Stay ahead of cyber threats with our comprehensive ‘OnyxSecure Cyber Security Checklist’ for SMEs. This user-friendly guide will help you understand your current cyber risk level and how to improve it. Here’s what the checklist covers:

• Understand Your Current Cyber Risk Level: Gauge where your business stands on the cyber risk scale and understand the potential vulnerabilities you might face.
• Learn about Key Cyber Security Technologies: Gain insights into technologies such as Next Generation Antivirus, Dark Web Monitoring, and more.
• Identify Areas for Improvement: The checklist helps you identify which areas of your cyber security strategy need attention and enhancement.
• Strategise Your Cyber Security Journey: Use the checklist as a roadmap to improve your cyber defenses and reduce risks.

 

From basic antivirus to comprehensive security operations, every step you take decreases your risk. It’s a journey, not a destination, but with this Cyber Security Checklist for SMEs, you can ensure you’re on the right path.

If you would like to explore our cyber security solutions in further depth, you can read the below website pages:

Mobile Device Management

Our platform, Microsoft Endpoint Manager, extends beyond mere device management. It offers control over applications, data, and users for both personal and corporate devices, serving as an upgrade from traditional solutions like group policies, and collaborates with 365 features to ensure enterprise-grade security and control.

ThreatLocker Zero Trust

ThreatLocker employs industry-leading machine learning to understand the software applications your staff uses. This automated approach drastically reduces implementation time compared to other solutions requiring manual programming. After the ‘learning mode’, all unused applications are locked out, enhancing security.

Next Generation Antivirus

Our antivirus leverages AI and machine learning to detect behavioral changes. It identifies when staff members or their devices deviate from usual patterns and alerts an engineer.

Data Loss Prevention

This Microsoft 365 feature is designed to prevent confidential data from leaving your business, whether unintentionally or maliciously. You can specify rules using default options for common sensitive data or create bespoke rules for unique business data.

Next Generation Firewalls

A firewall acts as the first line of defense for your network against cyber threats. It inspects all incoming and outgoing traffic, checking for any malicious activity like unauthorised access or a virus.

Cloud Firewalls

We offer a cloud firewall service with all the benefits of a physical firewall, but hosted in the cloud. Connect via a transparent always-on VPN for a secure connection that doesn’t compromise your network speed.

 

Emerge Digital can also undertake a comprehensive cyber security assessment for your business, looking at your systems, data, and people, searching for non-conformances, problems, loopholes and flaws. We produce a report which provides actionable tasks to improve cyber security and aid data breach prevention in your business.

 

About Emerge Digital

Emerge Digital is a technology and digital innovation business and Managed Services Provider (MSP) which provides solutions to SMEs that drive efficiency, competitiveness, and profit.

Using our comprehensive solutions – including outsourced IT support, cyber security, cloud infrastructure, and innovative technologies like process automation and data visualisation – we enable businesses to invest in technology that supports them in achieving their goals.

What is a Password?

A password is a sequence of characters, usually consisting of a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. It is used as a form of authentication to protect access to a system or account. The idea is that only the person who knows the password can gain access to the account.

Passwords have been the go-to method for securing accounts for many years. However, they are not without their flaws. For one, passwords can be easy to guess or crack, especially if they are short or use predictable patterns. Additionally, people tend to reuse the same password for multiple accounts, which means that if one password is compromised, all of the associated accounts become vulnerable.

Are Passwords still fit for purpose?

Passwords are no longer fit for purpose because they lack the strength required to withstand modern cyber threats. Most people use weak passwords that are easy to remember but also easy to guess. According to the National Cyber Security Centre, the most commonly used passwords are “123456“, “password“, “qwerty“, and “123456789“. These passwords are so simple that hackers can easily crack them using automated tools. In fact, according to the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, compromised passwords are responsible for 81% of all data breaches.

Another problem with passwords is that they can be reused across multiple accounts. This means that if a hacker manages to steal one password, they can potentially gain access to many different accounts, including those containing sensitive information such as financial data or personal details.

Furthermore, passwords can be compromised in a number of ways. For example, they can be intercepted by keyloggers or other malware, or they can be stolen through phishing attacks. Even if a user creates a strong and unique password, it can still be vulnerable to these types of attacks.

It’s clear that passwords are no longer an effective means of protecting our online identities. It’s time to embrace a new approach – the passphrase.

What is a Passphrase?

A passphrase is a sequence of words or phrases that are used as a form of authentication to secure accounts. Unlike passwords, passphrases are longer and more complex, making them much more difficult to guess or crack.

A passphrase can consist of any combination of words, such as “correcthorsebatterystaple” or “iloveicecreamandchocolate“. The key is to choose words that are easy to remember but difficult to guess, and to string them together in a way that creates a unique and memorable phrase.

Why Passphrases are more secure than Passwords

Passphrases are more secure than passwords for several reasons. Firstly, as we mentioned earlier, passphrases are longer and more complex than passwords, making them much harder to guess or crack. This means that even if a hacker uses advanced tools to try and crack the passphrase, it would take much longer to do so than with a traditional password.

Secondly, passphrases are less susceptible to brute-force attacks. A brute-force attack is a method of cracking a password by trying every possible combination of characters until the correct one is found. However, because passphrases are much longer than passwords, the number of possible combinations is much greater, making it virtually impossible to crack using this method.

Thirdly, passphrases are resistant to dictionary attacks, which as we mentioned earlier, are attacks where hackers use pre-built lists of common words and phrases to try and guess a user’s password. Because passphrases are made up of random words and phrases, they are much harder to guess using this method.

Finally, passphrases are unique to each user, making them much harder to steal or compromise. Even if a hacker manages to steal one passphrase, it cannot be used to access other accounts as the user will have used a different passphrase for each account.

Conclusion

Passwords are no longer sufficient to protect our online identities. Hackers are becoming more sophisticated, and data breaches are becoming more frequent. As a result, it’s time to embrace a new approach to authentication – the passphrase.

Passphrases offer a number of advantages over traditional passwords. They are longer and more complex, making them much harder to guess or crack. They are also easier to remember, making it less likely that users will write them down or reuse them across multiple accounts.

By using a passphrase, users can significantly improve the security of their online accounts and reduce the risk of a data breach. So, if you haven’t already, it’s time to say goodbye to passwords and hello to the passphrase.

In conclusion, passphrases are the way forward for secure online authentication. By using a unique and memorable combination of words or phrases, users can create a strong and secure passphrase that is virtually impossible to crack. So, the next time you need to create a new password, consider using a passphrase instead.

 

Emerge Digital is a CybSafe Partner and can provide you access with this market-leading solution cyber security awareness training solution, which includes passphrase training. To find out more about CybSafe, and to get a demo of it in action, get in touch today.

Last year, 54% of SMEs experienced a cyber-attack, according to a Vodafone study, an increase of 15% in two years. In a separate report, 38% admitted to having insufficient budget to adequately protect themselves against cyber-attacks. For corporations, the growing cyber security skills gap has led to a lack of in-house expertise to manage their complex networks, while paying a premium for their IT security solutions. 

By partnering with ConnectWise, Emerge Digital hopes to redefine cyber security for SMEs, bringing proven industry expertise and enterprise-grade cyber security protection to the market at SME-friendly prices. 

The new offering from Emerge Digital, called ‘OnyxSecure’, will be available in three tiers. Each will include a dedicated team of highly certified cyber security engineers, and advanced protection from world-leading vendors including Microsoft, ThreatLocker and CybSafe, all of which are typically unaffordable for SMEs. 

Emerge Digital’s entry level tier, OnyxSecure Essential, includes a 24/7 Security Operations Centre (SOC), Dark Web Monitoring and Zero Trust Security, as well as AI-powered Robust Endpoint Defence, and a solution which provides Microsoft Cloud Fortification by logging usage data from across Microsoft 365 systems. 

Tom Henson, Managing Director at Emerge Digital, said: “ConnectWise creates state-of-the-art products that are used far and wide across the cyber security and IT industries. Having been a trusted partner of the company for nearly a decade, we’ve leveraged ConnectWise’s products to provide our clients with best-in-class solutions across their cyber security. Together we wanted to break down barriers for SMEs and tackle the challenges for corporations, helping them access the solutions and support needed to confidently defend their businesses against today’s emerging threats.  

“Our three tiers of cyber security services sit at 60% less than our usual price point, which was already extremely competitive with the wider industry. We’ve lowered our prices without compromising on quality. Each solution can be deployed rapidly, giving companies access to world-leading, Gartner Magic Quadrant and Forrester Wave technologies. 

OnyxSecure Essentials offers industry-leading protection worth £50 per user, per month, at the reduced price of £20 per user, per month. Prices for OnyxSecure Enhanced start from £50 while the OnyxSecure Elite price is calculated on a bespoke basis. Emerge Digital is also offering Cyber Essentials certification as a service to help maximise the value of their selected tier. 

 

About Emerge Digital  

Emerge Digital is a technology and digital innovation business and Managed Services Provider (MSP) which provides solutions to SMEs that drive efficiency, competitiveness, and profit. Using comprehensive solutions, including outsourced IT support, cyber security, cloud infrastructure, and innovative technologies like process automation and data visualisation – Emerge Digital enables businesses to invest in technology that supports them in achieving their goals.   

https://emerge.digital  

 

About ConnectWise   

Born out of a single software solution designed to help MSPs gain control of their help desk and billing, ConnectWise has grown into a robust platform of software built for technology solutions providers (TSPs) to run their entire as-a-service business. With products aiding in business management, remote monitoring and management, remote control and access, quote and proposal automation, and cybersecurity risk assessments, integrations with hundreds of key vendors, plus the largest and most engaged community in the industry, ConnectWise has built a platform for The IT Nation.  

http://www.ConnectWise.com  

Five Reasons Why Cyber Security Awareness for Employees Is Important

 

For Preventing Data Breaches

Data breaches can be costly, both financially and in terms of reputational damage. By providing cyber security awareness training to employees, they can learn how to identify potential threats, such as phishing emails, and understand the importance of strong passwords and encryption. This knowledge can help prevent data breaches, which in turn can save a business from financial losses and reputational damage.

For Building a Security Culture

Creating a security culture within a business is essential for protecting against cyber attacks. By promoting cyber security awareness, businesses can encourage employees to be vigilant and take responsibility for their own cyber security. This can include implementing policies such as regular password changes and ensuring that software is regularly updated. By fostering a security culture, employees are more likely to take cyber security seriously and be proactive in identifying potential threats.

It Gives Customers Confidence

In today’s digital world, customers are increasingly concerned about the security of their personal information. By demonstrating that a business takes cyber security seriously and has robust measures in place, customers are more likely to trust that their data is being handled responsibly. This can improve customer loyalty and increase brand reputation.

For Compliance Purposes

Your business might be subject to compliance standards, such as GDPR, Cyber Essentials or ISO 27001. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in severe penalties and reputational damage. By providing cyber security awareness training to employees, businesses can ensure that they are complying with these standards and avoiding potential legal and financial consequences.

It Can Improve Employee Wellbeing

Cyber attacks can be stressful and overwhelming for employees, particularly if they feel that they don’t have the skills or knowledge to protect themselves. By providing cyber security awareness training, businesses can help to alleviate this stress and improve employee wellbeing. By giving employees the tools they need to protect themselves and the business, they can feel more confident and secure in their roles.

 

How We Offer Cyber Security Awareness for Employees

Emerge Digital are a CybSafe partner, and offer this market-leading solution to our clients. CybSafe is a cyber security awareness and behaviour management platform. Rather than relying solely on training, CybSafe offers a comprehensive solution that combines training with a range of other features, such as simulated phishing attacks, micro-lessons, and real-time reporting.

By combining these features, CybSafe is able to create a much more engaging and effective cyber security awareness program. For example, the simulated phishing attacks are designed to test users’ ability to recognise phishing emails, and provide immediate feedback and training when a mistake is made. Similarly, the micro-lessons are short, engaging lessons that provide bite-sized pieces of information on a range of cyber security topics.

Conclusion

Cyber security awareness is vital for businesses of all sizes. By providing employees and business owners with the knowledge and skills they need to protect themselves and the company, businesses can reduce the risk of data breaches, build a strong security culture, improve customer confidence, comply with regulations, and improve employee wellbeing. Investing in cyber security awareness is an investment in the long-term success and security of a business.

Emerge Digital is a CybSafe Partner and can provide you access with this market leading solution. To find out more about CybSafe, and to get a demo of it in action, get in touch today.

What is Cyber Security Training?

Cyber security training aims to educate employees about identifying and responding to cyber threats. It consists of teaching employees about the latest cyber threats and how to prevent them. Typically, cyber security training covers topics such as password management, phishing attacks, malware prevention, and social engineering. The training may be delivered in different formats, such as classroom training, online courses, or virtual workshops (over Teams or Zoom). The goal of cyber security training is to enhance employees’ ability to safeguard the business from cyber attacks.

What is Cyber Security Awareness Training?

Cyber security awareness training is a broader concept that goes beyond simply training employees. It involves creating a security-conscious culture within the organisation. Cyber security awareness aims to make employees aware of the significance of cyber security, and their role in protecting the business. It is not just about imparting information, but also about promoting a mindset of vigilance and proactivity. Cyber security awareness can be achieved through several activities such as communication campaigns, regular reminders, and simulation exercises. The objective of cyber security awareness is to instill a security-conscious culture within the organisation, which can reduce the risk of cyber attacks.

In the following section, we will look at the differences between cyber security training, and cyber security awareness training. Understanding these differences is essential for businesses to select the right approach to protect themselves from cyber threats.

What are the key differences between cyber training and cyber awareness?

While cyber security training and awareness may seem interchangeable, they are two distinct concepts. Cyber security training typically involves an organised program of courses and lessons that are designed to teach employees or individuals about specific cyber security practices. It is typically a more structured and formal approach to educating individuals about cyber security risks, and how to prevent or mitigate them.

Cyber security awareness, on the other hand, is a more general understanding of the risks associated with cyber security. It is about promoting a culture of security, where individuals are encouraged to be vigilant and aware of potential threats. Cyber awareness is more about creating an overall security posture that is supported by everyone within an organisation, and promoting a sense of personal responsibility.

While both cyber security training and awareness are important, they serve different purposes. Cyber training is typically used to teach specific skills or to reinforce security protocols, whereas cyber awareness is about creating a security culture that is supported by everyone.

What is CybSafe and how can it help?

CybSafe is a cyber security awareness and behaviour management platform. Rather than relying solely on training, CybSafe offers a comprehensive solution that combines training with a range of other features, such as simulated phishing attacks, micro-lessons, and real-time reporting.

By combining these features, CybSafe is able to create a much more engaging and effective cyber security awareness program. For example, the simulated phishing attacks are designed to test users’ ability to recognise phishing emails, and provide immediate feedback and training when a mistake is made. Similarly, the micro-lessons are short, engaging lessons that provide bite-sized pieces of information on a range of cyber security topics.

The platform is designed to help organisations to reduce the risk of cyber-attacks by providing interactive and engaging training to their employees. CybSafe’s courses have been designed by behavioural scientists who understand that changing human behaviour is the key to effective cyber security.

It’s no wonder that CybSafe has been recognised as a Leader in Cyber Security Awareness and Training Solutions by Forrester Wave. CybSafe’s innovative approach to cyber security awareness and training sets it apart from other solutions.

CybSafe has also shown impressive results – 91% of CybSafe users no longer exhibit high-risk phishing behaviour after a CybSafe behaviour intervention. Additionally, 81% of CybSafe users are likely to encourage good cyber security behaviours with friends and family.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cyber security is a critical issue for all organisations. While both cyber security training and cyber security awareness are important, it is clear that cyber security awareness is better than training. Training can be ineffective if employees are not engaged or motivated, but awareness campaigns that target behavioural change can be highly effective.

CybSafe is a great example of an effective cyber security awareness solution. By using behavioural science techniques, CybSafe has developed engaging and effective cyber security awareness courses that can help organisations reduce their cyber risk. The platform has been recognised by industry experts as a leader in the field, and the impressive results speak for themselves.

In today’s world, where cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated and frequent, it is essential that organisations take cyber security seriously. By investing in effective cyber security awareness solutions like CybSafe, organisations can reduce their cyber risk and protect their assets, reputation and customers.

Emerge Digital is a CybSafe Partner and can provide you access with this market leading solution. To find out more about CybSafe, and to get a demo of it in action, get in touch today.