Food and Retail Businesses – should I join my local free police cyber resilience centre?

The rate of cyber-attacks on UK retail businesses has been steadily increasing in recent years. The 2022 Thales Data Threat Report Retail Edition showed that 32% of UK retail businesses reported experiencing a cyber-attack in the past 12 months, and 45% reported an increase in severity and scope of cyberattacks against them.

Almost all UK businesses are now operational online in one way or another, benefiting hugely from the use of online websites, social media accounts, and online banking. And remember that online criminals don’t need to be in your shop to steal from you or your customers. With that being the case, expect the upward crime trend to continue, and to replace more conventional crime types like store theft.

According to a report by the British Retail Consortium, the cost of cyber-attacks to UK retailers increased by 43% in 2020, with an average cost per attack of £13,400. The report also noted that the impact of cyber-attacks on smaller retailers can be particularly severe, as they are less likely to be able to afford the cost of rebuilding their business.

Why join my Cyber Resilience Centre?

First off membership is free, and secondly most of the services and guidance are free to access as well. We are the Police, which means you can trust us to put your business first. And because we are the Police we have access to vast amounts of information and resources to help you protect yourself from the growing threat posed by cyber criminals.

Remember – just carrying out a few simple non-technical and often free steps can hugely reduce the chance that you will become a victim of a successful cyberattack.

• Membership includes
• Monthly newsletter with regular threat updates posted onto the website.
• Webinars and blogs – with sector specific content
• Signposting to high quality free government tools and services
• Free Little Steps Program to help you operate more safely online.
• Easy access to free police services
• Access to affordable CyberPath Student Services
• Use us to find trusted cybersecurity companies in your region to accredit your business as Cyber Essentials certified
• Free access to Police Cyber Alarm
• Early notification about government and police offers of assistance, much it free of charge.
• Sector specific guidance for retail on the website

What next?

The impact of a successful attack against your website or network can be catastrophic and lead to website downtime, loss of data and permanent loss of reputation. It will also cost you money. But all is not lost.

Here at the centre, we would recommend that you -

1. Join our community for free . You will be supported through implementing the changes you need to help protect your organisation.

2. Consider how we can help your own supply chain and customers – it would be great if you could look at promoting the centre on our behalf. Again – contact us to find out more.

3. Take a look at our range of affordable services provided by Cyber Path students in full time education.

Reporting a live cyber-attack 24/7

If you are a business, charity or other organisation which is currently suffering a live cyber-attack (in progress), please call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 immediately. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Reporting a cyber-attack which isn't ongoing.

Please report online to Action Fraud, the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. You can report cybercrime online at any time using the online reporting tool, which will guide you through simple questions to identify what has happened. Action Fraud advisors can also provide the help, support, and advice you need.

Alternatively, you can call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 (textphone 0300 123 2050).