Modern technology is great for business; increased connectivity has improved communications immeasurably and allows for greater productivity. Businesses that do not embrace new technologies are likely to be left behind and struggle as their competitors stride forwards into the future.

However, as is often the case, we have to take the bad with the good and the emergence of new technologies and rapid adoption has opened up a whole host of previously unforeseen security threats to companies that are reliant on technology. Failure to address this issue could result in losses, including financial and intellectual property.

Here is Tristar IT Support's rundown of current security risks your business could be exposed to.

Bring Your Own Device

Increasing numbers of employees are keen to bring in and use their own tablets, laptops and mobiles for work every day. It’s understandable that people would want to use their own equipment that they’re familiar with, but have you considered the security risk that each one of these devices poses to your company?

Multiple insecure devices could be connecting to your business network every day, accessing sensitive information and corporate data. IT infrastructures are being put at risk by employees using their own devices for work, but BYOD (bring your own device) policies can be implemented to ensure security, whilst still allowing your employees to carry out their jobs using their preferred equipment.

Damage to Brand Reputation

Many businesses make effective use of social media to interact with their customer base as part of their online marketing strategies. However, whilst social media is at face value an innocuous and fun way for target audiences to interact with brands, it can backfire spectacularly.

A popular story from 2013 shows the impact that one disgruntled passenger, who took to British Airway’s Twitter feed to share his opinion on their service via a promoted tweet, can have. Tens of thousands of Twitter users saw the outburst before BA even had a chance to respond.

The moral of the story is of course to ensure you provide your customers with the service you promise, but also ensure that your social media team is ready and prepared to deal with complaints properly. Just one unhappy person can do a lot of damage in the age of social media.

Cyber Crime

As the technology we use on a day to day basis becomes more ubiquitous, criminals and hackers who know how to exploit security flaws in devices and software become savvier. There are many thousands of ingenious malicious users all over the world and there’s always a possibility that your business could be targeted, particularly if your network and devices are not properly secured.

From lone operators probing companies’ security from their bedrooms to organised gangs of seasoned hackers, cybercrime is undeniably on the rise and an increasing threat to private

The Home Office estimates that the UK loses approximately £27 billion a year to cybercrime, a staggering figure that is telling as to how commonplace this type of criminal activity is becoming. Fraud and industrial espionage are two of the most prevalent types of crime now being committed digitally against British companies, and the exploitation of 21^st century technology is allowing these crimes to be carried out in an increasingly subtle manner.

Tristar IT Support can help your business to protect network security and reduce the risk posed by the threats discussed in this article and more. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you require IT support in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Greater London. We’ll be happy to explain to you how our services can benefit your business.