SULLIVAN COUNTY — Hudson Valley businesses will face the greatest ever number of cyber attacks in 2024.

That’s the prediction from a local security expert, who has watched the number of attacks grow year on year.

“The question isn’t whether your business will face a cyber attack, but when? And more importantly, will you be prepared?” explained Ed Shanker, owner of Meeting Tree Computer.

“The human element is often the weakest link in the cyber security chain,” he said. “But it can also be our strongest defense, IF you engage employees in cyber security. It’s not just important; it’s now become critical.”

Here are our five strategies for TOWN businesses to create a strong culture of cyber security:

1. Education: Knowledge is power. The more employees understand about the threats they face, the better equipped they’ll be to prevent them. Provide regular training sessions on recognizing phishing emails, using strong passwords, and understanding the latest threats.

2. Training simulations: Practice makes perfect. Regularly scheduled cyber security simulations can help employees understand how to respond in the event of a real cyber attack. “Simulations provide a safe space for employees to learn from their mistakes and improve their response times,” said Ed.

3. Policies: Clear, concise, and comprehensive policies lay the groundwork for what is expected from each employee regarding cyber security. Ensure that these policies are regularly updated to reflect the evolving landscape of cyber threats.

4. Leading by example: Leaders should be the first to adhere strictly to cyber security protocols. This sets an example for the entire organization. Ed said: “When leaders prioritize cyber security, it sends a clear message to the team that this is a matter of utmost importance”.

5. Open communication: Encourage employees to voice their concerns and questions about cyber security. An open dialogue creates a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable discussing cyber security issues.

In the face of rising cyber threats, businesses must take proactive steps to secure their digital assets. “We can’t afford to be complacent,” warned Ed. “Cyber security is everyone’s responsibility.”

Hudson Valley business owners are invited to book a 15-minute video call to discuss how to engage their employees in cyber security, at: www.meetingtreecomputer.com.