SJ CyberAware

About SJ CyberAware

http://www.sjcyberaware.co.uk

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August 21 2025

Review security policies periodically.

SJ CyberAware All, Daily Tips, Govern, Identify, Protect

Review security policies periodically to ensure they remain relevant, effective, and aligned with current threats, technologies, and business operations. Cyber risks evolve quickly, and outdated policies create gaps that attackers can exploit. Regular reviews also help confirm compliance with legal, regulatory, and industry standards. Involving stakeholders across IT, operations, and management ensures policies reflect real-world practices. Treat reviews as an opportunity to strengthen resilience, update procedures, and reinforce staff awareness, keeping security a living, adaptive framework.

Top Tips
Best Practice Guide
Why it matters:
Security policies are the foundation of your cyber resilience strategy. They guide staff behaviour, set technical standards, and demonstrate compliance. But if they’re outdated, vague, or forgotten, they become a liability instead of protection. Regular reviews keep them sharp, relevant, and effective against evolving threats.
🌟 Top Tips for Reviewing Security Policies
Set a clear review cycle
Aim for at least once a year.
Trigger extra reviews after incidents, regulatory changes, or new technology adoption.
Involve the right people
Don’t leave reviews to IT alone. Include HR (for staff behaviour policies), operations (for workflow impacts), and senior leadership (for risk appetite and compliance).
Benchmark against recognised standards
Use Cyber Essentials, ISO 27001, or NIST CSF as reference points.
This ensures your policies aren’t just “good enough” but aligned with proven frameworks.
Test policies in practice
Run tabletop exercises or simulations to check if policies hold up during incidents.
Example: Test your incident response policy with a ransomware scenario.
Update for the modern threat landscape
Remote work, mobile devices, and cloud services change risk exposure.
Policies must adapt to cover these realities, not just traditional office setups.
Keep it practical and readable
Avoid jargon. Write for everyday staff, not just IT teams.
Clear, simple language encourages compliance and builds a security-aware culture.
Track changes and improvements
Keep a version history of all policies.
This shows regulators, auditors, and clients that your business takes security seriously.
Communicate and train staff
Policies are only effective if employees know about them.
Share updates via training sessions, team meetings, or quick guides.
Link policies to resilience planning
Treat them as living documents that evolve with your business.
Align with continuity and recovery planning to minimise downtime when incidents occur.
Audit compliance regularly
Check if policies are being followed in practice.
Use spot checks, system audits, or staff surveys to identify gaps.
By following these steps, businesses turn their policies from “tick-box documents” into living safeguards that build trust, resilience, and regulatory compliance.

August 20 2025

Monitor network traffic

SJ CyberAware All, Daily Tips, Detect, Protect

Monitoring network traffic for anomalies is a key defensive tactic for SMBs looking to catch threats before they escalate. By keeping an eye on unusual patterns, like unexpected data transfers, login attempts at odd hours, or spikes in bandwidth, businesses can spot early signs of compromise or misconfiguration. Tools like intrusion detection systems (IDS), firewalls with logging, or even basic router analytics can provide valuable insights. Regular reviews help build a baseline, making it easier to detect when something’s off.

Spotting Network Weirdness
Top Tips for Spotting Network Weirdness Before It Bites
1. Know Your Normal
Establish a baseline of typical traffic, who’s logging in, when, and what’s flowing where. Without this, “anomaly” is just a fancy word.
2. Watch the Exits
Outbound traffic spikes can signal data exfiltration. If your printer suddenly starts chatting with a server in Belarus… raise an eyebrow.
3. Log Like a Legend
Enable logging on routers, firewalls, and endpoints. Even basic logs can reveal patterns like brute-force login attempts or rogue devices.
4. Use Free Tools First
Start with Wireshark, Nmap, or even your router’s built-in analytics. You don’t need a SOC to spot sketchy traffic.
5. Schedule Your Scans
Regular scans (weekly or monthly) help catch slow-creep threats. Automate where possible, but always review manually too.
6. Flag the Oddballs
Look for:
Unusual ports (e.g., SSH on port 12345)
Traffic at 3am from a staff laptop
Sudden bandwidth surges
7. Segment Like a Strategist
Keep guest Wi-Fi, IoT, and business-critical systems on separate VLANs. If your smart kettle gets hacked, it shouldn’t reach your payroll server.
8. Alert, Don’t Panic
Set up alerts for key anomalies, but tune them to avoid noise fatigue. A flood of false positives helps no one.
9. Document the Drama
Keep a simple log of anomalies spotted, actions taken, and lessons learned. It builds institutional memory and helps refine your response playbook.
10. Train Your Team
Make “weird traffic” part of your culture. If staff notice their machine lagging or behaving oddly, they should feel safe reporting it.

August 20 2025

Implement Secure Access Controls

SJ CyberAware All, Daily Tips, Protect

Implementing secure access controls is essential for protecting sensitive data and systems from unauthorized access. This involves defining user roles, enforcing strong authentication methods like multi-factor authentication (MFA), and applying the principle of least privilege to limit access to only what’s necessary. Regular audits and monitoring help detect anomalies and ensure compliance. By integrating these controls into your infrastructure, you reduce risk, enhance accountability, and create a resilient foundation for cybersecurity across your organization.

Why you should.
Implementing Secure Access Controls for SMBs
For small and medium-sized businesses, secure access controls aren’t just a checkbox, they’re a frontline defence against data breaches, ransomware, and insider threats. Here’s how to make them practical and powerful:
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Define clear roles, admin, finance, marketing, etc, and assign permissions based on actual job needs. This limits exposure and simplifies onboarding/offboarding.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Use MFA across email, cloud apps, and VPNs. Even free tools like Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator can drastically reduce risk.
Least Privilege Principle: Don’t give blanket admin rights. Instead, grant temporary elevated access when needed, and revoke it promptly. This minimizes damage if credentials are compromised.
Centralized User Management: Use platforms like Microsoft Entra ID or Google Workspace to manage users from one dashboard. This helps track who has access to what—and why.
Audit Trails & Alerts: Enable logging and set up alerts for unusual access patterns. Even basic monitoring can catch early signs of compromise or misuse.
Human-Centric Training: Make access control relatable, compare it to locking doors at home or lending keys only to trusted people. This builds emotional resonance and shared responsibility.
Scalable Tools: SMBs don’t need enterprise-grade complexity. Tools like JumpCloud, Bitwarden, or even Excel-based access trackers (with version control) can be effective if used consistently.

August 19 2025

Utilize intrusion detection systems.

SJ CyberAware All, Daily Tips, Detect, Protect

Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are essential tools for identifying and responding to unauthorized or suspicious activity within a network. By continuously monitoring traffic and system behaviour, IDS can detect anomalies, flag known attack patterns, and alert administrators before damage occurs. Whether signature-based or anomaly-driven, these systems help organizations stay ahead of threats by providing early warnings and forensic insights. Integrating IDS into your security strategy strengthens your overall defence posture and supports rapid, informed incident response.

What you need to know
IDS Best Practices for SMBs
Choose the Right Type
Select between Network-based IDS (NIDS) and Host-based IDS (HIDS) depending on your infrastructure. NIDS monitors traffic across the network; HIDS focuses on individual devices.
Baseline Normal Behaviour
Train anomaly-based IDS with a clear picture of “normal” activity. This reduces false positives and sharpens detection of genuine threats.
Update Signatures Regularly
For signature-based systems, ensure threat databases are updated frequently to catch the latest known exploits.
Integrate with SIEM Tools
Pair IDS with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms to correlate alerts, streamline response, and gain deeper insights.
Tune for Relevance
Customize alert thresholds and rules to reflect your business’s unique risk profile, don’t settle for default settings.
Act on Alerts
Build a response playbook. Alerts should trigger investigation, containment, and communication—not just sit in a dashboard.
Educate Your Team
Ensure staff understand what IDS alerts mean and how to respond. Even basic awareness can prevent escalation.
Test and Simulate
Run periodic simulations to validate detection accuracy and refine response workflows. Treat IDS as a living system, not a set-and-forget tool.

August 18 2025

Encourage feedback on security practices.

SJ CyberAware All, Daily Tips, Govern

Encouraging feedback on security practices helps build a stronger, more resilient culture. Employees often notice risks, inefficiencies, or suspicious activity that leadership may miss. By creating open channels for suggestions, incident reporting, and improvement ideas, organisations empower staff to play an active role in cyber defence. Regularly reviewing feedback, acting on valid concerns, and recognising contributions reinforces trust, accountability, and shared responsibility for protecting business systems and data.

More Information
Best Practices for Encouraging Feedback on Security
Create clear reporting channels
Provide easy ways for staff to share concerns (e.g., email, hotline, anonymous form).
Encourage open communication
Make it clear that reporting issues or suggestions is welcomed, not punished.
Act on feedback quickly
Show employees their input leads to real improvements.
Recognise contributions
Thank or reward staff who highlight risks or suggest better security practices.
Integrate into culture
Build feedback into meetings, training sessions, and regular check-ins.
Allow anonymity
Offer options for confidential reporting to reduce fear of judgment.
Provide feedback loops
Share outcomes and changes so staff know their input matters.
Train managers
Equip leaders to listen, escalate issues appropriately, and encourage dialogue.
Promote a ‘see something, say something’ mindset
Reinforce that everyone has a role in spotting risks.
Regularly review processes
Assess whether your feedback channels are being used and improve them as needed.

August 17 2025

Use secure remote access tools.

SJ CyberAware All, Daily Tips, Protect

Use secure remote access tools to protect your business systems and data when connecting from outside the office. These too ls provide encrypted connections, strong authentication, and monitoring features that reduce the risk of cybercriminals intercepting sensitive information. Avoid using unsecured or outdated methods, such as simple remote desktop without added protections. Instead, choose solutions with multi-factor authentication, session logging, and regular updates. Secure remote access ensures staff can work safely while maintaining strong cyber resilience.

Best Practice Advice
Here’s a preview of the one-page Secure Remote Access – Best Practice Guide you requested:
Secure Remote Access – Best Practice Guide

🔑 Best Practices
Use VPNs with strong encryption: Tunnel connections through secure VPNs instead of unsecured networks.
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): Always require an extra verification step to prevent unauthorised access.
Keep remote access tools updated: Apply patches and security updates promptly.
Limit remote access: Grant access only to staff who need it, and only for specific systems.
Monitor and log activity: Track remote sessions for unusual behaviour or failed attempts.
Set time-bound or role-based permissions: Reduce risk by limiting access windows and tying rights to job roles.
Train staff on safe practices: Avoid personal devices or public Wi-Fi without protection.
Disable unused accounts: Remove or suspend remote access quickly when staff leave or roles change.
Use endpoint protection: Ensure devices connecting remotely have up-to-date antivirus, firewalls, and security controls.
Regularly review access policies: Audit tools, permissions, and logs to confirm compliance with business and regulatory requirements.

August 16 2025

Recognize phishing websites.

SJ CyberAware All, Daily Tips, Identify, Phishing, Protect

Recognizing phishing websites is vital to avoid scams and protect sensitive data. Always check the web address carefully, phishing sites often use slight misspellings or extra characters. Look for the padlock icon and “https” to confirm a secure connection. Be cautious if the site urges you to act quickly, requests personal details, or looks poorly designed. Avoid clicking on suspicious links in emails or texts, and verify legitimacy by navigating directly to the official website.

Very Important!
Recognizing Phishing Websites
Why it matters:
Phishing websites are designed to trick you into handing over sensitive data such as passwords, banking details, or company logins. They often look convincing but contain subtle clues that reveal their true nature. Spotting these red flags helps protect both individuals and businesses from fraud, financial loss, and data breaches.
Top Tips for Identifying Phishing Websites
Examine the web address (URL) closely
Look for small changes like paypa1.com instead of paypal.com.
Watch for extra words, dashes, or strange country codes.
Check for HTTPS and the padlock
A secure site should begin with https:// and show a padlock in the browser bar.
Warning: Not all HTTPS sites are safe—attackers can also use certificates. Treat it as one sign, not the only one.
Beware of urgency or scare tactics
“Your account will be locked in 24 hours” or “Immediate action required” are common phishing hooks.
Real businesses rarely pressure you into instant action.
Avoid entering sensitive information
Never provide passwords, PINs, or banking details unless you are certain the site is legitimate.
If in doubt, stop and verify.
Look at the design and content quality
Poor spelling, grammar mistakes, fuzzy logos, or broken links are common on fake sites.
Compare with the official website to spot differences.
Don’t click suspicious links
Links from unexpected emails, texts, or pop-ups often lead to phishing sites.
Hover over the link first to preview the destination address before clicking.
Verify directly
Instead of clicking a link, type the organisation’s official web address into your browser.
For example, go directly to your bank’s homepage rather than following a link in an email.
Report suspicious sites
Many browsers and email services let you report phishing attempts.
Reporting helps protect others and can lead to faster takedown of fake sites.
✅ By combining these checks, staff and individuals can build a reliable habit of spotting phishing websites before they cause damage.

August 15 2025

Maintain good cybersecurity hygiene.

SJ CyberAware All, Daily Tips, Govern, Protect

Encrypting email protects sensitive messages by converting them into unreadable code during transmission, ensuring only the intended recipient can access the content. This prevents interception, tampering, and unauthorized access, especially important when sharing confidential data like financial details, login credentials, or client information. Encryption also supports compliance with data protection regulations and reinforces trust between senders and recipients. In short, encrypted email transforms everyday communication into a secure channel, safeguarding both the message and the reputation of the organization behind it.

Best practice
Top Tips & Best Practices for Encrypting Email
Use End-to-End Encryption Tools
Choose email services or plugins that offer end-to-end encryption (like ProtonMail, Tutanota, or Outlook with S/MIME). This ensures only the sender and recipient can read the message.
Enable Encryption by Default
Configure your email client to automatically encrypt outgoing messages when possible. This reduces the risk of forgetting to secure sensitive content.
Verify Recipient Identity
Always double-check the recipient’s email address and public key (if applicable) to avoid sending confidential info to the wrong person.
Encrypt Attachments Separately
Use password-protected PDFs or encrypted ZIP files for sensitive attachments, especially if your email client doesn’t encrypt them by default.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Emails
Sending encrypted messages over unsecured networks can still expose metadata. Use a VPN or wait until you’re on a trusted connection.
Keep Encryption Keys Secure
Store private keys in a secure location and back them up. Losing your key means losing access to encrypted messages.
Educate Your Team
Train staff on how and when to use email encryption. Awareness is key to consistent, secure communication.
Stay Compliant
Ensure your encryption practices align with regulations like GDPR, PCI-DSS, etc, depending on your industry.
Use Strong Passwords for Encrypted Files
If you’re encrypting attachments manually, use complex, unique passwords and share them securely (not via email!).
Regularly Update Your Tools
Keep your email client and encryption software up to date to patch vulnerabilities and maintain compatibility.

August 14 2025

Use secure data storage solutions.

SJ CyberAware All, Daily Tips, Protect

Secure storage protects sensitive data from theft, loss, and unauthorized access by using encryption, access controls, and redundancy. Whether it’s client records, financial documents, or internal communications, storing data securely ensures it remains confidential, intact, and available when needed. It also supports compliance with legal and industry standards, reducing the risk of fines or reputational damage. In short, secure storage isn’t just about where data lives, it’s about how safely, reliably, and responsibly it’s guarded every day.

Top Tips
💾 Top Tips for Secure Storage That Builds Trust & Resilience
Encrypt Everything
Scramble sensitive data at rest and in transit, so even if it’s stolen, it’s unreadable.
Control Access Ruthlessly
Use role-based permissions and MFA. Only the right people should touch the right data.
Back Up Like a Boss
Automate regular backups and store them offsite or in the cloud. Test recovery often.
Keep It Updated
Patch storage systems, firmware, and access tools. Vulnerabilities love outdated tech.
Segment Sensitive Data
Don’t lump everything together. Isolate critical assets to reduce blast radius if breached.
Monitor & Log Access
Track who’s accessing what, when, and how. Anomalies are early warning signs.
Train Your Team
Storage security isn’t just IT’s job. Everyone should know how to handle data responsibly.
Choose Trusted Platforms
Vet your cloud or local storage providers. Look for compliance, transparency, and support.
Plan for the Worst
Have a clear incident response plan. Storage without recovery is just a ticking time bomb.
Make It Human
Frame storage security as protecting people, not just files. That’s how you build culture.

August 13 2025

Implement comprehensive security policies.

SJ CyberAware All, Daily Tips, Protect

Clear policies act as a compass for consistent, secure behaviour across your team. They define expectations, outline responsibilities, and ensure everyone knows how to act, especially during high-pressure incidents. By setting standards for access, communication, and escalation, policies reduce confusion, support compliance with legal and industry requirements, and enable faster, more coordinated responses. In short, well-crafted policies don’t just tick boxes, they build confidence, accountability, and resilience into your everyday operations and crisis management.

Why you should
Why Clear Security Policies Matter, Beyond the Paperwork
Clear, well-communicated security policies are the backbone of a resilient organization. They do more than outline rules, they shape behaviour, build trust, and create a shared language for risk. When policies are thoughtfully crafted and emotionally intelligent, they:
Define expectations: Everyone, from interns to execs, knows what’s acceptable, what’s risky, and what to do when things go wrong.
Enable fast, confident decisions: In a breach or crisis, ambiguity kills time. Policies act as a pre-agreed playbook, reducing hesitation and panic.
Bridge silos: Security isn’t just IT’s job. Clear policies help HR, marketing, finance, and ops align on shared responsibilities.
Support legal and regulatory compliance: They show auditors and regulators that your business takes security seriously, and has the documentation to prove it.
Protect reputation: A well-handled incident, backed by strong policy, can turn a potential PR disaster into a story of resilience.
Foster culture: When policies are explained with empathy and relevance, they become part of the company’s DNA, not just a dusty PDF.
🔍 The twist? Policies only work if they’re lived. That means training, storytelling, visual cues, and regular refreshers. It’s not just about writing rules, it’s about making them resonate.