Tag: Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity on a Budget

Posted on by Cindy Martinson

Cybersecurity on a Budget: 7 Simple Steps Every SME Should Take

Cybersecurity isn’t just for big companies anymore. These days, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are often the main targets for cyberattacks. Why? Because they usually don’t have strong protection in place. This is often because businesses assume that they cannot expect affordable cybersecurity that will work with their budget and security needs.

The good news is, you don’t need a big budget or an IT team to get started. With a few smart steps, you can build a solid defense. In fact, affordable cybersecurity for SMEs is not only possible — it’s more important than ever.

paper money note becoming pixels and entering the online world
Making your budget work for your security posture.

Here are 7 simple things every SME should do right now:

1. Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

First, protect your accounts by turning on MFA. It adds an extra step when logging in — like a code sent to your phone. This makes it much harder for hackers to break in.

2. Look at Your Risks

Next, take time to figure out where your business is most at risk. A basic risk assessment helps you see what needs fixing first.

3. Limit Admin Access

Don’t give everyone full access to your systems. Instead, only give extra permissions to people who truly need them.

4. Train Your Team

Also, make sure your employees know how to spot common scams, like fake emails. A little training goes a long way.

5. Keep Software Updated

Hackers look for outdated software. So, update your apps and systems regularly to stay safe.

6. Back Up Your Data

If something goes wrong, you’ll want a backup. Use both local and cloud backups — and make sure they actually work.

7. Have a Plan for Emergencies

Finally, write down what to do if a cyberattack happens. This way, your team can act fast and stay calm.

To sum it up, affordable cybersecurity for SMEs starts with small, smart actions. These seven steps won’t cost much — but they can protect a lot.

Need help getting started? Let’s talk.

Secure Your Business with Black Watch

Posted on by admin

Black Watch is the Smart Choice for Cybersecurity in 2025

 

Black Watch Security Logo
Let Us Be Your Shield

In today’s digital-first world, safeguarding your business from cyber threats is no longer optional—it’s essential. Proactive cybersecurity is now foundational to your business. With cybercrime growing in scale and sophistication, partnering with a cybersecurity company with global expertise can mean the difference between staying protected and falling victim to a costly breach. That’s where Black Watch comes in.

According to Teal’s 2024 Cybersecurity Analyst skills guide, top cybersecurity professionals must possess a deep understanding of threat intelligence, vulnerability management, incident response, and global cyber practices.

      Black Watch Security delivers on all fronts:

 

  1. Expert Threat Intelligence and Analysis
    Proactive cybersecurity means anticipating threats before they strike. Black Watch specializes in real-time threat monitoring and analysis, enabling businesses to take swift action against emerging threats. This capability is a core pillar of effective cyber defense, as highlighted by Teal’s guide.
  2. Thorough Vulnerability Assessment and Management
    One overlooked vulnerability can be a cybercriminal’s golden ticket. Black Watch conducts rigorous system evaluations to uncover weak points and implement solutions that harden your defenses. As a cybersecurity company with global expertise, we understand the evolving tactics attackers use across industries.
  3. Rapid Incident Response and Recovery
    The right response can contain damage and restore operations swiftly. Black Watch’s seasoned team is equipped with the skills to manage incidents efficiently, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum resilience. Businesses need a cybersecurity company with global expertise that can act fast—and that’s exactly what we offer.
  4. Customized Security Solutions That Work
    No two businesses are the same. That’s why Black Watch tailors cybersecurity strategies to each client’s unique needs. This aligns with current trends toward personalized protection, as also seen in insights from IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report.

When it comes to protecting your digital assets, don’t leave things to chance. Choose Black Watch as your cybersecurity partner—a team that brings global insight, elite technical skills, and a genuine commitment to your business’s security.

Secure your future with Black Watch as your cybersecurity partner. The right choice today could save you everything tomorrow.

Why Are Universities a Prime Target for Hackers?

Posted on by admin

Why Universities Are Prime Targets for Cyber Attacks

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, educational institutions are increasingly in the crosshairs. A  report by The Hacker News reveals that Kimsuky, a North Korea-linked cyber-espionage group, has been targeting university researchers. This isn’t an isolated case—universities are targets of cyber attacks around the world due to several major vulnerabilities.

Student working at laptop
Universities are targets of cyber attacks due to valuable data and weak security.

Why Are Universities Being Targeted?

  1. Valuable Research Data
    Universities lead in research across medicine, engineering, and defense, often funded by governments and private enterprises. Hackers seek to steal this data for strategic, political, or economic gain.

  2. Sensitive Personal Information
    Student and staff data—ranging from contact details to financial records—is a lucrative target for identity theft and black-market sales.

  3. Interconnected Networks
    Universities maintain vast, collaborative networks that span across other institutions and industries. These connections offer hackers additional pathways into less-secure systems.

  4. Underfunded Cybersecurity
    Many universities operate with smaller IT teams and budgets compared to private corporations. Combined with an open-access culture, this makes them easier to infiltrate.

Kimsuky and similar groups exploit these gaps using phishing emails, malware, and social engineering—tactics designed to deceive users and compromise credentials or systems.

How Universities Can Respond

To protect their data and people, universities must prioritize security awareness and infrastructure. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) provides comprehensive guidelines tailored for academia.

Recognizing that universities are targets of cyber attacks is the first step toward building stronger cyber defenses. By understanding the risks and investing in protection, institutions can safeguard both their research and their reputations.