As the economy and wider society continues to re-open, businesses have been presented with the opportunity to regain some of the ground lost over the last 18 months. Whilst focus is placed on re-openings and hopefully growth, cyber criminals will be equally interested in in looking for any and all opportunities to increase their profit margins at your expense.
And, with 98% of UK businesses now operational online in one way or another, benefiting hugely from the use of websites, social media, staff email addresses, online banking, and the ability for customers to shop online, it is no surprise that cybercrime is on the up.
Many retail and food & beverage businesses have had to close their physical business premises so have turned to trading online, whether this has been through launching an online shop or providing an online ordering service.
As a result of this, cyber criminals have adjusted their tactics to ensure they are able to also continue their means of business.
Latest government statistics show over four in ten (43%) of all businesses and charities experienced a cyber breach or attack in the past year. This included computer viruses, hacking, theft of data and theft of financial information. And it can happen to ANYONE!
Retail:
With 4.6% of new businesses launched in the last 15 months being internet retail businesses, taking cyber security seriously has never been more important. Not only is retail leading the way in the number of new businesses launched, the retail sector has also seen a 30% increase in cyber attacks.
Food & Beverage
A recent attack on one Food and Beverage business provider cost a whopping £9.5K, how do you feel about cyber criminals pulling up extra seats at your table? If this is something you'd rather avoid, then that's great as we can help you avoid inviting this awkward dinner guest.
View our full infographic below:
To help businesses outsmart cyber criminals and toughen up their cyber security, the South East Cyber Resilience Centre (SECRC), has been established to provide businesses and organisations, with an affordable way to access cyber security services and consultancy to help improve cyber resilience.
Businesses in the South East can sign up for free Core Membership online and receive a welcome pack full of practical resources and tools that will help you identify your risks and vulnerabilities and the steps you can take to increase your levels of protection. Through your membership, you will also get regular updates on new threats, designed to help you stay safer.
Sign up via www.secrc.co.uk/membership