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Real World Security

Welcome to Sharp’s Real World Security hub. From real, everyday cybersecurity insights to better ways to stay protected, we’re providing useful information to make sure your business is safe.

Switched on to security

Nearly all businesses are digitally connected today. We exchange emails, operate over shared Wi-Fi networks – we even join meetings, classes, or appointments virtually. With that in mind, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) today are susceptible to a growing threat: cyberattacks. Increasingly common, attacks can seriously hinder the running of a business. And no matter the type of your SME – whether you construct buildings or work on your laptop from them – there are real risks that can have serious implications.

Using insights from SMEs across Europe, we have created a series of content including a video, articles, an infographic and a jargon buster to help you understand security risks, break down the complexity around them, and find ways to stay protected.

Within our Real World Security Hub, you’ll also find our top tips and guidance on the best ways to build cyber resilience.

Collage of hybrid working images
Colleagues working in a modern office

Video

IT security for the real world

In the real world of work, businesses need simple solutions to keep them and their customers safe. We're constantly working to ensure the security of your business so you can keep everyone protected and keep everything else running like clockwork.

Security articles

Read our articles on security confidence, tackling insider threats and staying protected.

Two engineers with a laptop in a control room

SME Cybersecurity: Exploring the confidence gap

Feeling risk-ready isnʼt the same as being protected. Our research uncovered a tension around SMEs feeling well-prepared for cyber threats but lacking confidence in their defence. In this article, we discuss how to ensure your business is truly prepared and protected.

Female business owner using a laptop in her clothing store

Real risks: Cyber protection for real world working

Cyber attacks are on the rise, and IT leaders across Europe are concerned. Our research revealed that 68% of IT leaders lack confidence in their businesses’ ability to deal with IT security risks, with many worrying about the consequences of an attack. In this article, we discuss some common security vulnerabilities, and the best ways to stay protected. 

Doctors using tablet

Human error: Tackling the biggest security threat to SMEs

Today, the smallest employee mistakes can amount to big issues in security. At the same time, a third of the SMEs we surveyed cited a lack of knowledge or training as something that has increased their IT security concerns. We explored the ways insider threat materialises, and what you can do to mitigate it. 

Infographic

Real World Risks: SME Security Rundown

With every new app or device, the security landscape can become more complex. Cyberattacks are on the rise, and SMEs are feeling the impact – but the real risks might be staring you right in the face. Explore the real-world security risks for SMEs.

1/3 of SMEs have been impacted by a computer virus attack

Key findings from SMEs across Europe

62%

havenʼt implemented multi-factor authentication

55%

donʼt have strong password policies

59%

havenʼt increased security training since moving to a hybrid working model

1/3

admitted to being the victims of phishing, malware, and data loss

37%

are more worried about an IT security breach than 12 months ago

1/3

have no IT security measures in place to cover printers

Cyber security: Top tips

Explore our guidance for keeping your business secure.

Engineer on a construction site using a phone and holding a tablet

Prepare for the risks: Tips for building real cyber security confidence

Many IT decision makers feel unprepared to defend their business from a cyberattack.  From strengthening employee passwords to implementing regular software updates, discover our dos and don’ts of cybersecurity.

Colleagues talking at office printer

The unusual suspect: How to ensure your printer isn’t a hidden threat

Despite the focus on virtual threats, there is a very real physical risk lurking in your workspace: the printer.  Find out which necessary steps to take to secure your devices - and your business.

Students in an IT classroom

Employee risks: How to reinforce, secure IT behaviour

Businesses today should be thinking about how educated their people are with cybersecurity risks - and reinforce secure IT behaviour wherever possible.  Discover our top tips on how to limit the impact of human error.

Jargon Buster

Complex security terms, simplified

There are a whole lot of terms used today in cybersecurity. While building a robust digital defence is already a big enough challenge for many SMEs, understanding all the complex jargon that comes with it is another. To make things a little easier, and to help you protect your business, we’ve simplified some of the most common cybersecurity terms in our downloadable Jargon Buster.  

And to get the bigger picture, check out our full Security Glossary; a catalogue of terms for the various risks and solutions.

Phishing, smishing, vishing. Confused? Don't worry, we've broken it down for you.

Related News

IT & Computing

Typing on keyboard with security shield

Cyber threat concerns amongst European SMEs on the rise as over a third admit to breaches in last 12 months

Against a challenging economic backdrop, concerns about cyber threats amongst European small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) has risen significantly in the last year as they consider the impact on brand, reputation, and revenue. 

A woman using an MFP in an office

Printers: the cyber threat hidden in plain sight

Increased security threats such as phishing or ransomware attacks are a very real concern for Europe’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Particularly as the exploitation of new vulnerabilities make networked devices, such as MFPs and printers, prime targets for IT security breaches.

Business team training

Major cyber security risks not covered in IT Security Training for more than half of SMEs across Europe despite human error topping list of biggest concerns

Despite human error being the biggest IT security concern for nearly four in ten (37%) SMEs across Europe, IT training is missing some of the most common cyber-weak areas, according to new insights released today.