Business leaders urged to ‘do more’ to help prevent cyber-attacks.
Following the publication of the government’s 2019 Cyber Security Breaches Survey, business leaders are being encouraged to ‘do more’ to protect their firms from cyber-attacks and cybercrime.
The survey showed that 32% of businesses reported experiencing a cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. This represents a reduction when compared to last year’s figure of 43%. The reduction has been attributed to the implementation of stringent new data laws, which form the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
The survey also revealed that the average number of security breaches has risen from four in 2018 to six in 2019.
Where a breach resulted in a loss of data or assets, the average cost was £4,180. The most common attacks came via phishing emails, viruses or other malware, including ransomware. Instances of criminals impersonating organisations online were also rife.
Commenting on the survey, Margot James, Minister of State for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, 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 ten 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.’
Business and charity leaders are being encouraged to follow the ‘ten steps to cyber security’ guidance, which can be found on the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) website.
10/04/2019
View all >
18/04/2024
MTD for ITSA
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has warned that just five Making Tax Digital for income tax self assessment (MTD for ITSA) software products are ready for beta testing on 22 April.
READ MORE
7.4m still struggling to pay bills
Around 7.4 million people in the UK struggled to pay a bill or a credit repayment in January, according to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Small firms ‘treading water’ on investment
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has warned that UK small firms are ‘treading water’ on investment
Sign up to keep in touch to receive our latest news and industry updates.
* *
Yes, I would like to receive email updates providing me with the latest finance news, advice guides and details of future events.