcare industry, is one of the most effective ways to achieve higher levels of data protection.

Ensure a healthy network with cybersecurity hygiene

To safeguard data at a time when cyberattacks are increasing daily, a reliable set of preventative measures is required. Much like the hygiene practices commonplace in hospitals and doctors’ offices, these procedures can result in fewer malware infections, ransomware incidents, and hacking attempts if implemented conscientiously.

  • Limit access to critical data: Password-protected files with multi-factor authentication should be standard in every hospital and medical practice today. This not only protects patient privacy but also keeps sensitive files out of the wrong hands.
  • Invest in cybersecurity defences: Examples of these include updated firewalls and the latest antivirus software. Additionally, secure cloud storage and automated backups featuring encryption technology provide significant layers of protection for your data.
  • Train staff to recognise cyberattacks: With many cyberattacks occurring through social engineering staff need to be trained to identify suspicious emails and communications, and to never disclose sensitive information to third parties.

Maintain a healthy information system with us

Avoiding a cyberattack and practising cybersecurity hygiene is possible with the latest generation of secure cloud storage. Our range of packages for businesses of all sizes is the ideal starting point for securing your data. Visit our product page to learn more.

Manufacturing Cyber-readiness – Cybersecurity

Why Manufacturers Need to Boost their Cybersecurity 

Manufacturers are feeling the heat of online attacks, and the industry needs to match its reputation for operational efficiency with cyber-readiness.

Until recently, most headlines concerning cyberattacks tended to focus on the financial industry, either because banks themselves were being targeted by cybercriminals or because of the proliferation of phishing scams victimising individual and business banking clients.

Recently, however, the manufacturing industry has found itself in the crosshairs of hackers and cybercriminals, with many manufacturers being unprepared for the disruptive effects of ransomware attacks and data leaks.

Here’s a look at the growing online security crisis facing manufacturers and what can be done to strengthen cybersecurity defences at the factory level.

Safe No More: Manufacturers Feel the Sting of Cyberattacks

Traditionally, manufacturing companies had considered themselves low-risk when it came to cyberattacks. Unfortunately, the Internet of Things (IoT) has brought a stop to this sense of security.

While factories used to focus on physical security and inventory management far more than online defences, modern manufacturing setups, which feature production lines managed by robots and are one hundred per cent connected to the internet, can present a major vulnerability that cybercriminals will be only too happy to exploit.

The results of a cyberattack focused on a manufacturing company can have devastating effects on the company itself and the whole supply chain. These include:

  • Severe downtime as a cyberattack cripples factory equipment linked to the Internet of Things (IoT). Pending payment of ransom or attempts to reboot the network from scratch, manufacturers may be forced to halt production.
  • Manufacturing companies that produce critical components in the supply chains of other companies may not consider themselves major targets for cyberattacks. However, even if a small component of a product like a smartphone or a top vehicle model becomes unavailable, production of that product may need to cease as well.

In light of these facts, it’s easy to imagine the chain of production stoppages arising from a single cyberattack cascading and creating severe losses for every business involved in the manufacturing of a product.

Suppliers may face the risk of having their agreements with the parent company reviewed and could even find themselves in legal difficulties if they fail to deliver on their contractual obligations.

The Manufacturing Industry Needs to Be on Guard 

As manufacturers realise they are no longer safe from the malevolent plans of cybercriminals, every business in this industry needs to ensure that its cyber defences are strengthened and ready.

Using immutable, encrypted online storage is an excellent first step for any business seeking to improve its cyber defences.

Soteria Cloud provides a range of cloud storage options that are perfect for companies of all sizes. Visit our product page today to learn more.

Rebuilding Trust – Cybersecurity

Rebuilding Trust after a Cyberattack – Not If but When

Trust is key in all business dealings, but an increasing number of consumers report plummeting trust levels in commercial entities, especially large ones.

In a business landscape that’s becoming less trusting, a #cyberattack can be the final blow that causes customers to take their business elsewhere. Here are some ways to build and maintain trust in your company even if an online security incident takes place.

The three keys to maintaining trust online

There’s no doubt that the internet is becoming increasingly risky, with cyberattacks increasing by the year. Despite advances in antivirus software and efforts to reduce the number of cyberattacks, the prospect of your business losing crucial customer data to cybercriminals is an ever growing reality.

By taking all necessary steps to prevent a cyberattack, responding swiftly and effectively in the event that one takes place, and maintaining a high level of sincere communication with your clients in good times and bad, you can ensure that your business remains a trusted entity for years to come. 

Let’s take a look at each of these components in detail.

1. Make cybersecurity a priority and make sure your customers know about it

Covering the basics of antivirus, firewalls, anti-malware, and of course, secure cloud storage is always the first step toward building your cyber defences. 

This may give you confidence in your company’s data security, but it will do little to inspire confidence in your customers – unless they know about it.

Without revealing specific details of your cybersecurity activities, which could give cybercriminals hints about potential vulnerabilities, it’s good to let your clients know that you take cybersecurity seriously and are taking measures to protect their data.

2. Act Decisively in the Event of a Cyber Attack

The worst-case scenario for any business is a large-scale data leak or cyber attack, and yet many companies will find themselves in this exact situation over the next decade, if not sooner.

  • If your business has become the victim of a cyber attack, the first step is to limit the damage as much as possible by relying on the latest version of your crucial files, which should always be kept securely encrypted in the cloud.
  • Directly following the attack, you should make a concerted effort to communicate the situation to your clients and reassure them about the steps you’ll be taking.

3. Communicating for Success Even in a Cybersecurity Failure

The way you communicate with your clients in the hours and days following a cyber attack or data leak could make the difference between a customer who stays with you and one who decides to cut ties.

  • Inform them honestly about the situation; there’s no use hiding the fact that the data leak or breach has occurred, and if you do, you could not only lose the trust of your customers but also find yourself in violation of the PPI Act.
  • Outline your cybersecurity response plan. Let your customers know what steps you have taken to retrieve their data, as well as precisely what type of data has been compromised—ID numbers, contact details, and more sensitive information like passwords.
  • Re-emphasise your commitment to cybersecurity now. Your client may have experienced a cyber leak or breach from another supplier and will be looking for signs that you are constantly upgrading your cyber security. 

By outlining the steps your organisation is taking to improve data protection, you are more likely to inspire confidence in your clients and retain more of them in the wake of a cyber attack which could have a massive financial impact on your business.

No matter what strategy you employ to protect your confidential data, secure cloud storage will always end up being a pivotal part of it. To find a cloud storage package that suits your needs perfectly, check out our product page today.