Simple Steps to Stop a Cyber Attack

Cyber threats are evolving in scale and complexity, making proactive cybersecurity a critical part of your IT strategy. 43% of UK businesses faced a cyber attack in 2025, with an average cost of £3,500 per incident. Over 612,000 organisations were affected. Are you taking steps to ensure your company doesn’t become one of them?

‘The most common form of cyber attack is phishing, which encourages people to part with sensitive information or click on dangerous links,’ says Eric Hughes of EMH Technology in Hitchin. ‘However, attacks using malware, ransomware or exploiting weak passwords can also cause costly chaos. AI-powered scams are adding a whole new dimension to cybercrime. In a nutshell, proactive cyber security and employee training in this area are vital.’

Seven Essential Cybersecurity Steps

1. Strong Password and User Access Policies

Weak or reused passwords remain a leading cause of security breaches. It’s best to enforce password policies that require sufficient length, complexity and uniqueness. Wherever possible, password managers should be used to reduce human error and ensure unique passwords are generated every time.

Implementing the principle of least privilege will ensure each user-level process has just enough permissions to function correctly and can’t access any further if compromised.

2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access by requiring additional verification beyond a password. This control is especially important if your organisation has remote or hybrid employees. MFA should be enabled for remote access, cloud platforms, email systems, and any application handling sensitive data.

3. Identity Theft Detection and Response Software

An Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) service is designed to protect user identities from modern cyberattacks such as credential theft, session hijacking and suspicious inbox workflows. Unlike traditional security tools, ITDR continuously monitors account behaviour, flagging unusual activity and responding instantly. Operating 24/7, ITDR software bridges the gap during out-of-hours periods, catching threats that could go unnoticed. This important security tool. strengthens your organisation’s compliance and reduces the risk of data loss.

4. Timely Software Updates and Patch Management

Dated software is one of the most common entry points for cyberattacks. Operating systems, applications, firmware and security tools should be kept current through a structured update process. Automating updates wherever possible helps ensure potential security vulnerabilities are addressed promptly and consistently.

5. Mobile Devices

Mobile devices introduce additional security considerations for organisations. Mobile device management (MDM) or endpoint management solutions should be introduced to ensure:

• encryption,
• screen locks,
• remote wipe capabilities, and
• operating system updates.

Clear policies explaining acceptable use and data access further reduce exposure.

6. Employee Security Training

Human factors remain among the most significant cybersecurity risks. Regular, structured security awareness training helps employees understand emerging threats, follow best practices and respond appropriately to incidents. An informed workforce strengthens the overall security framework and reduces the likelihood of preventable breaches.

7. Pre-empting Phishing

Phishing attacks are the preferred method for credential theft and malware delivery. Technical controls such as email filtering and domain protection are essential, but they must be complemented by user awareness. ‘Employees should be trained to recognise suspicious emails, links and attachments,’ explains Eric. ‘It’s also essential to create internal procedures for reporting potential threats so company-wide action can be taken as needed.’

A Proactive Approach to Cybersecurity

‘Effective cybersecurity is an ongoing process of assessment, improvement and adaptation,’ explains Eric. ‘By taking proactive steps, you can reduce risk, improve resilience and better protect critical systems and data. It’s important to create the best solution for your business, requiring a bespoke approach to cybersecurity.’

Would you like to review your cybersecurity controls?

Do you need to strengthen your cybersecurity approach?

Talk to the friendly cybersecurity experts at EMH Technology. Enjoy an initial, jargon-free discussion without obligation. Let’s explore the best way to protect your organisation from cyber attacks.