04/Apr/2019
The UK government has urged businesses to improve their cyber security defences, following a survey that revealed a dramatic increase in the costs resulting from breaches.
In better news, the survey, which was published by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), revealed the percentage of businesses and charities suffering attacks has dropped to 32%, down from 43% last year.
According to the DCMS, the reduction in organisations affected was partly due to new GDPR laws – introduced last May – which have forced businesses to make changes to their cyber security policies. But those businesses that have fallen victim to breaches are now experiencing more of them. In addition, the financial costs linked to such breaches have increased.
The average costs to businesses that have lost data or assets through cyber attacks is now £4,180, over £1,000 more than the average of £3,160 reported in 2018.
Digital minister Margot James said: “Following the introduction of new data protection laws in the UK it’s encouraging to see that business and charity leaders are taking cyber security more seriously than ever before. However, with less than three in 10 of those companies having trained staff to deal with cyber threats, there’s still a long way to go to make sure that organisations are better protected.”
The most common attacks reported by businesses were phishing emails, which trick people into giving away personal details. Companies also reported instances of people impersonating their organisation online, as well as other viruses or malware.
The figures come after it emerged that, at the end of last year, Iranian hackers launched a major campaign of cyber attacks on key parts of UK infrastructure, as well as private sector firms.
The mobile phone numbers of at least 10 MPs and peers, as well as Post Office boss Paula Vennells, are thought to have been stolen in the attacks on December 23 last year, Sky News reported.
Josh Hardie, deputy director general of the Confederation of British lndustry (CBI), said: “There’s been a real shift amongst businesses when it comes to cyber security – it’s clear to see that it’s now a top priority with concrete action being taken. But businesses can’t be complacent. The widespread attack to both public and charities sector entities underlines the importance of having robust cyber incident response plans.”
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