Consider IT

Consider IT
Consider IT

2024

Volkwagen breach blog
April 24, 2024

Volkswagen Group has over 19,000 sensitive documents stolen in Cyber Attack

The recent security breach at Volkswagen Group serves as a stark reminder of the ever-looming threat of cyber attacks. With over 19,000 sensitive documents stolen, the automotive giant finds itself at the centre of a cyber security nightmare, raising concerns not only for its own operations but for the broader landscape of global business security.

The Attack

Last week, Volkswagen Group reported a significant security breach in its IT systems. The attack was believed to have been perpetrated by Chinese hackers who employed sophisticated methods to breach the company’s systems. The stolen documents included crucial operational details and potentially sensitive information on new electric mobility technologies.

Immediate Impact

The repercussions of such a breach are vast. Beyond the immediate loss of sensitive data, Volkswagen has suffered a dent in their competitive edge and risks financial losses due to operational disruptions and investor confidence erosion. However, the company is not standing idly by. Volkswagen has assured stakeholders of prompt action, working closely with law enforcement agencies to contain further damage.

Steps Towards Recovery

Volkswagen’s response to the breach is comprehensive. The company is overhauling its cyber security protocols, implementing advanced monitoring systems, strengthening its cyber security team, and intensifying employee cyber security training. They are also working with specialist cyber security firms to analyse the breach, identify how it happened, and strengthen their defences against future attacks.

The Larger Picture

The breach at Volkswagen is not an isolated incident but rather a symptom of broader cyber security challenges facing the automotive industry and global corporations as a whole. Although the perpetrator(s) are yet to be identified, the clues leading to Chinese hacker groups highlight the escalating tensions surrounding cyber security and intellectual property theft between China and the West. This breach serves as a wake-up call, emphasising the critical need for robust and proactive cyber security measures in an increasingly interconnected world.

Moving Forward

The breach at Volkswagen Group serves as a sobering reminder that cyber attacks can happen to any business. As organisations assess their own cyber security posture, there are key steps they can take to prevent similar breaches. Implementing advanced monitoring systems, fortifying cyber security protocols, and investing in employee training are crucial components of a comprehensive cyber security strategy. Additionally, collaborating with trusted cyber security partners can provide invaluable support in analysing vulnerabilities and strengthening defences.

At Consider IT we help our clients fortify their cyber security defences. As a full-service IT support, cyber security, and communications provider, Consider IT offers expertise in navigating the complex landscape of cyber security threats. From achieving Cyber Essentials certification to ensuring ongoing compliance, Consider IT provides tailored solutions to mitigate risks and protect valuable data assets. Don’t wait until it’s too late—be proactive about your cyber security resilience today. Get in touch for a chat with one of our experts.

April 24, 2024
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malwareransomware blog
April 19, 2024

Staying Ahead of the Game: 7 Strategies to Combat Malware and Ransomware

When it comes to protecting your business from cyber threats, malware and ransomware remain two of the more pervasive and damaging. These malicious attack types can infiltrate systems, compromise data, and wreak havoc on businesses of all sizes. As we become more reliant on technology, the tactics of cyber criminals evolve, making it crucial for you to stay vigilant and proactive in your defence strategy.

What is Malware and Ransomware?

Malware, short for malicious software, encompasses a wide range of harmful programs designed to infiltrate and damage computer systems. From viruses and worms to trojans and spyware, malware can exploit vulnerabilities in networks, devices, and software, leading to data breaches, financial loss, and reputational damage.

Ransomware, on the other hand, is a specific type of malware that encrypts files or locks users out of their systems, demanding payment (often in cryptocurrency) for their release. This threat has become increasingly prevalent, targeting businesses across industries and causing significant disruptions to operations. 

The Importance of Proactive Defence

In the face of such threats, reactive measures are no longer sufficient. Organisations must adopt a proactive approach to cyber security, implementing robust defence strategies that prioritise prevention, detection, and response. Here are some key strategies to consider:

  1. User Education and Awareness: Employees are often the first line of defence against malware and ransomware. Providing comprehensive training on cyber security best practices, including how to recognise phishing attempts and suspicious links, can empower individuals to identify and mitigate potential threats.
  2. Up-to-Date Security Software: Keeping security software, antivirus programs, and firewalls updated is essential for protecting against known vulnerabilities and emerging threats. Regularly patching systems and applications can close security gaps and strengthen overall resilience.
  3. Access Control: To reduce the risks associated with potential misuse or theft of accounts, it’s essential to ensure that staff accounts are granted only the necessary access to software, settings, online services, and device connectivity features required for their respective roles. Additional permissions should be selectively granted only to individuals who have a legitimate need for them.
  4. Strong Password Management: Enforcing strong password policies, including the use of complex passwords and multi-factor authentication, can help prevent unauthorised access to accounts and systems. Regularly updating passwords and avoiding password reuse can further enhance security posture.
  5. Multi-factor authentication (MFA): By requiring users to provide multiple forms of verification, like passwords and biometrics, before accessing an account or system you can make it harder for attackers to breach accounts with stolen passwords alone.
  6. Data Backup and Recovery: Implementing a robust backup and recovery strategy is essential for mitigating the impact of ransomware attacks. Regularly backing up critical data to offline or cloud-based storage ensures that you can restore operations quickly in the event of a breach.
  7. Incident Response Plan: Having a well-defined incident response plan in place is crucial for effectively managing cyber security incidents. Establishing clear roles and responsibilities, as well as predefined steps for identifying, containing, and remedying threats, can minimise downtime and mitigate damages.

The Alarming Statistics

The UK Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024 highlights the prevalent nature of cyber threats, with businesses and charities alike vulnerable to breaches and attacks. Alarmingly, half of businesses and around a third of charities report falling victim to cyber incidents within the past year. Particularly striking is the heightened susceptibility among medium and large businesses, with a staggering 70% and 74% respectively experiencing breaches, alongside high-income charities with annual incomes exceeding £500,000, where breaches are reported at 66%.

Phishing emerges as the predominant form of entry, constituting a significant proportion of breaches across both businesses and charities, with an overwhelming 84% and 83% respectively. Other notable threats include impersonation of organisations or employees via emails or online channels, affecting 35% of businesses and 37% of charities, followed by viruses or malware, impacting 17% of businesses and 14% of charities. 

How can we help protect your business?

At Consider IT, we understand the critical importance of safeguarding your business against cyber attacks. That’s why we offer comprehensive cyber security solutions designed to fortify your defence posture and reduce the ever-present risks of malware and ransomware. As an accredited IASME certifying body, we specialise in helping businesses achieve and maintain Cyber Essentials certification, providing assurance that your systems meet rigorous industry standards.

By partnering with Consider IT, you can take proactive steps to protect your business from cyber threats. Our team of experts will guide you through the certification process, ensuring compliance with baseline standards and implementing robust security measures tailored to your organisation’s unique needs. Even if certification isn’t a requirement for your business, rest assured that as our client, we’ll work to ensure you meet crucial cyber security standards, bolstering your resilience against potential attacks.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take proactive steps to secure your business today. Defend against the growing threat of malware and ransomware, safeguarding your data, reputation, and bottom line. Get in touch with us today to learn more.

April 19, 2024
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cost of a cyber attack
March 19, 2024

Counting the Costs: Understanding the Financial Impact of Cyber Attacks on Businesses

Cyber attacks, once considered a distant concern, have become a pressing reality for organisations of all sizes and industries. Beyond the immediate disruptions to operations and potential loss of sensitive data, cyber attacks carry a significant financial burden that can cripple businesses if not adequately addressed. Understanding the cost implications of cyber attacks is crucial for organisations to fortify their defences and reduce potential damages.

Direct Financial Losses: The most tangible cost of a cyber attack is the direct financial loss incurred by the organisation. This includes expenses related to mitigating the attack, such as engaging cyber security experts to investigate and contain the breach, restoring systems and data, and implementing security measures to prevent future incidents. Additionally, businesses may face regulatory fines and legal fees if the attack involves the leakage of sensitive customer information, violating data protection laws. Just recently, Capita suffered a £25 Million loss due to a ransomware attack. 

Operational Disruption: Cyber attacks often result in significant operational disruption, causing downtime that can play havoc with normal business operations. This downtime can lead to lost productivity, missed deadlines, and delayed product or service delivery. In industries where uptime is critical, such as public services, e-commerce or financial services, even a few hours of downtime can translate into substantial revenue losses and damage to customer trust and brand reputation. Just last month, many UK universities including Wolverhampton, Cambridge and Manchester were targeted by a hacker group who organised a Distributed Denial of Service attack, where many IT services were offline causing significant disruption to teachers and students. 

Reputational Damage and exposure of sensitive information: The fallout from a cyber attack extends beyond immediate financial losses. A tarnished reputation can have long-lasting consequences, eroding customer trust and loyalty. News of a data breach or security incident can spread rapidly through social media and news outlets, leading to negative publicity and a loss of credibility in the eyes of customers, partners, and investors. Rebuilding trust and repairing reputation damage can be a costly and time-consuming task for businesses. NHS Dumfries and Galloway is currently grappling with the ramifications of an ongoing cyber attack, where a significant amount of sensitive staff and patient data is thought to have been compromised. Affected staff and members of the public have been advised to be on guard for any unauthorised access to their systems, and to be wary of anyone approaching them claiming to have details about their sensitive information.

Customer Churn and Loss of Business Opportunities: Following a cyber attack, businesses may experience increased customer churn as a result of concerns about data security and privacy. Customers may take their business elsewhere if they perceive that their personal information is at risk. What’s more, potential business partners and clients may hesitate to engage with an organisation that has suffered a breach, leading to missed opportunities for growth and expansion.

Cyber Insurance Premiums: In response to the growing threat of cyber attacks, many businesses have turned to cyber insurance as a means of reducing financial risk. However, the cost of cyber insurance premiums has risen steadily in recent years as insurers seek to cover their own increasing exposure to cyber risk. Businesses may find themselves paying higher premiums or facing more stringent coverage requirements following a cyber attack, further adding to the overall financial impact. In fact, the cyber insurance market is projected to be worth over $90.6bn by 2033, highlighting its growing necessity.

Investments in Cyber Security: In the aftermath of a cyber attack, businesses often ramp up their investments in cyber security infrastructure and personnel to prevent future incidents. This may include upgrading existing security systems, implementing advanced threat detection and prevention technologies, and providing employee training and awareness programs. These defences are essential for defending against further attacks.

Long-Term Financial Consequences: The financial repercussions of a cyber attack can extend far into the future, affecting the overall financial health and viability of the business. Shareholders may see a decline in stock value following a high-profile breach, and lenders may tighten credit terms or impose higher interest rates due to increased perceived risk. In extreme cases, the financial fallout from a cyber attack can push a business into bankruptcy or force it to undergo a costly restructuring process to regain stability.

How can you prevent yourself from falling prey to a cyber attack?

While the financial implications of a cyber attack on a business can be staggering, prevention remains the most effective form of protection. Investing in cyber security measures and adopting proactive strategies can significantly reduce the risks posed by cyber threats. One such proactive step is obtaining a Cyber Essentials certification, which not only strengthens your defences but also demonstrates a commitment to cyber security best practices. Achieving certification can provide assurance to customers, partners, and stakeholders that the business takes its security responsibilities seriously, building trust and credibility. 

Consider IT, offers comprehensive services to help businesses get up to scratch and certified with Cyber Essentials. As an IASME Certifying Body, we work closely with clients across the UK to get certified and remain compliant. Check out some of our cyber security awards and accreditations, including CREST, ISO and Cyber Essentials Plus for more information on our commitment to cyber health. 
Speak to us today about your cyber security defences, minimising the risk of cyber attacks, and protecting your financial stability and reputation.

March 19, 2024
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awareness training blog
February 28, 2024

The Importance of Cyber Security Awareness Training

Did you know that the leading cause of successful cyber attacks is attributed to human error? Unfortunately, the weakest link in your security chain comes down to mistakes by the people who work in your business. That’s why it is really important to train your staff regularly about how to spot a potential cyber attack, and the different tactics cyber criminals use to exploit human error. 

Types of Human Error Exploited by Cyber Criminals:

Phishing Attacks:

Among the most common tactics, phishing attacks involve tricking individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial details. Up to 91% of  successful  data breaches start with a phishing attack. Cyber criminals often use deceptive emails, messages, or even phone calls to manipulate employees into clicking on malicious links or downloading infected attachments. As part of your cyber security training, simulating phishing attacks to see if anyone takes the bait is a good way to see if there is a need for further training.

Social Engineering, Impersonation, and domain spoofing:

Social engineering relies on manipulating employees to divulge confidential information. This could involve impersonating colleagues, using psychological tactics, or exploiting personal relationships to gain access to sensitive data.

One particularly insidious tactic that cyber criminals employ to exploit human trust is CEO domain spoofing. In this method, attackers edit email headers and content to make messages appear as if they are coming from your CEO or other high-ranking executives. These deceptive emails often request sensitive information, financial transfers, or access to secure systems. Given the perceived authority of the sender, employees may be more inclined to comply with the requests, unknowingly facilitating a cyber attack. Cyber security awareness training must specifically address CEO domain spoofing, emphasising the importance of verifying the legitimacy of unexpected requests, even if they appear to come from top executives. Awareness of this tactic is crucial for employees to remain vigilant and implement verification protocols to fend off potential threats originating from seemingly trusted sources within your organisation.

Weak Passwords:

81% of hacking related breaches are caused by weak or stolen passwords. Human tendencies to use weak passwords or reuse them across multiple platforms make it easier for cyber criminals to gain access to your systems. Cyber security awareness training should stress the importance of creating strong, unique passwords and implementing multi-factor authentication across the board.

Unsecured Devices:

With the rise of remote work, employees often use personal devices for professional purposes. Failure to secure these devices can expose your business to significant risks. Training programs should educate employees on the importance of device security, including regular updates, antivirus software, and secure Wi-Fi connections.

Lack of Awareness:

Many employees may be unaware of potential threats or the importance of cyber security best practices. Regular training sessions can bridge this knowledge gap, empowering employees to recognise and respond appropriately to potential threats.

Benefits of Cyber Security Awareness Training:

Reduced Risk of Data Breaches:

By equipping employees with the knowledge and skills to identify and report potential threats, you can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and unauthorised access to your systems.

Improved Incident Response:

Cyber security training enhances employees’ ability to respond effectively to incidents, minimising the impact and preventing further harm.

Promotion of a Cyber-Aware Culture:

Fostering a culture of cyber security awareness promotes collective responsibility, encouraging employees to be proactive in safeguarding the business’ data.

About US:

Consider IT provides the full spectrum of IT & Communications services, including 24/7 support, strategic consultation, cloud and business continuity solutions, cyber security, compliance certification, procurement and more.

At Consider IT, we recognise that the human element plays a crucial role in boosting your cyber security. And so, as a standard practice, we provide our clients with regular cyber security training. Our training programs are designed to equip employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to spot and report an attempted cyber attack. By instilling a culture of cyber awareness, we empower your workforce to identify and mitigate potential risks, reducing the likelihood of falling victim to cyber criminals.

In addition to our commitment to education, Consider IT ensures that our clients are up to standard with Cyber Essentials baseline controls. These controls serve as a foundational framework, encompassing essential security practices that are crucial for mitigating common cyber threats. By implementing these controls, we help fortify your organisation against a wide range of potential risks. We’re the security behind great businesses!

Get in touch today to find out more, and get a free consultation.

February 28, 2024
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Big IT Blog
January 10, 2024

The Personal Touch: Why Choosing a Local, Independently Owned IT Support Provider Trumps Big Corporations

You rely on your IT partner to keep your operations running smoothly, so you can focus on running your business. While large, big name corporations may seem like the safe choice for comprehensive IT services, there’s a compelling case to be made for opting for an independently owned, local IT support provider. In this article, we explore the benefits of choosing a personalised and dedicated service over becoming just another number on the books of a faceless giant.

Tailored Solutions for Your Unique Needs:

Independent IT support providers thrive on their ability to tailor their services to the specific needs of each client. Unlike large corporations that often adopt a one-size-fits-all approach, smaller providers take the time to understand your business, its goals, and its unique challenges. This personalised attention ensures that the solutions provided are not only effective but also aligned with your organisation’s objectives.

Responsive and Agile Service:

Independent IT support providers are known for their agility and responsiveness. Things can change fast in the world of tech, and having a partner that can quickly adapt to emerging challenges is invaluable. Smaller providers can often implement changes and updates more swiftly than their larger counterparts, ensuring that your business stays ahead of the game and remains competitive.

Direct Communication and Accountability:

Dealing with a massive corporation often means navigating through layers of bureaucracy to reach a resolution. Independent providers, on the other hand, offer direct lines of communication. This means that when you have an issue, you can speak directly to the individuals responsible for resolving it. This direct communication fosters a sense of accountability, ensuring that your concerns are addressed promptly and effectively.

Personal Relationships and Familiarity:

Becoming just another number on the client list of a large corporation can make it difficult to establish meaningful relationships. Independent IT support providers take pride in building lasting connections with their clients. The familiarity that comes with working closely with the same team over time allows for a deeper understanding of your business’s intricacies and fosters a sense of trust that is often hard to achieve with a faceless corporation. For the independent provider, they often know your name, and not just your ticket number!

Cost-Effective Solutions:

While large corporations may boast economies of scale, independent IT support providers can often provide more cost-effective solutions tailored to your budget. With a focus on efficiency and providing bespoke solutions to your specific needs, you can get a lot more bang for your buck.

Local Expertise and Community Support:

Independent IT support providers are often deeply rooted in the local community. This connection brings a wealth of local knowledge and understanding of regional challenges. Supporting local businesses creates a positive feedback loop that contributes to the overall health and prosperity of the community.

Why Consider Consider IT

Consider IT is a leading managed service provider offering a range of comprehensive IT services. Specialising in organisations with between 10-300 employees, we focus on innovation, proactive services and excellent service delivery. Our ultimate aim is to become a part of your team, so you can focus on running your business. Big solutions, with an in-house team feel (and we can even help support your own in-house IT team).

Consider IT provides a full spectrum of IT services including managed IT Support, cyber security, compliance and certification, communications, business continuity, procurement and more. All delivered in as much or as little technical detail as you feel comfortable.

If you’re curious about our services, or would like to chat to an expert, get in touch today.

January 10, 2024
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