What is a cyber threat?

Cash-flow problems, loss of customer loyalty, and reputational damage are just some of the potential effects of a cyber security breach. Additionally, the UK is one of the world's biggest users of e-commerce.

It’s vital that all independent retailers implement effective cyber security and cyber-enabled fraud prevention, especially when:

  • Intelligence suggests that fraudsters target smaller retailers who don’t have adequate security measures in place.
  • Those in the retail industry are leaving their data exposed with 1 in 7 not taking steps to protect their data. 
  • 71% of retailers put the most value on their customers, highlighting retailer’s duty to protect customer data.
  • In 2016, remote purchase fraud increased by 9% to £432.3 million.
  • 95% of businesses consider cyber security to be very or quite important to their business, and yet 45% do not have a formal cyber security strategy.
Cyber Security Hub page
 

Will it affect my business?

Cybercrime and fraud are major security priorities for all businesses, and independent retailers are no exception. 

Whether you simply hold customer data for CRM or are transacting online, you have something of value to cybercriminals.

Since the UK retail industry and its customers are often targeted, cyber security is now a critical part of day-to-day business. There are simple and quick ways for independent retailers to protect themselves and their customers against the threat, helping them to become strong and secure in cyber security.

What can I do to protect my business?

The CRC Cyber Essentials Readiness Tool can help business that are unsure about where to start.

The simple tool is a series of questions that have been developed to lead a business through the main parts of the Cyber Essentials requirements. If there are areas where you'll need to put more controls in place, you will get a link to guidance about how to make those changes. At the end, you will get a list of actions outlining what steps you need to take and links to specific guidance on those actions.

Start the Cyber Essentials Readiness Tool

Cyber security guide for small businesses

Cyber security needn't be a daunting challenge for small business owners.

Following the five quick and easy steps outlined in the guide below could save time, money and even your business’ reputation. This guide can’t guarantee protection from all types of cyber attacks, but the steps outlined below can significantly reduce the chances of your business becoming a victim of cybercrime.

Download the guide here
 
 

Working with the Cyber Resilience Centres (CRC)

Bira have partnered up with the Cyber Resilience Centres and their network of centres across England and Wales, established to strengthen the cyber resilience and cyber security of small/medium enterprises throughout England & Wales.

They provide expert advice to keep businesses running and customer data secure when suffering from a breach.

 
 

What the Cyber Resilience Centres offer

  • A free 30-minute review with the centre’s Head of Cyber and Innovation on your current cyber set-up.
  • Access to free resources, tools and guidance designed to help your business start its cyber security journey, including resources from the National Cyber Security Centre.
  • A Board Toolkit - Resources designed to encourage essential cyber security discussions between the Board and their technical experts.
  • A bi-weekly update containing short tips and tricks.
  • 10 Steps to Cyber Security - The steps enable businesses to break down the task of protecting their cyber security by looking at 10 key components.
  • Exercise in a Box, a suite of exercises based around real-world scenarios designed to allow businesses to test their response and approach to each given scenario
  • Invites to all WMCRC webinars, roadshows, and conferences
  • A monthly newsletter full of tips, tricks, and resources to help you tackle current cyber threats and trends.

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