Cybercrime is a constant threat to millions of people around the world every day. But not just to individuals; tactics have been shifting to target small and large business over individuals on a daily basis. 

In the past year, cybercrime attacks have increased by over 15%, with £5.4 million reported losses in 2019-20. However, this nearly doubled for 2020-21 despite only the 15% increase, at £9.6 million reported losses.

Which of course suggests that the cyber attackers are now working smarter and conducting more impactful cyber-attacks.

Covid-19 has introduced a whole new wave of cyber-attacks into the world. From phishing campaigns designed to incite fear into people, to working from home situations creating a field day for attackers as many individuals are unaware of the risks of remaining unprotected online, and even clueless on how to spot and protect themselves from cyber-attacks.

With workforces facing sudden transitions from office-based work to homeworking, many organisations failed to educate their staff on cybersecurity practices. From simple duties such as logging out of systems when not in use, and using robust password management, in order to protect their own devices and sensitive business information.

Even if organisations were able to ensure staff were up to date with the best security practices, attackers were targeting individuals in a new way- by exploiting fear over the Covid-19 virus.

With a multitude of new phishing methods reported such as text messages stating that individuals have encountered a Covid-19 positive individual and needed to click on a link to find out more. To emails inviting people to get their Coronavirus test kits at a time when they were only available to the NHS and the government.

Even though cyber criminals may no longer be using Covid-19 tactics to target individuals and organisations, it’s a good idea to stay informed and educate yourself on spotting potential phishing scams. The following link provides information and examples on how to do so: https://cofense.com/knowledge-center/how-to-spot-phishing/

Fraud and cybercrime are one of the most under-reported and under-prioritised crimes in the UK, with victims often left with no support after attacks- possibly loosing wages, savings and even pensions. Quite often, protecting yourself against cybercrime involves ensuring you are protected before the incident even occurs, otherwise there may be no way to reverse the effects of the attack.

Cybercrime doesn’t just affect people’s cash; however, it effects their mental health and confidence online too. And with the minimum support offered after these attacks, many can be left unsure of how to protect themselves online in the future, especially with the new emerging trends of cyber-attacks we have seen in recent years. For further information on how to recover after you have fallen victim to a cyber-attack, visit the following link: https://www.industryweek.com/sponsored/article/22028043/how-to-recover-from-a-cyber-attack

How To Stay Cybersecure 

To help you stay safe online, we’ve created the following infographic which details the top cybersecurity tips to follow:

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<p><strong>Please include attribution to www.nicheofficesolutions.co.uk with this graphic.</strong><br /> <br /> <a href='https://www.nicheofficesolutions.co.uk/cybercrimestayingsafeonline/'><img src='https://www.nicheofficesolutions.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Infographic-Templates-3_Page_05-341x1024.jpg' alt='Infographic Templates 3_Page_05' width='341' height='1024' border='0' /></a></p>

How to protect your business

One of our biggest partners, HP, have been making headway in terms of research and prevention of cybercrime for the past two decades. As a founding member and a lead contributor to the Trusted Computing Group, they are proud to assist with improving standard computing and hardware security levels.

Pursuing cybersecurity research at their security labs, from everything on computers and printers, to digital manufacturing systems. They are working to improve the confidence in out of the box systems, as well as improving security management solutions to allow customers to maintain control over their data.

By investing in a vast range of programs to continuously build and strengthen their security practices. Which includes ongoing training of their staff on the best cyber security practices to ensure security expertise, introducing the industry leading third-party certification for HP’s Sure Start embedded controller in PC’s, to establishing their own Security Advisory Board. HP are taking every step to build a safe and secure environment for all customers, individuals, and organisations alike.

Source, and read more: https://www.hp.com/us-en/security/cyber-security-center-leadership.html

To read more on Cybersecurity, read our blog on Cyber Resilience here: https://www.nicheofficesolutions.co.uk/cyber-resilience-the-vital-service-for-working-at-home/