Top 10 security tips to protect your firm from cyber woes

Since the start of the year security issues have dominated the news agenda with numerous Java exploits being uncovered, hacks on major institutions being revealed and even the ICO issuing its largest ever fine of £250,000 against Sony.

While law enforcement and tech giants like Microsoft are fighting back in the war on cyber criminals it's clear that throughout 2013 security will, as ever, be a headline topic.

This will cause headaches for businesses, as they try to defend their systems from attacks while also allowing staff to work productively and often with their own devices.

As such, V3 has put together a handy check list of 10 key issues to consider when assessing security requirements, to help you

10. If it seems too good to be true, it is

It's a life lesson that always bears repeating - if it seems too good to be true it is. So any email that claims you're owed a tax rebate, that you've won tickets to an event, or even inherited countless bazillions from a Nigerian prince you've never spoken too, should be binned immediately.

However, it's not enough to just look out for obvious-scams, as many email security attacks are now growing in sophistication, sometimes mimicking major organisations like Fedex to trick you into clicking on attachments or following links.

The bottom line is to always just think twice before you click or download: did you actually order a package recently, have you really applied for a tax rebate, and so forth, so that if anything strange does appear you don't just mindlessly click.

For those in IT, keeping an eye on these threats whenever they surface and reminding staff to be vigilant and sceptical about such scams is an easy but vital proactive approach to tackling this problem.