The Business Canterbury Team17 January 20253 min read

Cyber security: how to future-proof your business

Small and medium businesses are the target of nearly half of all cybercrime and incidents can be costly. In the final of our Enable Digital Tech Series, we share insights from two Canterbury cyber security experts – Enable Fibre Broadband and Oxygen IT – on how businesses can build business resilience, while also leveraging opportunities from emerging technologies.

Enable Networks Information and Cyber Security Manager Salinda Lekamge says many threats businesses are facing are known and common, but attackers are innovating new techniques and tactics to evade detection.

“Cybercriminals are leveraging GenAI to refine their tactics, often aiming for financial gain by encrypting data for ransom or selling stolen information. The key is to be prepared and ask for help quickly if you need it."

Mr Lekamge says one of the first steps for businesses is to establish regular security monitoring to ensure that any breach can be acted on quickly. “Identify any breach and take immediate actions to limit the impact. Monitor security alerts generated by laptops, desktops and servers, your email system, network security systems and user accounts. If in-house resources are insufficient, consider cost-efficient third-party services for security monitoring or Security Operations Centre-as-a-Service options.

“It is also important that businesses ensure systems are updated with security patches, and I would recommend implementing multi-factor authentication for all users. You can also use AI-powered security tools to detect malicious network and system behaviours.”

While some people may think cyber security is just for IT personnel, Mr Lekamge says it is essential that it is front-of-mind be everyone on the team.

“We encourage all all-of-company approach”. Train staff on handling cyber threats, phishing, social engineering, and other scams. Also have defined security processes in place for everyone in your business and establish clear policies, protocols, and checks, especially for financial transactions to protect from invoice related phishing attacks.

“I would also recommend that businesses regularly review system access, particularly for external contractors, and consider automatically disabling inactive accounts.”

With the ever-changing nature of cybercrime, Mr Lekamge says it is important that organisations don’t become complacent and just ‘set and forget’ when it comes to cyber security.

“Regular reviews are critical. Test or audit your systems regularly and practice incident response processes and updating security systems to counter evolving threats.”

The increasing sophistication of cybercriminals as well as the mainstream adoption of emerging technologies means that businesses are not reducing IT costs despite tough economic conditions, according to Oxygen IT Senior Business Development Manager Will Payne.

“We are seeing more and more businesses prioritise strategic investments in technology that deliver return on investment and help drive profitability. As organisations face increasing pressure to innovate and remain competitive, they are adopting future-proof strategies that incorporate emerging technologies and operational efficiency, as well as data security.”

One significant driver of this change is the increasing adoption of AI and automation. According to a recent report by Gartner, by 2025, over 40% of global IT spend is expected to go towards AI initiatives, highlighting the critical role that AI plays across all sectors.

“Clients expect their IT partners to manage day-to-day tasks and guide them in integrating innovative technologies that boost productivity and efficiency,” says Mr Payne. “They also expect their IT partners to deliver continuous monitoring, robust risk management, and solutions to protect against evolving threats. In addition to ransomware and phishing attacks more advanced threats like Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) and living-off-the-land (LotL) attacks are emerging, requiring a proactive and comprehensive approach to security.

“At Oxygen IT we leverage AI and automation to significantly enhance our operational efficiencies, productivity, and client experience – and work with our clients to do the same. It is a game-changer for many businesses.”

Check out our other blogs in our Enable Digital Tech Series:

Technology solutions for a smarter business, where we shared insights from three Canterbury technology leaders – Pay-It-Now (PIN), Ember Technology, and JIX Reality – on technology solutions to help your business adapt and thrive in the digital age.
Safeguarding data: what you need to know about information security, which shared insights from three Canterbury technology leaders – The I.T. Team, Evergreen Tech, and Parry Field Lawyers – on the benefits of centralised data management and the practical application of these technologies and discussed essential legal and compliance considerations for business.