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In 2022, as the cost of living crisis continued to cause significant financial hardship for people and organisations across the UK, criminals and fraudsters saw a unique opportunity to deploy new scams.
As a result, hundreds of reports of scam emails and texts were being sent to unwitting victims, usually purporting to be from an authority figure – such as the UK government – and promising financial assistance to help with the crisis.
As 2023 unfolds, this prevalence of new scams doesn’t seem likely to diminish anytime soon; in fact, experts are warning that it could get much worse. This is not only due to the number of scams which are likely to be rolled out but may also be compounded by the fact that plenty of businesses will probably be making budget cuts to help them survive. If they choose to save money by cutting down on their cybersecurity safeguards, this makes them more vulnerable to attack.
Another factor that could contribute to an increase in cyber-attacks is the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The UK’s vocal condemnation of this invasion – combined with the various forms of assistance provided by the UK government, businesses, and individuals – could make organisations more likely to be targeted by foreign hackers who support the Russian invasion.
The Different Types Of Cyber-Attack To Look Out For
Cyber-attacks are such a considerable threat to businesses for a number of reasons, one of which is the sheer variety of attacks that people have to look out for.
The most commonly reported form of cyber threat is phishing, which takes the form of suspicious emails that direct the recipient to follow a link and then provide their sensitive information. Because phishing scams are designed to exploit the weaknesses in human psychology, they are particularly effective during difficult times when people are desperate for assistance and support – financial or otherwise.
However, phishing is just one of several forms of attack that businesses must be primed to deflect. Other common types of cyber threats that you may encounter include malware and ransomware.
Malware consists of harmful software that is specially designed to cause a variety of serious attacks. These include deleting or encrypting vital data, controlling devices, and gaining access to organisations’ services and networks.
Ransomware is a particularly pernicious form of malware that encrypts, deletes, or steals your data or potentially even locks the computer or device on which the data is stored. In some cases, the ransomware can even spread from one device to another, causing more widespread ‘infection’ that can prove catastrophic to the organisation or individual that has been targeted.
Unfortunately, these are just a few cyber threats businesses have to look out for. But how can you protect your company against these online attacks? This is where IT consultancy comes to the fore.
How IT Consultancy Protects Businesses Against Cyber-Attack
The benefits of hiring an IT consultancy firm are numerous. They range from helping you cut costs on your cybersecurity to helping businesses regularly review and modify their continuity plans to ensure the highest levels of security.
Acquiring an IT consultant’s services helps companies create a holistic form of cyber defence.
This process begins with identifying any current weaknesses in their IT system that could provide a potential entry point for hackers. Once those weak spots have been detected, the IT consultant can advise the company on the various solutions and techniques the business can use to bolster its security. In many cases, IT consultants can also provide a range of cybersecurity solutions, from email filters and malicious site blockers to managing all company mobile devices.
Another vital service that IT consultants can provide is in-depth training for all company staff. After all, education plays a vital role in helping organisations ensure the protection of their sensitive information. It is particularly important when it comes to cybersecurity due to the variety of potential threats that employees need to be aware of. This training will cover everything from secure password management practices through to raising awareness of phishing scams.
Finally, IT consultancy firms benefit businesses by helping them to provide a level of security for their sensitive data that will give their clients confidence and will also help to prevent any potential legal problems that could arise from a cyber-attack. Hiring an IT consultant will also save businesses money, as they will not need to hire a dedicated cybersecurity professional but can obtain the services of a consultancy firm when required.
Summing Up
There is no denying the scale and severity of the threat that organisations around the world face from hackers; even NATO is not impervious to their attacks.
Fortunately, this growing danger can be mitigated with the help of IT consultancy, which can help businesses of all sizes craft a multifaceted defence. These robust measures will help to keep their sensitive data safe and give their clients peace of mind that their private information will not fall into the wrong hands.
