Introducing Episode 13 of our expertly crafted series on data breaches, cyber-attacks, and more. Breach Breakdown is your go-to source for recapping incidents and staying up-to-date on the latest solutions. January saw its fair share of reported cases, with breaches affecting:
Urgent Need for Cyber Security Awareness Training
A recent survey by IT.ie and SonicWall highlights a critical issue in the workplace: 73% of Irish employees fear being blamed for cyber security breaches, with nearly a third reporting someone in their organisation has been fired over such incidents in the past year.
🔐 Key Findings:
– 50% of employees feel stressed about cyber security in their roles.
– 64% would consider leaving their job if blamed for a breach.
– 36% failed to report a breach last year due to fear of repercussions or embarrassment.
Eamon Gallagher, Managing Director of IT.ie, emphasised the need for action:
“Employees are not cyber security experts. Businesses must prioritise training and create a culture of accountability at leadership levels, not at the expense of their staff.”
With the EU’s NIS2 directive introducing stricter obligations later this year, it’s vital for organisations to invest in robust cyber security training and support, including mental health resources for those impacted.
💡 Take Action Today: Build your organisation’s cyber resilience with tailored training and certifications like Cyber Essentials. 🔗 Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3PFAWO7
Read more here: https://bit.ly/4gZR6hi
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Ransomware Attack Costs NHS Provider Synnovis £32.7 Million 🚨
A ransomware attack in June 2024 has cost NHS lab services provider Synnovis more than seven times its 2023 profits, with damages reaching £32.7 million compared to annual profits of £4.3 million.
🔐 Key Impacts:
– One of the largest NHS patient data breaches in recent years, affecting hospitals and GP surgeries across London.
– Thousands of operations and appointments were delayed or canceled.
– Staff were forced to use manual processes to deliver blood test results.
The Russian-speaking group Qilin claimed responsibility, releasing 400GB of stolen data. Synnovis continues to rebuild its systems, with the first phase of restoration recently completed.
💬 Statement from Synnovis:
“We are incredibly sorry for the inconvenience caused by this criminal attack. Every available resource has been dedicated to restoring services.”
The UK National Cyber Security Centre noted that severe cyber-attacks tripled in 2024, underscoring the critical need for robust cyber defenses in essential infrastructure.
🔗Read more: https://lnkd.in/e_jNcdiv
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Protect Your Mobile Communications from Cyber Threats!
“Highly targeted individuals should assume that all communications between mobile devices—including government and personal devices—and internet services are at risk of interception or manipulation.” – testlab
At CYFOR Secure, we know how vital it is to safeguard sensitive data in an era of escalating cyber threats. 📱💻
Check out the Mobile Communications Best Practice Guidance from CISA for practical steps to secure your mobile communications, including:
✉️End-to-end encryption.
👥Phishing-resistant MFA : FIDO
💻Use a Password Manager
📲Set a TELCO Pin
🛡️Do not use a personal virtual private network (VPN)
Secure device updates and permissions control.
📖 Read the full guide here: https://bit.ly/40kNkbf
Cyber Security Tops Concerns for IT Leaders 🖥️
A new poll has revealed that cyber security is the biggest concern among IT professionals, surpassing worries about the rise of artificial intelligence.
The BCS, Chartered Institute for IT survey found that 36% of tech professionals named cyber security as their top priority, compared to lower rankings for AI and automation.
🔐 Key Findings:
– Only 5% of respondents believe their organisations have enough resources to meet their 2025 priorities.
– 63% highlighted the urgent need to enhance IT skills within their workforce.
The surge in state-backed cyberattacks on businesses, schools, and hospitals has made security a systemic issue beyond the IT department. Steve Sands, chairman of BCS’s Information Security Specialist Group, emphasised the stakes:
“Tech leaders are more likely to worry about cyber security than AI. It’s about protecting our economy, safeguarding data, and building trust. Threats evolve daily, and we must lead the way with a healthy security culture.”
This concern comes as the Home Office launches a consultation on clamping down on ransomware attacks, proposing measures like banning public sector ransomware payments.
💬 How is your business preparing for the cyber challenges ahead?
Read more: https://bit.ly/4jowG3h
Millions of users’ precise location data, taken from apps like Tinder, Spotify, and Candy Crush, have been compromised in a hack targeting Gravy Analytics, a major US data broker. The breach includes sensitive locations such as the White House, Kremlin, and military bases, raising serious national security and privacy concerns. Even European users, despite GDPR protections, were affected, with 146,000 Norwegian devices impacted.
This breach underscores the importance of safeguarding personal data. Reviewing app permissions, disabling unnecessary location sharing, and using tools like VPNs and data removal services can help protect your privacy.
Stay vigilant—your digital footprint matters.
Read more here: https://bit.ly/42bUKAb