Cybersafe Threats | 11th April | Protect Your Data – Technologist

Welcome to the latest edition of the Cybersafe Cyber Threats Update, from the 11th April 2024. This is a weekly series in which we bring attention to the latest cyber attacks, scams, frauds, and malware including Ransomware, to ensure you stay safe online. Being aware of these cyber threats helps UK companies to gain cyber essentials certifications and keeps employees on alert for potential danger. If you need help with Cyber Security, contact Neuways to become Cybersafe.

Here are the most prominent cyber threats to businesses which you should be aware of:

Cyber Criminals follow through with threat to publish data

Following a cyber attack on Leicester City Council on March 7th, more stolen data has surfaced online. The attack prompted the council to shut down its phone and computer systems.

On April 3rd, 25 documents were initially posted online, but a subsequent “much larger batch” has emerged. Council officials labelled the attack as “highly sophisticated,” and IT networks have now been restored. A known ransomware group which has coordinated previous cyber attacks on the UK business industry, particularly in Government areas, was identified as the perpetrator.

The council’s strategic director disclosed that 1.3 terabytes of data were released, necessitating a thorough review. The Information Commissioner was notified, and measures were underway to inform individuals at high risk due to data breaches. This was all part of the Disaster and Recovery plan that the council had in place to help with repairing the reputation that is often damaged as a result of cyber attacks. The council expressed regret for any distress caused and reiterated collaboration with law enforcement and cyber security authorities in the ongoing investigation.

If you think your business might be at risk of a cyber attack, or want to understand more about Cyber Security experts can help, you can reach out to our team today. We’ll help your business become Cybersafe.

UK business falling short on cyber security warns government report

The 2024 Cyber Security Breaches Survey by the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology exposes trends concerning UK businesses’ cyber security readiness. Notably, 50% of companies and 32% of charities faced cyber breaches within the past year, with large enterprises and high-income charities being primary targets.

Phishing attacks were prevalent, with 7.78 million cyber crimes reported collectively. Most businesses needed formal incident response plans, with only 22% having such strategies. The low rate of reporting data breaches to authorities and minimal proactive measures raise alarms.

Small businesses are especially vulnerable due to resource constraints. Despite the financial burden, many companies neglect to invest in robust cyber security defences. The report emphasises the need for enhanced vigilance, transparent reporting, and rigorous supplier assessment to mitigate cyber risks effectively.

Organisation says cyber attack affected email systems and member data

The Communications Workers Union in the UK recently encountered a notable cyber security incident, which disrupted its email systems and potentially compromised member data. Initially uncertain about the nature of the disruption, the union later confirmed it as a cyber attack and initiated investigations into the extent of the breach.

They’re cautioning members to remain vigilant against phishing attempts and have engaged cyber security experts to conduct a thorough analysis. Efforts are underway to restore the affected IT infrastructure, with IT specialists working closely with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to manage the situation effectively and mitigate any further risks to the union and its members’ data.

It is in moments like this that highlight the importance of having a dedicated Managed IT Support team to work alongside a cyber security team. Differentiating between an IT outage and a cyber security is vital to the reaction and cost to your business.

Contact Neuways to become Cybersafe

If you need any assistance with cyber security to become Cybersafe, then please contact Neuways and we will help you where we can. Just get in touch with our team today. We’re based in Derby but we work with clients all over the UK and can travel for your needs.