Cyber Attacks are big business

A recent security report revealed developments in cybersecurity. Firstly, the speed of cyber attacks has escalated dramatically. Breakout times have markedly decreased, referring to the duration it takes for an intruder to navigate within a network after initial access. The average breakout time has dwindled to 62 minutes from 84 minutes the previous year. This trend signals a pressing issue.

Furthermore, the frequency of these attacks is on the rise. The report has identified an astonishing 34 new cybercriminal groups, bringing the total number tracked by the company to over 230. Compounding this issue is the increasing sophistication of these cyber threats. The report highlights a record-breaking breakout time of two minutes and seven seconds. Such swift incursions leave minimal time for defence strategies to be mounted.

Human error

Adding to the complexity, human error is increasingly the primary entry point for these attacks. Cybercriminals employ phishing emails, enticing individuals to click on malicious links or impersonating trusted contacts—a technique known as social engineering.

Top Tips

To safeguard your business against these cyber threats, several proactive measures can be taken:

  1. Educate your employees: Conduct regular training sessions to inform your team about the latest cyber threats and how to recognize them.
  2. Implement robust password policies: Encourage using complex, randomly generated passwords managed by password managers. Additionally, employ multi-factor authentication for an extra layer of security.
  3. Keep systems updated: Ensure all software and systems are promptly updated with the latest security patches to mitigate the risk of exploitation by cybercriminals.
  4. Invest in cybersecurity software: Consider investing in reputable cybersecurity software capable of detecting and mitigating threats in real time.
  5. Back up your data: Regularly back up your data and store it securely. In the event of a cyber-attack, having backups can minimize downtime and data loss.

Vigilance is paramount in cybersecurity. If you require assistance in fortifying your defences, do not hesitate to contact us.

 

We serve local businesses so that we can offer onsite support if needed: Stoke on Trent, Stafford, Leek, Macclesfield, Buxton, Ashbourne and all the great places in between.

Find our more on our IT Services and Business IT Support Pages.

Or perhaps read some of our blogs:

Microsoft 365 Support

Big enough to serve, small enough to care; local IT support

Why Every Small Business Needs to be Protected by Professional IT Support