Combating Cyber Crime
The way we do business has altered dramatically over recent years.
The changing attitude to where, how and when we work was rapidly
accelerated by Covid-19, but the pandemic was not the sole factor
in this shift away from "traditional" working practices.
Developments in technology and its increased use in day to day
working practices has given us the power to work in a more flexible
and agile manner than ever before, presenting opportunities in new
areas.
Businesses have been forced to rethink the way in which they use
the data and information they hold and how they can maximise the
potential of that information. As more systems go online, it
presents a greater opportunity to share data with colleagues and
clients all over the world and open up new markets.
However, with these developments, come new challenges. Cyber crime
has increased exponentially over the last two years, with
businesses and organisations in all sectors facing attacks on a
regular basis. Recent figures suggest that the number of reported
attacks in Scotland has risen by over 600% in a year. The
stereotypical notion of small-time, hoodie wearing hackers
operating from their bedrooms has evolved into a large, well
organised operation, that more closely resembles a slick tech
company. Cyber crime has become more sophisticated than ever and
increased remote access to systems presents more opportunities for
unauthorised access.
Falling victim to a cyber attack can result in a number of issues,
including access to confidential or commercially sensitive
information, unauthorised disclosure of personal data with the
potential for censure and fine from the Information Commissioner's
Office, business interruption and reputational damage.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to prevent all cyber-attacks.
However, the situation is not as bleak as it may seem with more
businesses becoming cyber savvy and taking steps to protect their
digital assets.
Businesses are becoming increasingly aware of the advantages of
connecting through Virtual Private Network when working remotely,
using multi-factor authentication, having change control processes
in place for alterations to networks, carrying out security audits,
and delivering staff training on cyber security.
Having policies in place to deal with good management of data and
what to do in the event of a cyber-attack is key. BTO's Cyber
Protect Team often advises its clients on steps that can be taken
to reduce the impact of a cyber attack and what to do in the event
of a breach. A quick and effective response can significantly
reduce the adverse consequences of an attack and make dealing with
the regulators and those directly affected by the breach a
significantly smoother process.
Despite Scotland's small size, the resources available to
businesses looking to combat cyber crime is constantly growing and
a more joined up approach to dealing with, and preventing, cyber
attacks is being taken at national level. Nonetheless, the
importance of having a Plan B cannot be
underestimated.Combating Cyber Crime
The way we do business has altered dramatically over recent
years. The changing attitude to where, how and when we work was
rapidly accelerated by Covid-19, but the pandemic was not the sole
factor in this shift away from "traditional" working practices.
Developments in technology and its increased use in day to day
working practices has given us the power to work in a more flexible
and agile manner than ever before, presenting opportunities in new
areas.
Businesses have been forced to rethink the way in which they use
the data and information they hold and how they can maximise the
potential of that information. As more systems go online, it
presents a greater opportunity to share data with colleagues and
clients all over the world and open up new markets.
However, with these developments, come new challenges. Cyber
crime has increased exponentially over the last two years, with
businesses and organisations in all sectors facing attacks on a
regular basis. Recent figures suggest that the number of reported
attacks in Scotland has risen by over 600% in a year. The
stereotypical notion of small-time, hoodie wearing hackers
operating from their bedrooms has evolved into a large, well
organised operation, that more closely resembles a slick tech
company. Cyber crime has become more sophisticated than ever and
increased remote access to systems presents more opportunities for
unauthorised access.
Falling victim to a cyber attack can result in a number of
issues, including access to confidential or commercially sensitive
information, unauthorised disclosure of personal data with the
potential for censure and fine from the Information Commissioner's
Office, business interruption and reputational damage.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to prevent all cyber-attacks.
However, the situation is not as bleak as it may seem with more
businesses becoming cyber savvy and taking steps to protect their
digital assets.
Businesses are becoming increasingly aware of the advantages of
connecting through Virtual Private Network when working remotely,
using multi-factor authentication, having change control processes
in place for alterations to networks, carrying out security audits,
and delivering staff training on cyber security.
Having policies in place to deal with good management of data
and what to do in the event of a cyber-attack is key. BTO's Cyber
Protect Team often advises its clients on steps that can be taken
to reduce the impact of a cyber attack and what to do in the event
of a breach. A quick and effective response can significantly
reduce the adverse consequences of an attack and make dealing with
the regulators and those directly affected by the breach a
significantly smoother process.
Despite Scotland's small size, the resources available to
businesses looking to combat cyber crime is constantly growing and
a more joined up approach to dealing with, and preventing, cyber
attacks is being taken at national level. Nonetheless, the
importance of having a Plan B cannot be underestimated.
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