Data Security – Cyber Security Helpdesk Limited – UK Cyber Incident Reponse Specialists

Small businesses are being urged to take steps to protect themselves from the threat of cybercrime after hackers targeted the NHS earlier this month, compromising its highly sensitive computer systems through a Ransomeware attack on 12 May 2017.

The “Wannacry” ransomeware attack was a worldwide cyberattack by the WannaCry ransomware cryptoworm, which targeted computers running the Microsoft Windows operating system by encrypting data and demanding ransom payments in the Bitcoin cryptocurrency. Hackers were effectively threatening to delete files unless a ransom was paid.

Research from the Federation for Small Business (FSB) claims 7 million cybercrimes are committed against SMEs in the UK every year, equating to more than 19,000 a day.

FSB figures show the average cybercrime incident costs a small company £3,000 and takes 2.2 days to recover from.

Mike Cherry, FSB chairman, said:

“We are urging all small businesses to take steps to reduce the risk of an attack.

“Businesses should immediately check for updates to their operating systems and anti-malware software and download them where needed.

“We advise small firms to make sure their data is backed up – if the worst happens, data cannot then be held to ransom.”

What is ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to block access to your computer system until an amount of money is paid.

It often arrives in the form or a phishing email, otherwise known as spam, or a fake software update.

Like other computer viruses, it usually finds its way onto a device by exploiting a security hole in vulnerable software or by tricking somebody into installing it.

Security experts warn that ransomware is the fastest growing form of computer virus, which threatens to delete your files unless you pay the blackmail.

Protecting your business

Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to cyber-attacks, but what can you do to protect your company from the growing threat of ransomware?

The National Cyber Security Council recommends your company takes the following steps:

do not open suspicious-looking email attachments or hyperlinks from unknown contacts
applying patches for Microsoft Windows will protect against ransomware
ensure antivirus products are up-to-date and scans your software regularly
use network segregation techniques to minimise the chance of compromise.

What to do if your computer is infected

If you believe your business has been compromised by ransomware, the National Crime Agency advises:

do not to pay the ransom as you don’t know the hackers will clear your system of the virus
back up your files regularly as this will be the only way to access your data
if you have been the victim of online fraud, report it at: www.actionfraud.police.uk

How Can Cyber Security Helpdesk Help You?

We are the UK’s number 1 National Multi-Disciplinary Cyber and Data Breach Incident Response Service; enabling UK Businesses to deal with Cyber breaches, properly and promptly.

SUPPORT – Our support teams work around the clock for our clients and are available 24/7/365.

SPEED – Our First Response team ensures every cyber incident receives a rapid service time without compromising quality.

CONFIDENTIALITY – Every enquiry is dealt with on a confidential basis by our professional team using secure technology.

EXPERT – IT, Data Protection, Legal, Communications experts adopt a meticulous and systematic approach to each incident.

OUR GOAL is your Business Continuity.

If you have suffered a Cyber or Data Breach, contact Cyber Security Helpdesk now.

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Cyber attacks cost Manchester economy £41 million, according to a study carried out by Alto digital, aimed at discovering how far UK businesses have developed in terms of office security.

Almost 62% of businesses in the city have been targeted by hackers in the last 12 months.

The study revealed that firms are seriously compromising their confidential data, unknowlingly committing security violations because of a lack of training and knowledge of their IT systems and document security.

It was calculated that these hacks equated to down time equivalent to five to seven days per annum for UK business, with 69% of staff members affected.

An analysis of Manchester’s most common cyber security risks are:
· Companies not having a firewall (up to 36% from 24% in 2013)
· Failing to change old passwords (up to 55% from 32% in 2013)
· Not protecting data stored on printers or photocopiers at all (82%)

The primary reason for IT hacks on Manchester’s businesses in 2016 was phishing emails – when fraudsters attempt to obtain sensitive information for malicious reasons.

Targets include professional services firms such as accountants, mortgage brokers and law firms.

23% of those questioned have also experienced a hack via their telecoms systems, with the most common methods being via remote voice mail access (41%), remote programming (49%) and IP phones (36%).

Sensitive Data Collection and Processsing

When it comes to scanning or photocopying documents, 51% of Manchester’s businesses admit to regularly processing highly confidential documents such as birth certificates (42%), client confidential documents (29%) and even company insurance documents (18%), yet an overwhelming 69% are unaware that a photocopier will store every single document that it scans – a serious hacking risk when connected to a company network.

When asked about the barriers to investing in a sophisticated security strategy, 52% of companies said it’s too expensive (48% in 2013), 59% stated that it’s too time consuming (23% in 2013) and 62% even mentioned that it’s just too confusing (32% in 2013).

It’s not all bad news though, only 24% of UK employees admitted that there’s a lack of concern at management level to invest in a reliable security infrastructure – a large reduction from 2013, when it was a more significant 36%.

Even more positive is the result that an impressive 80% of IT Directors questioned revealed that they always wipe their internal hard drive before getting rid of obsolete printers, a 27% increase from 2013.

Whilst it is clearly important to focus on training and proactive cyber security and data security policies aimed at prevention, the number of phishing or spoofing attempts on Manchester businesses, which are becoming more sophisticated, it is also important to have a trusted Cyber Security Incident Response team who can ensure that any cyber incident is managed properly and professionally with the minimum of downtime and loss to the business.