The UK has seen a worrying increase in cyber-related security issues in recent years. This trend is not unique to this country, but rather a global phenomenon that is being driven by the changing threat landscape.
One of the most striking facts about the current cyber threat landscape is that nearly 100% of cyber threats are human-activated. In other words, most security breaches are caused by people, not by technological weaknesses. This trend is known as social engineering and is characterised by cyber attackers targeting people rather than technology or infrastructure.
The move to cloud-based services has intensified this trend. Cloud services have become essential for modern businesses, and they provide many benefits, such as increased flexibility and scalability. However, they also present new challenges for cybersecurity. Cloud-based services are often accessed via email, which is one of the most vulnerable channels for cyber-attacks.
The email problem is getting worse. Phishing attacks, in which cyber attackers trick people into divulging sensitive information, have increased twofold in recent years. Ransomware attacks, in which cyber attackers hold data hostage until a ransom is paid, have increased by 300%. Business Email Compromise (BEC) losses have also increased by 44%. BEC attacks involve cyber attackers posing as legitimate business partners or suppliers and tricking people into sending them money or sensitive information.
One particularly concerning statistic* is that 98% of the 3000 organisations monitored received a threat from a supplier domain. This means that cyber attackers are increasingly targeting suppliers and using their email accounts to access their clients’ systems.
So, what can organisations do to protect themselves from email-related security issues? One solution is to invest in advanced email security tools that can detect and block phishing attempts, malware, and other cyber threats. These tools use advanced machine learning algorithms to analyse email content and identify suspicious activity.
Another solution is to train employees on how to recognise and respond to cyber threats. Cyber attackers often use social engineering techniques to trick people into divulging sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. By educating employees on how to recognise these tactics, organisations can reduce the risk of successful cyber-attacks.
There are steps that organisations can take to protect themselves, including investing in advanced email security tools and educating employees on how to recognise and respond to cyber threats. By taking these steps, organisations can reduce the risk of successful cyber-attacks and protect their sensitive information.
Talk to the Crest IT team to discuss how you can protect your business from cyber-attacks.