Article: Staying safe on public Wi-Fi - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: When you're out and about, it’s recommended that you use mobile data or hotspot devices to connect to the internet, instead of public Wi-Fi where possible. But there are ways you can stay safe on public WiFi.
Public Wi-Fi networks pose security risks to users, it’s true, but fortunately there are many tips to take note of in order to stay safe and secure onl...
https://www.emcrc.co.uk/post/staying-safe-on-public-wi-fi
Article: Investigation begins into Spar supermarket cyber attack - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: A possible supply chain cyber attack left more than 300 Spar supermarkets unable to process credit card payments.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is investigating a security incident that has caused disruption at about 300 Spar stores in the north of England in a cyber attack that bears the hallmarks of a supply chain ransomware hit.
Based in the ...
https://www.emcrc.co.uk/post/investigation-begins-into-spar-supermarket-cyber-attack
Article: Warning as cyber criminals ‘prey on omicron fears’ with new scams - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: Scammers are continuing to take advantage of topical fears surrounding the pandemic by using the omicron COVID variant as a lure in recent phishing scams, according to reports.
The NHS has warned of a phishing campaign which leads people to fill in bank details for an “Omicron PCR test”, while consumer group Which? has reported rogue sites charging delivery ...
https://www.emcrc.co.uk/post/warning-as-cyber-criminals-prey-on-omicron-fears-with-new-scams
Article: Secure your corporate social media accounts - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: Keep your corporate social media accounts secure by ensuring you have a few practical measures firmly in place.
Social media can be a real boon for businesses. Whether you’re customer base is primarily active on the more B2B sites like Twitter and Linked in, or the more engaged sites like Facebook and Instagram, reaching out to them - and of course trying to...
https://www.emcrc.co.uk/post/secure-your-corporate-social-media-accounts
Article: NHS Covid pass scam warning - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: From today, until any easing of the government’s plan B restrictions that hope to tackle the spread of the Omicron Covid-19 variant are announced, adults must now show a COVID pass to enter nightclubs and other large events in England. But with this, comes scams.
The new measures coming into force require proof of double-vaccination or a negative PCR or late...
https://www.emcrc.co.uk/post/nhs-covid-pass-scam-warning
Article: Security Minister announces launch of National Cyber Resilience Centre Group - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: The city of York played host to the launch of the National Cyber Resilience Centre Group (NCRCG): a national entity bringing together policing, government, business and academia to develop best practice in cyber resilience across the country.
Security Minister The Rt Hon Damian Hinds MP officially announced the launch of the NCRCG at a special event celebra...
https://www.emcrc.co.uk/post/security-minister-announces-launch-of-national-cyber-resilience-centre-group
Article: Warning over Android banking scam that can steal money when a call is answered - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: Android users are being warned that answering a fraudulent phone call could lead to their bank accounts being put at risk.
Scammers are said to be targeting Android users by posing as banks in a scheme that allows them to take over your phone and bank account when you answer their phone call, reports the Daily Record.
The cyber criminals are using malware ...
https://www.emcrc.co.uk/post/warning-over-android-banking-scam-that-can-steal-money-when-a-call-is-answered
Article: Protect yourself against fraud and scams - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: At the EMCRC, we're committed to protecting you from fraudsters and scams, as an individual, and as a business. And in our book, one of the best ways to keep your personal data and money safe is to make you aware of what to look out for.
Now more than ever, criminals are tricking people into sharing personal and financial information through cold calls, emai...
https://www.emcrc.co.uk/post/protect-yourself-against-fraud-and-scams
Article: Make sure that Cyber Security is top of your Christmas list - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: “It’s the most vulnerable time of the year.” Ok, so that’s not exactly what Andy Williams sang on his famous festive song, but it is nevertheless true: cyber criminals don’t take a holiday, so your chances of being a victim of a cyber attack can increase over Christmas and New Year.
Christmas holidays are a prime time for criminals to take advantage of. At...
https://www.emcrc.co.uk/post/make-sure-that-cyber-security-is-top-of-your-christmas-list
Article: Are You Leaving The Door Open For Hackers? - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: Derbyshire Alert, the community messaging system for the whole of Derbyshire, have issued the following advice on behalf of Derbyshire Constabulary and Action Fraud. The advice comes as many people are falling victim to hackers who hatch their plans via scams to target devices.
The very word ‘hacked’ can strike fear into the heart of many of us. Whether it’s...
https://www.emcrc.co.uk/post/are-you-leaving-the-door-open-for-hackers
Article: Cyber New Year's Resolutions: what you should do in 2022 - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: 2021 is over. Thank goodness, right? And whilst we all have personal aspirations ahead of us in 2022 - eat healthier, exercise more, learn a language, write that book you keep telling yourself you have in you - it’s important to make Cyber Security a New Year’s resolution, too.
2021 was peppered with cyber threats, be it scams, fraud, phishing (which was par...
https://www.emcrc.co.uk/post/cyber-new-year-s-resolutions-what-you-should-do-in-2022
Article: The most frequently asked questions about Security Awareness Training - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: Employees are a company's greatest asset. With security awareness training, they can also become highly effective barriers to cyber crime.
Our security awareness training helps staff understand their working environment, giving them the confidence to speak up when something doesn’t look right.
The training is focused on those with little or no cyber securi...
https://www.emcrc.co.uk/post/the-most-frequently-asked-questions-about-security-awareness-training
Article: The mistake millions make when unsubscribing from scam emails or texts - published over 2 years ago.
Content: Unsubscribing from annoying emails seems like a logical thing to do, but it can mean you are actually more likely to be targeted, as criminals realise they are dealing with a real person.
This is the advice from consumer champion Martin Lewis, who told The Mirror that anyone who receives scam emails or texts should not unsubscribe, as it can mean you are mor...
https://www.emcrc.co.uk/post/the-mistake-millions-make-when-unsubscribing-from-scam-emails-or-texts
Article: Protecting SMS messages used in critical business processes - published over 2 years ago.
Content: Security advice for organisations using text messages to communicate with end users
Short Messaging Service (SMS), commonly called text messages, are a convenient way for organisations to communicate with customers, staff and others. However, SMS messages are also frequently used to send highly sensitive data. For example, one-time passcodes used to access c...
https://www.emcrc.co.uk/post/protecting-sms-messages-used-in-critical-business-processes
Article: HMRC issues tax scam warning to self-assessment taxpayers - published over 2 years ago.
Content: HMRC has released a fraud warning urging all self-assessment taxpayers to watch out for fake tax communications ahead of the tax return deadline on January 31, 2022.
The tax authority recently issued more than 4m text messages and emails, urging self-assessors who are yet to file their 2020-21 tax return to get organised - something fraudsters are likely to...
https://www.emcrc.co.uk/post/hmrc-issues-tax-scam-warning-to-self-assessment-taxpayers
Article: 77% of Legal firms lost £4m of clients’ money to Cyber Attacks - published over 2 years ago.
Content: Picture the scene: you’re working with a client to complete their new home and the last step is for the mortgage provider to release the funds. You’re informed that the money is on its way, but nothing arrives. The funds have instead been intercepted by a cybercriminal, and the funds are now in their bank account.
Legal firms handle large financial transacti...
https://www.emcrc.co.uk/post/77-of-legal-firms-lost-4m-of-clients-money-to-cyber-attacks
Article: Back to the office again!! But make sure the transition is smooth - published over 2 years ago.
Content: Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced today (January 19) that, from January 27, his Plan B restrictions that came into effect on December 13 would be scrapped, as the Omicron horizon begins to look a little clearer.
This means that face coverings will no longer be mandatory on public transport and in shops, the need for vaccine certificates for certain venu...
https://www.emcrc.co.uk/post/back-to-the-office-again-but-make-sure-the-transition-is-smooth
Article: Microsoft finally dethroned as the most imitated brand in the phishing economy - published over 2 years ago.
Content: Email security company Checkpoint have published their fourth and final quarterly phishing report for 2021, which identifies global delivery company DHL as the most imitated brand by phishing threat actors.
This finding is particularly surprising given that Microsoft came first in the same report 12 months earlier when they were imitated in a whopping 43% o...
https://www.emcrc.co.uk/post/microsoft-finally-dethroned-as-the-most-imitated-brand-in-the-phishing-economy
Article: “Script Kiddies” as young as nine conduct DDoS attacks - published over 2 years ago.
Content: Young children dubbed ‘Script Kiddies’ have the potential to develop into skilled threat actors, a recent report uncovered.
The cyber prevent initiative launched by UK Policing aims to divert young people away from cybercrime, with research showing that children as young as nine actively launch Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.
The National C...
https://www.emcrc.co.uk/post/script-kiddies-as-young-as-nine-conduct-ddos-attacks
Article: Word up! Wordle players issued with warning about 'malicious scams' - published over 2 years ago.
Content: Unless you’ve been living beneath a rock for the past month, you’ll have heard of Wordle. But a warning of copycat apps and scams has been issued to anyone playing the viral word puzzle game.
Wordle has become a roaring success story. The free-to-use game is enjoyed by millions across the UK after rising in popularity over the Christmas period.
The simple ...
https://www.emcrc.co.uk/post/word-up-wordle-players-issued-with-warning-about-malicious-scams
Article: Let’s celebrate IT - published about 3 years ago.
Content: Today is National IT Professionals Day. We’d like to thank all of them in our network who have worked so hard in the last year, not just because they’ve helped us to get to where we are, but also because they’ve supported the South West’s economy to survive, and (fingers crossed) thrive. In acknowledgement of this unique and well-earned salute to all IT empl...
https://www.swcrc.co.uk/post/national-it-professionals-day
Article: Helping the health and social care sector avoid cybercrime headaches - published about 3 years ago.
Content: Over the next few months, the SWCRC will be turning its attention to supporting those in the health and social care sector. Why? Healthcare has been increasingly attacked, with the Verizon DBIR (Data Breach Investigations Report) highlighting that the industry experienced a 71% increase in breaches or incidents in 2020.
Last year, the NCSC put out a specif...
https://www.swcrc.co.uk/post/health-and-social-care-cybercrime
Article: SWCRC welcomes Bamboo Technology Group to the Board - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: The Cyber Resilience Centre for the South West (SWCRC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Bamboo as third Board member.
SWCRC is delighted to welcome Cheltenham-based Bamboo Technology Group as third Board member, bringing their experience of right information and communications technology to the organisation.
Bamboo Technology Group Ltd (Bamboo) ...
https://www.swcrc.co.uk/post/swcrc-welcomes-bamboo-technology-group-to-the-board
Article: Social Care sector under attack - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: It’s probably an understatement to say that it’s been a tough couple of years in the social care sector – but you may not expect additional challenges to care homes to be looming from criminals spreading their own form of viruses and disruptive actions. Any business under pressure is especially vulnerable to cyber crime and that’s why we’re ramping up suppor...
https://www.swcrc.co.uk/post/social-care-sector-under-attack
Article: SWCRC to offer ethical hacking as part of new Student Services - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: The South West Cyber Resilience Centre (SWCRC) has just announced a partnership with UWE to work with students with expertise in ethical hacking and cyber security. ‘Our role at the SWCRC is to support smaller businesses and charities to strengthen their cyber resilience and to make this support either free, or very accessible and affordable,’ explains Mark...
https://www.swcrc.co.uk/post/swcrc-to-offer-ethical-hacking-as-part-of-new-student-services
Article: Why you need to add National Cyber Security Centre to your favourites - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: For small businesses in the health and social care sector, the National Cyber Security Centre probably isn’t saved to your internet ‘favourites’ list. You’re not alone: according to the government’s own figures, only 1% of businesses name them as the go-to source for guidance. But the NCSC is the little-known government agency tasked with keeping us all safe...
https://www.swcrc.co.uk/post/national-cyber-security-centre-healthcare
Article: Free resources to boost cyber defences - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: Training: the route away from all evil. We frequently quote the finding of Verizon that 85% of cyber breaches involve a human element, whereas only 3% exploit system vulnerabilities. In other words, your people are not just your greatest asset: they’re also your greatest threat. And if they’re already stretched, as many of our colleagues in the health and so...
https://www.swcrc.co.uk/post/free-resources-to-boost-cyber-defences
Article: Resources to help you - published over 2 years ago.
Content: We all recognise the feeling - you're a busy professional with responsibility for cyber-security but not enough time in the day to keep on top of all the new threats and updates. This might help you!
The Cyber-security Information Sharing Partnership (CiSP) is an initiative set up to exchange cyber threat information in a secure, confidential and dynamic en...
https://www.swcrc.co.uk/post/free-cyber-security-resources
Article: Join our 'Beach' Club! - published over 2 years ago.
Content: Free membership? Sounds suspicious.
People are rightly suspicious about free offers. Nothing good comes for free. That’s why we’re considering re-branding ourselves as ‘sunny beach company, with added surf’. Because of course there ARE exceptions to the rule. Sometimes, free is great.
Plus, cyber crime hits at least two in five businesses a year. Littl...
https://www.swcrc.co.uk/post/free-cyber-help
Article: What is the cyber security threat to farming and agriculture? - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: Technology for many industries is critical in allowing businesses to run and complete everyday tasks. The farming and agriculture sector is no different, and this presents the sector with many opportunities to become victims of cybercrime.
Farming in 2021 sees many farms relying on GPS mapping, soil sensors, drones, and automated tractors, and with each of...
https://www.secrc.co.uk/post/what-is-the-cyber-security-threat-to-farming-and-agriculture
Article: Over 5 million suspicious emails reported to the NCSC in the last 12 months - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: On the 18th November, the National Cyber Security Centre published their annual Review for 2021 – outlining the real world impact that we have delivered over the last 12 months.
The cyber threat to the UK and its allies continued to grow and evolve this year: from indiscriminate phishing scams against mass victims, to ransomware attacks against public an...
https://www.secrc.co.uk/post/ncsc-annual-review-2021
Article: Deal or no deal? The Black Friday edition. - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: During last year's festive shopping period, over 28,000 people reported falling victim to online shopping fraud with losses totalling £15.4m.
Today, (Monday 22nd November) Action Fraud has launched a national campaign about shopping online safely designed to spread awareness of some simple and practical steps people can take to help the public shop online ...
https://www.secrc.co.uk/post/deal-or-no-deal-the-black-friday-edition
Article: What Cyber Threats do Retailers face? - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: After a tough 18 months for retailers, the extra footfall through the shop doors whether physical or digital is fantastic. However, the increase also presents an opportunity for cybercriminals to strike and launch their attack.
The Cyber Resilience Centre for the South East is warning retail businesses to step up their cyber security ahead of Black Friday a...
https://www.secrc.co.uk/post/what-cyber-threats-do-retailers-face
Article: Don't rock the boat with poor cyber security - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: NEW CYBER SECURITY SCHEME, SUPPORTED BY THE ROYAL INSTITUTION OF NAVAL ARCHITECTS, WILL HELP PREPARE THE MARITIME INDUSTRY FOR THE INCREASING CYBER THREAT TO SHIPPING.
The maritime industry accounts for the movement of 90% of world trade, making it very attractive for cyber criminals. Over the past three years cyber-attacks on shipping have increased by 900...
https://www.secrc.co.uk/post/don-t-rock-the-boat-with-poor-cyber-security
Article: New plans to boost cyber security of UK's digital supply chains - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: IT service providers could be required to follow new cyber security rules such as the National Cyber Security Centre’s Cyber Assessment Framework as part of new proposals to help British businesses manage the growing cyber threat.Other plans to protect the country’s digital supply chains include new procurement rules to ensure the public sector buys services...
https://www.secrc.co.uk/post/supply-chain-measures
Article: 12 steps to protect your business from cybercrime this Christmas - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: Out of office doesn't mean out of mind - remember to keep your business secure over the Christmas holidays!Picture this; the clock is close to striking five on Friday 24th December, keys in hand you’re ready to lock the office doors and send your staff home for the holidays. You’re already daydreaming of relaxing by the fire with a glass of mulled wine. But ...
https://www.secrc.co.uk/post/12-days-of-christmas
Article: The SECRC is on standby to support SME’s this Small Business Saturday - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: Small Business Saturday 2021 takes place this year on the 4th December. The day was established to highlight small business success and to encourage us to 'shop local' and support small businesses in our communities. But it could also be an opportunity for SMEs and microbusinesses to reflect on what priorities we need to focus on.The Cyber Resilience Centre ...
https://www.secrc.co.uk/post/secrc-small-business-saturday
Article: Cybersecurity in logistics | How do I protect my supply chain from cyber-attacks? - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: A supply chain attack is a cyber-attack that targets the less secure elements of a company’s supply chain, with the intent to cause serious damage for those on the end of the attack.Companies and businesses within logistics regularly transfer sensitive information electronically, as it simplifies and speeds up communications between multiple organisations.
...
https://www.secrc.co.uk/post/how-do-i-protect-my-supply-chain-from-cyber-attacks
Article: UK's National Cyber Strategy for 2022 launches - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: A new National Cyber Strategy has been announced, setting out how we will protect and promote UK interests in rapidly evolving online world.
Today (Wednesday 15th December) the Government has published its new National Cyber Strategy which sets out how the UK will solidify its position as a global cyber power. This is the first major milestone following the...
https://www.secrc.co.uk/post/national-cyber-strategy-for-2022
Article: Log4J vulnerability - What your business needs to know - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: On Thursday, December 9, 2021, a severe vulnerability was discovered that has a devastating effect on systems across the internet. The severity of this particular vulnerability is rated 10/10, the highest known to memory. This means that hackers can remotely obtain unauthorised full access to the vulnerable system with zero user interaction. What’s the issue...
https://www.secrc.co.uk/post/log4j-vulnerability-what-your-business-needs-to-know
Article: Cyber Inside Out | Episode 8 | Logistics and Operations - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: This episode focuses on guidance for logistics and operations businesses or for those in the supply chain and is hosted by Chris White, Head of Cyber and Innovation for the Cyber Resilience Centre for the South East. In this episode, Chris is joined by Tracy Jones, Cyber Crime Detective within the South East Regional Crime Unit (SEROCU), Matt Clifton-Bowley,...
https://www.secrc.co.uk/post/cyber-inside-out-episode-8-logistics-and-operations
Article: We're celebrating our 500 members milestone with a monthly prize draw! - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: We are delighted to share the news that we have reached a huge milestone of 500 members here at The Cyber Resilience Centre for the South East. This means that we’re working to support 500 businesses, charities, and organisations from across the region to become more resilient to cybercrime.To mark this milestone, over the 12 months we are offering a free cy...
https://www.secrc.co.uk/post/we-re-celebrating-our-500-members-milestone-with-a-monthly-prize-draw
Article: Why do you need to secure your website? - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: Picture this, you have invested time and money into delivering a fantastic website for your business to trade through. It's performing well in search engines, in your analytics and you are making successful sales through it.
Are you aware that one cybercriminal could destroy it all in seconds without the appropriate protection?
Website security is the ste...
https://www.secrc.co.uk/post/top-tips-to-secure-your-website
Article: Cyber Essentials – What are the changes to the technical control requirements? - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: The Government approved Cyber Essentials scheme includes five technical controls that help protect organisations from the majority of cyber-attacks. A team of experts review the scheme at regular intervals to ensure it stays effective in the ever-evolving threat landscape.
The scheme was introduced by the UK Government in 2014 as a way to help make the UK t...
https://www.secrc.co.uk/post/cyber-essentials-what-are-the-changes-to-the-technical-control-requirements
Article: BLOG: Data breaches do happen to SME’s and the average cost is frightening - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: In the world of cyber security, the term ‘data breach’ is mentioned a lot and is often the very first step in a business falling victim to a cyber-attack. To put it simply, a data breach is a violation of security where sensitive, protected, or confidential information is accessed without authorisation.
The Cost of a Data Breach Report 2020 from IBM Securit...
https://www.secrc.co.uk/post/sme-data-breaches
Article: UK Finance warns SMEs of increased risk of targeted scams - published over 2 years ago.
Content: UK Finance’s Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign is warning UK small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to be alert for scams targeting their companies. As many businesses start the new year with people working from home, fraudsters will try to take advantage of opportunities to steal money where firms might be working outside of their normal processes. Crimi...
https://www.secrc.co.uk/post/uk-finance-warns-smes-of-increased-risk-of-targeted-scams
Article: Cyber-attacks cost UK manufactures up to £25,000 last year - published over 2 years ago.
Content: Do you own a business that is involved in the printing of materials such as marketing materials or for books you might see in the shop? Or perhaps you produce equipment for the sports or leisure industry? Whichever industry it may be, the Cyber Resilience Centre for the South East has issued warning to all SME’s and micro businesses involved in manufacturing...
https://www.secrc.co.uk/post/cyber-attacks-cost-uk-manufactures-up-to-25-000-last-year
Article: 4 easy to follow steps to protect your company’s data this Data Privacy Day - published over 2 years ago.
Content: With a 15.2% increase in business growth in the South East region over the last two years, opportunities for cybercriminals to attack have also increased. The average cost of a cyber-attack for micro and small businesses that lost data or assets after breaches was £8,170, this increased to £13,400 for medium to large businesses. These figures are alarming an...
https://www.secrc.co.uk/post/4-easy-to-follow-steps-to-protect-your-company-s-data-this-data-privacy-day
Article: 3M joins the Cyber Resilience Centre for the South East in a new strategic partnership - published over 2 years ago.
Content: The Cyber Resilience Centre for the South East are delighted to announce a new collaborative and strategic partnership with 3M™UK Limited. 3M™ have joined The Cyber Resilience Centre for the South East (SECRC) as a member to support businesses in the South East against cybercrime.
With the rise of shared workspaces, hot desking and remote work, the opportun...
https://www.secrc.co.uk/post/3m-joins-the-cyber-resilience-centre-for-the-south-east-in-a-new-strategic-partnership
Article: Three things you can do today to minimise your risk to mandate fraud - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: Mandate fraud, which is also known as Payment Diversion Fraud (PDF) and Business Email Compromise (BEC), can occur anywhere where electronic financial transactions are taking place.
Criminals are known to contact a business and / or their customers via email and convincingly claim to be from a company updating on a change of bank account details, which of ...
https://www.nebrcentre.co.uk/post/three-things-you-can-do-today-to-minimise-your-risk-to-mandate-fraud
Article: New plans to boost the cyber security of UK's digital supply chains - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: IT service providers could be required to follow new cyber security rules such as part of new proposals from the government to help British businesses manage the growing cyber threat.
Other plans to help protect the country’s digital supply chains include new procurement rules to ensure the public sector buys services from firms with good cyber security.
T...
https://www.nebrcentre.co.uk/post/new-plans-to-boost-the-cyber-security-of-uk-s-digital-supply-chains
Article: Cyber terminology - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: Every year the Oxford and Collins Dictionaries bring out new editions and announce the most used words of that year.
While global events such as the pandemic have made terms such as PPE and Covid-19 top of the list for the past two years there is also now a whole lexicon of words when it comes to cyber security.
Even a few years ago, only IT specialists wo...
https://www.nebrcentre.co.uk/post/cyber-terminology
Article: Three things the retail sector can do today to help ensure good cyber security - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: Like any sector involved in the purchase and selling of goods, alongside an increasing move online, retailers and related supply chains are likely to hold sensitive, personally identifiable information which leaves them open to cyber attack and ransomware.
By following just a few simple steps, you can immediately improve cyber security at little or no cost...
https://www.nebrcentre.co.uk/post/three-things-the-retail-sector-can-do-today-to-help-ensure-good-cyber-security
Article: New legislation for the Internet of Things - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: The UK government is aiming to tighten up consumer protection on Internet of Things (IoT) devices with the introduction of new legislation.
The Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill puts new cyber security standards on manufacturers, importers and distributors of internet-connectable devices, such as phones, tablets, smart TVs and fitn...
https://www.nebrcentre.co.uk/post/new-legislation-for-the-internet-of-things
Article: Latest NCSC password advice - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: The latest advice from the National Cyber Security Council (NCSC) is that websites - particularly e-commerce sites - should allow customers to cut and paste passwords to access their accounts.
At the moment, many website developers prevent users from copying and pasting passwords during the log-in process, in the assumption this provides an additional eleme...
https://www.nebrcentre.co.uk/post/latest-ncsc-password-advice
Article: Cyber Essentials gets biggest update to technical controls since launch - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: In the new year, the NCSC and IASME will implement an updated set of requirements for Cyber Essentials. This update will be the biggest overhaul of the scheme’s technical controls since it was launched in 2014 and comes in response to the cyber security challenges organisations now regularly face.
The way we work has changed dramatically over a short perio...
https://www.nebrcentre.co.uk/post/cyber-essentials-gets-biggest-update-to-technical-controls-since-launch
Article: Three things to help ensure the safe use of Bring your own Device - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: Under the recently announced Plan B the government is once again asking businesses to work from home, where possible. As a result of increased remote working over recent years many businesses have introduced Bring your own device (BYOD) – that is, allowing employees to use their own personal computers rather than being required to use an officially provided ...
https://www.nebrcentre.co.uk/post/three-things-to-help-ensure-the-safe-use-of-bring-your-own-device
Article: Security Minister Announces Launch of National Cyber Resilience Centre Group - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: AT NORTHEAST EVENT IN YORK
Press Release: Friday 10th December 2021
The city of York played host last night to the launch of the National Cyber Resilience Centre Group (NCRCG): a national entity bringing together policing, government, business and academia to develop best practice in cyber resilience across the country.
Security Minister The Rt Hon Damian...
https://www.nebrcentre.co.uk/post/security-minister-announces-launch-of-national-cyber-resilience-centre-group
Article: ‘Tis the season for fraud - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: Beware that Christmas is often a time for fraud as well as festivities, with many recently reported scams involving fake parcel delivery texts to mobiles phones.
Plus, following the Government’s recently announced Plan B a further surge in scamming activity is expected, with more customers turning online for their last-minute Christmas shopping.
According...
https://www.nebrcentre.co.uk/post/tis-the-season-for-fraud
Article: Three things you can do today to help stay safe against financial investment fraud - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: Investment fraud can come in many forms, but in the majority of cases cyber criminals attempt to convince a victim to invest in schemes or products that are either worthless or do not exist. Below are three ways you can help to protect yourself from the rising issue of financial investment fraud:
Do not make rushed decisions on investments When deciding to ...
https://www.nebrcentre.co.uk/post/three-things-you-can-do-today-to-help-stay-safe-against-financial-investment-fraud
Article: Predications for 2022 - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: As we count down towards 2022 here are our top 5 predictions for the coming year, and what it could mean for cyber security, awareness and prevention.
1. Increasing attacks on software supply chainThe grim reality for us all is that supply chain attacks are likely to continue to present new lucrative opportunities with criminals looking to exploit the weake...
https://www.nebrcentre.co.uk/post/predications-for-2022
Article: Charity Fraud - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: Despite the season of goodwill, authorities are warning that fraudsters are increasingly using charities to defraud well-meaning supporters.
UK group, Action Fraud says £1.6m has been lost to online charity fraud in 2021, with Christmas being a particularly emotive time of the year.
In response to the issue, the scam watchdog is teaming up with the regulat...
https://www.nebrcentre.co.uk/post/charity-fraud
Article: Three things the construction industry must consider - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: The construction industry is particularly vulnerable to ransomware attacks, according to Safety Detective. And while there is no sure-fire way of completely preventing cyber attack, there are steps that organisations can take to help reduce risk. Below are three steps you can take today:
Raise cybersecurity awareness Ensuring that staff understand and are aw...
https://www.nebrcentre.co.uk/post/three-things-the-construction-industry-must-consider
Article: Gift card fraud - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: According to new data, millions of pounds are lost each year in gift card scams, and this time of year is a particular risk point.
Scams demanding gift cards often begin with a phone call from someone impersonating a well-known business. For instance, victims have reported that a scammer pose as an Amazon or Apple employee requesting pictures of the numbers...
https://www.nebrcentre.co.uk/post/gift-card-fraud
Article: Ransomware a major risk into 2022 - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: As noted in our blog at the end of 2021, ransomware continues to be a major risk into 2022, with criminals using social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr - among other methods - to pressure corporate victims into paying ransom demands.
Throughout 2021, ransomware blackmailers have expanded their tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to ...
https://www.nebrcentre.co.uk/post/ransomware-a-major-risk-into-2022
Article: Yesterday could be classed as a ‘bad day’ - published over 2 years ago.
Content: NEBRC Comms Chair Liz Murray looks at the impact of mental health and the importance of supporting a workplace culture for all to thrive.
Overnight I’d had 3 hours sleep as a guesstimated maximum. It was broken and disturbed so, when I rolled out of bed at my usual 05.45, I wasn’t quite feeling my normal early-morning self. A walk out with the dogs cleared ...
https://www.nebrcentre.co.uk/post/yesterday-could-be-classed-as-a-bad-day
Article: Vulnerability update! - published over 2 years ago.
Content: Experts have found vulnerabilities in three drivers which attack the central component of Windows which could make PCs and laptops easy to hack.
The issue was spotted in signed kernel drivers, after hundreds of tests. These are mostly exploited by game cheat developers to circumvent anti-cheat mechanisms.
But they have also been used by several advanced pe...
https://www.nebrcentre.co.uk/post/vulnerability-update
Article: Malicious activity puts stop to payments at payroll firms - published over 2 years ago.
Content: Thousands of self-employed people were left financially stranded when two major payroll firms were hacked this month. Freelancers were left without pay after a cyber-attack stopped wages getting through from payroll firms Parasol and Brookson.
The companies manage self-employed clients' tax and wage pay outs in return for a fee, but their phone lines and we...
https://www.nebrcentre.co.uk/post/malicious-activity-puts-stop-to-payments-at-payroll-firms
Article: The future of fraud is cyber - published over 2 years ago.
Content: Action Fraud, the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime, has reported that 62% of recorded crimes between December 2020 and December 2021 were cyber enabled.
From text message scams to trading scheme fraud, the sad reality is that cyber crime is on the increase, causing significant impact to businesses and lifestyles on a daily basis.
...
https://www.nebrcentre.co.uk/post/the-future-of-fraud-is-cyber
Article: Why should your charity implement Cyber Essentials? - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials can help to make your charity more resilient against a cyber-attacks. Achieving Cyber Essentials allows you to guard your organisation against the most common cyber threats and helps you to demonstrate your commitment to cyber resilience for your customers and staff.
Cyber Essentials is a simple and effective Gov...
https://www.wmcrc.co.uk/post/cyber-essentials-for-charities
Article: What is the cyber security threat to farming and agriculture? - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: Technology for many industries is critical in allowing businesses to run and complete everyday tasks. The farming and agriculture sector is no different, and this presents the sector with many opportunities to become victims of cybercrime.
Farming in 2021 sees many farms relying on GPS mapping, soil sensors, drones, and automated tractors, and with each of...
https://www.wmcrc.co.uk/post/cyber-security-risks-for-farming
Article: The link between data protection and information security - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: The size of your business and the industry that your business is within are not factors that cybercriminal use to specifically target businesses for cyber-attacks. However, as a law firm you handle sensitive customer data and regularly process large financial payments which does make you more of an appealing target.
In 2020, the Solicitors Regulation Auth...
https://www.wmcrc.co.uk/post/the-link-between-data-protection-and-information-security
Article: Over 5 million suspicious emails reported to the NCSC in the last 12 months - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: On the 18th November, the National Cyber Security Centre published their annual Review for 2021 – outlining the real world impact that we have delivered over the last 12 months. The cyber threat to the UK and its allies continued to grow and evolve this year: from indiscriminate phishing scams against mass victims, to ransomware attacks against public and ...
https://www.wmcrc.co.uk/post/ncsc-annual-review-2021
Article: Deal or no deal? The Black Friday edition. - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: During last year's festive shopping period, over 28,000 people reported falling victim to online shopping fraud with losses totalling £15.4m.
Today, (Monday 22nd November), Action Fraud has launched a national campaign about shopping online safely designed to spread awareness of some simple and practical steps people can take to help the public shop online...
https://www.wmcrc.co.uk/post/deal-or-no-deal-the-black-friday-edition
Article: What Cyber Threats do Retailers face? - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: After a tough 18 months for retailers, the extra footfall through the shop doors whether physical or digital is fantastic. However, the increase also presents an opportunity for cybercriminals to strike and launch their attack.
The Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands is warning retail businesses to step up their cyber security ahead of Black Frida...
https://www.wmcrc.co.uk/post/what-cyber-threats-do-retailers-face
Article: New plans to boost cyber security of UK's digital supply chains - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: IT service providers could be required to follow new cyber security rules such as the National Cyber Security Centre’s Cyber Assessment Framework as part of new proposals to help British businesses manage the growing cyber threat.
Other plans to protect the country’s digital supply chains include new procurement rules to ensure the public sector buys servic...
https://www.wmcrc.co.uk/post/new-plans-to-boost-cyber-security-of-uk-s-digital-supply-chains
Article: 12 steps to protect your business from cybercrime this Christmas - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: Out of office doesn't mean out of mind - remember to keep your business secure over the Christmas holidays!Picture this; the clock is close to striking five on Friday 24th December, keys in hand you’re ready to lock the office doors and send your staff home for the holidays. You’re already daydreaming of relaxing by the fire with a glass of mulled wine. But ...
https://www.wmcrc.co.uk/post/12-days-of-christmas
Article: The WMCRC is on standby to support SME’s this Small Business Saturday - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: Small Business Saturday 2021 takes place this year on the 4th December. The day was established to highlight small business success and to encourage us to 'shop local' and support small businesses in our communities. But it could also be an opportunity for SMEs and microbusinesses to reflect on what priorities we need to focus on.The Cyber Resilience Centre ...
https://www.wmcrc.co.uk/post/the-wmcrc-is-on-standby-to-support-sme-s-this-small-business-saturday
Article: Cybersecurity in logistics | How do I protect my supply chain from cyber-attacks? - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: A supply chain attack is a cyber-attack that targets the less secure elements of a company’s supply chain, with the intent to cause serious damage for those on the end of the attack.Companies and businesses within logistics regularly transfer sensitive information electronically, as it simplifies and speeds up communications between multiple organisations.
...
https://www.wmcrc.co.uk/post/how-do-i-protect-my-supply-chain-from-cyber-attacks
Article: Secure your business with FREE membership at The Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: The Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands (WMCRC) offers a range of membership options depending on what level of support businesses across the region need. The Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands was set up to support and help secure businesses across the region against cybercrime. Cyber crime is a growing problem. Last year, it was repo...
https://www.wmcrc.co.uk/post/membership-at-wmcrc
Article: UK's National Cyber Strategy for 2022 launches - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: A new National Cyber Strategy has been announced, setting out how we will protect and promote UK interests in rapidly evolving online world.
Today (Wednesday 15th December) the Government has published its new National Cyber Strategy which sets out how the UK will solidify its position as a global cyber power. This is the first major milestone following the...
https://www.wmcrc.co.uk/post/uk-s-national-cyber-strategy-for-2022-launches
Article: WMCRC announces strategic partnership with Cyber Tzar - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: The Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands are delighted to announce a new strategic partnership with Cyber Tzar Ltd. Cyber Tzar Ltd provide a variety of risk assessment and management tools to help businesses understand their Cyber Security. Their approach to the cyber security skills gap is to help business owners, risk managers, information securit...
https://www.wmcrc.co.uk/post/wmcrc-announces-strategic-partnership-with-cyber-tzar
Article: Log4J vulnerability - What your business needs to know - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: On Thursday, December 9, 2021, a severe vulnerability was discovered that has a devastating effect on systems across the internet. The severity of this particular vulnerability is rated 10/10, the highest known to memory. This means that hackers can remotely obtain unauthorised full access to the vulnerable system with zero user interaction.
What’s the iss...
https://www.wmcrc.co.uk/post/log4j-vulnerability-what-your-business-needs-to-know
Article: Cyber Essentials – What are the changes to the technical control requirements? - published almost 3 years ago.
Content: The Government approved Cyber Essentials scheme includes five technical controls that help protect organisations from the majority of cyber-attacks. A team of experts review the scheme at regular intervals to ensure it stays effective in the ever-evolving threat landscape.
The scheme was introduced by the UK Government in 2014 as a way to help make the UK t...
https://www.wmcrc.co.uk/post/cyber-essentials-what-are-the-changes-to-the-technical-control-requirements
Article: UK Finance warns SMEs of increased risk of targeted scams - published over 2 years ago.
Content: UK Finance’s Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign is warning UK small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to be alert for scams targeting their companies. As many businesses start the new year with people working from home, fraudsters will try to take advantage of opportunities to steal money where firms might be working outside of their normal processes. Crimi...
https://www.wmcrc.co.uk/post/uk-finance-warns-smes-of-increased-risk-of-targeted-scams
Article: Cyber-attacks cost UK manufactures up to £25,000 last year - published over 2 years ago.
Content: Do you own a business that is involved in the printing of materials such as marketing materials or for books you might see in the shop? Or perhaps you produce equipment for the sports or leisure industry? Whichever industry it may be, the Cyber Resilience Centre for the South East has issued warning to all SME’s and micro businesses involved in manufacturing...
https://www.wmcrc.co.uk/post/cyber-attacks-cost-uk-manufactures-up-to-25-000-last-year
Article: WMCRC and Cyber Risk Score join forces to improve cyber resilience across the region - published over 2 years ago.
Content: The Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands has joined forces with Cyber Risk Score to improve cyber resilience across the region, the UK and beyond.Based in Birmingham, Cyber Risk Score is the World’s first affordable cyber security scoring tool for assessing companies, public sector organisations and their supply chains.
The Cyber Security Breaches...
https://www.wmcrc.co.uk/post/wmcrc-and-cyber-risk-score-join-forces-to-improve-cyber-resilience-across-the-region
Article: 4 easy to follow steps to protect your company’s data this Data Privacy Day - published over 2 years ago.
Content: With a 8.1% increase in business growth in the West Midlands region over the last two years, opportunities for cybercriminals to attack have also increased. The average cost of a cyber-attack for micro and small businesses that lost data or assets after breaches was £8,170, this increased to £13,400 for medium to large businesses.These figures are alarming a...
https://www.wmcrc.co.uk/post/4-easy-to-follow-steps-to-protect-your-company-s-data-this-data-privacy-day
Article: Concord College joins the Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands - published over 2 years ago.
Content: The Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands is delighted to announce it is now working in affiliation through the centre's Business Starter Membership with Concord College. Concord College is a highly academic independent international school located in Shropshire for day and boarding students. Detective Superintendent Vanessa Eyles, Director of the C...
https://www.wmcrc.co.uk/post/concord-college-joins-the-cyber-resilience-centre-for-the-west-midlands