Many rural businesses are looking to implement new technologies to stay competitive and attract new customers and consumers. However, this implementation can have different security implications and sometimes, the way forward may be unknown.
In 2023, Castilla y León recorded 22,642 incidents related to cyber fraud, an increase of 19.4% compared to the previous year. Given the increase in cyber-attacks, it is essential to invest in digital tools against malware and viruses, in addition to hiring and training staff specialised in IT security.
A low level of cyber protection can have different consequences. One of the most well-known can be the loss of sensitive customer, company or supplier data. It can also have an impact on digital systems, slowing them down and thus affecting business processes and operations. Another important aspect in which our company can be affected if appropriate cybersecurity measures are not taken is that its reputation can be damaged, as it is perceived as an unsafe entity.
In order to integrate cybersecurity tools into your rural business, it is essential to focus on several key aspects:
- Awareness of potential risks, such as phishing and fraudulent messages designed to steal data.
- Use of strong passwords, using capital letters, numbers and special characters to strengthen them, or two-factor authentication (2FA) on social media profiles or in emails.
- Wi-Fi network security, setting up separate networks for guests and business IT equipment, with strong passwords following the recommendations above.
- Keep computer equipment up to date, protecting it with reliable antivirus software (Windows Defender, Avast or Bitdefender among many others).
- Make backup copies, using external hard drives or services such as Google Drive or One Drive, having reliable backups that allow you to save sensitive information.
- Be careful with online scams, preventing messages from fake banks or fake sales opportunities, in which personal and sensitive information has to be entered.
To provide this support to interested entities, DIGIS3 offers services such as Cybersecurity Proof of Concept and Cybersecurity Proof of Concept for critical infrastructures. You can see here these and other services we offer.
