Defend your business and make cyber security your goal

philviles
3 minutes ago
4 min read

The Women’s Euro 2025 tournament begins today so we thought we’d dribble through the cyber security midfield looking at tactics to keep your systems safe. Whether you’re defending your data like a solid centre half or pushing for a winner against cyber threats, you can achieve the right result with our tips.

1. Protect your goal: lock down your network

Just like a solid backline, your network needs robust defences. The first line of defence is a strong firewall - a digital wall that blocks malicious players (hackers) from breaching your system. Or consider it your keeper's gloves: essential for making those crucial stops.

Implement a Firewall: Treat it as your defensive shield to manage incoming traffic.
Use Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Just as a coach studies the opposing team’s tactics, monitor for suspicious activities that hint at cyber intrusions.
Regular Updates: Keep your system’s patches updated. Cyber criminals are always ready to exploit outdated software, like a tricky forward looking for a gap in your defence.

2. Bossing the midfield: secure your endpoints

In football, midfielders control the game by seamlessly transitioning between defence and attack. Similarly, your endpoints - laptops, smartphones, and tablets - are pivotal to your cyber security midfield.

Antivirus and Anti-Malware: Equip your devices with trusted antivirus software to fend off digital tackles from viruses and malware.
Secure Configurations: Harden your devices like a disciplined but combative midfielder. Disable unnecessary services and enforce security settings to close down potential entry points.
Encryption: Encrypt sensitive data so even if a breach occurs, your data remains unreadable to the opposition.

3. Tackling problems: proactive incident response

When an opposing team makes a quick counter-attack, defenders must be ready to intercept, tackle, and prevent the threat. In the cyber security realm, that means having an incident response plan ready to address breaches before they turn into a full-blown crisis.

Incident Response Plan: Develop and regularly update a clear plan outlining roles and responsibilities during a security incident.
Regular Drills: Just like training sessions for set pieces, conduct drills to ensure every team member knows their role in the event of an attack.
Forensic Analysis: Post-incident, analyse what went wrong and refine your tactics - learning from mistakes is key to improving your defense.

4. Paying the penalty: handling breaches and fines

Penalties are part and parcel of the game, and in the digital world, sometimes a breach can lead to costly fines and reputational damage. Think of it as a bad decision - a moment to face the consequences and learn from it.

Data Breach Preparedness: Have a robust plan for handling breaches, including prompt communication with affected stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
Cyber Insurance: Consider investing in cyber insurance to help cover any financial penalties or losses if your team gets caught off guard.
Compliance: Adhere to industry standards and regulations, much like a club abiding by the rules of the game to avoid unnecessary penalties, see Nottingham Forest and Everton in recent seasons, and Lyon right now.

5. Aiming for a winning result: continuous improvement

Every winning team focuses on constant improvement. Cyber security is no different - staying ahead of cyber threats requires persistent training, adaptation, and innovation.

Ongoing Training: Regularly train your team on the latest cyber security practices and potential threats. Just as footballers practice their skills, cyber security awareness is an ongoing process.
Adopt New Technologies: Keep your playbook updated with the latest defensive technologies, like advanced threat intelligence and multi-factor authentication.
Engage the Crowd: Foster a culture of cyber security awareness across your organisation. When everyone plays their part, the likelihood of a win against cyber threats increases dramatically.

6. It’s simple: keep it tight

A solid and tight defence nullifies threats and attacks. Similarly, using strong passwords and enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a simple but affective barrier to dangerous attacks.

Basic Rules of the Game: Use unique, complex passwords for all accounts.
Good Management: Encourage the use of password managers.
Vital Block: Implement MFA across all critical services.

Tip: The NCSC recommends using three random words for passwords – e.g., "ForestTableRocket" – and turning on MFA wherever possible.

Final whistle

Securing your digital arena obviously doesn’t involve a physical football pitch, but the strategies remain strikingly similar. From protecting your goal (your network) to defending the midfield (your endpoints), each tactic works in harmony to fend off attacks. Tackling problems head-on, managing penalties wisely, and continuously improving your strategy ensures you’re always in a winning position.

Remember, just as in football, every player - every employee - matters. With robust cyber security practices and a team that knows the game and plays to its strengths, you'll be prepared to face any digital challenge that comes your way.

Brian Clough once said, “It only takes a second to score a goal”. And it only takes a second for a threat to have an impact on your systems. Cut out the threats, and minimise the risks with this advice.

Reporting

Report all Fraud and Cybercrime to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or online. Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Report SMS scams by forwarding the original message to 7726 (spells SPAM on the keypad).