SUMMER 2021 ROUND-UP New guide to curbing cyber crime ROUND-UP The sixth annual survey of cyber security attacks on businesses, published by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, shows that two in five businesses (39 per cent) and a quarter of charities (26 per cent) reported a security breach in the past 12 months. take to prevent a data breach, and how your employees can play their part. Cyber attacks can stop your business in its tracks, and even the smallest of firms can be a target. So, the Federation of Small Businesses has produced a guide to help you protect your business, whether youre selfemployed or running a team. To read about a free new tool to help you tackle cyber crime, see our feature on Police CyberAlarm. Additional information is available in the Winter 2020, Spring 2019 and Summer 2018 editions of TSBN. It takes you through the most common types of cyber threats, the steps you can By making a plan of action and managing your cyber-security risks with advice and resources from experts, you can stay one step ahead of the criminals. Credits: Karen Woolley, development manager, Federation of Small Businesses; Nick Harrison, CEnTSA regional policy coordinator Image: iStock.com / matejmo AWARE OF CRIME? REPORT IT ANONYMOUSLY TO TRADING STANDARDS The level playing field that nurtures and promotes economic growth and development for businesses, locally and nationally, is maintained by Trading Standards. It partly does this by offering advice and assistance to honest and legitimate traders who request guidance on legislation, and by assisting those traders who need a little help to become compliant. Where businesses choose to trade outside the law and ignore the advice and guidance given, Trading Standards tackles them by using appropriate enforcement action. A lack of willingness and cooperation to comply with trading law and any engagement in criminal activity undermines and harms legitimate trade. This, inevitably, leads to honest businesses being disadvantaged and having to compete against traders who offer inferior goods and services. To survive, the honest business may be forced to lower its standards or its quality of product, resulting in unsatisfied consumers. Left unchecked, this leads to a loss in consumer confidence, and has resulted in certain trade sectors being mistrusted. By working with Trading Standards, legitimate businesses that believe their sector is being damaged and undermined by unscrupulous traders can help focus and target Trading Standards resources, and reduce the harm being inflicted upon their profession. Those who believe their professions reputation is being damaged and undermined by illegitimate traders working outside the law can report them via the anonymous, automated hotline 0300 303 2636, or by using the online reporting system. Report foul play to create a level playing field for all. Credit: Brandon Cook, Trading Standards officer For further information please contact your local Trading Standards Service