The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has launched a new, free-to-download cyber security guide for business.

The new guide outlines how businesses can optimise their ability to identify and manage evolving cyber security risks. It was written with managers without an IT background in mind and, as such, adopts a pragmatic and accessible approach to the issues.

The guide comprises four key sections. The first sets out five principles to adopt when approaching risks commonly associated with cyber security incidents. This is followed by a section providing an overview of six essential actions to optimise cyber security systems: backing up information, keeping IT systems up to date, training staff on security issues, monitoring for security breaches, layering security defences to reduce risk, and making contingency plans to deal with breaches. The third section sets out ways in which these principles and actions can be effectively implemented by businesses, depending on the nature of their organisation.

Finally, the guide provides a security self-assessment questionnaire, a tool to allow businesses to evaluate the current state of their cyber security management and to identify ways in which it can be improved, in accordance with the guidance in the preceding sections of the guide.

Source: International Chamber of Commerce, New ICC cyber security guide outlines practical steps for business, 16 April 2015.