What to look for in a Managed Service Provider when cyber-security matters
UK Moves to Block Ransomware Pay‑Outs from Public Bodies
In a move to fight back against cyber crime, the UK government is preparing to legally ban public bodies (including the NHS, schools, and local councils) from paying ransoms to hackers. The new regulation targets public sector organisations and critical national infrastructure, with an eye on stopping ransomware at the source.
Following several high-profile breaches in the private sector, including M&S and Co-op, the public sector has also been heavily targeted. So far in 2025, victims have included the Legal Aid Agency, the NHS, the British Library, and numerous local councils.
Why This Is a Game-Changer
– Clear deterrent: Although UK public bodies rarely paid ransoms in practice, this law sends a strong message that paying demands is off the table – no ambiguity, no grey area
–Targeting criminal profits: Global ransomware payouts hit about £652.7 million 2024. By cutting off public-sector payments, the UK aims to hit the hackers’ wallets and disrupt their business model
–New rules: The ban follows a public consultation launched in January, proposing three pillars: a payment ban, mandatory notification for private sector, and broader incident reporting
What It Covers – and Who’s Affected
Public sector & CNI
All publicly‑funded entities (NHS, schools, local government) and regulated Critical National Infrastructure organisations will be completely banned from making any ransomware payment
Private sector
Not covered by the ban – but any private company wishing to pay a ransom must first notify the government. This allows authorities to:
-Assess financial and legal risks (e.g. links to sanctioned groups)
-Offer advice, including possible routes that don’t involve payment
-Block payments in specific cases
Incident Reporting
Both public and private entities will face requirements to report ransomware incidents, expanding intelligence-gathering capabilities for law enforcement.
What Experts Say
-Security Minister Dan Jarvis emphasises the goal: “to smash the cyber‑criminal business model” and convey strong national opposition to ransom payments
-Cyber security veteran Alan Woodward notes that while UK authorities rarely paid ransoms, the clarity of this law may discourage attacks.
-Royal United Services Institute’s Jamie MacColl commends the approach but remains sceptical that a partial ransom payment ban will have the desired effect and make the UK less attractive to cyber criminals. He states that threat actors are unlikely to develop a rigorous understanding of UK legislation.
What This Means for Organisations
| Sector | Requirement |
| Public/NHS/CNI | Zero tolerance. No ransom payments allowed. Must have robust backups & recovery plans. |
| Private companies | Payment possible only after notifying authorities – and possibly blocked if it violates sanctions or anti-terror laws. |
| All sectors | Mandatory incident reporting and collaboration with national cyber-security authorities. |
The Takeaways:
-Public organisations must overhaul disaster-recovery and crisis-response planning now. They can’t rely on ransom payments, even as a last resort.
-Private businesses should ready themselves for government engagement before any payment and understand the legal frameworks (sanctions, terrorism finance).
– All organisations need to adopt strong cyber-security frameworks (e.g. Cyber Essentials, NCSC Early Warning) and practice resilience through drills and backups.
Final Thoughts
This law marks one of the strongest government measures globally against ransom attacks, following leaders like Australia. It aims to starve the ransomware ecosystem of vital funds and intelligence at a time when UK organisations remain top targets.
But the measure isn’t without trade-offs. Organisations must pivot convincingly toward cyber resilience, giving attackers no leverage and must be ready for incidents to be met not with payments, but with speed, transparency, and legal savvy.
We can strengthen your defences
If you’re unsure whether your organisation is prepared, we can help. From strengthening your cyber security posture to ensuring you’re incident-ready and compliant with new legislation, our experts are here to support you. Get in touch to see how we can reduce your risk and build real resilience.
Cyber Risks for Charities: How to Safeguard Your Organisation
According to the UK government cyber breaches survey 2024, 30% of charities have experienced a cyber breach in the last 12 months. Charities handle sensitive data such as personal details of donors, financial transactions, and volunteer information, making them a prime target for cyber criminals. While many charities focus on delivering vital services to their communities, cyber threats often fly under the radar, leaving these organisations vulnerable.
In this blog, we’ll explore the cyber risks charities face and how Cyber Essentials certification can shield them from the worst of these attacks.
The Unique Cyber Threat Landscape for Charities
Unfortunately, charities are often viewed as soft targets by cyber criminals. Limited budgets, outdated technology, and a focus on their core mission often mean cyber security isn’t a priority, leaving gaps for attackers to exploit. Below are some of the most common threats charities face:
- Phishing Attacks: Phishing is a major threat to charities, where attackers disguise themselves as legitimate contacts to trick staff into clicking malicious links or revealing sensitive information. A simple email with a compromised link can grant attackers access to systems, leading to data breaches or financial loss. In fact, phishing is by far the most common type of breach or attack, with 83% of charities reporting phishing based scams in the last 12 months.
- Ransomware: Ransomware attacks can cripple a charity’s operations by locking them out of critical systems until a ransom is paid. For smaller charities, the cost of recovery can be devastating, both financially and reputationally.
- Data Breaches: Charities hold valuable data—personal information on donors, employees, and service users. Without robust cyber security measures, this data is vulnerable to breaches, leading to compliance issues with regulations like GDPR, and more critically, a loss of trust from the public.
- Third-Party Risks: Charities often rely on third-party providers for fundraising platforms, accounting software, or volunteer management systems. A breach in one of these systems could expose the charity’s sensitive data, even if the charity itself wasn’t the direct target.
- Social Engineering: Staff and volunteers at charities may not be as familiar with the nuances of cyber risks as employees at large corporations. Attackers can exploit this, using social engineering tactics to manipulate individuals into giving away confidential information or access to systems.
The Consequences of Cyber Attacks on Charities
When a charity falls victim to a cyber attack, the consequences are far-reaching:
- Financial Loss: A ransomware attack or fraud could drain the charity’s funds, leaving less available for its core mission.
- Reputation Damage: A data breach or cyber incident can severely damage the public’s trust in a charity. Donors may be hesitant to give to an organisation perceived as insecure.
- Operational Disruption: Charities rely on technology to manage operations, fundraising, and service delivery. A successful cyber attack could grind these processes to a halt, preventing the charity from carrying out its vital work.
The Role of Cyber Essentials in Protecting Charities
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme designed to help organisations defend themselves against the most common cyber threats. For charities, obtaining Cyber Essentials certification can be a game-changer, providing a practical, affordable way to boost cyber security.
At Consider IT, we specialise in guiding charities through the Cyber Essentials certification process. As an IASME Certifying Body, we can help ensure your charity meets the necessary cyber security standards, while also making the process as simple and stress-free as possible.
How Cyber Essentials Helps Charities:
- Basic Security Controls: Cyber Essentials requires charities to implement basic security measures like strong passwords, updated software, firewalls, and access controls. These might seem simple, but they can prevent around 80% of common cyber attacks.
- Compliance and Trust: Many funding bodies and grant providers now expect charities to have Cyber Essentials certification. It not only provides peace of mind for donors and stakeholders but also ensures compliance with UK regulations like GDPR.
- Affordable Protection: We understand that many charities operate on tight budgets. Cyber Essentials provides a cost-effective solution to improve your cybersecurity posture without needing large financial investment.
The Next Step in Protecting Your Charity
Throughout October, we’re offering discounted Cyber Essentials certification to charities of all sizes. Get more information and apply today here.
Cyber threats are not going away, but with the right guidance and security measures in place, your charity can operate confidently in the midst of increasing threats. At Consider IT, we are not just an IT services provider—we’re a trusted partner in your cyber security journey.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about Cyber Essentials certification and how we can help your charity become more resilient against cyber threats. Let us handle the technical aspects, so you can continue focusing on what matters—making a difference in the community.
Upcoming Cyber Essentials Changes in April 2025
As a Cyber Essentials certifying body, we continuously help our clients stay compliant with the latest standards in cyber security. Cyber Essentials, the UK government-backed scheme, evolves regularly to address new cyber threats. IASME, the body that overseas the scheme, have announced changes coming in April 2025, and here’s a summary of what IT teams and businesses need to know.
Why are Cyber Essentials Requirements Changing?
Cyber security threats are constantly evolving, and so must the controls that mitigate them. The Cyber Essentials scheme, designed to protect against common cyber attacks, is regularly reviewed by experts to ensure its relevance. With the last significant overhaul in 2022, the upcoming April 2025 update reflects the latest trends in IT and cyber security. Though these changes are more focused on terminology and clarification, they are crucial in ensuring the scheme remains up-to-date.
Key Changes for April 2025
- Updated Terminology:
- Plugins → Extensions: The term “plugins” has been revised to “extensions” for better clarity when referring to software add-ons.
- Home Working → Home and Remote Working: Acknowledging the variety of locations from which employees now work, “remote working” has been added to account for untrusted networks like cafes, hotels, and public spaces.
- Passwordless Authentication: The future of authentication is moving away from traditional passwords, which are prone to being reused, forgotten, or compromised. The Cyber Essentials update reflects the growing adoption of passwordless authentication, which uses other forms of identity verification, such as biometrics, security keys, or push notifications. This method will now be included alongside multi-factor authentication (MFA), making it easier for businesses to use modern, secure access methods.
- Vulnerability Fixes: The term “patches and updates” will be replaced by “vulnerability fixes,” covering a broader range of security actions beyond just patches. These fixes include registry updates, configuration changes, and scripts that mitigate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. This ensures that businesses are focusing on comprehensive vulnerability management, regardless of the method used by software vendors.
Changes to Cyber Essentials Plus Testing:
For organisations pursuing Cyber Essentials Plus certification, assessors will follow updated guidance:
- If the scope is not organisation-wide, assessors will ensure that sub-sets of the organisation are properly segregated.
- Verification of device sample sizes and retention of all evidence will be mandatory for the certification body throughout the certificate’s lifetime.
What This Means for Businesses
While these changes may seem minor, they highlight the continuous improvements needed to keep pace with advancing cyber threats. Organisations should be prepared for the upcoming shift, particularly with the growing trend of passwordless authentication and more comprehensive vulnerability management.
These updates emphasise the importance of maintaining strong cyber hygiene as threats evolve over time. By staying compliant with these latest changes, businesses can better protect themselves, their data, and their supply chains from potential cyber threats.
At Consider IT, we remain committed to ensuring that all our clients meet Cyber Essentials standards, staying ahead of cyber security threats with the latest, government-approved guidance. Get in touch if you need support with Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus certification to protect your organisation.
Celebrating a New Milestone: Consider IT Becomes a Certified B-Corp
We are thrilled to announce that Consider IT has officially become a Certified B Corporation! This is a significant milestone for us, reflecting our commitment to using business as a force for good. In this blog post, we want to share what becoming a B-Corp means, why it matters, and what we achieved to earn this prestigious certification.
What is B-Corp Certification?
B-Corp, or Benefit Corporation, certification is awarded to companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, and balance profit and purpose. This rigorous certification process, governed by the non-profit, B Lab, evaluates how a company’s operations and business model impact its workers, community, environment, and customers.
The Journey to Certification
Our journey to becoming a B-Corp has been both challenging and rewarding. The process involved a comprehensive assessment of our business practices, from our environmental footprint and workplace policies to our community engagement and customer relationships. Here’s a glimpse into what it took to get here:
Rigorous Assessment: We underwent the B Impact Assessment, which evaluated our impact on governance, workers, community, environment, and customers. This thorough examination ensured that our operations align with the high standards set by B Lab.
Transparency and Accountability: Transparency is a cornerstone of the B-Corp certification. We committed to public transparency and legal accountability by integrating the B-Corp principles into our corporate governance.
Continuous Improvement: Becoming a B-Corp is not just about meeting standards; it’s about continuously striving to improve. We are committed to ongoing enhancement of our practices to ensure we maintain our B-Corp status and continue to lead by example in the IT industry.
What This Means for Our Clients and Community
For our clients, this certification reaffirms that partnering with Consider IT means collaborating with a company that values ethical practices as much as technical excellence. Our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility translates into innovative, eco-friendly solutions that not only meet your IT needs but also contribute to a better world.
For our community, our B-Corp certification signals our dedication to being a force for good. Whether through local outreach, environmental initiatives, or fostering an inclusive workplace, we are committed to making a positive impact.
Looking Ahead
Achieving B-Corp certification is a significant milestone, but it is just the beginning. We are energised and motivated to continue advancing our mission of using business as a force for good. This certification challenges us to maintain high standards and inspires us to find new ways to contribute to a sustainable and equitable future.
We are incredibly grateful to our dedicated team, loyal clients, and supportive community for making this achievement possible.
Join Us in Celebrating
We invite you to join us in celebrating this milestone. Follow us on our social media channels for updates on our ongoing initiatives and to learn more about how we are living our values every day.
About Consider IT
Consider IT is a leading IT services provider committed to delivering innovative solutions with a focus on sustainability and social responsibility. With our B-Corp certification, we are proud to be recognised as a leader in ethical business practices within the IT industry.
If you would like to learn more about Consider IT and how we could help transform your IT, get in touch today.
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.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
