A significant surge in cyber attacks against businesses has been reported, highlighting a growing threat.
- Recent government data reveals that half of UK companies have experienced a cyber breach or attack within the last year.
- Despite these figures, many incidents remain unreported, suggesting a larger issue hidden beneath the surface.
- Phishing remains the most prevalent threat, attacking both businesses and charities at alarmingly high rates.
- Experts urge businesses to adopt comprehensive cybersecurity measures, though many remain unprepared.
Recent government data shows that 50% of companies in the UK have experienced a cyber breach or attack in the past year, a startling number that only scratches the surface of the issue. According to Roy Shelton, CEO of the Connectus Group, the real scale of cyber attacks is likely underestimated due to the reluctance of many businesses to disclose these incidents, fearing reputational damage.
Shelton highlighted the growing sophistication of these attacks, with many remaining unnoticed and unreported. The 2024 Cyber Security Breaches Survey uncovered that 74% of large businesses, 70% of medium-sized businesses, and 66% of sizeable charities had been targeted. Phishing emerged as the most common form of attack, affecting 84% of businesses and 83% of charities, followed by impersonation attempts and malware infections.
The broader impact is severe, with UK businesses estimated to have suffered around 7.78 million incidents of cybercrime in the last year, and charities facing approximately 924,000 cyber crimes. Despite these alarming figures, many businesses seem to lack adequate response mechanisms. Mr Shelton noted that while some organisations have implemented measures such as security monitoring tools and risk assessments, a significant portion still neglects essential practices like staff training and vulnerability audits.
In response to the escalating threat, the Connectus Group has developed a Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) service. This tool, powered by the Heimdal XDR Unified Security Platform, aims to provide comprehensive 24/7 protection for businesses, integrating proactive threat-hunting and response capabilities.
Shelton advised businesses, particularly those in legal and financial sectors, to engage professional cybersecurity services. He pointed out that many companies lack the expertise to effectively respond to breaches and would benefit from a holistic managed service. He emphasised the importance of a trusted partnership in delivering a managed, detect and resolve service.
The ongoing rise in cyber attacks underscores the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures and professional security partnerships.
